Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13
If I was to take a poll among you today, who could say they
were really content? That they were satisfied with their
possessions, their job, or any other area of their life?
Are you really thankful for what you have?
My guess is most of us would say no, we are not really
content. It is always us reaching for one more thing, or
looking at one thing we don't have we wish we did,
or that we had a better home, or always some sort
of negative thought about what we have. My guess is,
that if you feel this way about your possessions, you
probably feel unhappy about your relationships also.
Yet, truth be told we are so much more blessed than
many people, and instead of focusing on thankfulness,
we are focused on what we think we need, or what we do not have.
I am wondering if the massive debt most have accumulated
is due in great part to a lack of contentment, always wanting
more, yet unable to pay for it, they charge it to satisfy that
need, that actually represents far more than just what they
are buying or desiring. Yet it is enslaving them to someone
else for unpaid debt that they probably will not be able
to pay off for years, all because they were not content.
Do you think that marriages might be different if people learned
to love their partner for who they are and be content with them,
and pray about what they feel is wrong, or is missing from the
relationship? Could God, in all his great power and mercy,
not speak to your mate, and give them the desire to change?
Did nagging or anger ever change a marriage? Yet peace
can make a great difference in a marriage and home,
because we are content with what we have at this moment
and rejoice in it.
My friend, if you are not content where you are at, my belief
is that you are looking too much at the world and not enough
at God. This applies to many areas of our lives, such as
worry, and anger, and unforgiveness. We get our eyes on people
and not on God.
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.
1 Timothy 6:6
You see my friends, our FIRST goal daily should be time spent
with the Lord Jesus. In his word, refreshing our spirit, in prayer
speaking to him of our needs, repenting of things we know
we are doing wrong, and asking for guidance about things
troubling us. And then we leave those things at his feet,
knowing He is in control and has those answers.
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,
“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.
So we can say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?"
Hebrews 13:5-6
My friend are you confident in God's ability to work out all things? Learn to be content with what you have, stop overspending, stop worrying, and stop looking at what is wrong with people find joy in each day, and count your blessings.
Learn the art of being thankful. Make this a daily goal, and watch
how it changes every dynamic in your life.
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.1 Peter 5:7
Love always,
millie
Monday, December 07, 2009
Friday, December 04, 2009
Moving In His Strength
copyright Millie 9/26/2002
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor
crying, neither shall there be any more pain,
for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4
Seems life is filled with lots of sorrows, hard times
and things we never expected to deal with become
vital decisions we must make.
The journey of life is not a easy walk, nor is it
a level one. There are mountains and valleys, and
there is day and night. There is health, and illness,
there are sorrows and joys. But the journey is a gift,
and we must make the most of it while we have it.
The good news is, God promises to be with us around
the clock, provide protection, guidance, comfort,
and great hope, to those who know His name and
have accepted His precious Son as their Savior.
Each day as we start this journey, we awake from
a night of rest. We must get up and face this day
with courage. I like to start it by talking to the Lord.
I tell Him how much I love Him, I thank Him for my blessings,
and I tell Him the things that are making me sad, or things
I need help with. Then I read His word, so I get stronger
and wiser, so that when I make decisions, they are
firm, and powerful.
Sometimes the people we love let us down, or we feel
life is unfair. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed with
our problems. But..we are not to deal with them alone.
Jesus said, Cast your burdens on me, for I care for you.
1 Peter 5:7. He doesn't want us to be burdened,
he wants to be the burden bearer.
No matter what you are facing in life today, you have great
hope. For there is more to this life than this life.
We are on a journey from here to there. God was at
the beginning, He will escort us through the door of
death into heaven, and we will find rejoicing and every
good thing there.
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed,
but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither
shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith
the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
Isaiah 54:10
Receive His peace, go forth in His strength, and rejoice
at the gift of life. Treat it as the treasure it is. And go
out with courage to face the day, with a smile on your
face. For none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
Make the most of what you have.
Make it a joyful journey by your attitude,
and trust in the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return,
and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy shall
beupon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and
sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Isaiah 51:11
We are marching to Zion, beautiful beautiful Zion.
We're marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.
God loves you my friend.
You will never be alone.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor
crying, neither shall there be any more pain,
for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4
Seems life is filled with lots of sorrows, hard times
and things we never expected to deal with become
vital decisions we must make.
The journey of life is not a easy walk, nor is it
a level one. There are mountains and valleys, and
there is day and night. There is health, and illness,
there are sorrows and joys. But the journey is a gift,
and we must make the most of it while we have it.
The good news is, God promises to be with us around
the clock, provide protection, guidance, comfort,
and great hope, to those who know His name and
have accepted His precious Son as their Savior.
Each day as we start this journey, we awake from
a night of rest. We must get up and face this day
with courage. I like to start it by talking to the Lord.
I tell Him how much I love Him, I thank Him for my blessings,
and I tell Him the things that are making me sad, or things
I need help with. Then I read His word, so I get stronger
and wiser, so that when I make decisions, they are
firm, and powerful.
Sometimes the people we love let us down, or we feel
life is unfair. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed with
our problems. But..we are not to deal with them alone.
Jesus said, Cast your burdens on me, for I care for you.
1 Peter 5:7. He doesn't want us to be burdened,
he wants to be the burden bearer.
No matter what you are facing in life today, you have great
hope. For there is more to this life than this life.
We are on a journey from here to there. God was at
the beginning, He will escort us through the door of
death into heaven, and we will find rejoicing and every
good thing there.
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed,
but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither
shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith
the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
Isaiah 54:10
Receive His peace, go forth in His strength, and rejoice
at the gift of life. Treat it as the treasure it is. And go
out with courage to face the day, with a smile on your
face. For none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
Make the most of what you have.
Make it a joyful journey by your attitude,
and trust in the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return,
and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy shall
beupon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and
sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Isaiah 51:11
We are marching to Zion, beautiful beautiful Zion.
We're marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.
God loves you my friend.
You will never be alone.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Steps of a Righteous Man
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and
he delights in His way.
Psalm 37:23
Commit your works unto the Lord, and your thoughts
shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3
Good Morning Everyone,
Are you established in your daily routine?
Do you set goals and have things planned out
so that your day goes more smoothly?
Do you have your life mapped out?
Or do you feel that you are drifting through life
without direction. To be honest with you, even
if you are organized, planned ahead, goal minded,
many unexpected things can happen that throw
you for a loop mentally.
If you are a Christian, your first goal each day is
to go to God in prayer, and seek His will. Ask God
how he would have you act, what He would have you
do, and to guide you through the day. You SUBMIT
yourself to his will.
The second thing we must do is surrender our burdens
to him right at the beginning of the day.
Don't wake up and rehearse your problems over and
over in your mind. Instead, lay them at God's feet
trusting in His answers and Provision and Guidance.
Then don't pick them back up.. they will keep you
from enjoying your day, they will alter your moods,
your relationships and your mindset. You have to let
go to move ahead.
When we are established, we are strong, we are certain,
we are confident, because of what Christ says He will
do, and who we are in Him. We are his beloved children,
Called out by him, called to live a life of light, trust and daily
Hope in Him.
You can only do this if you seek Him first, and really mean it.
It cannot be a half hearted attempt, and leaving things out
we know we should not be doing, or not telling God everything.
If you want to be a triumphant, victorious Christian,
you have to walk the walk Jesus called us to,
and talk the talk that pleases Him.
NO compromise.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not
unto your own understanding. In all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
As you do this, take time for Bible reading daily. It will
fuel your spirit, strengthen you, infuse you with hope
and draw you closer to God. It is NOT something
we can neglect. We all need this encouragement,
wisdom from God and hope daily.
God bless you my friends.
love,
millie
*********************************************
"10 Rules For A Happy Day"
1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK:
If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is
unkind... I will not respond in a like manner.
2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY "ENEMY":
If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I
will quietly ask GOD to bless that individual. I understand the
"enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or
stranger.
3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY:
I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I
do not spread gossip.
4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE:
I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.
5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE:
I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.
6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL NOT DO
IT SECRETLY:
I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.
7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED:
I will practice the golden rule - "Do unto others as I would have
them do unto me" - with everyone I encounter.
8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED:
My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the
difference to someone who is wrestling with life.
9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY:
I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank GOD
for my body.
10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY:
I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin
reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a
quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to GOD's
voice!!!
"But since we belong to the day, let us be self controlled,
putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation
as a helmet." - 1 Thessalonians 5:8
-- Author Unknown
he delights in His way.
Psalm 37:23
Commit your works unto the Lord, and your thoughts
shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3
Good Morning Everyone,
Are you established in your daily routine?
Do you set goals and have things planned out
so that your day goes more smoothly?
Do you have your life mapped out?
Or do you feel that you are drifting through life
without direction. To be honest with you, even
if you are organized, planned ahead, goal minded,
many unexpected things can happen that throw
you for a loop mentally.
If you are a Christian, your first goal each day is
to go to God in prayer, and seek His will. Ask God
how he would have you act, what He would have you
do, and to guide you through the day. You SUBMIT
yourself to his will.
The second thing we must do is surrender our burdens
to him right at the beginning of the day.
Don't wake up and rehearse your problems over and
over in your mind. Instead, lay them at God's feet
trusting in His answers and Provision and Guidance.
Then don't pick them back up.. they will keep you
from enjoying your day, they will alter your moods,
your relationships and your mindset. You have to let
go to move ahead.
When we are established, we are strong, we are certain,
we are confident, because of what Christ says He will
do, and who we are in Him. We are his beloved children,
Called out by him, called to live a life of light, trust and daily
Hope in Him.
You can only do this if you seek Him first, and really mean it.
It cannot be a half hearted attempt, and leaving things out
we know we should not be doing, or not telling God everything.
If you want to be a triumphant, victorious Christian,
you have to walk the walk Jesus called us to,
and talk the talk that pleases Him.
NO compromise.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not
unto your own understanding. In all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
As you do this, take time for Bible reading daily. It will
fuel your spirit, strengthen you, infuse you with hope
and draw you closer to God. It is NOT something
we can neglect. We all need this encouragement,
wisdom from God and hope daily.
God bless you my friends.
love,
millie
*********************************************
"10 Rules For A Happy Day"
1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK:
If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is
unkind... I will not respond in a like manner.
2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY "ENEMY":
If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I
will quietly ask GOD to bless that individual. I understand the
"enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or
stranger.
3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY:
I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I
do not spread gossip.
4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE:
I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.
5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE:
I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.
6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL NOT DO
IT SECRETLY:
I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.
7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED:
I will practice the golden rule - "Do unto others as I would have
them do unto me" - with everyone I encounter.
8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED:
My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the
difference to someone who is wrestling with life.
9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY:
I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank GOD
for my body.
10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY:
I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin
reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a
quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to GOD's
voice!!!
"But since we belong to the day, let us be self controlled,
putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation
as a helmet." - 1 Thessalonians 5:8
-- Author Unknown
Monday, November 02, 2009
Sinking Sand
copyright Millie Plastaras 11/2/09
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will
liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew
and beat on that house; and it did not fail for it was founded on that rock!
But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do
them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand;
and the rain descended and the floods came, and the winds
blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was it's fall.
Matthew 7;24-27
Most of us build our lives on certain principles and goals
we believe in. This is our foundation . It is what we stand upon,
hope in and structure around.
My question to you, is your house built on the rock?
The only rock to build this spiritual house on is Jesus.
For without His salvation, the hope and guidance from
God the father, how can we withstand the storms of this life?
What meaning has this life, if we build it on things we cannot count on?
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Corinthians 15:19
This life we build, with our hopes, dreams, accomplishments,
accumulation of possessions, relationships good and bad,
when it comes to the end was our body of work worthy?
Was it well thought out and something we can be pleased with?
Most of all, would it please God the Father?
When things you have planned fall apart, or people you love
disappoint you or walk out of your life, do you feel your
foundation crumbling? Truth is, if we have not planned for
the storms of life, and built our strength up through
God's word, when the storm hits, not only are we
unprepared, it can discourage us, or devastate us.
We have become weak in our faith, and troubled on every side.
Many people fall away from their faith during these times,
often blaming God or people around them, and it changes
their life, perhaps forever.
Ever have that sinking feeling come over you
when things start to happen you were not expecting,
or that overwhelm you? It is not a good feeling.
These times we are falling into sinking sand.
Our eyes off God, and out of his word, and out of his presence.
We have succumbed to the doubts, fears and worries
of life till it has robbed our very soul of His presence,
hope and direction.
When in the beginning, if we had trusted God,
if we had REALLY believed in Him, really relied on Him,
Really made him Lord of our life, Really made him our source,
we would have been building a foundation based on
our trust in his abilities and not on our circumstances or
goals, or even thinking. WE would have looked to a higher
power, and recognized even in the trials of life he is there,
a sure foundation, a anchor for our soul.
Day by day, hour by hour, our spirit and strength would
have been growing in his wisdom and knowledge,
and not in our own confidence, but In Him.
There have been times in my life, when I wanted to scream
because of the horrible things happening. I wanted to indulge
myself in the sorrows, and just give up. Longing for peace,
I would instead indulge in the worry and sorrow and fear
of the moment. It never got me anyplace. Indeed it made
me miserable. The light could not enter because I had
shut the door to that great inspiration that is found by
just quieting my spirit and submitting to God.
Saying God: even these times, I know you are with me.I submit to you, I leave these great burdens in your arms,
for I know not how to handle them. I cannot control any of it,
but you can. You are My Father God, my Abba Father,
all you are, is all I will ever need. I will trust and not be
afraid. I will trust in, rely on, cling to, and find hope in your
presence, and I won't leave your presence until I feel that peace.
Please look ahead for me Father God, guide me, show me
what to do, and when I am weak you are strong in me.
I rest in your ability and your provision, and I seek you first,
knowing whatever is ahead, I will never go through it alone,
but go from strength to strength as I grow in you, and read
your word, and find inspiration, hope and reassurance in it.
Forgive me for times I lack in faith, and restore me,
and help me please you and be founded upon you, My Rock
and My salvation.
Amen.
You don't have to sink when the storms of life hit.
You can build your house on the rock, Jesus Christ.
A firm foundation that nothing can shake or prevail against.
My friend, we have this one life, and soon it will be past.
Don't base your life on what you see, or what you feel,
base it on what God sees, and what He wants for you.
Look at the big picture. He is over all, above all,
sees all, and knows the answers before we even
utter the questions.
I will lift my eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help.
My help comes from the Lord, who made heavens and the earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
***********************************************
On Christ the solid rock I stand
Words by Edward Mote
Music by William B Bradbury.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
Refrain
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will
liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew
and beat on that house; and it did not fail for it was founded on that rock!
But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do
them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand;
and the rain descended and the floods came, and the winds
blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was it's fall.
Matthew 7;24-27
Most of us build our lives on certain principles and goals
we believe in. This is our foundation . It is what we stand upon,
hope in and structure around.
My question to you, is your house built on the rock?
The only rock to build this spiritual house on is Jesus.
For without His salvation, the hope and guidance from
God the father, how can we withstand the storms of this life?
What meaning has this life, if we build it on things we cannot count on?
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Corinthians 15:19
This life we build, with our hopes, dreams, accomplishments,
accumulation of possessions, relationships good and bad,
when it comes to the end was our body of work worthy?
Was it well thought out and something we can be pleased with?
Most of all, would it please God the Father?
When things you have planned fall apart, or people you love
disappoint you or walk out of your life, do you feel your
foundation crumbling? Truth is, if we have not planned for
the storms of life, and built our strength up through
God's word, when the storm hits, not only are we
unprepared, it can discourage us, or devastate us.
We have become weak in our faith, and troubled on every side.
Many people fall away from their faith during these times,
often blaming God or people around them, and it changes
their life, perhaps forever.
Ever have that sinking feeling come over you
when things start to happen you were not expecting,
or that overwhelm you? It is not a good feeling.
These times we are falling into sinking sand.
Our eyes off God, and out of his word, and out of his presence.
We have succumbed to the doubts, fears and worries
of life till it has robbed our very soul of His presence,
hope and direction.
When in the beginning, if we had trusted God,
if we had REALLY believed in Him, really relied on Him,
Really made him Lord of our life, Really made him our source,
we would have been building a foundation based on
our trust in his abilities and not on our circumstances or
goals, or even thinking. WE would have looked to a higher
power, and recognized even in the trials of life he is there,
a sure foundation, a anchor for our soul.
Day by day, hour by hour, our spirit and strength would
have been growing in his wisdom and knowledge,
and not in our own confidence, but In Him.
There have been times in my life, when I wanted to scream
because of the horrible things happening. I wanted to indulge
myself in the sorrows, and just give up. Longing for peace,
I would instead indulge in the worry and sorrow and fear
of the moment. It never got me anyplace. Indeed it made
me miserable. The light could not enter because I had
shut the door to that great inspiration that is found by
just quieting my spirit and submitting to God.
Saying God: even these times, I know you are with me.I submit to you, I leave these great burdens in your arms,
for I know not how to handle them. I cannot control any of it,
but you can. You are My Father God, my Abba Father,
all you are, is all I will ever need. I will trust and not be
afraid. I will trust in, rely on, cling to, and find hope in your
presence, and I won't leave your presence until I feel that peace.
Please look ahead for me Father God, guide me, show me
what to do, and when I am weak you are strong in me.
I rest in your ability and your provision, and I seek you first,
knowing whatever is ahead, I will never go through it alone,
but go from strength to strength as I grow in you, and read
your word, and find inspiration, hope and reassurance in it.
Forgive me for times I lack in faith, and restore me,
and help me please you and be founded upon you, My Rock
and My salvation.
Amen.
You don't have to sink when the storms of life hit.
You can build your house on the rock, Jesus Christ.
A firm foundation that nothing can shake or prevail against.
My friend, we have this one life, and soon it will be past.
Don't base your life on what you see, or what you feel,
base it on what God sees, and what He wants for you.
Look at the big picture. He is over all, above all,
sees all, and knows the answers before we even
utter the questions.
I will lift my eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help.
My help comes from the Lord, who made heavens and the earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
***********************************************
On Christ the solid rock I stand
Words by Edward Mote
Music by William B Bradbury.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
Refrain
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain
Friday, October 30, 2009
From Strength to Strength
Blessed, happy, fortunate (to be envied) are those who
dwell in your house and Your presence; they will be
singing your praises all day long.
Blessed, happy, fortunate, is the man whose strength
is in You; in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Passing through the valley of weeping, they make
it a place of springs; the early rain also fills (the pools)
with blessings.
They go from strength to strength - increasing in
victorious power; each of them appears before
God in Zion.
Psalm 84:4-7
Do you feel, blessed, happy or fortunate this morning?
Does your life seem less happy than you would like?
Does happiness seem illusive? Do your problems
seem greater than your solutions? Do any of you
feel your life is out of control emotionally?
My dear friend if you answered yes to any of these,
your emotions are overriding your faith. It is not
that you do not love God, or trust him, it is that
you and I have allowed doubt, or dread or fear
a place in our hearts and minds, and we have
become wearied from it.
Did this solve anything? Will one day of worry change
our circumstances? It might make it worse, for we are
dwelling on the negative, almost hoping for and expecting it,
and not focusing on God's possibilities and answers.
My friend, I have been going through a great spiritual battle
in my own life, from the illnesses that have hit. It has been
a battle to take control of my thinking and leave it in God's hands.
For when things around us seem to be crumbling, sometimes
we crumble under the weight of it.
But looking at the verses above, I realize that dwelling
in the presence of God, and singing praises to Him was the key.
We need input that changes our mental, and spiritual focus.
To dwell in the dumps, keeps us negative, and unhappy.
To focus on something new that can inspire us and lift us
out of the gloomy, sorrowful thinking can electrify us
spiritually. Renewing our mind in Christ daily is a must!
We cannot do this if we avoid God's presence, his word
or praising him. We have to walk into that throne room
and seek God boldly, because we know he loves us
and gave us his son to give us eternal life. We are beloved
by Him daily. Who else can be in control but God?
Who else can fix things for us but God?
God never promised we wouldn't go through trials,
hard times, illness, even poverty. But he did promise
to provide for us, be with us and comfort us. And many
times he heals, he changes circumstances, he changes
mindsets and shows us a new way to go.
My suggestion: Go to God in prayer.. and don't leave
that prayer room till you feel peace. Persist in prayer
until you feel the answer is on the way. Tell him every
detail of what you are feeling, pour your heart out before Him.
He will sustain you, comfort you and a answer will come.
You will feel it in your spirit, or hear it through the mouth
of someone God sends, but the answer will come.
You will go forth from strength to strength, increasing
in victorious power, because of GOD IN YOU.
Let us therefore follow the things which make for peace, and
things wherewith one may edify another.
Romans 14:17-19
Friends are you following the things that make for peace
or are you following a mindset that leads to fear and lack of faith?
It really is a choice. God is with you. Reach out.
Receive His abundant peace, receive his strength,
receive his hope. And dwell in his presence
until you receive it all. No distractions. Just time
with God. If you do this each day, it will transform your life.
Love always
millie
dwell in your house and Your presence; they will be
singing your praises all day long.
Blessed, happy, fortunate, is the man whose strength
is in You; in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Passing through the valley of weeping, they make
it a place of springs; the early rain also fills (the pools)
with blessings.
They go from strength to strength - increasing in
victorious power; each of them appears before
God in Zion.
Psalm 84:4-7
Do you feel, blessed, happy or fortunate this morning?
Does your life seem less happy than you would like?
Does happiness seem illusive? Do your problems
seem greater than your solutions? Do any of you
feel your life is out of control emotionally?
My dear friend if you answered yes to any of these,
your emotions are overriding your faith. It is not
that you do not love God, or trust him, it is that
you and I have allowed doubt, or dread or fear
a place in our hearts and minds, and we have
become wearied from it.
Did this solve anything? Will one day of worry change
our circumstances? It might make it worse, for we are
dwelling on the negative, almost hoping for and expecting it,
and not focusing on God's possibilities and answers.
My friend, I have been going through a great spiritual battle
in my own life, from the illnesses that have hit. It has been
a battle to take control of my thinking and leave it in God's hands.
For when things around us seem to be crumbling, sometimes
we crumble under the weight of it.
But looking at the verses above, I realize that dwelling
in the presence of God, and singing praises to Him was the key.
We need input that changes our mental, and spiritual focus.
To dwell in the dumps, keeps us negative, and unhappy.
To focus on something new that can inspire us and lift us
out of the gloomy, sorrowful thinking can electrify us
spiritually. Renewing our mind in Christ daily is a must!
We cannot do this if we avoid God's presence, his word
or praising him. We have to walk into that throne room
and seek God boldly, because we know he loves us
and gave us his son to give us eternal life. We are beloved
by Him daily. Who else can be in control but God?
Who else can fix things for us but God?
God never promised we wouldn't go through trials,
hard times, illness, even poverty. But he did promise
to provide for us, be with us and comfort us. And many
times he heals, he changes circumstances, he changes
mindsets and shows us a new way to go.
My suggestion: Go to God in prayer.. and don't leave
that prayer room till you feel peace. Persist in prayer
until you feel the answer is on the way. Tell him every
detail of what you are feeling, pour your heart out before Him.
He will sustain you, comfort you and a answer will come.
You will feel it in your spirit, or hear it through the mouth
of someone God sends, but the answer will come.
You will go forth from strength to strength, increasing
in victorious power, because of GOD IN YOU.
Let us therefore follow the things which make for peace, and
things wherewith one may edify another.
Romans 14:17-19
Friends are you following the things that make for peace
or are you following a mindset that leads to fear and lack of faith?
It really is a choice. God is with you. Reach out.
Receive His abundant peace, receive his strength,
receive his hope. And dwell in his presence
until you receive it all. No distractions. Just time
with God. If you do this each day, it will transform your life.
Love always
millie
Friday, October 16, 2009
In Search of Peace
copyright Millie Plastaras 9/2/2002
These things have I spoken to you that In Me you may
have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but
be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Many are searching for this illusive thing called peace.
They look for it in other people, in various religions,
in all kinds of activities to try to relax them.
Some people believe if they just avoid other people
they will find peace. Some people, never find it.
Some are too busy, yet in desperate need of this peace.
And today, more than ever the world needs it.
For who knows what tomorrow will bring?
I can hear the voice of Jesus as we struggle through each day.
He says My child, receive My peace.
And we say, Oh God, I am busy working right now.
I will find your peace when I get home.
When we get home, God says, My child, receive my peace.
Oh God, I am too busy now, I have dinner to fix, the laundry
to do, I cannot take time for peace now.
Some say, God, I have lots of activities to do, I will
get around to you on Sunday when I come to church.
Then when bedtime comes, we are weary and unable
to pray. God is still waiting to give us peace, but we
have let another day pass by, without communing with
our God, and receiving all He has for us.
Soon our restless sleep comes, and our hearts
wearied by the day find no rest for our souls.
Then when the times of crisis come, we wonder,
where is our peace? God where are you?
Some folks even like to blame God when hard times
hit, yet they have ignored Him all year, It is not
God who is to blame, when we do not allow Him
place in our lives.
Indeed, it is not God who walked away, but us.
WE have neglected our spiritual life, And we have become
tired emotionally, and drained. We have not taken the time to
find peace, nor spend time in the presence of God,
is it any wonder that when hard times hit, they
are immediately a crisis?
I am reminded of the story of the ants and the grasshopper.
The ants spent all summer building up their stock
of food to last the winter. Day after day, they worked
hard and gathered food, and did not take much time to
rest. They had goals. And they pursued them.
And when the winter came, they were prepared, and
it was not a crisis. Their bellies full, they could then
rest.
The grasshopper however, jumped from here to there,
playing a violin, so I am told, and did not prepare for the
winter. Preferring to wander about the country, visit
with his friends and party. When the snow started to
fall, he was cold, homeless, and had no food.
He had not prepared for hard times, and He was in a crisis.
Are you preparing my friend? Are you filling up with
the presence of God daily? Do you allow the word of God
to penetrate your spirit and infuse it with joy and peace.
Let the precious word of God build up in you,
and make you victorious and wise, and strengthened,
and when the storms of life come, you are prepared.
It is not a crisis, it is a time of growth, a time to draw closer
to God confidently knowing we are not only prepared,
but God is in charge. We have worked hard, our souls
are full of the word of God, and of the Holy Spirit comforts us,
by his word in our spirit,
and we can rest in his peace.
Are you in search of peace tonight my friend?
I know where you can find it.
It starts on your knees, before the throne room of God.
It starts by pouring your heart out to God, and telling
Him all, and getting things right with Him.
Then we can leave our burdens at the throne, and
receive that peace He promises to all who believe and
will receive.
Then you open that Bible and allow Him to speak to your
spirit, and heal you, and bring you peace.
Peace that passes all understanding.
How long since you had that peace?
Ever?
Its available tonight.
God is only a prayer away.
And He said;
Cast all your cares upon Me, For I care for you.
1 Peter 5:7
For the mind set on the flesh is death,
but the mind set on the Spirit of God is life and peace.
Romans 8:6
Let us seek peace, and pursue it,
that when the times of testing come, we are not
only prepared, but have enough to minister to others.
That is what Jesus called us to do.
Those who love thy law have great peace,
and Nothing causes them to stumble.
Psalm 119:165
You will keep Him in perfect peace, whose
mind is stayed on thee, because He trusts in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives,
give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27
Receive that peace tonight my friend.
No excuses.
Be prepared.
remember
Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done For Christ will last
These things have I spoken to you that In Me you may
have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but
be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Many are searching for this illusive thing called peace.
They look for it in other people, in various religions,
in all kinds of activities to try to relax them.
Some people believe if they just avoid other people
they will find peace. Some people, never find it.
Some are too busy, yet in desperate need of this peace.
And today, more than ever the world needs it.
For who knows what tomorrow will bring?
I can hear the voice of Jesus as we struggle through each day.
He says My child, receive My peace.
And we say, Oh God, I am busy working right now.
I will find your peace when I get home.
When we get home, God says, My child, receive my peace.
Oh God, I am too busy now, I have dinner to fix, the laundry
to do, I cannot take time for peace now.
Some say, God, I have lots of activities to do, I will
get around to you on Sunday when I come to church.
Then when bedtime comes, we are weary and unable
to pray. God is still waiting to give us peace, but we
have let another day pass by, without communing with
our God, and receiving all He has for us.
Soon our restless sleep comes, and our hearts
wearied by the day find no rest for our souls.
Then when the times of crisis come, we wonder,
where is our peace? God where are you?
Some folks even like to blame God when hard times
hit, yet they have ignored Him all year, It is not
God who is to blame, when we do not allow Him
place in our lives.
Indeed, it is not God who walked away, but us.
WE have neglected our spiritual life, And we have become
tired emotionally, and drained. We have not taken the time to
find peace, nor spend time in the presence of God,
is it any wonder that when hard times hit, they
are immediately a crisis?
I am reminded of the story of the ants and the grasshopper.
The ants spent all summer building up their stock
of food to last the winter. Day after day, they worked
hard and gathered food, and did not take much time to
rest. They had goals. And they pursued them.
And when the winter came, they were prepared, and
it was not a crisis. Their bellies full, they could then
rest.
The grasshopper however, jumped from here to there,
playing a violin, so I am told, and did not prepare for the
winter. Preferring to wander about the country, visit
with his friends and party. When the snow started to
fall, he was cold, homeless, and had no food.
He had not prepared for hard times, and He was in a crisis.
Are you preparing my friend? Are you filling up with
the presence of God daily? Do you allow the word of God
to penetrate your spirit and infuse it with joy and peace.
Let the precious word of God build up in you,
and make you victorious and wise, and strengthened,
and when the storms of life come, you are prepared.
It is not a crisis, it is a time of growth, a time to draw closer
to God confidently knowing we are not only prepared,
but God is in charge. We have worked hard, our souls
are full of the word of God, and of the Holy Spirit comforts us,
by his word in our spirit,
and we can rest in his peace.
Are you in search of peace tonight my friend?
I know where you can find it.
It starts on your knees, before the throne room of God.
It starts by pouring your heart out to God, and telling
Him all, and getting things right with Him.
Then we can leave our burdens at the throne, and
receive that peace He promises to all who believe and
will receive.
Then you open that Bible and allow Him to speak to your
spirit, and heal you, and bring you peace.
Peace that passes all understanding.
How long since you had that peace?
Ever?
Its available tonight.
God is only a prayer away.
And He said;
Cast all your cares upon Me, For I care for you.
1 Peter 5:7
For the mind set on the flesh is death,
but the mind set on the Spirit of God is life and peace.
Romans 8:6
Let us seek peace, and pursue it,
that when the times of testing come, we are not
only prepared, but have enough to minister to others.
That is what Jesus called us to do.
Those who love thy law have great peace,
and Nothing causes them to stumble.
Psalm 119:165
You will keep Him in perfect peace, whose
mind is stayed on thee, because He trusts in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives,
give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27
Receive that peace tonight my friend.
No excuses.
Be prepared.
remember
Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done For Christ will last
Thursday, October 15, 2009
In Search of Joy
copyright Millie Plastaras 9/4/2002
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In God's great mercy He has caused us to be born again
into a living hope, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead!
Now we hope for the blessings God has for His Children.
These blessings, which cannot be destroyed nor spoiled or
lose their beauty are kept in heaven for you.
God's power protects you through your faith until salvation
is shown to you and the end of time.
This makes you very happy, even though now for a short time
different kinds of troubles may make you sad.
These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure,
This purity of faith is worth more than gold, which can
be proved to be pure by fire.
1 Peter 1:5-7
Joy does not come from looking at our circumstances.
Joy does not come from trying to fix everything
and making it work.
Joy does not come from hoping for the best.
Joy does not come when we say, I am doing
the best I can under these trying circumstances.
Joy comes from the heart of God.
It comes when we have faith that our prayers
are heard, and the answer is on the way and we rest in
that thought. Really rest, not pretend, not hope, but simply
lean on the Lord and rest in his promises and love for you.
Joy comes from trusting God.
It is called Faith.
No wavering.
No doubting.
Joy comes when we don't allow our circumstances to
control our thinking.
Joy comes when we refuse to be defeated.
Joy comes when we take a stand, and say Jesus is
on the throne, He is handling my problems, I am
going to go out and enjoy this glorious new day.
Does this mean everyday will be an over the rainbow day?
No, we are not promised trouble free lives, but how
we face them, our perspective makes all the difference
in the world on how our day goes.
Jesus said we would have trials. He said these
trials, temptations, sorrows, losses, produce purity of
spirit and mind in us. They teach us of our need for God.
They teach us to depend on Him.
Not ourselves, Not others.
They teach us to go to God first in prayer, not last.
If you have no joy, it is because you are focusing
on your problems, not on your possibilities.
God is still a God of miracles.
He has not changed.
He is not defeated, He conquered hell, death and the grave.
He is the great overcomer, He is the great Physician.
He is the Great I Am, I Am all you will ever need.
He is the king of Kings. The Lord of Lords.
Nothing is too hard for Him!
If you think all of this is just words, and will not
receive it, then you are allowing your circumstances
and problems to defeat you. You are focusing on things
that will rob you of hope, and joy will be far from your thinking.
This is something we all battle with, it is common to mankind.
If you think Jesus or prayer is a last resort after you
try every trick in the book to control or change your situation
you are missing the whole point.
Jesus said to Come unto Him.
To Cast our burdens on Him.
He said, He could defeat the powers of darkness,
and change the situations in your life.
We, my friend, are flawed, and limited.
God is not.
Casting your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
God is still God.
He wants to see you joyful, that is such a testimony to
those around you, that you are victorious during any
situation because you know how to Go to God in prayer.
You know how to believe no matter how the storms
rage around your soul that Jesus is the conqueror.
Jesus is the master, Jesus is our hope.
Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes
in the morning.
Jesus wants you to come to Him first thing each morning,
and receive joy for your day. By resting In Him.
Jesus wants you to come to Him at night before you lay
down, and cast your burdens on Him, and He promises
His beloved sleep.
Receive this joy. And leave the sorrow in His hands.
Do not dwell on your problems, dwell on the possibilities
of God's promises and provision.
Stop looking at things in defeat, and look at them in Faith
so that your joy may be full.
Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe
also in me.
John 14:1
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou will revive me,
thou shall stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of
mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
Psalm 138:7
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which
also ye are called in one body, be ye thankful!
Colossians 3:15
(take time to be thankful for what you do have)
Father God we thank you today for the many blessings
you give us daily. For our food, shelter, clothing,
for the company of friends, for your precious word
which restores our thinking and is so powerful.
We thank you for your salvation that offers us not
only hope of the future, but deliverance from sin and
oppression. We thank you for your joy which you promise
to those who rest in your ability to solve our problems.
We release our burdens to you, and will do it again and
again until we feel relieved and no longer carry our own
burdens. We know You are in charge, you are the Father,
the comforter, the guide, and you are Still God.
Nothing is impossible. We agree that our problems are
being solved even now. We agree that Satan the loser
has no place in our lives, and we rebuke him and the powers
of darkness from our homes our family, our finances and
our health. We cast down every thought every oppression
and rebuke them to hell where they come from the Father of lies.
We receive your peace. We receive your health.
We receive your provision. We speak hope to our homes.
We speak healing to our families. We speak deliverance
to those who are lost, or in bondage. We speak healing
to those who are so desperately ill in the name and by
the power and authority of Jesus Christ.
We not only rest in your promises we shout victory
because we know the answer is on the way.
We praise You God for your mercy, for your son Jesus,
for your salvation, and for the answers and deliverance.
We give you all the glory and honor.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In God's great mercy He has caused us to be born again
into a living hope, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead!
Now we hope for the blessings God has for His Children.
These blessings, which cannot be destroyed nor spoiled or
lose their beauty are kept in heaven for you.
God's power protects you through your faith until salvation
is shown to you and the end of time.
This makes you very happy, even though now for a short time
different kinds of troubles may make you sad.
These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure,
This purity of faith is worth more than gold, which can
be proved to be pure by fire.
1 Peter 1:5-7
Joy does not come from looking at our circumstances.
Joy does not come from trying to fix everything
and making it work.
Joy does not come from hoping for the best.
Joy does not come when we say, I am doing
the best I can under these trying circumstances.
Joy comes from the heart of God.
It comes when we have faith that our prayers
are heard, and the answer is on the way and we rest in
that thought. Really rest, not pretend, not hope, but simply
lean on the Lord and rest in his promises and love for you.
Joy comes from trusting God.
It is called Faith.
No wavering.
No doubting.
Joy comes when we don't allow our circumstances to
control our thinking.
Joy comes when we refuse to be defeated.
Joy comes when we take a stand, and say Jesus is
on the throne, He is handling my problems, I am
going to go out and enjoy this glorious new day.
Does this mean everyday will be an over the rainbow day?
No, we are not promised trouble free lives, but how
we face them, our perspective makes all the difference
in the world on how our day goes.
Jesus said we would have trials. He said these
trials, temptations, sorrows, losses, produce purity of
spirit and mind in us. They teach us of our need for God.
They teach us to depend on Him.
Not ourselves, Not others.
They teach us to go to God first in prayer, not last.
If you have no joy, it is because you are focusing
on your problems, not on your possibilities.
God is still a God of miracles.
He has not changed.
He is not defeated, He conquered hell, death and the grave.
He is the great overcomer, He is the great Physician.
He is the Great I Am, I Am all you will ever need.
He is the king of Kings. The Lord of Lords.
Nothing is too hard for Him!
If you think all of this is just words, and will not
receive it, then you are allowing your circumstances
and problems to defeat you. You are focusing on things
that will rob you of hope, and joy will be far from your thinking.
This is something we all battle with, it is common to mankind.
If you think Jesus or prayer is a last resort after you
try every trick in the book to control or change your situation
you are missing the whole point.
Jesus said to Come unto Him.
To Cast our burdens on Him.
He said, He could defeat the powers of darkness,
and change the situations in your life.
We, my friend, are flawed, and limited.
God is not.
Casting your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
God is still God.
He wants to see you joyful, that is such a testimony to
those around you, that you are victorious during any
situation because you know how to Go to God in prayer.
You know how to believe no matter how the storms
rage around your soul that Jesus is the conqueror.
Jesus is the master, Jesus is our hope.
Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes
in the morning.
Jesus wants you to come to Him first thing each morning,
and receive joy for your day. By resting In Him.
Jesus wants you to come to Him at night before you lay
down, and cast your burdens on Him, and He promises
His beloved sleep.
Receive this joy. And leave the sorrow in His hands.
Do not dwell on your problems, dwell on the possibilities
of God's promises and provision.
Stop looking at things in defeat, and look at them in Faith
so that your joy may be full.
Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe
also in me.
John 14:1
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou will revive me,
thou shall stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of
mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
Psalm 138:7
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which
also ye are called in one body, be ye thankful!
Colossians 3:15
(take time to be thankful for what you do have)
Father God we thank you today for the many blessings
you give us daily. For our food, shelter, clothing,
for the company of friends, for your precious word
which restores our thinking and is so powerful.
We thank you for your salvation that offers us not
only hope of the future, but deliverance from sin and
oppression. We thank you for your joy which you promise
to those who rest in your ability to solve our problems.
We release our burdens to you, and will do it again and
again until we feel relieved and no longer carry our own
burdens. We know You are in charge, you are the Father,
the comforter, the guide, and you are Still God.
Nothing is impossible. We agree that our problems are
being solved even now. We agree that Satan the loser
has no place in our lives, and we rebuke him and the powers
of darkness from our homes our family, our finances and
our health. We cast down every thought every oppression
and rebuke them to hell where they come from the Father of lies.
We receive your peace. We receive your health.
We receive your provision. We speak hope to our homes.
We speak healing to our families. We speak deliverance
to those who are lost, or in bondage. We speak healing
to those who are so desperately ill in the name and by
the power and authority of Jesus Christ.
We not only rest in your promises we shout victory
because we know the answer is on the way.
We praise You God for your mercy, for your son Jesus,
for your salvation, and for the answers and deliverance.
We give you all the glory and honor.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
In Search of Hope
copyright Millie Plastaras 9/2/2002
I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel,
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me, Because
He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices,
My flesh also shall rest in hope.
Psalm 16:7-8
When tragedy strikes we often hear, where was God?
When someone dies, or there are hurricanes, floods,
disasters, terrorists, people say God, what were
you doing? Taking a vacation?
Yet, all the of the people
we read about in the Bible experienced trouble,
disillusionment, death, disease, and loss.
Does this mean God does not care?
Does this mean God is absent when hard times come?
No, indeed, God is ever present. But He did tell us
in this life we would have tribulations, but not to fear
because He had overcome this world.
These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
We know full well that there are powers of darkness
and evil at work in this world, that come to steal kill
and destroy. They are alive, they are spiritual,
they are powerful, and they are working under cover.
The point is, we have to recognize them, rebuke them,
and speak the word of God to them.
You see, our hope is from God. It comes when we
Rest In Him. Rest In His Hope.
Rest In His Promises.
Hope comes when we recognize we have a future,
and a hope, and that God has plans for us. That we
are unique special creations, loved by Him, and created
for His pleasure. He knows us each by name. We are
never alone.
What He wants us to recognize that even when trials come,
even when death or illness strikes us or our family we have
a retreat. But.. if we don't enter that rest, that retreat,
how can we find comfort?
If you don't eat, how can you expect to have energy?
If you don't put gas in your car, how can you expect it to run?
If you don't enter God''s word and rest in it, how
can you find comfort?
You are indeed depending on yourself, or others, and your
own limited thinking. WE cannot see tomorrow, we
don't know what it holds, but God does!
Our hope does not come from our circumstances,
from other people, nor from meditating until you
feel better. Our hope is from God, who made
heaven and earth, and offers rest and
strength even in the darkest night!
That by two immutable (unchangeable, unalterable)
things, in which it is IMPOSSIBLE for God to
lie, we might have strong consolaition, who have fled for refuge,
to lay ahold of the hope we set before us.
This hope we have as an anchor to the soul!
Hebrews 6:18-19
Have you fled to the refuge of God?
Have you found consolation in Him?
Have you received His hope, his plans for you,
His comfort for the hard times?
He is a light in the darkness of this world.
He is the very anchor for our soul!
Save these verses below. Speak them out loud, and trust
in God's ability to see ahead and solve your problems.
And trust in him till the storm passes. Faith is believing
the answer is on the way, even when we cannot see it.
He that dwelleth 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 will I trust. Psalm 91:1-2
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee. Yea, I will help thee. Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3
Wherefore, He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
As thy days, so shall thy strength be. The eternal God is is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:25, 27
The LORD, thy God, in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest (be silent) in His love, He will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. Nahum 1:7
Cause me to hear Thy loving-kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Psalm 143:8
As a father pitieth His children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. Psalm 103:13-14
**************************************************
I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel,
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me, Because
He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices,
My flesh also shall rest in hope.
Psalm 16:7-8
When tragedy strikes we often hear, where was God?
When someone dies, or there are hurricanes, floods,
disasters, terrorists, people say God, what were
you doing? Taking a vacation?
Yet, all the of the people
we read about in the Bible experienced trouble,
disillusionment, death, disease, and loss.
Does this mean God does not care?
Does this mean God is absent when hard times come?
No, indeed, God is ever present. But He did tell us
in this life we would have tribulations, but not to fear
because He had overcome this world.
These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
We know full well that there are powers of darkness
and evil at work in this world, that come to steal kill
and destroy. They are alive, they are spiritual,
they are powerful, and they are working under cover.
The point is, we have to recognize them, rebuke them,
and speak the word of God to them.
You see, our hope is from God. It comes when we
Rest In Him. Rest In His Hope.
Rest In His Promises.
Hope comes when we recognize we have a future,
and a hope, and that God has plans for us. That we
are unique special creations, loved by Him, and created
for His pleasure. He knows us each by name. We are
never alone.
What He wants us to recognize that even when trials come,
even when death or illness strikes us or our family we have
a retreat. But.. if we don't enter that rest, that retreat,
how can we find comfort?
If you don't eat, how can you expect to have energy?
If you don't put gas in your car, how can you expect it to run?
If you don't enter God''s word and rest in it, how
can you find comfort?
You are indeed depending on yourself, or others, and your
own limited thinking. WE cannot see tomorrow, we
don't know what it holds, but God does!
Our hope does not come from our circumstances,
from other people, nor from meditating until you
feel better. Our hope is from God, who made
heaven and earth, and offers rest and
strength even in the darkest night!
That by two immutable (unchangeable, unalterable)
things, in which it is IMPOSSIBLE for God to
lie, we might have strong consolaition, who have fled for refuge,
to lay ahold of the hope we set before us.
This hope we have as an anchor to the soul!
Hebrews 6:18-19
Have you fled to the refuge of God?
Have you found consolation in Him?
Have you received His hope, his plans for you,
His comfort for the hard times?
He is a light in the darkness of this world.
He is the very anchor for our soul!
Save these verses below. Speak them out loud, and trust
in God's ability to see ahead and solve your problems.
And trust in him till the storm passes. Faith is believing
the answer is on the way, even when we cannot see it.
He that dwelleth 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 will I trust. Psalm 91:1-2
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee. Yea, I will help thee. Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3
Wherefore, He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
As thy days, so shall thy strength be. The eternal God is is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:25, 27
The LORD, thy God, in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest (be silent) in His love, He will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. Nahum 1:7
Cause me to hear Thy loving-kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Psalm 143:8
As a father pitieth His children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. Psalm 103:13-14
**************************************************
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Little Battles
copyright Millie Plastaras 12/28/2003
I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who
live, but Christ who lives in me, and the life which I now
live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me
and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Did you recognize that everyday there are many little
spiritual battles in your life? The key to winning them
is recognizing they are happening. The key to overcoming
them, is recognizing Christ in us, and submitting to his authority
and teachings.
The day seems to be going along well, and all of a sudden
we find ourselves facing decisions that lead to a forked
path. One right, and one wrong, which do we take?
The next time you pick up that phone to gossip about
someone, or get on the computer to talk about someone
you hear that still small voice say to your spirit, is this
going to glorify me? You say, Oh Lord, this isn't harmful,
quit worrying, its just me sharing my problems with a friend.
And you proceed with your way of thinking and talk
about others behind their back.
Or when you pick up a cigarette, and you hear,
Child your body is the temple of God, do you want to defile it?
And you say, Oh Lord, I don't have that many pleasures,
this isn't hurting anyone. It is just a harmless habit. And you
go on your way, dismissing that quiet, gentle voice
pleading for purity in your body.
Or you are invited to church with someone. And you
hear that gentle voice coaxing you to go, and to fellowship
and find strength in the unity of believers. And you say,
I am not going to church, people hurt me there before,
there are too many hypocrites. And you turn away from
the very place that instructs your spirit, and brings you
spiritual input. People often think they can do this
at home. But then, they rarely open their Bible, and
often change the scripture to suit their lifestyle.
Church and Christians keep us accountable to the word.
Sometimes it is painful, but it is needful. As a
father corrects his child, so must we be corrected spiritually.
Not taking offense but growing.
But most of all. Don't mention money. Don't mention giving
God. Don't offend me with asking me to give to your work.
All these people are richer than me, I am poor and struggling.
And God whispers, my child, you are poor because you
are robbing me. You are not giving to my work. Your
money is not your own. Your money cannot grow until
you give it away. You are to give to me, to further
the work of my kingdom. It is not a option, it is obedience.
And you get angry and say I will do what
I want with my money, don't talk to me about this.
Little battles. Big consequences. Without recognizing it,
we have become rebellious, not living as God called, but
doing as we want, just as a wayward child does to their parents.
It is so hard to face this, but if we want to be over comers, and grow
spiritually we must face our flaws and shortcomings and discipline
ourselves and change. Seek God first and allow
His concepts and truth to rule and reign in all areas of your life.
The Bible tells us that when we become A Christian,
we deny the flesh, we learn to recognize fleshly, worldly
thinking and confront it, and over come it. That is
growth. We become filled more and more with God,
and less and less with our desires. We seek His will,
righteousness before Him. We pour out our heart
and thinking and prayers before His throne and let
Him sift us. Until He dwells and the world fades away.
Then He leads us into paths of righteousness, and guides
us and protects us in these little daily battles.
Who won the battles in your life today?
And how is that working for you.
The solution: Run back to the cross, deny the flesh
and follow Jesus. It is that simple and clear cut.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last
I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who
live, but Christ who lives in me, and the life which I now
live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me
and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Did you recognize that everyday there are many little
spiritual battles in your life? The key to winning them
is recognizing they are happening. The key to overcoming
them, is recognizing Christ in us, and submitting to his authority
and teachings.
The day seems to be going along well, and all of a sudden
we find ourselves facing decisions that lead to a forked
path. One right, and one wrong, which do we take?
The next time you pick up that phone to gossip about
someone, or get on the computer to talk about someone
you hear that still small voice say to your spirit, is this
going to glorify me? You say, Oh Lord, this isn't harmful,
quit worrying, its just me sharing my problems with a friend.
And you proceed with your way of thinking and talk
about others behind their back.
Or when you pick up a cigarette, and you hear,
Child your body is the temple of God, do you want to defile it?
And you say, Oh Lord, I don't have that many pleasures,
this isn't hurting anyone. It is just a harmless habit. And you
go on your way, dismissing that quiet, gentle voice
pleading for purity in your body.
Or you are invited to church with someone. And you
hear that gentle voice coaxing you to go, and to fellowship
and find strength in the unity of believers. And you say,
I am not going to church, people hurt me there before,
there are too many hypocrites. And you turn away from
the very place that instructs your spirit, and brings you
spiritual input. People often think they can do this
at home. But then, they rarely open their Bible, and
often change the scripture to suit their lifestyle.
Church and Christians keep us accountable to the word.
Sometimes it is painful, but it is needful. As a
father corrects his child, so must we be corrected spiritually.
Not taking offense but growing.
But most of all. Don't mention money. Don't mention giving
God. Don't offend me with asking me to give to your work.
All these people are richer than me, I am poor and struggling.
And God whispers, my child, you are poor because you
are robbing me. You are not giving to my work. Your
money is not your own. Your money cannot grow until
you give it away. You are to give to me, to further
the work of my kingdom. It is not a option, it is obedience.
And you get angry and say I will do what
I want with my money, don't talk to me about this.
Little battles. Big consequences. Without recognizing it,
we have become rebellious, not living as God called, but
doing as we want, just as a wayward child does to their parents.
It is so hard to face this, but if we want to be over comers, and grow
spiritually we must face our flaws and shortcomings and discipline
ourselves and change. Seek God first and allow
His concepts and truth to rule and reign in all areas of your life.
The Bible tells us that when we become A Christian,
we deny the flesh, we learn to recognize fleshly, worldly
thinking and confront it, and over come it. That is
growth. We become filled more and more with God,
and less and less with our desires. We seek His will,
righteousness before Him. We pour out our heart
and thinking and prayers before His throne and let
Him sift us. Until He dwells and the world fades away.
Then He leads us into paths of righteousness, and guides
us and protects us in these little daily battles.
Who won the battles in your life today?
And how is that working for you.
The solution: Run back to the cross, deny the flesh
and follow Jesus. It is that simple and clear cut.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
A Second Chance
Good Morning Everyone,
How many times in your life have you made mistakes?
Were some of them disasters that left you feeling defeated and
ashamed? The good thing about shame is that it means
we still allow our conscience to work, and that shame can turn
into something good, when we recognize our errors, face them,
correct them, and move on.
Many people are unable to forgive others, or themselves.
They seem to cling to grudges as if they were treasures.
These grudges tie us to whoever we are angry with, with
a spiritual umbilical cord that robs us of spiritual freedom.
God says if we cannot forgive others, he will not forgive us.
Then forgiveness must be absolutely vital to God.
If you had to sit down and make a list of a good reasons to keep
holding onto grudges, would anything on that list be worthy?
If you take time to read the list of why to hold onto grudges,
you will notice it is "all about me". You are focusing on yourself,
your hurts, your anger, your feelings. You have been unable
to rise above them and move on. It has kept you in a state of
spiritual staleness and personal unhappiness.
There comes a time when we all make a conscious decision
that we will let go of the hurts and pains of the past and just move on.
WE forgive people even if they don't ask, and we love them even
when they seem unlovable. Why? Because Christ in his great
mercy and grace, loves us even on our worst days. If he can
do that, how can we do less? If He truly dwells in us, how can we
allow anything to come between us, especially all the hurt
that builds up in our mind like piles of trash blocking our view
and our walk with Christ.
My friends, get on your knees today, ask Jesus to help you forgive
others, and to forgive yourself, and realize you get a new chance
at life, a clean slate, a new view. Free of bondage of unforgiveness.
Then go out and enjoy life, savoring the good and letting go of the bad.
This is absolutely possible, and it is all a personal mental and spiritual
choice. God bless you my friend. Break free, and live life to the fullest.
Love always
millie
Matthew 6:14-15
14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
On forgetting the past;
Philippians 3:13-14
13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
****************************
A SECOND CHANCE
Georgia Tech played the University of California in the 1929 Rose Bowl. In the game a player recovered a fumble, but became confused and ran the wrong way.
A teammate tackled him just before he would have scored a touchdown against his own team. At halftime all of the players went into the dressing room and sat down, wondering what the coach would say. This young man sat by himself; put a towel over his head, and cried.
When the team was ready to go back onto the field for the second half, the coach stunned the team when he announced that the same players who had started the first half would start the second. All of the players left the dressing room except for this young man. He would not budge. The coach looked back as he called him again, and saw that his cheeks were wet with tears. The player said, "Coach, I can't do it. I've ruined you. I've
disgraced the University. I can't face that crowd in the stadium again."
Then the coach put his hand on the player's shoulder and said, "Get up and go back in. The game is only half over."
When I think of that story, deep inside I say, "What a coach!" When I read the story of Jonah [in the Bible], and the stories of thousands like him, I say, "To think that God would give me another chance!"
By Billy Graham
How many times in your life have you made mistakes?
Were some of them disasters that left you feeling defeated and
ashamed? The good thing about shame is that it means
we still allow our conscience to work, and that shame can turn
into something good, when we recognize our errors, face them,
correct them, and move on.
Many people are unable to forgive others, or themselves.
They seem to cling to grudges as if they were treasures.
These grudges tie us to whoever we are angry with, with
a spiritual umbilical cord that robs us of spiritual freedom.
God says if we cannot forgive others, he will not forgive us.
Then forgiveness must be absolutely vital to God.
If you had to sit down and make a list of a good reasons to keep
holding onto grudges, would anything on that list be worthy?
If you take time to read the list of why to hold onto grudges,
you will notice it is "all about me". You are focusing on yourself,
your hurts, your anger, your feelings. You have been unable
to rise above them and move on. It has kept you in a state of
spiritual staleness and personal unhappiness.
There comes a time when we all make a conscious decision
that we will let go of the hurts and pains of the past and just move on.
WE forgive people even if they don't ask, and we love them even
when they seem unlovable. Why? Because Christ in his great
mercy and grace, loves us even on our worst days. If he can
do that, how can we do less? If He truly dwells in us, how can we
allow anything to come between us, especially all the hurt
that builds up in our mind like piles of trash blocking our view
and our walk with Christ.
My friends, get on your knees today, ask Jesus to help you forgive
others, and to forgive yourself, and realize you get a new chance
at life, a clean slate, a new view. Free of bondage of unforgiveness.
Then go out and enjoy life, savoring the good and letting go of the bad.
This is absolutely possible, and it is all a personal mental and spiritual
choice. God bless you my friend. Break free, and live life to the fullest.
Love always
millie
Matthew 6:14-15
14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
On forgetting the past;
Philippians 3:13-14
13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
****************************
A SECOND CHANCE
Georgia Tech played the University of California in the 1929 Rose Bowl. In the game a player recovered a fumble, but became confused and ran the wrong way.
A teammate tackled him just before he would have scored a touchdown against his own team. At halftime all of the players went into the dressing room and sat down, wondering what the coach would say. This young man sat by himself; put a towel over his head, and cried.
When the team was ready to go back onto the field for the second half, the coach stunned the team when he announced that the same players who had started the first half would start the second. All of the players left the dressing room except for this young man. He would not budge. The coach looked back as he called him again, and saw that his cheeks were wet with tears. The player said, "Coach, I can't do it. I've ruined you. I've
disgraced the University. I can't face that crowd in the stadium again."
Then the coach put his hand on the player's shoulder and said, "Get up and go back in. The game is only half over."
When I think of that story, deep inside I say, "What a coach!" When I read the story of Jonah [in the Bible], and the stories of thousands like him, I say, "To think that God would give me another chance!"
By Billy Graham
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Our Sufficiency in All Things
copyright Millie Plastaras 9/24/2009
Dearest Friends,
No matter what you are facing today, or what your
problems are, you, like many others in this world
are not alone in this. Everyone we know has
problems and burdens. And sometimes they
seem overwhelming. Sometimes we get so involved
in our own thoughts and trials, we neglect to be there
for others, whom we could pray for and support through
the times. There has to be a time we look beyond ourselves
and leave things in our Father God's hands and trust, and
then go out and make a difference in this world.
It is a daily choice. And to me, when we let go,
and trust God and move on... it is personal freedom within.
What is sweeter than feeling free of burdens and cares?
Just savor life, and enjoy what you do have, and don't focus
on what is wrong or what you don't have.
When all hope seems lost, God holds out his hands
and says here is hope, I am with you always, even
unto the end of the world.
When we are at the end of our rope
God is waiting there, holding the other end of the rope.
When all seems lost,
God knows we are found, He has been watching us all along.
When all resources seem at an end,
God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He will provide.
When trials and troubles come relentlessly
God's mercy abounds even more, just rest in Him.
Lessons learned in the time of crisis,the time of loss, the long hours of waiting
teach us to stretch, grow, rely on, cling to, and trust implicitly in God.
Not in men,
not in our power,
not in our strength.
But in God!
He gives power to the faint and weary,
and to him who has no might He increases strength --
causing it to multiply and making it abound.
But those who wait upon the Lord -- who expect,
look for, and hope in Him -- shall change and renew their
strength and power; they shall lift their wings
and mount up (close to God) as eagles (mount up to
the sun) they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint or become weary.
Isaiah 40:29,31
God help me to remember today
to walk in your strength
not my own,
to trust in your power and abilities
to watch over me, solve my problems,
provide my needs. Help me to cling to,
rely on, trust in and find hope in you each day.
You are my source, and I praise you oh God
your mercies, grace and provision are new each day.
Amen.
All He is, is all you will Ever need.
love
millie
ps. Please read through to the end. I can guarantee you a
blessing if you read all of this devotion today. It will inspire and
uplift you.
*****************************************
When God is Silent
Author: Unknown
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret -- it leads only to evil" Psalm 37:7-8, NIV.
John (not his real name) realized that his marriage wasn't all that it could be, but he and Mary were in counseling so John was confident that their marriage would survive and be stronger than ever.
Wrong. John was devastated when Mary informed him that she didn't love him and never would. Tragically time proved that she meant it.
John said that he always believed with faith in God, hope, persistence, qualified counseling help, and hard work pretty much any problem could be resolved.
Wrong again. Eventually John and Mary were divorced after which John experienced an intense "silence of God -- dark night of the soul."
So what do you do when you are committed to and trusting God and your world falls apart?
As John put it, "As hurt, baffled and confused as I was, I clung to my faith. I had nothing else to cling to. But today, several years later, I am a much different man. My shattered dreams and God's silence were God's wake-up call for me. I realized that I had many unresolved personal problems from my past that I needed to face and resolve. I also realized that the only person I could ever change was me. I'm still learning and growing but I am healthier today spiritually, emotionally and physically than I was when I was in my 30s.
Through my own personal journey I would agree with John. Who wants to change and grow when everything is going great? Certainly not me because change and growth are often very painful. Facing one's reality can also be a painful experience. But it's only as we face and accept our personal problems and character issues, that we can bring them to God and safe people for healing.
When God seems silent, if we stand still and listen with our heart, in time we will realize that God has been speaking the loudest to us. Strange? Yes, but true.
"Dear God, thank you for the times when I felt you were silent and deserted me, for I now realize that you allowed me to go through pain and disappointment to help me face my personal problems and grow. Thank you that you loved and accepted me as I was but loved me too much to leave me as I was. Gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen."
"I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." -Psalm 34:4
**********************************
He Giveth More
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase,
To added affliction He addeth his mercy,
To multiplied trials, He multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving has only begun.
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
Copyright Annie Johnson Flint
Dearest Friends,
No matter what you are facing today, or what your
problems are, you, like many others in this world
are not alone in this. Everyone we know has
problems and burdens. And sometimes they
seem overwhelming. Sometimes we get so involved
in our own thoughts and trials, we neglect to be there
for others, whom we could pray for and support through
the times. There has to be a time we look beyond ourselves
and leave things in our Father God's hands and trust, and
then go out and make a difference in this world.
It is a daily choice. And to me, when we let go,
and trust God and move on... it is personal freedom within.
What is sweeter than feeling free of burdens and cares?
Just savor life, and enjoy what you do have, and don't focus
on what is wrong or what you don't have.
When all hope seems lost, God holds out his hands
and says here is hope, I am with you always, even
unto the end of the world.
When we are at the end of our rope
God is waiting there, holding the other end of the rope.
When all seems lost,
God knows we are found, He has been watching us all along.
When all resources seem at an end,
God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He will provide.
When trials and troubles come relentlessly
God's mercy abounds even more, just rest in Him.
Lessons learned in the time of crisis,the time of loss, the long hours of waiting
teach us to stretch, grow, rely on, cling to, and trust implicitly in God.
Not in men,
not in our power,
not in our strength.
But in God!
He gives power to the faint and weary,
and to him who has no might He increases strength --
causing it to multiply and making it abound.
But those who wait upon the Lord -- who expect,
look for, and hope in Him -- shall change and renew their
strength and power; they shall lift their wings
and mount up (close to God) as eagles (mount up to
the sun) they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint or become weary.
Isaiah 40:29,31
God help me to remember today
to walk in your strength
not my own,
to trust in your power and abilities
to watch over me, solve my problems,
provide my needs. Help me to cling to,
rely on, trust in and find hope in you each day.
You are my source, and I praise you oh God
your mercies, grace and provision are new each day.
Amen.
All He is, is all you will Ever need.
love
millie
ps. Please read through to the end. I can guarantee you a
blessing if you read all of this devotion today. It will inspire and
uplift you.
*****************************************
When God is Silent
Author: Unknown
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret -- it leads only to evil" Psalm 37:7-8, NIV.
John (not his real name) realized that his marriage wasn't all that it could be, but he and Mary were in counseling so John was confident that their marriage would survive and be stronger than ever.
Wrong. John was devastated when Mary informed him that she didn't love him and never would. Tragically time proved that she meant it.
John said that he always believed with faith in God, hope, persistence, qualified counseling help, and hard work pretty much any problem could be resolved.
Wrong again. Eventually John and Mary were divorced after which John experienced an intense "silence of God -- dark night of the soul."
So what do you do when you are committed to and trusting God and your world falls apart?
As John put it, "As hurt, baffled and confused as I was, I clung to my faith. I had nothing else to cling to. But today, several years later, I am a much different man. My shattered dreams and God's silence were God's wake-up call for me. I realized that I had many unresolved personal problems from my past that I needed to face and resolve. I also realized that the only person I could ever change was me. I'm still learning and growing but I am healthier today spiritually, emotionally and physically than I was when I was in my 30s.
Through my own personal journey I would agree with John. Who wants to change and grow when everything is going great? Certainly not me because change and growth are often very painful. Facing one's reality can also be a painful experience. But it's only as we face and accept our personal problems and character issues, that we can bring them to God and safe people for healing.
When God seems silent, if we stand still and listen with our heart, in time we will realize that God has been speaking the loudest to us. Strange? Yes, but true.
"Dear God, thank you for the times when I felt you were silent and deserted me, for I now realize that you allowed me to go through pain and disappointment to help me face my personal problems and grow. Thank you that you loved and accepted me as I was but loved me too much to leave me as I was. Gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen."
"I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." -Psalm 34:4
**********************************
He Giveth More
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase,
To added affliction He addeth his mercy,
To multiplied trials, He multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving has only begun.
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
Copyright Annie Johnson Flint
Monday, September 14, 2009
Light For the Path
Good Morning Everyone,
Everyday there is a important commodity all of us need and
use readily. Light, we all need light. It is a medical fact
that those that do not get enough light often suffer
from more depression and a actual disorder because
of lack of sunlight. It is also known that those who do
not get enough sunlight are very low on Vitamin D,
which makes all parts of our body function better, and our
bodies work more efficiently just because we walk in light.
I am reminded that our soul needs light. We need light
for our way, to know what to do, where to go. We need
light shone upon our problems so we can sort through
them, figure them out and move on. Or just give them
to God until we are able to do something, or he works
it out for us in his timing. It is too hard to do it alone,
not knowing what is ahead or how to go through it.
Feeling alone and in the dark have to be two of
the worst feelings in the world.
Lack of light in your soul means one thing: darkness.
No one wants to abide in darkness if they love God.
We want his light shed upon our soul, all things
illuminated so there is nothing hidden, everything
surrendered, everything in the open, everything
lit by the light of his face shining on us, bringing
hope, fresh inspiration, mercy and strength for the day.
How many of you would want to be in total darkness
with no known end to it? Do you think our soul should be
darkened? It causes no end of grief in our lives
when we do not allow God to dwell in us in light and truth.
We go down paths we never would have otherwise,
and perhaps even get companions or mates that lead
us further into darkness.
Remember if you do not choose to open the door,
light will not come in. You have a choice.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105
A important concept, God's word sheds light on
our path and in our hearts, so we know
where to go, and who to be around, and what
path to take. It is a must!
Let us go a step further in this thought process:
And this is the condemnation that the light has
come into the world and men loved darkness rather
than light, because their deeds were evil.
For everyone practicing evil hates the light
and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should
be exposed. But he who does the TRUTH comes
to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen,
that they may have been done in God.
John 3:19-21
My friends, what this is saying is that even though
we think our deeds are hidden to God, and in some
perverse way we think we can hide things from him,
nothing is hidden to Him. What He wants from us
is surrender, submission. He wants all things
to be open before him.. and He wants to transform
us into a light for this world to see Jesus in us.
Life is short, this is our mission, to tell everyone we
meet the gospel, and to let his light shine through us,
so that they may see our good works and glorify our
Father who is in heaven.
Are you withholding something from God? Are you hiding
secret sins or secret habits? Do you remember when you
were a child and you hid things from your parents? For
a time you thought you were getting away with something
and then you begin to feel guilty, and perhaps even had to lie
to cover up what you were doing. Soon, it wasn't a good
feeling at all, and it was a even worse feeling when your
parents discovered what you had been doing.
My friends, we are all accountable to God. This life is
but a vapor, it passes so quickly. If someone had you
repeat the words "I Am Accountable to God" would
you think more about what that means? It is eternal
in it's scope. Far beyond anything else in this life.
My friends, today, if you are withholding from God,
and doing things you know you should not, or have
done them in the past. Take time to get on your knees
and repent of them to your Savior. Tell him each of
them, ask His forgiveness. He has promised if we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive them
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Take time to pray and ask him to shed light in your heart
and in your life so you may please him in all you say and do.
This prepares you not only for this life, but for the next one
my friends. Nothing is more vital to your spiritual life.
Only one life, will soon be past,
Only what is done for Christ will last.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord,
walk as children of light! For the fruit of the spirit is
in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Finding out
what is acceptable to the Lord. And have NO
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those
things which are done by them in secret. But ALL
things that are exposed are made manifest by the light,
for whatever makes manifest is light.
Therefore He says: Awake you who sleep.
Arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.
Ephesians 5:8:14
God will bring you from darkness into light.
He will bring you from spiritual death to spiritual life,
And He will sustain you, He will guide you, and strengthen
you and never leave you alone, you will never face things
alone. Just surrender to him, repent, and receive his salvation
and forgiveness.
Remember
Love,
millie
Everyday there is a important commodity all of us need and
use readily. Light, we all need light. It is a medical fact
that those that do not get enough light often suffer
from more depression and a actual disorder because
of lack of sunlight. It is also known that those who do
not get enough sunlight are very low on Vitamin D,
which makes all parts of our body function better, and our
bodies work more efficiently just because we walk in light.
I am reminded that our soul needs light. We need light
for our way, to know what to do, where to go. We need
light shone upon our problems so we can sort through
them, figure them out and move on. Or just give them
to God until we are able to do something, or he works
it out for us in his timing. It is too hard to do it alone,
not knowing what is ahead or how to go through it.
Feeling alone and in the dark have to be two of
the worst feelings in the world.
Lack of light in your soul means one thing: darkness.
No one wants to abide in darkness if they love God.
We want his light shed upon our soul, all things
illuminated so there is nothing hidden, everything
surrendered, everything in the open, everything
lit by the light of his face shining on us, bringing
hope, fresh inspiration, mercy and strength for the day.
How many of you would want to be in total darkness
with no known end to it? Do you think our soul should be
darkened? It causes no end of grief in our lives
when we do not allow God to dwell in us in light and truth.
We go down paths we never would have otherwise,
and perhaps even get companions or mates that lead
us further into darkness.
Remember if you do not choose to open the door,
light will not come in. You have a choice.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105
A important concept, God's word sheds light on
our path and in our hearts, so we know
where to go, and who to be around, and what
path to take. It is a must!
Let us go a step further in this thought process:
And this is the condemnation that the light has
come into the world and men loved darkness rather
than light, because their deeds were evil.
For everyone practicing evil hates the light
and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should
be exposed. But he who does the TRUTH comes
to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen,
that they may have been done in God.
John 3:19-21
My friends, what this is saying is that even though
we think our deeds are hidden to God, and in some
perverse way we think we can hide things from him,
nothing is hidden to Him. What He wants from us
is surrender, submission. He wants all things
to be open before him.. and He wants to transform
us into a light for this world to see Jesus in us.
Life is short, this is our mission, to tell everyone we
meet the gospel, and to let his light shine through us,
so that they may see our good works and glorify our
Father who is in heaven.
Are you withholding something from God? Are you hiding
secret sins or secret habits? Do you remember when you
were a child and you hid things from your parents? For
a time you thought you were getting away with something
and then you begin to feel guilty, and perhaps even had to lie
to cover up what you were doing. Soon, it wasn't a good
feeling at all, and it was a even worse feeling when your
parents discovered what you had been doing.
My friends, we are all accountable to God. This life is
but a vapor, it passes so quickly. If someone had you
repeat the words "I Am Accountable to God" would
you think more about what that means? It is eternal
in it's scope. Far beyond anything else in this life.
My friends, today, if you are withholding from God,
and doing things you know you should not, or have
done them in the past. Take time to get on your knees
and repent of them to your Savior. Tell him each of
them, ask His forgiveness. He has promised if we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive them
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Take time to pray and ask him to shed light in your heart
and in your life so you may please him in all you say and do.
This prepares you not only for this life, but for the next one
my friends. Nothing is more vital to your spiritual life.
Only one life, will soon be past,
Only what is done for Christ will last.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord,
walk as children of light! For the fruit of the spirit is
in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Finding out
what is acceptable to the Lord. And have NO
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those
things which are done by them in secret. But ALL
things that are exposed are made manifest by the light,
for whatever makes manifest is light.
Therefore He says: Awake you who sleep.
Arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.
Ephesians 5:8:14
God will bring you from darkness into light.
He will bring you from spiritual death to spiritual life,
And He will sustain you, He will guide you, and strengthen
you and never leave you alone, you will never face things
alone. Just surrender to him, repent, and receive his salvation
and forgiveness.
Remember
Love,
millie
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Trusting Even In the Night Watch
Good Morning Everyone,
I wanted to tell you I have been in the hospital, and not
on the computer much at all lately. I am still not well, but
hopefully will be with rest, and the correct medicines, and
following a diet strictly. Would appreciate your prayers.
It will be a long process, but one I pray that will end with great
success.
I wanted you to know while I was in there, the more
xrays and tests they took, the more they found. There
was 2 or 3 nights, I really fought a spiritual battle. Then
I realized, it was not my battle to win. My job was to
cling to my heavenly Father for all I am worth, and
face one day at a time, one thing at a time, and I will NOT
face it alone. God is always with me. And he can be
with you like that too. Just make sure Jesus is Lord
and Savior of your life, by repenting of your sins and
asking him to be your Savior. He will come into your life
immediately and forever change it. Then, get into
a good Bible teaching church, and read Gods word daily
for it will strengthen you, bring you hope, and teach you
how to grow closer to God.
I wanted to ask you a question.
Have you been still lately? I mean really still?
With no television or radio playing, no one to talk to.. just
sitting still?
I know I have told you we have a large back yard, full of
nurtured plants, a vegetable garden, and many rose bushes.
It is quiet back there. The only noise a occasional barking
of our dog, or the song of a bird. It is so restful. No noise.
Just the surroundings of God's beautiful creation.
A quiet place.
We all need that quiet place within us.. where the world
cannot intrude, where our troubles don't take precedence,
and where we allow God's spirit to whisper to ours.
A place that is a garden of refreshing.. of hope, of renewal.
If you have not found that quiet time, that quiet spot
then you are missing out on the most important time
in your spiritual life daily. Time with God.
We take time to talk to God, and then sit in his presence
and wait for his gentle leading and urgings in our heart,
and we sit until we feel peace.
Nothing you do, will matter more than this time.
Nothing. Everything else will pass away.
Only time with God will prosper and last.
Love others, savor them, enjoy the day,
but don't neglect the God you need above all else.
Then today you can say, I walked in the garden with
God, and He refreshed me and held me close.
I knew then, everything would be ok.
Love
millie
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed,
but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall
the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that
has mercy on thee.
Isaiah 54:10
Receive that blessed peace.. in the quiet times and small
corners of each day
****************************************
"God Speaking"
The man whispered, "God, speak to me" And a
meadowlark sang.
But the man did not hear.
So the man yelled "God, speak to me" And the thunder
& lightning rolled across the sky. But the man did
not listen.
The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you."
And a star shined brightly. But the man did not see.
And, the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle" And a
life was born.
But the man did not notice.
So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me, God, and
let me know you are here"
Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.
But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.
I found this to be a great reminder that God is always
around us in the little and simple things that we take
for granted. .even in our electronic age . . . so I would
like to add one more:
The man cried "God, I need your help" . . . and an
e-mail arrived reaching out with good news and
encouragement. But the man deleted it and continued
crying.....
The good news is that you are loved. Don't miss out
on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that
you expect.
Expect the unexpected....
It is called Faith :)
I wanted to tell you I have been in the hospital, and not
on the computer much at all lately. I am still not well, but
hopefully will be with rest, and the correct medicines, and
following a diet strictly. Would appreciate your prayers.
It will be a long process, but one I pray that will end with great
success.
I wanted you to know while I was in there, the more
xrays and tests they took, the more they found. There
was 2 or 3 nights, I really fought a spiritual battle. Then
I realized, it was not my battle to win. My job was to
cling to my heavenly Father for all I am worth, and
face one day at a time, one thing at a time, and I will NOT
face it alone. God is always with me. And he can be
with you like that too. Just make sure Jesus is Lord
and Savior of your life, by repenting of your sins and
asking him to be your Savior. He will come into your life
immediately and forever change it. Then, get into
a good Bible teaching church, and read Gods word daily
for it will strengthen you, bring you hope, and teach you
how to grow closer to God.
I wanted to ask you a question.
Have you been still lately? I mean really still?
With no television or radio playing, no one to talk to.. just
sitting still?
I know I have told you we have a large back yard, full of
nurtured plants, a vegetable garden, and many rose bushes.
It is quiet back there. The only noise a occasional barking
of our dog, or the song of a bird. It is so restful. No noise.
Just the surroundings of God's beautiful creation.
A quiet place.
We all need that quiet place within us.. where the world
cannot intrude, where our troubles don't take precedence,
and where we allow God's spirit to whisper to ours.
A place that is a garden of refreshing.. of hope, of renewal.
If you have not found that quiet time, that quiet spot
then you are missing out on the most important time
in your spiritual life daily. Time with God.
We take time to talk to God, and then sit in his presence
and wait for his gentle leading and urgings in our heart,
and we sit until we feel peace.
Nothing you do, will matter more than this time.
Nothing. Everything else will pass away.
Only time with God will prosper and last.
Love others, savor them, enjoy the day,
but don't neglect the God you need above all else.
Then today you can say, I walked in the garden with
God, and He refreshed me and held me close.
I knew then, everything would be ok.
Love
millie
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed,
but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall
the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that
has mercy on thee.
Isaiah 54:10
Receive that blessed peace.. in the quiet times and small
corners of each day
****************************************
"God Speaking"
The man whispered, "God, speak to me" And a
meadowlark sang.
But the man did not hear.
So the man yelled "God, speak to me" And the thunder
& lightning rolled across the sky. But the man did
not listen.
The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you."
And a star shined brightly. But the man did not see.
And, the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle" And a
life was born.
But the man did not notice.
So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me, God, and
let me know you are here"
Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.
But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.
I found this to be a great reminder that God is always
around us in the little and simple things that we take
for granted. .even in our electronic age . . . so I would
like to add one more:
The man cried "God, I need your help" . . . and an
e-mail arrived reaching out with good news and
encouragement. But the man deleted it and continued
crying.....
The good news is that you are loved. Don't miss out
on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that
you expect.
Expect the unexpected....
It is called Faith :)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
God's Everlasting Love
The Lord has appeared of old unto me, saying,
Yea, I have loved you with an EVERLASTING love;
therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you.
Jeremiah 31:3
Do you ever base your opinion about God's love
for you on your opinion of yourself? Do you ever
question how He could love you, when He knows
the truth about you? Do you ever feel unworthy?
My precious friend, I have news for you. God loves
you with a everlasting love.
You see, we all have this in common. We are flawed,
imperfect people. We all make mistakes. We all do
and say things we regret. It is not that we are deserving,
or perfect, it is that God's love is far above what
we can imagine or understand, we are his precious
creation and children of the Most High.
Let me go a step further.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
So you say, if this is so, how can God love us?
In this was the love of God manifested towards us,
that God sent his ONLY begotten Son into the world,
that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that
we loved God, but that HE loved us and sent his Son to be a
propitiation for our sins.
1 John 5:9-10.
Even in our sinful state, God loved us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Roman 5:6-8
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 5:8
Let us think about this. If God created us, God created love.
If ever anyone knew how to love, it is the one who created
all things. The only one who will be with you from birth to death
to eternity. How precious is this!
For those of you who are parents. And all of you are children
of someone. Do you stop loving your children, because
they make mistakes? What kind of love do you have for them?
I am sure you love them deeply, and find it easy to forgive them.
Even when they make the worst mistakes, you are there,
praying for them, trying to guide them, seeking the best
way you can to make them feel loved and special.
How much greater is our heavenly Father's eternal, abiding,
merciful, and everlasting love for us? Love beyond
our scope of understanding.
Still not persuaded? My guess then is that you are not feeling
good about yourself, and then consider how could God or anyone
else love you? You see those emotions are fear based,
fear of rejection, fear of abandonment, fear of not being good enough.
There is NO fear in love; but perfect love casts out all fear,
because fear involves torment. But He who fears has not been
made perfect in love.
1 John 5:18
Torment. How many of you have felt that? This sinking feeling,
this constant battle within your soul, this nagging
feeling that won't go away? My friends, that is either you
tormenting yourself, someone tormenting you , or the Father
of lies fighting a spiritual battle with you. Rebuke satan
and he will have to flee. Anytime you feel tormented
you know its not of God, its from the enemy of your soul
who is telling you lies. Don't believe his lies for a minute.
Get into the word of God and receive what He has for you.
Don't let satan ever rob you of your assurance that God loves
you deeply.
The Bible tells us God loves us, and He proved it by sending
his only son to die for us. How unreasonable and unfounded
it is for us to doubt that or cast it away in any form.
Love yourself. Love the life God has given you. Set aside
these feelings that weigh you down, and go out and live your
life with the sense you are truly loved, truly forgiven,
and you have a heavenly Father who will never leave you
or forsake you.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor principalities, nor powers,
nor things present, nor things to come, nor height
nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate
us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Walk in his freedom, forgiveness,
and merciful love, and never look back or receive rejection.
And my God shall supply all your need according to his
riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
God will supply all the love you ever need. Receive it.
Never doubt it. You are loved!
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 will I TRUST.
Psalm 91:1-2
love always,
millie
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Turn It Into A Prayer
Turn It Into A Prayer
copyright Millie Plastaras 8/26/2009
Pray without Ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
As trials increase, and the world changes, and our life
has trials and problems, our immediate response as a
Christian should be to run to our Father God and say God
this is too big for me, I cannot handle it, please help me
with this, I leave it in your hands.
A day hemmed in with prayer, is less likely to unravel!
If today you are in a financial crisis,
turn it into a prayer.
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger;
but they that seek the Lord shall NOT want
any good thing.
Psalm 34:10
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1
If today you are ill or in pain,
turn it into a prayer.
Beloved, I wish above all things that you may
prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
3 John 2
If today you feel alone or abandoned,
turn it into a prayer.
Be strong and of good courage, fear not,
nor be afraid of them; for the Lord THY God,
He it is that does go with you, He will NOT fail you,
nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
If today you feel overwhelmed by your problems,
turn it into a prayer.
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
If today you are depressed,
turn it into a prayer.
But 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 not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
If today you feel the oppression of the enemy,
turn it into a prayer.
What then shall we say to all this? If God be for us,
who can be against us? Who can be our foe, if God is on
our side? Romans 8:31
No matter what you are facing today,
there is no problem that God's abilities
are not greater still!
Your doubting, or lack of faith does not change
how great and powerful God is. Tap into His
strength and hope, by turning to God in prayer.
Do not look to the right or left, turn into the driveway of prayer!
Focus your eyes on Jesus, till the world and it's cares fade out,
and His comfort seeps into your spirit filling you with hope
and peace.
Everything would pull on us and drain us,
use us, defeat us, worry us, until we lose hope.
Instead turn it all into a prayer.
If today you find the world's problems are larger
than your ability to cope with them,
turn it over to God in prayer.
Nothing that happens in your life today is your business.
Your heavenly Father wants you to give him your burdens
and be free of them, and go out and make your day count,
and be full of joy and faith, and accomplish something for
Him. He will be with you. JUST TRUST.
Turn it over to God in prayer.
Casting your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7.
Hey, you are not still sitting there worrying are you?
Turn it into prayer.
Don't hesitate, don't put it off,
don't find other things to do,
don't try to control it yourself,
don't give into feelings of depression and hopelessness,
this comes from the father of liars, satan the loser.
Run to the arms of God, turn your cares into praises
and leave your cares at the throne of Jesus.
No matter what thought comes to mind,
take it captive, and give it to the Lord.
Even if you have to do it 50 times until you learn
to let go. Turn it over to God in prayer.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things
present, nor things to come.
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the Love of God
which is in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Romans 8:38,39
Fear thou not, for I am with the, be not dismayed,
for I am THY God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will uphold
thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last
copyright Millie Plastaras 8/26/2009
Pray without Ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
As trials increase, and the world changes, and our life
has trials and problems, our immediate response as a
Christian should be to run to our Father God and say God
this is too big for me, I cannot handle it, please help me
with this, I leave it in your hands.
A day hemmed in with prayer, is less likely to unravel!
If today you are in a financial crisis,
turn it into a prayer.
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger;
but they that seek the Lord shall NOT want
any good thing.
Psalm 34:10
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1
If today you are ill or in pain,
turn it into a prayer.
Beloved, I wish above all things that you may
prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
3 John 2
If today you feel alone or abandoned,
turn it into a prayer.
Be strong and of good courage, fear not,
nor be afraid of them; for the Lord THY God,
He it is that does go with you, He will NOT fail you,
nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
If today you feel overwhelmed by your problems,
turn it into a prayer.
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
If today you are depressed,
turn it into a prayer.
But 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 not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
If today you feel the oppression of the enemy,
turn it into a prayer.
What then shall we say to all this? If God be for us,
who can be against us? Who can be our foe, if God is on
our side? Romans 8:31
No matter what you are facing today,
there is no problem that God's abilities
are not greater still!
Your doubting, or lack of faith does not change
how great and powerful God is. Tap into His
strength and hope, by turning to God in prayer.
Do not look to the right or left, turn into the driveway of prayer!
Focus your eyes on Jesus, till the world and it's cares fade out,
and His comfort seeps into your spirit filling you with hope
and peace.
Everything would pull on us and drain us,
use us, defeat us, worry us, until we lose hope.
Instead turn it all into a prayer.
If today you find the world's problems are larger
than your ability to cope with them,
turn it over to God in prayer.
Nothing that happens in your life today is your business.
Your heavenly Father wants you to give him your burdens
and be free of them, and go out and make your day count,
and be full of joy and faith, and accomplish something for
Him. He will be with you. JUST TRUST.
Turn it over to God in prayer.
Casting your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7.
Hey, you are not still sitting there worrying are you?
Turn it into prayer.
Don't hesitate, don't put it off,
don't find other things to do,
don't try to control it yourself,
don't give into feelings of depression and hopelessness,
this comes from the father of liars, satan the loser.
Run to the arms of God, turn your cares into praises
and leave your cares at the throne of Jesus.
No matter what thought comes to mind,
take it captive, and give it to the Lord.
Even if you have to do it 50 times until you learn
to let go. Turn it over to God in prayer.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things
present, nor things to come.
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the Love of God
which is in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Romans 8:38,39
Fear thou not, for I am with the, be not dismayed,
for I am THY God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will uphold
thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13.
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last
Monday, August 17, 2009
About Those Sheep
copyright Millie Plastaras 9/02/04
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, He makes me to
lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still
waters, He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of
righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk
through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
For You are with me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me.
You prepare a place for me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil, My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23
We often hear in this modern society that people that follow
a certain way of life, are just sheep. They are brainwashed
and have no mind of their own. They are led about by
their nose, following the leading of those who have
brainwashed them. They seem to think being a sheep
is a bad thing.
I am here to proclaim to you today the good news of Jesus
Christ:
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward Him, and said,
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
John 1:29
Jesus was called the lamb (sheep) of God. His gentle
loving nature was one that set an example that forever
would ring of truth, nurturing love, great strength, and hope.
When someone calls me a sheep, I say hallelujah. I know
God, I know His provision and I have met His son. I am
a sheep in the flock of the Lamb of God who takes away
the sins of the world. He watches over me!
Psalm 23 is a very interesting and hopeful part of the Bible.
People should speak this out loud at least 3 times a day. It
has such meaning. A lot of it not known to modern society.
Let me try to explain to you a lesson I heard many years ago
about this Psalm that forever changed my thinking about
the provision of our Great God.
The Lord is my shepherd... I shall not want.
A shepherd knows the needs of his sheep and provides those
needs before they are even spoken. They are anticipated
by the shepherd and provided for in advance.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
A sheep is very careful where they lay down. And a shepherd
prepares the ground they lay on. So that no thorns or thistles
will get in their wool. A shepherd prepares a place for His
sheep to rest that is perfect and comfortable and safe.
He leads me besides still waters.
A sheep will not drink from moving water. A shepherd makes
a dam with rocks or whatever is available so when the
sheep goes to drink, the waters they so desperately need
are calm and soothe the sheep. The shepherd knows
how to calm the greatest disturbance and what the solution is.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His names sake.
The shepherd knows just the perfect path. This is one thing
the sheep don't need to concern themselves with. The
shepherd knows the path, what to look for and how to get
there. All the sheep have to do is move, and trust. They
will be led in safety and peace to their destination.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear
no evil, for You are with me! Your rod and your staff will
comfort me.
A shepherd knows that there will be dangers along his
chosen path. There will be predators who long to kill the sheep,
there will be rocks, and detours, and storms and many things
yet to face. But the shepherd has made provisions for them.
His rod will hold off any powers of darkness, or enemies, or
predators or storms of life. His staff will draw us to him when
we start to stray and bring us back into the fold where we
are safe, and within His will.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my
enemies.
When the sheep need to eat, the shepherd prepares that
place, just as he does their resting place. He knows there
will be enemies around, but he chooses a place where
he can watch over the whole flock. He makes sure that
any poison thistles or dangerous plants are removed.
And he makes sure it is a place where the sheep feel
peaceful enough to relax and eat. The provision
of the shepherd makes the meal even more precious
and joyful.
You anoint my head with oil.
A sheep often gets cuts or skin problems. A shepherd
will put soothing oil upon them to heal the sheep. The oil
that heals and sustains and brings restoration. The shepherd
knows exactly physical needs of each sheep. He knows
them all by name, and knows each of their individual
needs, and habits.
My cup runs over.
A sheep likes the water where it is easy to get to. So the water
at an easy vantage point where it is easy to partake of
reassures the sheep. The shepherd knows how to fill that
sheep with the living water that will nurture its body and bring
health. The shepherd is always aware of the depth of the
water and any surroundings and dangers. He knows the
sheep needs water to sustains it, and has great mercy
towards that sheep, providing the water that will attract it
most and make it feel comforted. Water that
fills that thirst of a sheep on a long journey, till it is
overflowing and sustaining in His body.
Interesting to note that sheep will not drink out of moving or
running water, and the shepherd makes the waters still
by using rocks or whatever available to make the waters
still and peaceful for the sheep to partake of and enjoy.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life
For as long as that sheep is alive, the shepherd will
give it good care and show mercy and love to it.
The Bible says that those that follow the Lord will find
mercy and strength. And that all the promises of the Lord's
are their inheritance. His goodness and mercies are new
every morning. His provision unlimited. His compassion
never ending. His solutions and power all encompassing.
All He is, is all we will ever need.
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The sheep knows the voice of His master. And when that
sheep listens to the soothing comforting voice of the master,
and follows his leading. He will make it home. He will find
a path set before Him known by the shepherd. And he will
find peace and comfort for his soul.
And the oil of the shepherd heals, and restores what
has been bruised or broken.
The sheep only need to learn to trust. And rest in
the provision of the Shepherd. And to be obedient,
and listen to the powerful lessons the shepherd teaches it.
This then is a life of hope, victory, and a life lived well.
A life with the Shepherd of our souls. Who will lead us all
home.
Oh if we could only keep that in our hearts and minds
daily and let it sustain us. Never again to worry or fear.
But to cling to that Shepherd and know our sufficiency is
from Him, not from anyone else. That our circumstances will
not defeat us, our losses will not destroy us, our illness will not
keep us down, our enemies will not be victorious and no
one can take us out of the Shepherds care.
How truly blessed we are.
I am the Good Shepherd, The good Shepherd gives His life
for His sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,
and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all;
and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
I and my Father are One.
John 10:11, 27-30
The Lord is my Shepherd.... I shall not want.
Trust in this, rely on, cling to, find hope in, and
be strengthened by this daily. Hallelujah!
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, He makes me to
lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still
waters, He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of
righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk
through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
For You are with me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me.
You prepare a place for me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil, My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23
We often hear in this modern society that people that follow
a certain way of life, are just sheep. They are brainwashed
and have no mind of their own. They are led about by
their nose, following the leading of those who have
brainwashed them. They seem to think being a sheep
is a bad thing.
I am here to proclaim to you today the good news of Jesus
Christ:
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward Him, and said,
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
John 1:29
Jesus was called the lamb (sheep) of God. His gentle
loving nature was one that set an example that forever
would ring of truth, nurturing love, great strength, and hope.
When someone calls me a sheep, I say hallelujah. I know
God, I know His provision and I have met His son. I am
a sheep in the flock of the Lamb of God who takes away
the sins of the world. He watches over me!
Psalm 23 is a very interesting and hopeful part of the Bible.
People should speak this out loud at least 3 times a day. It
has such meaning. A lot of it not known to modern society.
Let me try to explain to you a lesson I heard many years ago
about this Psalm that forever changed my thinking about
the provision of our Great God.
The Lord is my shepherd... I shall not want.
A shepherd knows the needs of his sheep and provides those
needs before they are even spoken. They are anticipated
by the shepherd and provided for in advance.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
A sheep is very careful where they lay down. And a shepherd
prepares the ground they lay on. So that no thorns or thistles
will get in their wool. A shepherd prepares a place for His
sheep to rest that is perfect and comfortable and safe.
He leads me besides still waters.
A sheep will not drink from moving water. A shepherd makes
a dam with rocks or whatever is available so when the
sheep goes to drink, the waters they so desperately need
are calm and soothe the sheep. The shepherd knows
how to calm the greatest disturbance and what the solution is.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His names sake.
The shepherd knows just the perfect path. This is one thing
the sheep don't need to concern themselves with. The
shepherd knows the path, what to look for and how to get
there. All the sheep have to do is move, and trust. They
will be led in safety and peace to their destination.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear
no evil, for You are with me! Your rod and your staff will
comfort me.
A shepherd knows that there will be dangers along his
chosen path. There will be predators who long to kill the sheep,
there will be rocks, and detours, and storms and many things
yet to face. But the shepherd has made provisions for them.
His rod will hold off any powers of darkness, or enemies, or
predators or storms of life. His staff will draw us to him when
we start to stray and bring us back into the fold where we
are safe, and within His will.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my
enemies.
When the sheep need to eat, the shepherd prepares that
place, just as he does their resting place. He knows there
will be enemies around, but he chooses a place where
he can watch over the whole flock. He makes sure that
any poison thistles or dangerous plants are removed.
And he makes sure it is a place where the sheep feel
peaceful enough to relax and eat. The provision
of the shepherd makes the meal even more precious
and joyful.
You anoint my head with oil.
A sheep often gets cuts or skin problems. A shepherd
will put soothing oil upon them to heal the sheep. The oil
that heals and sustains and brings restoration. The shepherd
knows exactly physical needs of each sheep. He knows
them all by name, and knows each of their individual
needs, and habits.
My cup runs over.
A sheep likes the water where it is easy to get to. So the water
at an easy vantage point where it is easy to partake of
reassures the sheep. The shepherd knows how to fill that
sheep with the living water that will nurture its body and bring
health. The shepherd is always aware of the depth of the
water and any surroundings and dangers. He knows the
sheep needs water to sustains it, and has great mercy
towards that sheep, providing the water that will attract it
most and make it feel comforted. Water that
fills that thirst of a sheep on a long journey, till it is
overflowing and sustaining in His body.
Interesting to note that sheep will not drink out of moving or
running water, and the shepherd makes the waters still
by using rocks or whatever available to make the waters
still and peaceful for the sheep to partake of and enjoy.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life
For as long as that sheep is alive, the shepherd will
give it good care and show mercy and love to it.
The Bible says that those that follow the Lord will find
mercy and strength. And that all the promises of the Lord's
are their inheritance. His goodness and mercies are new
every morning. His provision unlimited. His compassion
never ending. His solutions and power all encompassing.
All He is, is all we will ever need.
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The sheep knows the voice of His master. And when that
sheep listens to the soothing comforting voice of the master,
and follows his leading. He will make it home. He will find
a path set before Him known by the shepherd. And he will
find peace and comfort for his soul.
And the oil of the shepherd heals, and restores what
has been bruised or broken.
The sheep only need to learn to trust. And rest in
the provision of the Shepherd. And to be obedient,
and listen to the powerful lessons the shepherd teaches it.
This then is a life of hope, victory, and a life lived well.
A life with the Shepherd of our souls. Who will lead us all
home.
Oh if we could only keep that in our hearts and minds
daily and let it sustain us. Never again to worry or fear.
But to cling to that Shepherd and know our sufficiency is
from Him, not from anyone else. That our circumstances will
not defeat us, our losses will not destroy us, our illness will not
keep us down, our enemies will not be victorious and no
one can take us out of the Shepherds care.
How truly blessed we are.
I am the Good Shepherd, The good Shepherd gives His life
for His sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,
and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all;
and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
I and my Father are One.
John 10:11, 27-30
The Lord is my Shepherd.... I shall not want.
Trust in this, rely on, cling to, find hope in, and
be strengthened by this daily. Hallelujah!
remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Safe In His Arms
copyright Millie Plastaras 8/11/2009
We woke up today, given a fresh new day.
The sun rose, and with it the promises of a new
day to invest. Many of us will face heavy things today.
Some more than others. But all have problems.
Even the world seems in turmoil now, with
few safe havens and trustworthy people.
I can truly tell you, no matter what you go
through today, or are facing, you are not
facing it alone. The God of all comfort
has all the wisdom ever known to mankind
and more, beyond our understanding. He
knows all about you, and has since before
you were born, even as you were being
knit in your Mother's womb.
This Great God has plans for you. He promises
that He will always be with you. That He won't
forsake you. That He actually has plans for you,
for a future and a hope!
Yet here you are, first thing in the morning,
discouraged, worried, and carrying the past
around as if it was a trophy. What will it profit you?
What do you want most? How can you get it?
Is the way you are living going to accomplish
that or are you going the wrong direction?
As I get older, I can tell you I have been
through many trials in my life. Some very devastating,
some tragedies, some the death of dear ones.
There was even a time in my life, when almost
everyone I loved dearly walked away. It was
as if the floor dropped out from under me.
But never once did I feel God had forsaken me.
Indeed, I could feel his presence, and I could
cry out to Him any time of the day or night and
feel his comforting arms enfold me and his
spirit speaking to me, this too shall pass my child,
rest and receive my peace.
Even in the long dark night of my soul,
he was there, weeping with me, comforting me,
and understanding all about what I was going through.
My Abba Father.
Our circumstances do not control us. Our trials
do not define us. How we handle them is
what defines us and builds character.
Face them with courage, a desire to overcome,
a heart turned towards God in prayer, and hope
that is renewed each morning.
These things I have pursued, and I can say
with all my heart, that even when I failed God
or strayed, He never left my side. He was
always there pleading, speaking to my spirit,
drawing me, and telling me come home my child.
He has plans for you my dear friend. Have you
tapped into them? Can you receive it? Do you
know Him? Do you know He loved us so very
much He gave his ONLY son to die just for our
filthy sins. And to rise again from death
that we might also. Who else loves us this much?
He will be with us from birth to death, our companion,
our Heavenly Father, The Great I Am. I Am ALL
you will ever need.
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath
are His everlasting arms; and HE shall thrust
out the enemy from before you, and shall say Destroy them.
Deuteronomy 33:27
Even the enemy of our soul and his demons cannot
defeat the armies of God. We are His army,
his children, called out, called unto holiness,
called to walk in His path, for His glory and his honor
and for a right and light filled path for our own way.
Seek Him while he may be found. For He is the
God of your Fathers, who loved you and gave his
son for you. How then can we do less for the
master than give our lives to Him daily and pick
up our cross and follow Him.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I
am thy God; I will strengthen thee, yeah, I will help thee,
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my
righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, trust, rely on, cling to, walk with,
and obey the God of all comfort.
These things you will never regret, and your
life will be forever changed, as you face this
journey with your face lifted up, and hope in
your heart, and a Father God at your side to
guide you through all things safely.
Love always
millie
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, August 07, 2009
What Defines Who You Are?
Good Morning Everyone,
I love this poem below.. and it was food for
thought when I first read it.
I think it challenges us.. to one great concept.
What defines you?
If someone had to write a dictionary definition of
what you are.. what would they define you as?
Wow.. profound question huh?
I recently had a dear friend send me a email,
and we were to define each other in one word.
It was hard to find just one word to describe
what this person has meant in my life.. but
a great challenge.
The word she defined me with.. set me
on a new path of thinking. She said I was
full of amazing grace. That brought tears to my eyes.
But I wonder if that is the way most view me,
or most importantly how God views me.
What do you want to be remembered for?
Are you working towards that or dreaming about it?
When people are around you, do they find you
pleasant? Do you constantly dwell on your issues
and problems, or try to find cheerful things and
encouraging things to share with those you meet?
When someone has been around you and
they leave the room or the house.. what feelings
are they left with? That it was like a fresh
breath of air, and really uplifting, or wow, I could
hardly wait to get away.
Life is a series of ups and downs.. the way we
handle it, and the way we treat others, is entirely
due to the way we process it mentally.
Our circumstances can define us, or get
us down, or we can rise above them and
be defined in strength, character and wisdom
by what we go through, learning life's lessons with grace.
I would hope we would all process it spiritually,
and say God help me learn from this situation,
make me strong, wise and beautiful in your sight.
Refine me as pure Gold.. let me be a joy to all
who meet me.. and most of all let me be defined
by you in me.
Let me not be defined by my problems, or my
losses but by my constant moving forward
in the joy of the Lord, and the joy of life,
making it count for all I am worth.
These are not easy things to be and do.
But we have a choice every time we meet someone
on how to treat them. Its called self discipline.
We have a choice every time a trial hits our life
on how we deal with it, its called giving it to God.
We are only in control of one thing.. how
we love those around us. Our circumstances should
not control us, if we rely on, trust in and find
hope in Christ daily.
Let your life be defined, by Jesus in you.
It will bring joy to everyone who meets you.
love
millie
I Am Defined by the Great I AM
By T. Early
I am not defined by what I naturally see
I am not defined by man's opinion of me
I am not defined by the cares of this life
I am not defined by having husband or wife
I am not defined by sickness or disease
I am not defined by those whom I'm to please
I am not defined by the pressures that mount
I am not defined by my own bank account
I am not defined by neither guilt nor shame
I am not defined by whom or what to blame
I am not defined by my own personal success
I am not defined by any means of being blessed
I am not defined by fear of the unknown
I am not defined by the number of things I own
I am not defined by houses or land
I am not defined by my change of plans
I am not defined by loss or personal gain
I am not defined by sorrow, hurt, or pain
I am not defined by being well known
I am not defined by the seeds of life sown
I am not defined by my strengths and needs
I am not defined by my ability to succeed
I am not defined by what I feel that I am
But assuredly I am defined by the Great I AM
I AM that I AM is the God that defines
I AM that I AM is He who refines
I AM that I AM purifies through HIS fire
I AM that I AM created me for HIS desire
I AM that I AM is revealed through me
I AM that I AM is who others really need to see
I love this poem below.. and it was food for
thought when I first read it.
I think it challenges us.. to one great concept.
What defines you?
If someone had to write a dictionary definition of
what you are.. what would they define you as?
Wow.. profound question huh?
I recently had a dear friend send me a email,
and we were to define each other in one word.
It was hard to find just one word to describe
what this person has meant in my life.. but
a great challenge.
The word she defined me with.. set me
on a new path of thinking. She said I was
full of amazing grace. That brought tears to my eyes.
But I wonder if that is the way most view me,
or most importantly how God views me.
What do you want to be remembered for?
Are you working towards that or dreaming about it?
When people are around you, do they find you
pleasant? Do you constantly dwell on your issues
and problems, or try to find cheerful things and
encouraging things to share with those you meet?
When someone has been around you and
they leave the room or the house.. what feelings
are they left with? That it was like a fresh
breath of air, and really uplifting, or wow, I could
hardly wait to get away.
Life is a series of ups and downs.. the way we
handle it, and the way we treat others, is entirely
due to the way we process it mentally.
Our circumstances can define us, or get
us down, or we can rise above them and
be defined in strength, character and wisdom
by what we go through, learning life's lessons with grace.
I would hope we would all process it spiritually,
and say God help me learn from this situation,
make me strong, wise and beautiful in your sight.
Refine me as pure Gold.. let me be a joy to all
who meet me.. and most of all let me be defined
by you in me.
Let me not be defined by my problems, or my
losses but by my constant moving forward
in the joy of the Lord, and the joy of life,
making it count for all I am worth.
These are not easy things to be and do.
But we have a choice every time we meet someone
on how to treat them. Its called self discipline.
We have a choice every time a trial hits our life
on how we deal with it, its called giving it to God.
We are only in control of one thing.. how
we love those around us. Our circumstances should
not control us, if we rely on, trust in and find
hope in Christ daily.
Let your life be defined, by Jesus in you.
It will bring joy to everyone who meets you.
love
millie
I Am Defined by the Great I AM
By T. Early
I am not defined by what I naturally see
I am not defined by man's opinion of me
I am not defined by the cares of this life
I am not defined by having husband or wife
I am not defined by sickness or disease
I am not defined by those whom I'm to please
I am not defined by the pressures that mount
I am not defined by my own bank account
I am not defined by neither guilt nor shame
I am not defined by whom or what to blame
I am not defined by my own personal success
I am not defined by any means of being blessed
I am not defined by fear of the unknown
I am not defined by the number of things I own
I am not defined by houses or land
I am not defined by my change of plans
I am not defined by loss or personal gain
I am not defined by sorrow, hurt, or pain
I am not defined by being well known
I am not defined by the seeds of life sown
I am not defined by my strengths and needs
I am not defined by my ability to succeed
I am not defined by what I feel that I am
But assuredly I am defined by the Great I AM
I AM that I AM is the God that defines
I AM that I AM is He who refines
I AM that I AM purifies through HIS fire
I AM that I AM created me for HIS desire
I AM that I AM is revealed through me
I AM that I AM is who others really need to see
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Is There Really a Right and a Wrong?
copyright Millie Plastaras 8/21/2003
There is a way that seems right unto a man,
but the end, thereof, is death.
Proverbs 14:12
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad
is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who
go by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way
which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Everyone likes to make plans. We plan goals, we plan
meals, we plan for families, we plan for a job, we plan
on tomorrow. We all want security. We all want our life
to be successful and happy.
Yet the very thing that brings security, most people walk
away from, and cannot seem to clearly find their way back.
Everyone justifies themselves in their own eyes, but God
sees the heart. (For the Lord does not see as a man sees,
for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord
looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b)
People like to justify their sin by blaming someone else,
it is always someone who hurt us in the past, or someone
who is hurting us now. There are a million excuses.
Yet, broad is the way to destruction, and easy it is to follow.
Yet narrow is the path to Gods heart, and difficult, and few
there are that follow it. People do not cause us to sin,
we make that choice, all by ourselves.
There is a right and wrong. There is a black and white.
It doesn't matter what our opinions are, it matters what
God requires. Because someday, when we walk before
His throne, and account for every word, and every deed,
all the whitewashed lies, and all the flimsy excuses will
lose their grip on us, and the truth will be so crystal clear.
We were disobedient.
The world would deceive us, and have us believe anything
is ok, if we want to do it.. it is our "right".
As we become caught up in the cares of this life, the sins
of the flesh, the lust of the eye, we find our conscience
becoming seared. It no longer has a clear picture of right
and wrong. But the Word of God says .. we must be born
again. This means.. That when we accept Jesus as our
Savior, and ask forgiveness for our sins, that we walk away
from those sins.. we become new in Christ.
(If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The
old things have gone; everything is made new.
2 Corinthians 5:17)
All of the events in our lives, all of the people in our lives,
all of our relationships, all of our jobs, all of our possessions
will pass away. They will be as the chaff of the wheat,
blown away in the wind. The seasons of life pass,
and when all the chaff is cleared away, one things remains
true.
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, For Christ will last.
The wicked should stop doing wrong, and they should stop
their evil thoughts. They should return to the Lord so He may
have mercy upon them. They should come to our God,
because He will freely forgive them.
Isaiah 35:7
Am I then wicked? Search your heart, for the Bible tells
us that there is none righteous.. we all have sinned and
fall short of the Glory of God. We all have wicked thoughts,
and we all sin.. and we all must come to repentance.
(Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked, who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind, even to give every man according to His ways.
According to the fruit of His doings.
Jeremiah 17:9-10
We have to seek Him, we have to obey Him, we have to leave
our sins behind, confess the new ones we do. And we
have to PURSUE righteousness. No compromise.
What pleases the Lord more, burnt offerings and sacrifices
or obedience to His voice?
It is better to obey than to sacrifice. It is better to listen to God
than to offer the fat of sheep.
Disobedience is as bad as the sin of witchcraft!!!
Pride is as bad as the sin of worshipping idols!!
You have rejected the Lord's commands, and now
He rejects you as king.
1 Samuel 15:22-23
There is one truth above all.
NO one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one
and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one
and despise the other. You cannot serve God and man.
Matthew 6:24
Who is your master today? Are you really sold out to God,
or are you walking a wide berth around the narrow path
of righteousness?
Is God... really your God?
If He isn't ... guess who is!
This is the most important question you will ever ask yourself.
And it is life... or death.
remember
Only one life,
will soon be past
Only what is done, For Christ will last
There is a way that seems right unto a man,
but the end, thereof, is death.
Proverbs 14:12
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad
is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who
go by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way
which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Everyone likes to make plans. We plan goals, we plan
meals, we plan for families, we plan for a job, we plan
on tomorrow. We all want security. We all want our life
to be successful and happy.
Yet the very thing that brings security, most people walk
away from, and cannot seem to clearly find their way back.
Everyone justifies themselves in their own eyes, but God
sees the heart. (For the Lord does not see as a man sees,
for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord
looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b)
People like to justify their sin by blaming someone else,
it is always someone who hurt us in the past, or someone
who is hurting us now. There are a million excuses.
Yet, broad is the way to destruction, and easy it is to follow.
Yet narrow is the path to Gods heart, and difficult, and few
there are that follow it. People do not cause us to sin,
we make that choice, all by ourselves.
There is a right and wrong. There is a black and white.
It doesn't matter what our opinions are, it matters what
God requires. Because someday, when we walk before
His throne, and account for every word, and every deed,
all the whitewashed lies, and all the flimsy excuses will
lose their grip on us, and the truth will be so crystal clear.
We were disobedient.
The world would deceive us, and have us believe anything
is ok, if we want to do it.. it is our "right".
As we become caught up in the cares of this life, the sins
of the flesh, the lust of the eye, we find our conscience
becoming seared. It no longer has a clear picture of right
and wrong. But the Word of God says .. we must be born
again. This means.. That when we accept Jesus as our
Savior, and ask forgiveness for our sins, that we walk away
from those sins.. we become new in Christ.
(If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The
old things have gone; everything is made new.
2 Corinthians 5:17)
All of the events in our lives, all of the people in our lives,
all of our relationships, all of our jobs, all of our possessions
will pass away. They will be as the chaff of the wheat,
blown away in the wind. The seasons of life pass,
and when all the chaff is cleared away, one things remains
true.
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, For Christ will last.
The wicked should stop doing wrong, and they should stop
their evil thoughts. They should return to the Lord so He may
have mercy upon them. They should come to our God,
because He will freely forgive them.
Isaiah 35:7
Am I then wicked? Search your heart, for the Bible tells
us that there is none righteous.. we all have sinned and
fall short of the Glory of God. We all have wicked thoughts,
and we all sin.. and we all must come to repentance.
(Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked, who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind, even to give every man according to His ways.
According to the fruit of His doings.
Jeremiah 17:9-10
We have to seek Him, we have to obey Him, we have to leave
our sins behind, confess the new ones we do. And we
have to PURSUE righteousness. No compromise.
What pleases the Lord more, burnt offerings and sacrifices
or obedience to His voice?
It is better to obey than to sacrifice. It is better to listen to God
than to offer the fat of sheep.
Disobedience is as bad as the sin of witchcraft!!!
Pride is as bad as the sin of worshipping idols!!
You have rejected the Lord's commands, and now
He rejects you as king.
1 Samuel 15:22-23
There is one truth above all.
NO one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one
and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one
and despise the other. You cannot serve God and man.
Matthew 6:24
Who is your master today? Are you really sold out to God,
or are you walking a wide berth around the narrow path
of righteousness?
Is God... really your God?
If He isn't ... guess who is!
This is the most important question you will ever ask yourself.
And it is life... or death.
remember
Only one life,
will soon be past
Only what is done, For Christ will last
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