Live a Life Of Integrity & Truth

Who may live forever with God the Father?
Psalm 15 tells all.

Psalm 15:1-5

¹ LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

² He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

³ and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

⁴ who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,

⁵ who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.

Live In The Light

I have blogged about this already, but we live in a dark world. Darkness comes to us in many different ways. There are those out there that help create darkness for others. Their lives need redemption and God's love to give them light in their life. All we can do as believers is to daily commit to walk in God's light, in His ways and hope that His light helps diminish the darkness.

Psalms 27:1-3
¹You, LORD, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone.

You protect me, and I have no fears.

²Brutal people may attack and try to kill me, but they will stumble.

Fierce enemies may attack, but they will fall.

³Armies may surround me, but I won't be afraid;

war may break out, but I will trust you.

John 1:3-6

⁵The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out.

Father in Heaven,
You made me Your child
and called me to walk in the Light of Christ.
Free me from darkness
and keep me in the Light of Your Truth.
The Light of Jesus has scattered
the darkness of hatred and sin.
Called to that Light,
I ask for Your guidance.
Form my life in Your Truth,
my heart in Your Love.
Through the Holy spirit,
give me the power of Your Grace
that I may walk in the Light of Jesus
and serve Him faithfully.

Accept Love

I've heard about some Internet blogs/forums with terrible things said about my close friends and family. So terrible that it upset me to the point I was going to blog about how people tend to enjoy hating and having vengeance and make up such terrible things about others. Something came to me as I was reading and researching the psychology of hate....it was taking me in to their world. The purpose of this blog is to try to elevate the effects of the hate that has surrounded Raye Dawn and her family. We are trying to convey that we don't want to fight or 'hate' them. We are searching for forgiveness and healing. They are choosing NOT to accept, but that is the trouble with so much hate in the heart. We are willing to forgive and heal, they are not. I will continue to pray for their hearts.

Romans 12:9-11
⁹Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good. ¹⁰Love each other as brothers and sisters and honor others more than you do yourself. ¹¹Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord.

1 John 4:19-21
¹⁹We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. ^20-21 If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.

So, the bottom line is, we must do all we can to love our brother in Christ. If we don't or won't, then we CAN'T love our Heavenly Father. We are human with human emotions, so it's not an easy task to let things go in the past in order to move forward, but with God's love, we can. I watched a movie last night "Amish Grace" and it talked about forgiveness in a terrible situation. I recommend this movie. It's based on the Amish school shooting in Pennsylvania.

Dear God in Heaven, I pray for the hate to leave and the forgiveness enter. Help those that can't get past the hate and can't 'let the past be the past'. I pray for their hearts and their lives. Happiness in their daily life has to be hard to find when they harbor so much in their hearts. I pray for healing for all.

Words of Prayer

There are days when we just can't seem to find the words to pray. Our emotions seem to overtake us and we close our eyes, but the words can't come...We need to remember the prayer Christ taught His disciples. So simple, but so strong from the heart.

Matthew 6:7-19 (Worldwide English version)

⁷And when you talk to God, do not say words that mean nothing, over and over again. People who do not believe in God do that. They think their god will hear them because they say many words.

⁸ Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ⁹ So talk to your God like this:

"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.

¹⁰ "May your kingdom come. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

¹¹ "Give us our food for today.

¹² "Forgive us for the wrong things we have done, the way we forgive those who have done wrong things to us.

¹³ "Do not test us but help us, so that no one will make us do wrong. Deliver us from the evil one. The kingdom and power and praise belong to you for ever. Amen!"

¹⁴ If you forgive others for the wrong things they have done, then your Father in heaven will forgive you.

¹⁵ But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you for the wrong things you have done.'

Always Celebrate!

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. It's the story about when Jesus rode a donkey through the city and people laid palm leaves down along the road as a sign of celebration and respect.

John 12:12-19

¹²The next day a vast crowd of those who had come to the Passover Feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.

¹³So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him. And as they went, they kept shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is He and praise to Him Who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!

¹⁴And Jesus, having found a young donkey, rode upon it, [just] as it is written in the Scriptures,

¹⁵Do not fear, O Daughter of Zion! Look! Your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!

My question on this story is what happened a week later? Where were the people celebrating Jesus coming through the city? Were they in the crowd during the shouting at Pilate "crucify him!" ? Did they gather at the cross during his crucifixion? Is it that easy for people to 'turn' the other way, knowing who they are shunning? They knew who Jesus was. He had followers that knew his mission and that loved him. I believe more than just the twelve, but crowds of believers. Did all those people that waved the palms and once celebrated turn away from Jesus because of the social aspects of what was most popular at the time? Did they decide to go with the group or story that had the most publicity? They knew Jesus was innocent and who he was. The didn't stand up for him when he needed them the most. Only his closest friends and family stayed with Him to the very end. They saw the miracle of His risen life and received His blessings because of it. The others, perished.

Dear Heavenly Father, we do celebrate and wave the palms of our heart for coming into our lives. You will never leave us or forsake us in any situation. Help us to always remain true to you as a blessing to others. We don't want anyone to perish because of what we have done, but pray that they might live eternally with you because of the example of your love through us.

The Gift of Family

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush




I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich. ~Dan Wilcox and Thad Mumford, "Identity Crisis," M*A*S*H


It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons. ~Johann Schiller

The family is a haven in a heartless world. ~Attributed to Christopher Lasch

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. ~Joyce Brothers

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

Father, I am so very thankful for my family. If it wasn't for them, life would be empty. Thank you for the love, thoughtfulness and strength that this family gives. The family depends on your direction from the Holy Spirit that gives faith everyday. I have a wonderful family! Thank you for the many extended family members that have crossed my path...my kind hearted friends. My family continues to grow but only with the help of Your love. I pray that my enemies will come to know the true meaning of friendship and family. The absolute love that comes from these relationships no matter what, unconditionally.

Tired of Lies.....

"Keep Your Tongue From Evil And
Your Lips From Speaking Lies"

Proverbs 19:5

5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who pours out lies will not go free.

Proverbs 14:25
25 A truthful witness saves lives,
but a false witness is deceitful.

Jeremiah 9:5
5 Friend deceives friend,
and no one speaks the truth.
They have taught their tongues to lie;
they weary themselves with sinning.

Proverbs 12:17
17He who speaks truth tells what is right,
But a false witness, deceit.

So what should we do?

Proverbs 8:6-8
6 Listen, for I have worthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.

7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.

8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.

Dear Heavenly Father, hear no lies from my mouth. Keep my mind and spirit free from the lies of those that hate. Clean their mouth from the lies they speak and make it truthful and just. Dear God, I'm tired of the lies.

He asked "Do you love me?"

If you remember, Peter lied about knowing Christ three times, then a rooster crowed three times...in the passage below, Christ asks Peter three times if he loves Him...He knew Peter needed forgiveness in order to move forward with his calling. Do you think we should be like Christ and forgive those that we know have wronged us, and that they know they have done wrong? Will it open the doors to move forward? Does it allow us to do our calling? Does it minister to those that do wrong? I believe that this is the intentions of what Christ was telling Peter. He forgave Peter for what he did against Him. Peter needed that forgiveness in order to put it behind him and press forward. Shouldn't we do the same for those that wrong us?

John 21:14-17

(Jesus Forgives Peter)

¹⁴ This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. ¹⁵ When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

¹⁶ Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

¹⁷ The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Father, forgive us as we forgive those who wrong us.

~Don't Be Blinded~

What is Easter? Some think it's about the chocolate and the marshmallow peeps. Children hope for Easter baskets from the Easter bunny and their parents hope for an Easter ham at Grandma's house. Things surround this religious celebration so tight that we sometimes can't see the real reason. We become preoccupied with all the fancy, colorful events of it all. Do you think with all of the distractions that we become blind to the real Truth? As with many things, we become distracted when we are seeking the Truth in all things in our lives. Seek the Truth in ALL things so that God can bless you.

Matthew 28:5-7
⁵The angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. ⁶He isn't here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying. ⁷Now hurry! Tell his disciples that he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee. Go there, and you will see him. That is what I came to tell you."

Isaiah 32:3-4
Then the eyes of those who see won't be closed anymore.
The ears of those who hear will listen to the truth.
⁴ The minds of thoughtless people will know and understand.
Tongues that stutter will speak clearly.

Father, help our eyes see the Truth in all things. There is so much untruth that passes us in our daily life that it tends to distract us from your Will and your Truth. Help us to always seek the Truth every day with your spirit always leading and discerning. I pray for those that listen to any 'truth' and hear only what their selfish will wants to hear. Soften their hearts and open their eyes.

Living for a Purpose

Why are we here? What is our purpose?
If we live a Godly life;
live a truthful life;
live an unselfish life;
we will always have success and blessings from God our Father.
We can make a difference in our world around us.
No matter how small we feel our actions are,
our sincerity in what we do will make the difference.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 9:16-18
6 It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. ¹⁷ For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

"Suffering for Doing Right"

1 Peter 3:8-10
⁸Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. ⁹Don't be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God's chosen ones, and he will bless you.
¹⁰"Do you really love life? Do you want to be happy? Then stop saying cruel things and quit telling lies.

Father, take our lives and use them to make a difference for those in need. Help the small actions of our daily life touch those around us. We pray for your Spirit and love to embrace us so that everyday is a purpose lived for you. Keep us from hate and spiteful spirits that follow us and attack us. Help us to fight the hate with kindness.

Opened Doors!

Great divinely orchestrated openings!

Therefore the doors that God has set open for you no man will shut.
There will be only Joy as door by door opens.

Revelation 3:8-11

⁸"I see what you've done. Now see what I've done. I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don't have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn't deny me when times were rough.

⁹"And watch as I take those who call themselves true believers but are nothing of the kind, pretenders whose true membership is in the club of Satan—watch as I strip off their pretensions and they're forced to acknowledge it's you that I've loved.

¹⁰"Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I'll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon, and all over the earth, every man, woman, and child put to the test.

¹¹"I'm on my way; I'll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.

Thank you Father for the doors that have opened and for those doors yet to open! Your miracles never cease to amaze! No man can shut the doors. No evil can change your power of those open doors. Bless your children that trust in your divine intervention! I pray that the doors of evil be shut and closed forever! They have no power over what You have done or what You have opened. Thank you!

What's in Your Heart?

It is what is in our hearts that count. God will bless those with a heart like His.
Live Well, Live Wisely

James 3:13-15 (The Message)

13-16 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom—it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.

Psalm 51:9-11
(New International Version)

9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

I pray for the heart of those who have harbored hate for so long toward others. Father, soften their hardened hearts and help them to see the Truth in your love for others. Your son gave his life so that we ALL may know your mercy and love....thank you...

**Be Still**

Psalm 46:10-11

¹⁰ "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

¹¹ The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

This command — “be still” — forces us to think on two things: that we are finite, and that God is infinite. That being the case, we need to drop our hands, go limp, relax, and “chill out.” Christian people ought to “come, behold the works of Jehovah,” that we may enjoy a calm confidence in him who gave us his Son.

“Shall he not also with him freely give us all things?” Paul reasoned (Romans 8:32). Psalm 46:10 encourages us to reflect on what God can do in the face of what we are unable to do.

So as your world crumbles around you, the call from Scripture is: don’t flinch in faith in God. Stand still — not because of a self-made confidence, not because you are the most composed person in the face of disaster, not because “you’ve seen it all.” Be still because of what you know about God.

(excerpt from the christiancourier.com)

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to be still and listen to what you have to say to us. In our moment of silence with you, tell us of your strength, glory and power to overcome all that we face. Things that give us anger, fear and rejection....we know You can be there as Jacob's fortress to fight it off. Thank you for your sweet Holy Spirit that breathes on us with your love and power. Breathe on them....those that offer the anger, fear and rejection to us. Let them understand your love and the silence of your glory.

~I am called~

John 5:28-30 (New Living Translation)

²⁸ Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, ²⁹ and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment. ³⁰ I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.

Ephesians 4:1-3

¹ Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. ² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Father of Heaven, we will be called to you as believers which is a comfort during these times here on Earth. I pray that we should all have the life of being called to you in living, not waiting for our home in heaven. Everyday of our life, in our busy endeavors of work, play, raising our family, should all be living for you because we are called by you to do your will. I pray you allow these thoughts enter those that live for the pleasure of self and not for you. Shake them, help them to see the errors of their life and the way they touch others with their selfishness.

Washing Your Hands?

Pilate, an authority figure had a chance to stand up and do what was right. But he chose to follow the crowd; the most popular; the current 'story' on this man Jesus. He knew Jesus was innocent of the crimes he allegedly was charged with. He could not stand up against the crowd. He could not risk his position as a Roman leader. Does this still speak of our leaders of today? I personally know of two judges and a District attorney that has done the same. Politics hasn't changed much in 2000 years. Interesting isn't it? Would YOU be willing to stand up for the Truth against the crowd? Is it really that simple to wash the hands of accountability?

Luke 23:4
⁴ Pilate turned to the leading priests and to the crowd and said, “I find nothing wrong with this man!”

Matthew 27:24
²⁴ Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!”

^{Luke 23:22-24
22} For the third time he demanded, “Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.” ²³ But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. ²⁴ So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded.

Dear Father, I pray for those that have authority of the law. Soften their hearts, give them strength to be responsible and the knowledge to be accountable for the decisions they make. Touch them with your Holy Spirit so that they know they never have to 'wash their hands' to the innocent but to uphold the law so it protects them. I ask forgiveness for the those that have turned their back against doing what is right and justice. Show them they can still make a wrong decision right.

Do Not Be Weary!

Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Galatians 6:8-10 (The Message)
^7-8Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.

^9-10So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

Father, Do not let us become weary in doing what is right! Keep us strong in our faith! Keep us strong so that we may NOT quit the good fight! We want the evil and hate to stop, with your help, we will have victory!

Prayer

~PRAY~

Psalm 17:1-3 (The Message)
1-2 Listen while I build my case, God, the most honest prayer you'll ever hear.
Show the world I'm innocent—
in your heart you know I am.

3 Go ahead, examine me from inside out,
surprise me in the middle of the night—
You'll find I'm just what I say I am.
My words don't run loose

Daniel 10:12
Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.

Father, we pray. Our faith will urge us to pray everyday for the hope of forgiveness to those that harm us. The forces of evil are strong and tire us. Your hope for forgiveness is all we can pray for in times like these. Please tug at the hearts of the hateful and vengeance ones. Clean their minds and spirit and replace it with your hope of forgiveness.

Open Our Arms...

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Proverbs 31:16-18 (New International Version)

16 She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

Luke 10:31-35 (New International Version)

31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

Dear Father, open our eyes, our hearts and our prayers to be alert on what is going on around us. Make us servants for you. Our time needs to slow down so that we may see the opportunities you place in our path. Teach us to care for one another.

~Always Pray~

1 Thessalonians 5:15-20 (The Message)

13-15 Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.

16-18 Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

19-22 Don't suppress the Spirit, and don't stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don't be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what's good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.

"Pray without ceasing"

Dear Father, teach us to pray, always. In everything we do, say, always be a prayer to you. Teach those that don't have a life of prayer. Touch them, love them, bless them. My prayer is that they will soon come to you and live the life you long for them to live.
Amen

He is Faithful!

Hebrews 12
1Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. 2We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side [a] of God's throne! 3So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won't get discouraged and give up.



Dear Father, great is Your Faithfulness to us! Thank you for helping us and being with us no matter where we are, or what we do. This world you have created is beautiful and your truth spreads across it with your people that give you the glory. I pray for those that do not understand your faithfulness; to those that need to come before you and clean their hearts of hate and anger; to those that need your loving touch so that they may live a life like Christ; to those that need to confess their wrong and make it right. I thank you for the love you have for ALL no matter who they are or what they have done.

Battle for Victory!

"Sometimes maintaining our Truth and integrity during times of lies and hate means to take up the armor of our faith, strength of our prayers and never cease in the battle of what we stand up for."

1 John 5:3-5 (New Living Translation)

3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Deut 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Journey to Forgiveness***

Forgiveness is a journey.

Matthew 5:7, 39-46

"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Matthew 6:14-15

You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Lord Jesus, by faith, I receive Your unconditional love and acceptance in the place of this hurt, and I trust You to meet all my needs. I take authority over the Enemy, and in the name of Jesus, I take back the ground I have allowed Satan to gain in my life because of my attitude toward those that speak lies and hate. Right now, I give this ground back to the Lord Jesus Christ to whom it rightfully belongs. Amen

(Adapted from The Gift of Forgiveness, by Charles Stanley. 1987. pp.173-175.)

Ask, and Receive!

He keeps my needs met through Faith. It has been proven time and time again. He IS Faithful to those that live for Him!

Proverbs 30:8
First, help me never to tell a lie.Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.

Philippians 4:19 (New International Version)
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

O my God, I thank you for having preserved me today
and for having given me so many blessings and graces.
I renew my dedication to you and ask your pardon for
all my sins.

~Live The Life~

Matthew 5:1-16

The Beatitudes
He said:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Salt and Light.

Father in Heaven,
You made me Your child
and called me to walk in the Light of Christ.
Free me from darkness
and keep me in the Light of Your Truth.
The Light of Jesus has scattered
the darkness of hatred and sin.
Called to that Light,
I ask for Your guidance.
Form my life in Your Truth,
my heart in Your Love.
Through Your holy name,
give me the power of Your Grace
that I may walk in the Light of Jesus
and serve Him faithfully.

(From Catholic prayers of hope)

Rescue Me!

2 Samuel 22:17-25 (New Living Translation)

17 “He reached down from heaven and rescued me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
18 He rescued me from my powerful enemies,
from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
19 They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress,
but the Lord supported me.
20 He led me to a place of safety;
he rescued me because he delights in me.
21 The Lord rewarded me for doing right;
he restored me because of my innocence.
22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord;
I have not turned from my God to follow evil.
23 I have followed all his regulations;
I have never abandoned his decrees.
24 I am blameless before God;
I have kept myself from sin.
25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right.
He has seen my innocence.

Dear Heavenly Father,
As I read aloud your Word about rescuing me, it reminds me of how much you love and care for me. If I do my part and live a good and right life, you will always rescue me from my enemies. I pray for those that harass, speak lies and walk a life of hate toward others. I know that in your heart, it hurts and gives you great pain to see them harm others. I ask that you guide them and help them to stop the hate; stop the pleasure they have in hurting. I pray for peace in their hearts that only You can give them. I specifically pray for my friends that have felt the brunt of these enemies attack. They waver, but know that together as one and with your help, they will be rewarded in the end.
Amen

~Decisions of Anguish~

Jesus went to pray when he knew he was soon going to be betrayed and arrested. He took with him three of his closest disciples for strength and protection. He prayed to his Father for this to pass. He agonized over what he was facing. Was he tempted to just walk away into the night? Did he think possibly he could just leave and disappear and be safe from death? The three disciples were sleeping, did they really care what he was facing? Would it be worth it to carry out his Father's will? I'm sure all these things went through his mind as he anguished this decision. But he did decide to do what he knew in his heart was right. He stood up, knowing the consequences of his decision and went to his sleeping friends. Can we be as sure in our heart of what is the right decision and stand up for what is right?


Matthew 26.36-46; Luke 22.39-46

32Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he told them, "Sit here while I pray."
33Jesus took along Peter, James, and John. He was sad and troubled and 34told them, "I am so sad that I feel as if I am dying. Stay here and keep awake with me."
35-36Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt down on the ground and prayed, "Father, [a] if it is possible, don't let this happen to me! Father, you can do anything. Don't make me suffer by having me drink from this cup. [b] But do what you want, and not what I want."
37When Jesus came back and found the disciples sleeping, he said to Simon Peter, "Are you asleep? Can't you stay awake for just one hour? 38Stay awake and pray that you won't be tested. You want to do what is right, but you are weak."
39Jesus went back and prayed the same prayer. 40But when he returned to the disciples, he found them sleeping again. They simply could not keep their eyes open, and they did not know what to say.
41When Jesus returned to the disciples the third time, he said, "Are you still sleeping and resting? [c] Enough of that! The time has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to sinners. 42Get up! Let's go. The one who will betray me is already here."

Father, help those who are tempted to continue wrong decisions that create destruction and do not contain your will. Help us to see truth in facing what is in front of us. Ready our hearts to accept the things that aren't easy, but know that it is your will to move forward despite the hardship because it's the right thing to do. Always bless those that strive to do your will and show your love...

*Strength During Adversity*

I have a co-worker that found out about 5 weeks ago that she has breast cancer. Her first chemo therapy was yesterday. Believe it or not, she was at work today. I am amazed at her strength and her attitude going into this. She will have both breasts removed eventually even though she is taking chemo. She is 45 years old. She has already bought a wig and is wearing her pink breast cancer t-shirts to support the cause that she has been thrust into. Adversity comes in many forms and in many different ways. Whether it's an illness, financial, relationships, family, death, injustice or just a disabling cut on a finger, God can help us during these times. Look to Him! He will help you understand the whys and hows in these things. Even if we don't ever understand the reasons of why bad things happen to good people, He can hold us tight and help us with our attitude to go forward anyway. What you do with the bad things that happen to you shows the strength of who you really are. The world notices, and so does your heavenly Father.

—Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Father, protect those who face adversities in their lives. Help them to seek you out for strength. With your strength, we can do all things. Heal those that face tribulations daily. Instead of sharing their weary woes of hardship and anger, please advise their hearts to share the attitude of faith that You can heal and love~~

Good Fruit.....

A personal note: It has been said that some of us who have made a commitment to pray for hearts to soften and that hate would stop against Raye and her family are trying to 'change' the beliefs of others. Anyone that knows this family knows where we come from and what our morals, ethics and beliefs are. We are a very accepting family and respect others opinions and beliefs. This is a blog from OUR family, so the opinions of OUR religious beliefs are only shared and not forced upon anyone. The public needs to know that we are not 'monsters' and have a Godly heart. Prayer has been the center of this family for generations. As for those that speak out against our freedom to share our beliefs, I DO pray for you.

Matthew 12:33-35 (New Living Translation)

33 “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.

Father, I pray for those that speak evil things against others. Surely they know what is good and evil? Help them to discern right and wrong and the words they speak be only of good things for you to hear. Grant peace and contentment in their hearts. Help us all to live a life of integrity and a life that follows your example. May each of us touch someone everyday in a positive, loving manner with a forgiving spirit. I ask you to give us all strength to endure the pain and sorrow that burdens us every moment of the day. Please help us to heal.~~