tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85405790764719342672024-03-12T14:19:05.582-07:00Susie Saint‘What marvellous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God!’joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-6049509144700245792023-11-03T09:38:00.001-07:002023-11-03T09:41:40.096-07:00Heaven here we come Part 2<p>We have eternity planted by God in our heart,<b> Ecclesiastes 3:11. </b>All our lives, deep down in our hearts, we are looking for meaning and purpose. We have a God shaped hole that we may not recognise but only He can fill.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="585" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwytOvwoADU43xs7iECLgXE59u7I3K2bm01BZkfzD-T4k6Anim781hOtRMk_j-7HWsNpnD46tXAjeSPavOLRnhop1gbfjbQn3KvoVSwU56QoGjQQJxontM5d8B4C7NxQYS2AvPGKwogSeWLGFBHgiajTsX68UQG4fyABS2-qqFXJrrGc2_spUWe2GhjGo/w183-h200/sleep-5655423_640%20(1).png" width="183" /></div><p></p><p></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p> When we are hurt in any way we build up a resistance to being hurt again and so can harden our hearts. This can make it harder to accept the Truth when we hear it. The wonderful part of this is, it is not our action to fill this great hole, Father God draws us by His Spirit in so many and various ways, we just need to respond. He never forces Himself on us, and thankfully He never gives up on us.</p><p>There are so many books and YouTubes around with stories of people who had Near Death Experiences which are so encouraging. But let us look at what the Word says and ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes for Truth that we can hold onto by faith. When we hold onto any promises by faith, (trust, belief) this always pleases our Father,<b> Hebrews 11:6 </b></p><div style="text-align: left;">I love Jesus's own words in <b>John 14:1-3</b> <i><span class="text John-14-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me.</span></span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text John-14-2" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NLT-26636" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">2 </span><span class="woj">There is more than enough room in My Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?</span></span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text John-14-3" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NLT-26637" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">3 </span><span class="woj">When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am.'</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="text John-14-3" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="text John-14-3" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">We dont really need more words than that, what a promise. But what about these thoughts <i> '</i></span></span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><i>He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.' </i><b>Revelation 21:4.😭</b> So even if Heaven is not what we imagined, to have no more crying or pain and death will be .............. Words fail me.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">And the place itself is out of this world. All over the Bible are verses describing Heaven, but I get so excited when I focus on <b>Revelation 21:1-27</b> and <b>22:1-21</b>. Let us just feed our imagination with a few of these Truths. 'I am making everything new' 'It is finished. I am the Alpha and Omega - the beginning and the end.' Remember all He made at the very beginning, the amazing garden, sure He is planning a much more amazing Eden/ Heaven, when we all come together to worship Him and see Him face to face in all His Glory.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">'<i>All who are thirsty will drink from the springs of Life'</i> There is also a river flowing from the Throne of God and the Lamb, as clear as crystal. It flows down the main street of Heaven and on each side grew a tree of Life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop every month and the leaves are used for healing the Nations.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">One of the angels described in <b>R</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>evelation 21:10-23</b> took John in the Spirit up a great high mountain to show him the Holy City, Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God. It shone with the Glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone, as clear as crystal The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve Angels. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. Then the walls of the city had twelve foundation stones and on each of them were written the Names of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. These foundation stones were inlaid with twelve precious stones. The City was pure gold as clear as glass.. Each gate was from one single pearl. There is no Temple in the City as the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the place of worship and their Glory illuminates the City and Jesus is the Light, so no night and no darkness at all., so all whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (<b>Revelation 3:5</b>)<b> </b>will be able to enter.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Then there are the flowers, like the colours from the stones, the indescribable grandeur and yet miniscule beauty.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIJVsleQVQq1_o7i_RAo6o-deDiOGABO-sbQ9y6V1FlT0za0MxcYN9W3OtSETuLNOyU22m_R0dQyYQsiZgBK-QwkMv_RgagL7i2YFy_aqisBCfpaHZsBDS3iMQjx7xGVC2fPXUnPzJT9NGJJ6Xxa7QE_9nTUi8Tk4Q2aK673jHVzskVykKa2as_8BCUY/s640/hibiscus-150978_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="640" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIJVsleQVQq1_o7i_RAo6o-deDiOGABO-sbQ9y6V1FlT0za0MxcYN9W3OtSETuLNOyU22m_R0dQyYQsiZgBK-QwkMv_RgagL7i2YFy_aqisBCfpaHZsBDS3iMQjx7xGVC2fPXUnPzJT9NGJJ6Xxa7QE_9nTUi8Tk4Q2aK673jHVzskVykKa2as_8BCUY/w200-h198/hibiscus-150978_640.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /> The Father God, Who with His Son Jesus Christ and the inspiration and Glory of the Holy Spirit created each person. He chose each individual before the creation of the earth, making each of us with different eyes and fingerprints, surely He would make our eternal home just as individual and unique, our very own part of Eden. In the Book of<b> Song of Songs 2:10-13</b> where love is described in such beautiful detail and lots of the description describes nature full of colour and variety all from our Father's heart. How excited He must be to show us all that He has done and planned for us, when we arrive at our eternal home, Heaven</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">There are still lots of questions but I am so thankful that I can trust Him completely as He is God and I am not meant to understand all He has prepeared for me, but I can look forward to being quite overwhelmed by all that my Heavenly home will be like when I arrive. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><i>'For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now, rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever</i>'<b> 2 Corinthians 4:17-18</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>We have so much to look forward to, let us pray for our family and friends and for a holy boldness to tell everyone about His amazing love for all who will listen💓💓.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-86901412082616557682023-10-19T02:30:00.000-07:002023-10-19T02:30:13.537-07:00Heaven here we come.Part One<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>My eldest daughter Sara and I </span>are looking at a cruise together, on my 'bucket list', something I
have always wanted to do and Dave never did. Sara's husband is not
keen on this, unless he is captaining the yacht. I am
researching on the web, asking companies for brochures, thinking
about the size, destiny and comfort of the cruise liner, so much fun,
full of dreams, divine appointments; ideas of comfort; trips on shore
and good food. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>So we all know we are going to die, the only guarantee in life, and yet we don't have coffee shop chats about 'what will it be like? Where do you think you are going? 'Would you recommend it?' 'If you died tonight where do you think you will go?' It is the 'elephant' in the room. In the Bible it says,</span><span> 'Look I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore. Be glad; rejoice forever in My creation!' </span><b>Isaiah 65:17</b></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So how can I be ready for my forever life? It is not wise to not think through wherever I am going be? Seek out how I am going to get there? What will it be like? if it is a place, what will I be doing? or not doing? Who else will be there?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It says in <b>Hebrews 2:14,15</b>; that Jesus came to remove the fear of death, and by being human He showed us that He has prepared the way.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I have been very fearful of dying, a bit like being pregnant and I know in order to have this precious baby I am trapped to having to go through the labour. So knowing that to go into an unknown eternity I have to let go of control of every person and place in this life, and trust Jesus. I have set about in the last few months to find out what awaits me on the other side of death. The Bible has a lot to say about it and Jesus does not want us to be ignorant. In fact He would rather our minds were more focused on eternity than our everyday issues. Time is short,</span><span><b> '</b></span><span class="text 1Cor-7-29" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NLT-28477" style="background-color: white;">But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage.</span><span class="text 1Cor-7-30" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NLT-28478" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span>Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions.</span><span class="text 1Cor-7-31" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NLT-28479" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span>Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away'. <b>1 Corinthians 7:29-31 </b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I have also been enjoying a few books and YouTubes about Near Death Experiences, especially where research included believers in Jesus Christ and non believers there were so many reports in common. From their experiences many</span> found Jesus for themselves. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Having looked at post death experiences and the Word, I know without doubt I will be received by overwhelming LOVE, after all God gave His precious Son so I can be accepted and stand clean before Him. Forgiven of ALLI have done, even my good actions have had wrong motives.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>We can have decided what is going to happen to us after we die and give it no more thought BUT is this the Truth? Imagine waking up on our new holiday and finding out 'this is not how I thought it was going to be' but there is nothing I can do to change the destination, I could have made my choice, when listening to friends talking; watching YouTubes; behaviour of church people;</span><span> </span><span>but maybe they were not telling me the truth, I have to make my own choice. After all if I dont want to spend time with the God of the Universe here, why would I want to spend time with Him in the next life. He never rejects us we reject Him.</span></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoDuaeXSZzKWmK1DfP1hm4pDK56SAY6naLT7ho_GAMJKrm-_VKEVRbOaoRfI0pBe1CVLQiy7Wvq5DQhXZsE-I4xBBntLpi_IAMqbe_QEW5SSzudgMWEPI4MEjAUpp5zWFdhQRHJE-FxtHt_lVZ9PC3cq3phSx6YnazlWC40MgPSGk2ky6cfXgMqG3NPXk" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoDuaeXSZzKWmK1DfP1hm4pDK56SAY6naLT7ho_GAMJKrm-_VKEVRbOaoRfI0pBe1CVLQiy7Wvq5DQhXZsE-I4xBBntLpi_IAMqbe_QEW5SSzudgMWEPI4MEjAUpp5zWFdhQRHJE-FxtHt_lVZ9PC3cq3phSx6YnazlWC40MgPSGk2ky6cfXgMqG3NPXk=w320-h240" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This is Dave's last painting of the narrow gate, he didnt realise that his days were very short but obviously he was focusing on his Heavenly home and the narrow gate to get there, <b>Matthew 7:13</b>. This is such a massive and wonderful subject after all who doesn't want to go on the most amazing holiday, perfect destination, all inclusive, and surrounded by Love so if you are not sure, Jesus promises 'you will find Me if you seek Me with your whole heart' <b>Jeremiah 29:13 and Luke 12:31</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out if you have a paid ticket to the right destination go to "https://www.joyforlife.org/index.php/the-best-news" </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Enjoy the journey and see you the</span><span style="font-size: large;">re. </span></p><p><br /></p>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-71492458506358719522023-06-19T11:11:00.002-07:002023-11-03T11:41:47.304-07:00If Only .........<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Since Dave died I have had so many opportunities to say if only, 'If only I hadn't kept that grudge.' 'If only I had listened more when he tried to teach me on the computer.' 'If only I had found out where to fill the car engine with oil'.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">'If only I hadn't made that comment'<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">'If only I hadn't posted that message'<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">'If only I had said sorry straight away or never made the comment in the first place'<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">'If only we had trusted Jesus more'.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">When we lose a partner, a child, a friend from death or even a business, a house,.......... (fill in the space) there can be so many 'if onlys........' but it brings us to a massive place of regret, a regret we can do nothing about.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Imagine how many 'if onlys' Peter spoke and thought about coming up to Pentecost, <b>Acts 2:14.</b> He knew Jesus was the Messiah, the Father had shown that Truth to him and called him, <b>Matthew 4:18</b>. He saw the Transfiguration and wanted to tell Jesus what he could do for Him, <b>Matthew 17:4</b>. What about walking on water, imagine 'if only I hadn't looked down' <b>Matthew 14:29</b>.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">If only I hadn't said I would never deny Him, <br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">If only I had slipped away and not tried to stick around the court house.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">If only; ..... if only I had taken on board His warning to me,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">If only I had been honest with Him and say I didn't understand,.....<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">If only He had made it all clearer, if only I had realised He didn't mean I was going to be important in His new Government.....</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">'If only' ........When Jesus was resurrected, He came straight to Peter to ask him if he really loved Him? <b>John 21:15-18</b>. What a challenge after the previous few days. Peter must have had so many 'If onlys' in his head. 'If only' I had been faithful to Him when I could; 'If only' I was there when He needed me the most..</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">.......<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">But now, none of this is helpful, positive or building Peter up, he now knows he is forgiven, Peter told Jesus three times that he loves Him more than anything or anybody. Peter knows too, he can look forward. Jesus has told all the disciples to go back to Jerusalem and wait to receive the power of the Holy Spirit, <b>Acts 1:8</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Peter now experienced the life transforming power of the Holy Spirit and will obey His leading day by day with no regrets - no 'if onlys' so he can walk as Jesus walked and do what Jesus did. His first sermon when laying hands on the man sitting at the Temple door, 3000 people were saved, <b>Acts 3:1-8</b>. No more speaking without thinking. He now has a heart full of compassion for the marginalised, even those who killed his Saviour.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">I am learning to give all my 'if onlys' to Jesus, lay them at His feet and recognise He dealt with them all, at the time when they happened, and there is no need to allow them to hold me back. Let us like Peter make a new start, walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, 'as without Him we can do nothing'. Have a good day, and no more time wasted on <b>'if only</b>.......' <br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-20369238389742530992023-02-08T09:07:00.000-08:002023-02-08T09:07:30.892-08:00Praise in the storm.<div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some time ago I went out my front door with slippers on, and a coat, no phone, just to pop a piece of paper into the neighbour's letter box. As soon as I stepped away from my front door I realised I did not have my key, and worse I had left it on the inside of the front door, and the door latch locks on contact. I have spare keys with neighbours for just such a time as this, but not when I have the key on the inside of the lock. AAAAAAAAH. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKN75LKWuDtR4Ql_WqfAZK7qu0U3fgZphpGicKYeA0iJIIyN8LkdhmKowCX1dNpJhCTT-Uj2VbVYindCgzBzdIt0MSnYPOD1wgvSVrqOKfQCN7AJCPrH07a7O7BUM80Y57JFg_9p262XZy9QKy2b8t3zzN9jULvMcdk925OiqVxwrOpyLnVaSyggM/s640/key-g6afc2561c_640.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKN75LKWuDtR4Ql_WqfAZK7qu0U3fgZphpGicKYeA0iJIIyN8LkdhmKowCX1dNpJhCTT-Uj2VbVYindCgzBzdIt0MSnYPOD1wgvSVrqOKfQCN7AJCPrH07a7O7BUM80Y57JFg_9p262XZy9QKy2b8t3zzN9jULvMcdk925OiqVxwrOpyLnVaSyggM/w200-h113/key-g6afc2561c_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />A kind neighbour suggested going in via the back door. 'I never leave my key on the inside of the back door', I stated boldly. I picked up my spare back door key from another neighbour, (good strategic planning), spent 20 minutes trying to get it to work. My amazing neighbour came round and realised I had indeed left my key in the inside lock of the backdoor as well. He managed to fiddle the spare key enough to allow him to use his key to unlock my house and let me in.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">In this little cameo when I was stepping out of my front door I realised I had a choice, while my stomach was churning and my head was full of 'what ifs', I was thinking through every scenario of potential problems especially as I was meant to be on my way to a Zoom meeting. OR I could call on the Holy Spirit to lead me and listen to Him instead of all the reasonings in my mind and just praise Jesus with all my heart so I walked along my garden path praising Him with my hands in the air, that He had a plan, He wouldn't leave me homeless for the night. With some wiggling of my backdoor key, my neighbour managed to loosen the key, and it fell to the floor and he was able to unlock my back door and I gained entry to my home. I certainly had a praise party that night and learnt a big lesson from my Father, praise in the storm.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lm4YUHjg8Uukc1rMZsw7EaBOE2ynFqeXMeBsBUoJJ7wpHnS7bj2NdXe342IIXDWMk-4P7V0gzY-BnS-ceBBwInqUOw6LgmC3QYFBqh_bAADvQL-OPe6A3guNmfVTe3hgFdgwxCBehtF-dps6zHeM65IfynbgLt46Xx0jKOlBWuY71PfCQsNuFLlJ/w150-h200/vintage-g778dcdab0_640.png" width="150" /></span></div><span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Prayer 'Father God when I have any problem please help me to focus more on YOU rather than the problem. You are so much bigger than any problem. Guide me Holy Spirit to throw my heart into praise rather than panic in Jesus Name and for His Glory, Amen.</span></span><p></p>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-53039396411505350252023-01-13T03:04:00.001-08:002023-01-16T01:09:49.811-08:00Joy Always<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Just think about this for a few moments, JOY ALWAYS, it is enough to lift our
spirits in any trial. And</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> this is the JOY Jesus had, even when He faced the Cross,<b> James 1:2-3.</b> I am sure He didn’t feel happy
as the circumstances were dire in every area of His life; the Cross itself; leaving His Mother, who He knew would hurt so much; His closest friends would
desert Him, and all the people, whom He loved so much would hate Him. </span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif">But He had the
bigger picture, of the ‘joy set before Him’. He encourages us to have the same
eternal perspective in every situation, even when our hearts are breaking, </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hebrews 12:2; Colossians 3:1-3</b></p><p><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">We may feel that we have no joy in our present tough</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"> situation but Jesus said in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 15:11</b></span> <span class="s5">"These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." So His joy is available to us on a moment by moment basis. Just think of it - Jesus has put His </span><span class="s6"><i>own</i></span><span class="s5"> joy in our heart from the moment we were born again by the Spirit of God.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="s5">How do we put that force of joy to work in our life? </span>Just like we put the force of salvation to work in our life,<b> by faith</b>.</p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">First, we trust we have received it.</p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="s5">Then we speak it out with our mouth. (In other words, quit crying and start shouting "Hallelujah" instead!)</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="s5">Then we start agreeing we have joy by doing it, praising Him, worshiping, His promises.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="s5"> </span><span class="s5">The Holy Spirit will teach us how to develop Jesus’ joy.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span class="s5">, take time out to lay aside every thought, every weight, and every care and get your heart focused on Jesus.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span class="s5"><br /></span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span class="s5">No matter what our circumstances we can be full of joy.</span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span class="s5">We can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.</span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span class="s5">We can draw on the joy of the Holy Spirit within us and come out in victory!</span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="s5"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">We can just keep
thinking about that and talking about it until the joy of the Lord starts to
bubble up within us. Then we'll be strong enough to whip any kind of trouble that comes our way!</span></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span class="s5"><br /></span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="640" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezNZB2Hs1TbV6wP3-w65f91POrAk8FHnTgqeTnZ-wv2AXP66-UjoqF66WWexGOPRqz0Am_GWeNj8m27NcjmtFM6zWP796Y4bRAHZ_Xw7r2m6PFn2MeSjfH1EVfTWJ2YiTby52vitsIumiiK7tD83J_QkVVNbxYsoj70okDlmBAId0mdhoQlOi0vhN/w317-h228/watercolour-g52bd78f51_640.jpg" width="317" /><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></blockquote></blockquote><p> <span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Paul desired for the disciples to be strengthened and
invigorated with all power, according to HIS' glorious might and to attain every
kind of endurance and patience WITH joy, giving thanks to the Father. </span>That's what Paul did, he
certainly had trouble, he'd been stoned, and whipped and imprisoned, and
ridiculed - and yet he was always rejoicing, never in self-pity. He kept
re-energizing joy by drawing on the supply of the Holy Spirit within himself.
Joy kept his attitude right. Joy kept him looking to God and flowing in Holy Spirit power. We can do the same, His power within us.</p>
<p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"> Joy doesn't depend on our constantly
fluctuating emotions.</p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="s5"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Joy affects the mind, making it alive and receptive.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="s5"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Joy
makes the human will vibrant and yielded to God.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="s5"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Joy even affects the body. 'A joyful, cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul. But the one whose heart is crushed strugles with sickness and depression'<b> Proverbs 17:22 TPT</b></span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">Just over a week ago I got a call at 5am asking me to return home for a serious family health situation. According to Google I was 3hrs 12 minutes away. While packing my case I put the situation into Father's hands and had a deep sense that He was working this situation out and I could trust Him. I certainly wasn't happy with this situation but all the time while driving home in the bucketing rain, I had a deep seated joy. So when any anxious thought came I just kept praising. All I could remember to focus on was the Lord's prayer, 'thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven' and there is no death in Heaven. His joy was overwhelming at times. If I had not been driving I probably would be jumping up and twirling around. The outcome was just as the Father had promised me.</p>
<p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="s5"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Each of the fruit of the Holy Spirit
supports the others. It takes them all, working together, to make us complete. Joy
is not just a state of mind. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Joy is a
very real force</b>. The devil doesn't have anything that can stand up against
faith, joy, love, peace, longsuffering, goodness or self-control. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Discouragement, disappointment, disaster, disorder, disputes, divisions, doubts, all have to yield to joy</b>. We dont need to stir ourselves up to be overcome by JOY just allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in us. Go for it BE JOYFILLED and the world will see JESUS.</span></span></p>
<p class="s2" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-26007338045664619072021-12-04T06:35:00.000-08:002021-12-04T06:35:17.430-08:00Unity in Diversity Part 2<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So as we made the point in <b>Part 1</b> if we are believers in Jesus Christ, we are all born of the same Holy Spirit, so united in our spirit and all part of the Body of Christ</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxhA5Z5XMgsMCzRn8WXwx8Y4fPSgePlV1V_z7dd1DeiHCr5P9xrw-POXziQHklgrFpPADq3OGJPJHjKcIOdXO7osuA2WWjl93TwrnYGjAzb775NfFhIgvbl4iQwNhgXEPswyuD-hw61k/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="640" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxhA5Z5XMgsMCzRn8WXwx8Y4fPSgePlV1V_z7dd1DeiHCr5P9xrw-POXziQHklgrFpPADq3OGJPJHjKcIOdXO7osuA2WWjl93TwrnYGjAzb775NfFhIgvbl4iQwNhgXEPswyuD-hw61k/w200-h160/hearts-g8788a83d9_640.png" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"> But we are also very unique, being made in His image, making us the person He wants us to be. We can celebrate our individuality. God doesn't want us to be like everyone else so why do we kick against His pricks to copy those we admire, or feel inferior because we are not the same.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Even Paul and Barnabas had their differences of opinion 'Tempers flared, and they ended up going their separate ways.....' <b>Acts 15:37-41</b>. They were both working for the Kingdom of God, but they saw, at that time, what they felt the Holy Spirit was leading them into individually and they did not agree. They differed on how to go about it. Paul wanted to take Silas but Barnabas 'full of the Holy Spirit and faith' (<b>Acts 11:24</b>), wanted to take John. But according to Paul 'he wasn't about to take along a quitter who as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia' <b>Acts 15:39</b> msg. I am sure Paul and Barnabas had not meant to fall out or hurt each other. They had been through so many challenging experiences together, pointing people to Jesus, setting up churches, surviving persecution. Now they chose to recognise this was not a close friendship at this time but to let it go and move on. Both their priorities was to not hold up God's Kingdom work, but to constantly keep the eternal goal in front of them.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9i5YaenAH5QlMhkLMYadt-A37xhX764nN_czUZX-QELA6EQh0C2LdxOa6crQMghr-IJH9XSmrfgrckYuy9nZwUBIsSoeOAJbmSltejXNSTvXL2DTOGCz6Um7TBojz41HkVFPxYjCGno/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="640" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9i5YaenAH5QlMhkLMYadt-A37xhX764nN_czUZX-QELA6EQh0C2LdxOa6crQMghr-IJH9XSmrfgrckYuy9nZwUBIsSoeOAJbmSltejXNSTvXL2DTOGCz6Um7TBojz41HkVFPxYjCGno/w200-h118/heart-3+together.png" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Even Mary and Martha had their differences and built up resentment against each other. Martha even getting Jesus involved in the conflict, (<b>Luke 10:40</b>) but dear Martha, was put in her place very lovingly by Jesus. This hasn't seemed to cause her to change her behaviour at this time, 'There is only one thing worth being concerned about, Mary has discovered it......' <b>Luke 10:42</b>. After Lazarus died and Jesus, Who had waited on God's timing to go to the sisters, Martha is going out to meet Him, but Mary stayed in the house. <b>John 11:20</b>. So had Martha's priorities changed, and was she now thinking like her sister?<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">As believers we are called to love one another whatever we feel. I can feel wrong and do what is right then I can walk in the Holy Spirit. Then the world knows that Jesus is real and relevant for today. We are even asked to love our enemies and pray for those who spitefully use us, (<b>Matthew 5:44</b>) this is so different from the world, and helps to bring us into unity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So in the light of what the Holy Spirit is saying to us let us really ask Him to show us where we are NOT united in His way and what He wants us to do about it? We are told if we look into the Word and then do nothing we are fooling ourselves..........<b>James 1:22-25</b>, </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqKFt4TBMqwON4DXSlZ5NP-q_vSlsgdHQI90s4M_cxe5Rl0xfYaDiEoxZ3akcyh7FNLfdoJt03Tq3phSYTYSPPtJ1aNQb4pXIcN8TMiZLHupKJaCXpslvuSGc6gmFqGqvUsFXjYijY4Y/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqKFt4TBMqwON4DXSlZ5NP-q_vSlsgdHQI90s4M_cxe5Rl0xfYaDiEoxZ3akcyh7FNLfdoJt03Tq3phSYTYSPPtJ1aNQb4pXIcN8TMiZLHupKJaCXpslvuSGc6gmFqGqvUsFXjYijY4Y/w200-h143/woman-g3f30d56e4_640.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Remember Jesus, He had Judas in His team, He didn't go 'I am not going to hang around with you lot because of that traitor Judas'. He didn't even gossip to His closest disciples about Judas putting his hand into the money purse. He didn't even try to show Judas up by trying to trap him. There must have been so many opportunities for Him to expose Judas's corruption and yet right to the end, He was washing Judas's feet, and sharing the Passover meal, our amazing merciful Jesus gave Judas lots of opportunities to repent. How did Jesus love him so much? He gave us the most amazing example of how to walk in His footsteps on the earth and to have a heart of love for all people, even willing to lay down our time, reputation, money for those we don't even like, just to show Jesus to the world. We can only do that by walking in the Holy Spirit.</span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Romans 5:5</b> NLT 'For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love' So let us be proactive in loving with His love and bringing about unity for His Name's sake.<br /> </span><p></p><p><br /></p>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-14418863259341688352021-10-22T02:36:00.000-07:002021-10-22T02:36:06.262-07:00Unity in Diversity Part 1.<p> All through my Christian life I have felt challenged about the Bible's instructions about being 'united'. I can understand in a small way being 'united with Christ' (<b>Ephesians 1:11</b>) but that is my personal relationship with Jesus that He bought for all people at the Cross. <b>But</b> 'all believers were united in heart and mind.' (<b>Acts 4:32</b>) that is a whole different picture. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhgXyjhDmByQSsrVC1zyqpc-FJ20DxsO4Kg02uaz6tAhovHbQpkf7GwlbhdYyqPR3ccyBvoLLaC90YvRRsglBZT_NaBuKbBuCHACSjOalIS_VGZk2eAFGKlDiseu_QW8q7eUldm_aP8A/s640/friends-different+made.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="640" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhgXyjhDmByQSsrVC1zyqpc-FJ20DxsO4Kg02uaz6tAhovHbQpkf7GwlbhdYyqPR3ccyBvoLLaC90YvRRsglBZT_NaBuKbBuCHACSjOalIS_VGZk2eAFGKlDiseu_QW8q7eUldm_aP8A/w200-h118/friends-different+made.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />What does that look like in my relationships? I recognise that I am the clay and He is the potter (<b>Isaiah 64:8</b>). I understand that our Father chose to make every person unique, He gives me His love for each person He made and wants me to show that love to all. As a parent He wants His children to love one another as He has loved us, <b>John 15:9</b>.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K4Sr2Y_uhU-iLJUHBonwGcJ__xI90bvRNe4hUpRTTDYPZY6rnMwl7VzXb-UbvxX4I7WPMRlX9CcvA8CqBtj7xFPRBD00KOkLsfH2CmI15_YVJwYh-EAv-AFdoLmVRIMbUngdriTk9FA/s640/woman-and+butterflies.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="453" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K4Sr2Y_uhU-iLJUHBonwGcJ__xI90bvRNe4hUpRTTDYPZY6rnMwl7VzXb-UbvxX4I7WPMRlX9CcvA8CqBtj7xFPRBD00KOkLsfH2CmI15_YVJwYh-EAv-AFdoLmVRIMbUngdriTk9FA/w142-h200/woman-and+butterflies.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>How can we be united in the church, for example, when we can see people across the room who we know haven't talked for months because of an offense. How can we be united when I know someone has judged, I have forgiven them but they find me difficult to be around?<p>This week when talking to Father about this I was so thrilled to realise that all born again believers are born of the same Holy Spirit (<b>1 Corinthians 12:4</b>). Without Him we are not born again or a child of God. It is the Father Who draws us (<b>John 6:44</b>) and it is the Holy Spirit, Who raised Jesus from the dead, Who comes to live in us (<b>Romans 8:11</b>) So we all come under the same Name. But just like children in the same family have the same surname, but can be very different, or like peas in a pod, so it is similar in the Body of Christ.</p><p></p><p>In <b>1 Corinthians 12</b> Paul describes the variety in Christ's Body so well. 'God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us............. We are one body with many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body....... we all share the same Spirit'.</p><p>When I was working as a volunteer in a women's prison doing 'Joy for Life', a lovely girl came up to me prior to the start of class and said she had just become a Christian. She explained that the other Christians, who I knew were about to attend the 'Joy for Life' time, had told her that she couldn't be a Christian as she was a lesbian. After a quick arrow prayer I gave my sister in Christ a big hug and just said to her 'welcome, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgRvS5EaVUsqYjTAgv6Oea7FY4XkCWJADingIf4qODavw4l2mLJ0MAPQcBE95exdpOTgyYxjCFl_ZGQGH-OOu1rPWnlrjg6-CzW6UrztlpE6WOU_I0kXmx4Iv2rHT-LUTncWbLZI1w68/s640/children-g1323bbc8d_640.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgRvS5EaVUsqYjTAgv6Oea7FY4XkCWJADingIf4qODavw4l2mLJ0MAPQcBE95exdpOTgyYxjCFl_ZGQGH-OOu1rPWnlrjg6-CzW6UrztlpE6WOU_I0kXmx4Iv2rHT-LUTncWbLZI1w68/w320-h213/children-g1323bbc8d_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>you lesbian, me proud'. We all have stuff to deal with. She went on after six months of attending class to tell me she had broken off her relationship, and after a further six months, to say Father God had shown her she was no longer a lesbian.<p></p><p>Do we expect the believers we mix with to be all in the same mold and anyone slightly different in their beliefs, or actions, or the way they pray, we keep away from? I am learning to not be judgmental of believers who have different ways of doing things or opinions to me. I pray that Father shows me how He sees them and bring my thoughts into line with His love. This is all so exciting, not that we feel so great when seeing people we are not drawn to, but the wonderful Holy Spirit will show us how to love every other person in His Body with His power not our own natural reactions, <b>1 John 4:7</b></p><p>In Summary - 'Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves His children too' <b>1 John 5:1</b></p><p>For further study https://www.joyforlife.org/index.php/real-love/</p></div>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-81507773269108315992021-02-07T11:26:00.002-08:002021-02-14T09:43:44.752-08:00Perfect LOVE drives out fear <div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A week ago I took a very precious friend to a nearby hospital to have her monthly eye injections following all the guidelines for being a volunteer driver. Having dropped her off I wait in the car park for a couple of hours. I needed a comfort break so walked into the hospital where staff check your temperature and you say your business. I felt as if I was hit by a wall of fear, it was tangible in people's mannerisms and their eyes when we can't see smiles. Even when in the Eastern Block in the Cold War I didn't feel this. I wanted to stop and talk to people about God's amazing love and I felt so sad and more determined than ever to talk about the amazing LOVE we all have poured into our hearts when we choose Jesus as number one.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Fear causes us to say things like 'I could never....... do that,..... go there,..... speak to them..... be any good at......' and the rest! Think about what you declare with your mouth, is it a truth or a lie?</span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div><br /></div><div>It is hard to talk about LOVE and focus on 'fear' and yet that is the very powerful force that limits love working in our lives and is often at the root of many problems we have.</div><div><b>1 John 4:18-19 </b>'There is no fear in LOVE (dread does not exist). But perfect (complete, full grown) LOVE drives out fear, because fear involves (the expectation of Divine) punishment, so the one who is afraid (of God's Judgement) is not perfected in LOVE (has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God's LOVE). We love, because He first Loved us.'</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>
Fear can be so deep rooted that we respond to situations and don't even know why we react like that. Of course there is the fight or flight automatic reaction which saves us from many dangers. Recently I was about to fall over and the first word out of my mouth was 'Jesus' (not as a swear word) and as I landed on the concrete slabs nothing at all was damaged much to the surprise of all around me. So let us have His Name forefront in our talk.</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Fear is a very massive response in most situations today as the TV News is full of horror stories, as is the multimedia. We are in danger of our mind picking up these stories if we do not protect ourselves by speaking His Word out of our mouth as a weapon in this war for our spirit.</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">FEAR is </span><b style="font-family: helvetica;">F</b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">alse </span><b style="font-family: helvetica;">E</b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">vidence </span><b style="font-family: helvetica;">A</b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ppearing </span><b style="font-family: helvetica;">R</b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">eal. So when we get symptoms in our body which we often accept, not recognising them as false evidence from the enemy, then we have a battle on our hands.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But let us focus on His LOVE as the Word says that this is what deals with 'fear'. This LOVE is not a happy feeling it is GOD Himself. Our love is very varied. We use the same word for our children and chocolate. There is no comparison but I believe this verse is not calling for a head response, a knowledge that we have lots of verses to back up that Father loves us. It is not an intellectual relationship, using our brains to prove the point. It is receiving His heart into our heart and allowing Him to give us a new heart and put a new spirit within us. He takes away our heart of stone and we let Him give us a new heart of flesh, that is responsive to His touch. </span><b style="font-family: helvetica;">Ezekiel 11:19.</b></div><div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Without a doubt this has been the biggest change in my life this last year. The light bulb moment of recognising that lots of good things I have said about God's love has now dropped from my head to my heart. I no longer need to be driven by activity for acceptance and approval. I can just rest in my LOVE relationship with Him alone and KNOW that just the way I am is just right for HIM and this overwhelms me. All the wasted years striving and manipulating to be loved when I am totally unconditionally loved from the beginning of time. I love the Word far more, I want to spend more time just enjoying Jesus and obey His leading as this is the most exciting life.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Father's Love Letter says it all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsBhvSMQUk4</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you want to study further look at 'Real Love' in </span><b style="font-family: helvetica;">Joy for Life</b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> Bible studies looking at the book of </span><b style="font-family: helvetica;">1 John</b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><br />
<br /></div></div></div>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-66575391601762007322020-12-10T09:33:00.000-08:002020-12-10T09:33:14.938-08:00Disappointment, Loss and Grief<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I went on a course recently about these subjects and was a bit concerned as I am truly feeling so blessed, so happy, so settled and thankful in Jesus. I didn't want anything to upset my equilibrium. On the course we covered most of the manifestations of grief that I experienced, in the form of confusion; unbelief, lots of tears; mood swings; sleeplessness and overwhelming tiredness and a sense of failure. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg04QJGqvWzU93PWwRXBjxfqVfo6RTfvghouIYI7P1UmPObZRZvgavHEMTFjwW9TBdmsjjOixvIjSCgJhCuq9QZBe0qCuGoNQGIRf7dGdyhnxv2YjYtkS45DjJa7qIxo-jW385_gJIvI/s640/woman-1246587_640.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg04QJGqvWzU93PWwRXBjxfqVfo6RTfvghouIYI7P1UmPObZRZvgavHEMTFjwW9TBdmsjjOixvIjSCgJhCuq9QZBe0qCuGoNQGIRf7dGdyhnxv2YjYtkS45DjJa7qIxo-jW385_gJIvI/w200-h133/woman-1246587_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We looked at the vicious circle of feeling alone and so withdrawing because of not being sure anyone understands and I can't face anymore hurt. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Our loss affects us on so many different levels as every one's grief is unique and we need to respect other people's journey. Physically we can have all sorts of symptoms as our body has to express our loss, especially if we are unable to vocalise it. There are so many emotions that I experienced with loss, sadness, regret, anger, disappointment and guilt. People talked to me a lot about finding a new 'normal'. I didn't want any life without Dave. That wasn't 'normal' from my perspective. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">People can say lots of well meaning words and we can so easily get offended. I realised whatever people say can be wrong from my perspective, but I need to see their hearts. I much preferred that to people crossing over the road because they didn't know what to say. When we lost our baby the greatest conversation was with a friend who came and sat in silence beside me and cried. In </span><b style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">2 Corinthians 1:4</span></b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">'Jesus always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out upon us.' </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">That was definitely my friend's story.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-cPJTD2Nf7rZiQUz08JfRkjZtpBHL7WO6AhVi8h1PLmqNWkuwf1VzedcPWxXum2i-EQNaARu97Gxq3VcOjngrs3P6BhL9kDxaxHcDWcUT4CUccKHIfNancCxglvkzudHUkrRy_Qpo-M/s640/candle-4793305_640.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-cPJTD2Nf7rZiQUz08JfRkjZtpBHL7WO6AhVi8h1PLmqNWkuwf1VzedcPWxXum2i-EQNaARu97Gxq3VcOjngrs3P6BhL9kDxaxHcDWcUT4CUccKHIfNancCxglvkzudHUkrRy_Qpo-M/w200-h133/candle-4793305_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">All the disappointments and losses we go through as we give them to Jesus and 'let go' of them daily, allowing Him to heal the deep wounds and turn them for our good. Then Father uses us to comfort others going through a similar situation.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Anyway towards the end of the day on the course we were asked to comment on anything that we had found helpful. A lady made a comment saying that she always 'stood on the Word of God' and she suggested if we did the same then we wouldn't get upset by loss. Well I felt quite offended in my heart and was feeling quite thankful that she wasn't my counsellor. I then started to think that has been my kind of reaction to others pain so often, and I felt convicted by my judgemental, and critical attitude to myself and others. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The teacher allowed two other guests to share their points. She then picked up on the point given, of the answer is 'to stand on the Word of God'. She pointed out that many can have a very cognitive relationship with God where it is more a cerebral, than a heart relationship. I had this amazing eye watering moment when I realised most of my relationship with Father God had been in my head and studying, not in my heart, so compassion was so far from me when others were suffering. It has also been so hard for me to believe I am loved as I don't match up in my head to my standard of perfection that I see in the Word.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I know a lot of Bible verses but unless I allow these truths to go to the core of my being and let them satisfy my soul, feed me, strengthen me and guide my life they stay in my head. Now I need to have such a close intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father, that as I read the Word it soaks me and transforms me. God has changed my whole perspective on His Love, I can rest in His love. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneI-yKtMYx22tEcu1XcbJDplNaNryFK6Z4BcIcjJxCwYrtGqyZ1d6fjlVeLqYKI9HBoBlWGzirJGruWFixBSUYZwz8MTJEX7ue8AbNgu_JjuWGRxrJH4i0WR3Fp68CqhE3lntZ-ENqn8/s640/lion-3012515_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="640" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneI-yKtMYx22tEcu1XcbJDplNaNryFK6Z4BcIcjJxCwYrtGqyZ1d6fjlVeLqYKI9HBoBlWGzirJGruWFixBSUYZwz8MTJEX7ue8AbNgu_JjuWGRxrJH4i0WR3Fp68CqhE3lntZ-ENqn8/w200-h127/lion-3012515_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">How I picture this is running up to my Father, jumping on His knee and receiving a wrap </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">around blanket cuddle as He fills my heart with ALL I need. Where all the emptiness has been, He fills me up with Himself and heals all the brokenness. Check out the Japanese art form of mending broken pottery with gold, 'Kintsugi'. and making it more beautiful and valuable than before it was broken. See www.kintsugihope.com in the UK striving to make a difference to peoples mental wellbeing. </span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I know this is a journey to walk like Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit, but I do hope sharing has helped a few people to be really honest about where they stand with Him.</span></div>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-24439976664915418142020-11-24T13:40:00.000-08:002020-11-24T13:40:07.996-08:00'I hate growing old......'<p>So many lovely people that I know and don't know have made this comment to me, including my Mum. Since I met Jesus I have always been challenged about how I speak about situations, I haven't always talked right but I am becoming more aware. </p><p>When I worked with Cardiac outpatients who had usually had a heart attack and were young, we always did one session about how they spoke about their heart, their life and their future.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLp9NLuXhzlganzWgRLJbCDvSEvAWedbX6hIgMvCj5f4Tebq3LhziW7LPFI7Kc5I22HKhKdG0H7B-JSYUvOBzTt0FKoK_rnP6gvhX7P8SBdrA67G5FaidCzTN49Nf9AWTBw5BJdC09ig/s640/cardiac-156059_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLp9NLuXhzlganzWgRLJbCDvSEvAWedbX6hIgMvCj5f4Tebq3LhziW7LPFI7Kc5I22HKhKdG0H7B-JSYUvOBzTt0FKoK_rnP6gvhX7P8SBdrA67G5FaidCzTN49Nf9AWTBw5BJdC09ig/s320/cardiac-156059_640.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> If you say 'I am terrified I am going to have another attack' you become more fearful. Whereas if you say 'my heart is getting stronger each day as I exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle'. You can help your mind to be more positive just speaking this truth. <b>Proverbs 18:21</b> 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who loves its use will eat its fruit' As one commentary says 'So those who enjoy talking, indulging in it, must "eat" its fruit, whether good or bad...... it means accepting the consequences of loving to talk.'<p></p><p>Growing old can be such a blessing, we have excuses for our bad, childish behaviour, we can make people happy by joining with us to laugh, even at ourselves. Last week I put a white load in my washing machine and after about 10 minutes I heard a banging noise in the machine went to check and saw my mobile phone smiling out of the door at me. It took me about another 10 minutes to work out how to open the machine when it is full, even thinking I would phone a friend but realised all my numbers are on the phone. But I remembered my emergency response is 'Praise Him', sung or shouted. So I just kept thanking my wonderful Father for my working phone. After drying it off taking the cover off and receiving the drips out of the orifices it came up with my great screen saver, Dave. I was more than thankful to see my mustard seed faith rewarded. So many got a laugh at my story.</p><p>Even when we are telling a story and forgotten the punch line or even worse a joke, why say 'Oh my mind is so slow/ forgetful or even worse, I am so stupid' We used to forget things when we were pregnant and say 'I have water on the brain' or when we were mega stressed at work. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwaymI5Ii60dLg_XX_vu3f-IVI7bLAPRhZjN2y8UHtDExh9qAqeijFURyk5kj0Hu1xxo8tKqB5DWaSGSjVtOvCweRjylpN5beldstFF8Jzt2qcucqT19ylT3ChpNM-ueZHsOsogzbyT0/s640/grandma-2234070_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwaymI5Ii60dLg_XX_vu3f-IVI7bLAPRhZjN2y8UHtDExh9qAqeijFURyk5kj0Hu1xxo8tKqB5DWaSGSjVtOvCweRjylpN5beldstFF8Jzt2qcucqT19ylT3ChpNM-ueZHsOsogzbyT0/s320/grandma-2234070_640.png" /></a></div><br />Let us grow a generation of joy full seniors who love life, have a fantastic listening ear and a heart full of praise, after all on the law of averages we are closer to heaven than the 'young' people around us. Therefore we have so much to be thankful for. Let us use everyday to tell EVERYONE about Almighty, All knowing, All powerful Jesus. All He has done for us recently, even if it is just we are dressed and walked across the room without falling. <p></p><p>Then let us really work at storing up treasure in eternity. We can't take any of our 'stuff' with us but we can take people, and we can send prayers ahead. So while we are exciting everyone around us with the love of Jesus let us tell them what we have to be so thankful for today.</p>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-63233270825762547382020-10-21T10:54:00.001-07:002020-11-11T03:19:49.209-08:00Does God really love ME?<p>I love the way the Bible really is living. So I can read something I have read many times before and there is something new. I often think about heaven as I realise that my thoughts are usually stuck in the mud of this world and not focused enough on eternity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty5yB8SlO_2ef3rQ0_Yvl0ub0hMB3GIKSAJ6UMI-bvZaxxLX5z_YZ-PxhEFljhuhxbbF69VBYoOCLv57-IhMs6phu1SxlV_03-mAWQtJ7Tm4pFg5tNpIriDLInlMSlLrVKUCMX-Bs4cg/s640/blue-stars.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty5yB8SlO_2ef3rQ0_Yvl0ub0hMB3GIKSAJ6UMI-bvZaxxLX5z_YZ-PxhEFljhuhxbbF69VBYoOCLv57-IhMs6phu1SxlV_03-mAWQtJ7Tm4pFg5tNpIriDLInlMSlLrVKUCMX-Bs4cg/w200-h133/blue-stars.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />In order to look at the 'joy that is set before me' I love to look at the garden of Eden described in <b>Genesis 2:8-14</b>, as this is God's best plan so I am sure heaven will be something like it. What I saw in the reading this week is the amazing, phenomenal description, that after Adam and Eve had eaten the fruit and realised they were naked, Father God had still gone to meet with them in the garden in the evening breeze. They were hiding from God. Then one of the saddest verses in the Bible, 'God called to the Man: 'Where are you?' <b>Genesis 3:9</b>. God knew exactly where <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxJPU66jFW7DcR46V4dnofPTF3FJZ0Lit83H8B72yoiEIYSsdhyphenhyphenzXgw6iWZ6PNKQBWkgZVCCW5ROwpgDaB_xoY6dtfcW-NM0-Z4Vm7PT8pS2LK3jyDTlCEytFM3YyIC0EnP9VDRKGB8Q/s640/forest-5597499_640.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxJPU66jFW7DcR46V4dnofPTF3FJZ0Lit83H8B72yoiEIYSsdhyphenhyphenzXgw6iWZ6PNKQBWkgZVCCW5ROwpgDaB_xoY6dtfcW-NM0-Z4Vm7PT8pS2LK3jyDTlCEytFM3YyIC0EnP9VDRKGB8Q/w200-h134/forest-5597499_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Adam and Eve were and what they had done, but He wanted them to own up to Him about their misdemeanor. He wanted to be with them and reassure them. <p></p><p>But can you imagine God's enormous disappointment. His precious creation, Adam, and then His gift to him in Eve, had gone against the one rule He had asked them to adhere to. All His great plans blown out of the water by one slimy snake. But I am mega grateful that was not the end. <b>BUT GOD</b> knew this would happen so He had a plan which He mentioned in <b>Genesis 3:15</b>. </p><p>The wonderful new point for me in this story is that God wanted to find them that day, and talk to them and fellowship with them. He did not leave them to wallow in their guilt and shame. He was so keen to restore the relationship, there would be consequences of their action, but He would still be there for them both. This is amazing LOVE.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmZOQRq4Nx4-b5OJCBsMYJconPB9xYZurSk6JIshHO5puRzFHu1igSJArA-WD-yZDu8_OwPObFwsRMaQG2tOPAtnuhKcyo19RQZT2N6QtiaEgOGOVSDKycSs0FDQQp5m0vpvtRGTN6aY/s640/heart-157895_640.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="640" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmZOQRq4Nx4-b5OJCBsMYJconPB9xYZurSk6JIshHO5puRzFHu1igSJArA-WD-yZDu8_OwPObFwsRMaQG2tOPAtnuhKcyo19RQZT2N6QtiaEgOGOVSDKycSs0FDQQp5m0vpvtRGTN6aY/w200-h188/heart-157895_640.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /> Words cannot describe the enormity of God's reaction to Adam showing us the complete overwhelming unconditional LOVE of our Heavenly Father.<p></p><p>This is so very special for all of us, when we do wrong not only do we avoid facing God but also taking responsibility for the misdemeanor. We put off saying 'sorry', making right what we have done wrong. I must never forget that as soon as I have a wrong thought, action or word, I must run to Him and be completely open and ask for forgiveness and for the free flow of the Holy Spirit through me to return, so I can continue on in His strength which I need moment by moment.</p><p></p><p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llab0E7X-CI</p>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-23386377081312609402020-10-14T03:06:00.000-07:002020-10-14T03:06:16.270-07:00Sitting at His feet<span style="font-family: helvetica;">'Would you like to be frank in telling the Lord the story of your life so far?' This is a question in the study I have been doing this week, so being a good (?) student I thought I would have an honest dialogue with my Heavenly Father, even though it is the night before the Zoom class.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpYmnt600p6Dzvg4z8YhAWFWmjQGsflzH-NJvXHR1fB_ZUk_qhD5SdncNfr5Fc182LdQlC7fqDuhyphenhyphen_pY6bP_l5UHZhYp83UW9vZWK2JioNH8oP7WXSAuQb5ZoBcNh2m9cpgFEtyd7q8U/s640/video-conference-5167472_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpYmnt600p6Dzvg4z8YhAWFWmjQGsflzH-NJvXHR1fB_ZUk_qhD5SdncNfr5Fc182LdQlC7fqDuhyphenhyphen_pY6bP_l5UHZhYp83UW9vZWK2JioNH8oP7WXSAuQb5ZoBcNh2m9cpgFEtyd7q8U/w200-h120/video-conference-5167472_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><br />The chat with Him was a mixed description of childhood pain, thankfulness how God had kept me safe despite my own plans to the contrary. Then the line in the sand drawn in my life on the day I realised there was no way I belonged to God and was just a counterfeit Christian, working my own efforts to be a good girl. I knew my heart was changed overnight when I acknowledged and received all Jesus had done on the Cross for me.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0si4FGK0APIQRFaJAV0XQkTNEoGoFQ4MGOODaWnxf6zNpYCUlOP3dIXrQzbxMu3aCMAgT_YKA-6P2oTpEZny6GhLFWenAdFFFMdgOYSqao93SLWsSXTbO_QkiXSR2S67LNSvZO9W2mM/s640/cross-671379_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0si4FGK0APIQRFaJAV0XQkTNEoGoFQ4MGOODaWnxf6zNpYCUlOP3dIXrQzbxMu3aCMAgT_YKA-6P2oTpEZny6GhLFWenAdFFFMdgOYSqao93SLWsSXTbO_QkiXSR2S67LNSvZO9W2mM/w200-h150/cross-671379_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br />
One problem was that the desire to be popular from the old life grew as I just wanted to please my Heavenly Father so I worked for the Church, rushing round helping people and more and more activity, even going behind the Iron Curtain, Burma, and women's ministry in prisons. All the time thinking this was my value.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wrong wrong wrong </span>I knew in my head my whole value is in who I am in Jesus Christ. But what about my heart? All this effort without much prayer or checking His plans first.<br />
<br />I am so valuable God gave His Son Jesus to pay the horrendous price of His whole life in such a foul way on the Cross so I could have the amazing life I have had but more than that so I can live with Him forever with no tears or pain or suffering or separation.<br />
<br />This 'lockdown' is such a great time to do a spring clean of my heart, <b>Ezekiel 11:19</b>. An opportunity to check out my motives for all my activities and relationships, what is of eternal value? What changes does Father want to make, what am I holding onto? what am I not willing to let go of? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8YbdRX7NKI2lYgmGY4_IM4vf-d4hC9wtL-7qzmvMQaOgeOLBOBkGips2IP7IfktYrvqu_wMs5NIUSGBRI0dZpypHjgySSkUtDm5sCOlBCxX3GtADVr9SwbUzCu6xH8BtCah_Pyix4e8/s640/milky-way-1023340_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8YbdRX7NKI2lYgmGY4_IM4vf-d4hC9wtL-7qzmvMQaOgeOLBOBkGips2IP7IfktYrvqu_wMs5NIUSGBRI0dZpypHjgySSkUtDm5sCOlBCxX3GtADVr9SwbUzCu6xH8BtCah_Pyix4e8/w200-h133/milky-way-1023340_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Let us move on and grow up by sitting at His feet to take in all He wants to say to us and grow in His way, then go out and be His Light in this darkness.</span></div>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-859573821799081302020-04-16T04:08:00.001-07:002020-04-16T04:08:40.318-07:00Make your choice?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKY0WfbY31pBWwS2SBRD8Peb4H6jyHHrYc52ZmEsK_60iKW5hBXLGpSsbvqRZ4xXjduBViIlIeY3bwq4xl9AtMvZA67WBIBw2PaSOe1A8E-T77Alb4cAG0Z3KBxwfxu6sM8tHz07e9Qw/s1600/Dave%2527s+narrow+gate+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKY0WfbY31pBWwS2SBRD8Peb4H6jyHHrYc52ZmEsK_60iKW5hBXLGpSsbvqRZ4xXjduBViIlIeY3bwq4xl9AtMvZA67WBIBw2PaSOe1A8E-T77Alb4cAG0Z3KBxwfxu6sM8tHz07e9Qw/s320/Dave%2527s+narrow+gate+painting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The last painting Dave did just before he died was called the 'Narrow Gate'. It was going to be a trilogy but he only did this one. The three were going to show the choice we all have to make. To die to ourselves and live for Jesus so having Him as number one in our lives. To have all the pleasures and delights of this world for ourselves and not consider our eternal future. Or not make any decision, 'I'll be alright'. Dave was very much alive, larger than life in fact, and realising he was dying was an enormous shock. But his heart was very much to remind people there is only one way the Narrow Gate and the broad road leads to destruction and that road is crowded. <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Matthew 7:13-14 </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In the light of all that is going on in the world at this time I have been asking myself why do I think I can go through all my life with no serious persecution. Jesus did say the world would hate us. <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>'</b><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><b>Just remember, when the unbelieving world hates you, they first hated me.' John 15:18 </b>We have seen an enemy in the last few weeks that is very real and wants to indiscriminately destroy people. But as we saw at the Cross, the enemy thought he had finished Jesus off and all His followers with Him, but within three days the whole situation had turned around when Jesus rose from the dead. Then 50 days later all His followers who were terrified, were filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit and there were over 3,000 little 'Jesuses' running around, adding to that number every day, <b>Acts 2:47</b>.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">The world was in chaos when Jesus was crucified. It was the same for the disciples as well as for the religious leaders who didn't understand what was going on. There was a lot of insecurity, feelings were running high, and then Jesus appeared. Even more uncertainty, this has never happened before. So the disciples decided to just isolate themselves, in fear, or go back to the old job, something familiar. 'We could Pray; pray; pray'.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">The room shook and the Holy Spirit came just as Jesus had told them </span></span><span class="text John-15-26" id="en-TPT-8075" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">'And I will send you the Divine Encourager</span> <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">from the very presence of My Father. He will come to you, the Spirit of Truth, emanating from the Father, and He will speak</span> <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">to you about Me.</span> </span><span class="text John-15-27" id="en-TPT-8076" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">And you will tell everyone the truth about Me, for you have walked with Me from the start.' <b>John 15:26,27 TPT</b>.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text John-15-27" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-15-27" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Today is the most amazing opportunity to focus our time and effort and energy on developing a really loving, close and intimate relationship with Jesus, pray, pray, pray. Know exactly who we are in Christ and all that He has paid to give us. Listen and be led by the Holy Spirit moment by moment, every moment is to used not wasted.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text John-15-27" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-15-27" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">So let us make sure we have chosen the narrow way and no amount of persecution or temptation or desperation will draw us away from the Highway Jesus paid for us to journey on.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text John-15-27" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-15-27" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-24200233424894188652020-04-09T07:31:00.004-07:002020-04-09T07:31:37.349-07:00The First Good Friday<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It is impossible adequately to describe the horror of that day. Events had moved quickly from the arrest in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Garden</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Gethsemane</st1:placename></st1:place> to the trials and Peter's denial of his Lord, from the trumped-up charges, to the near-acquittal, to the mocking, <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">the scourging</span>, and then to the handing over of an innocent man to the howling religious mob whipped to a frenzy by the chief priests. Horror enough you may say, but now, Jesus whose beard had been yanked out, whose back had been laid open to the bone all over, whose flesh must have been hanging from Him like so much raw meat, was forced to carry His cross to the final place of execution.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="text-align: center;">This stumbling, agonising and breath-sapping procession was through streets (Via Dolorosa) thronged with a crowd which just a few short days ago was heralding Him as their king, but was now raucously deriding Him. He had been sentenced to death and was therefore regarded as a dead man already. He was fair game for all the horrors which could be inflicted on a condemned man on the public road to His death.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8bz_nTlAILpj6-n7BkkH1bCk0LFD7ZAaSKFFgrXp3bK2RbwN-mU8ZAvctdbdMP5HY4MyPkbJRrg45IDF8bTmOAtsMyY7U06ihA4Mp2PlglP6VF0etvw91i0-6jeLolI9ywS0MccogGQ/s1600/The+Cross.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8bz_nTlAILpj6-n7BkkH1bCk0LFD7ZAaSKFFgrXp3bK2RbwN-mU8ZAvctdbdMP5HY4MyPkbJRrg45IDF8bTmOAtsMyY7U06ihA4Mp2PlglP6VF0etvw91i0-6jeLolI9ywS0MccogGQ/s200/The+Cross.JPEG" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Was He kicked, pushed from side to side of the street, jeered, spat upon, and reviled? Perhaps rubbish and sewage was thrown over Him.... perhaps we shall never know, but human nature today allows us to think that the final footsteps of His life were more horrific than we might care to consider.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Whatever happened, Jesus could carry His cross no longer. The Roman executioners pressed Simon from <st1:city w:st="on">Cyrene</st1:city> in <st1:place w:st="on">North Africa</st1:place> into carrying it the remainder of the way. Finally, <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">at the place called Golgotha - the place of the skull - Skull Hill</span>, Jesus was <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">flung to the cross and nailed there</span>. The common practice was to use spikes through the forearms so that as the victim hung upright, He would not tear the spike through His hand and free His arm. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLBnY8TMs5smYqSZcjSaamS7bNnWgsdns5jXb8UTtg0QY7VwYStKhVz34_lJDWgNFoHZSEIbfl3YHQ5AnG2Vc6P7HE9KA7rI5sFGimvG5OdirnikBsXLCB_1FQrlO0x_5MwIOFE8Pfo0/s1600/Carry+your+Cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="463" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLBnY8TMs5smYqSZcjSaamS7bNnWgsdns5jXb8UTtg0QY7VwYStKhVz34_lJDWgNFoHZSEIbfl3YHQ5AnG2Vc6P7HE9KA7rI5sFGimvG5OdirnikBsXLCB_1FQrlO0x_5MwIOFE8Pfo0/s200/Carry+your+Cross.jpg" width="134" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Spikes were driven through His feet - probably His ankles, rupturing tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints - you see nobody cared anymore, Jesus was just another condemned non-entity, a joke, He would be dead in a few hours anyway. And then they hoisted the cross up ............ do you think they carefully put it in the ground so as not to jar the body more than necessary!? I don't think so.................</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You saved others, but you can't save yourself ................ Get yourself and us down from here ......... Perhaps Elijah will come and get Him, let's wait and see ............ What's that He said? ......... Why is the sky getting dark, it’s hardly past lunch-time? It's pitch black!! .......... Why is the ground shaking? ..........Who are those people? ..........What's happening?!!!!!!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><u>Questions: Dare you answer them truthfully?</u></span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">What would you have done?</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">What stand would you have taken in this final unfolding of horror?</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Do you jeer at injustice now?</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Who is Jesus to you?</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">What claim does the Son of God have on your life?</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">See how to receive all that Jesus died to give you, He loves you more than you have ever been loved before</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> For the eternal value of all our lives, this Friday is the best ever. Check this new life out at 'Joy for Life'</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.joyforlife.org/index.php/living-with-jesus-01/">http://www.joyforlife.org/index.php/living-with-jesus-01/</a></span></div>
joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-38170425716707739052020-03-20T14:45:00.002-07:002020-03-20T15:05:42.951-07:00God woke me up<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was once a perfect man that throughout His whole life, from His first breath, knew and understood that He was going to go through betrayal, ridicule, torture and great suffering ending in an horrendous and agonising death at 33 years old. The same man had also always known that He was going to go through such suffering to rescue you and I. That beautiful man lived every day of His short life knowing all the terrible things that were going to happen to Him and living it to offer us an eternal salvation. Of course that man is Jesus Christ. Now I give thanks for Him daily and have such gratitude that He suffered for me, (for all who believe in Him) yet up until recently I mostly didn’t give Him a thought.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Strangely/Not strangely my whole career had lead me to be working with the sort of people that Jesus Himself had cared for; people with mental health issues, complex needs, those living with fear and pain and those on the outskirts of society.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So after decades of witnessing real suffering I started searching for an answer, a deeper understanding and meaning to life. What I needed, of course, was Jesus but my experiences lead me to become involved in the New Age doctrine; where the belief is that we are all our own god and we create our own destiny. I was learning from Mediums and communicating with spirits never really knowing</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">what those spirits were. I was using crystals to supposedly heal myself; Tarot cards to blindly guide my daily decisions; Reiki and manifestation practices. Did I think God was in those things? I certainly didn’t think the enemy was. I didn’t even know that there was an enemy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few years later not long ago, as I lay sound asleep, I was awoken by a loud male voice clearly saying the single word: ‘Deuteronomy’. You may not be familiar with this word, I know I wasn’t, so I looked it up; a book in The Bible. I found it on my phone and read it all as quickly as I could. The more I read the more I felt deep down scared.</span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not</span></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttzG_RnFcYs34wzyTxyxXIZ1mHliw7RW_FxRMsj859x_gsQCHmUL7HjWyO5lQ4BGTXZ8f1d7Gf8EhiGLUuw0pHXblc_st70Lp7S0c3E_wDOg9A8aapf-oHzTMfzTBveHKYJ-ZA-WJVnQ/s1600/Katherine+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttzG_RnFcYs34wzyTxyxXIZ1mHliw7RW_FxRMsj859x_gsQCHmUL7HjWyO5lQ4BGTXZ8f1d7Gf8EhiGLUuw0pHXblc_st70Lp7S0c3E_wDOg9A8aapf-oHzTMfzTBveHKYJ-ZA-WJVnQ/s320/Katherine+blog.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">among you ...anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens,</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. You shall</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">be blameless before the LORD your God.” <b>Deuteronomy 18:9-14 ESV</b></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I knew that only God could have spoken to me. Only He knew where my life was at. Only He knew the enormity of the sin attached to my New Age connections. Only He knew how much I needed to read and understand Deuteronomy. I realised He wanted me to be saved and so I started to read The Bible. I researched God and Jesus and The Holy Spirit like it was the most important thing in my life to know about them, and it was. I stopped my New Age study and practices. I stopped a course before the end. I threw out or burnt all my New Age notes, objects, books, cards, crystals and computer files that had any connection to that way of being and believing. I actually realised that all they ‘promised’ had never materialised, there was ‘no fruit’ as The Bible says. I repented and prayed, I watched sermons from different church denominations and YouTube videos on every aspect of The Bible, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">both for and against, and I talked to good people that felt the same as I did. I needed to make a considered opinion on God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit and my life’s direction going forward. I was blessed with a new and true belief that God really does love me. I could see that what I had been involved in was against God yet He didn’t give up on me. He had spoken to me and given me what I needed to change and get to know Him as my true Father. He literally saved my soul.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have learnt that God doesn’t waste any of our experiences and whatever we think of ourselves He knows we are perfect in His image. So please believe me when I say that I know that you are not too broken, too evil, too selfish, too sinful, too old or too lost for Him to love you and save you too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">‘The Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because The Lord your </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God loved you.’<b>Deuteronomy 23:5</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By K.D. 19.03.2020</span><br />
<div style="height: 0px;">
x</div>
joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-28314611948477184202020-03-14T04:35:00.001-07:002020-03-14T04:35:30.996-07:00His promise may have a condition?I have heard so many people, teachers and preachers speaking out the wonderful promise from <b><span style="color: red;">Jeremiah 29:11</span></b> '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 a hope and a future.'<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuV2giR9mp0K5yz90VKyNLG8ah_0zEsDgY27-ZMf1lzcpq7miQOWNfdWuIElt6-uwB8lqZq6TsMGilfo8eYcMO13H9C-VY-vuhdh2P1LNuFqvxAsjuTfKwoD9fxJ4e0NQ66eYYLRJo5Q/s1600/Blog+plan+I+have.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="640" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuV2giR9mp0K5yz90VKyNLG8ah_0zEsDgY27-ZMf1lzcpq7miQOWNfdWuIElt6-uwB8lqZq6TsMGilfo8eYcMO13H9C-VY-vuhdh2P1LNuFqvxAsjuTfKwoD9fxJ4e0NQ66eYYLRJo5Q/s200/Blog+plan+I+have.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn't this the most amazing promise, we all want everything to go well, not to be tough, to be comfortable, not painful. But when I heard this quoted so often without the changes expected, I felt the Holy Spirit say 'look further'💬 'then you will come and pray..... then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me (as a vital necessity) and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart'. <b><span style="color: red;">Jeremiah 29:12-13</span></b><br />
<br />
So here is the 'condition' for this wonderful promise. So WE have something to do as the Holy Spirit leads us. Then He is free to show us His wonderful plans. We need to pray. to SEARCH FOR <i><span style="color: red;"><b>HIM</b></span></i> WITH OUR WHOLE HEART!<br />
<br />
To see what this looks like, when Abraham gave his whole heart, listen to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcjkJp9VxY8" target="_blank">Bob Fitts singing 'Sacrifice'</a><br />
<br />
Now I have been challenged about looking at the whole picture when I love a promise, it helps me to be so joyful knowing Father will keep His side when I do mine.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigrgGJrRa_7wHfFB2jB9hGdTvEjeXSWTfIZYMTezwUFZ13bHnpDIZzssPKyejz7o1yW3Cg41syrTkUjXVR8FGKS_znTkfbCrUNE1Z75d-H1RJaP62YgNcj0oAzz8NOZdsMxc0awvrQEQ/s1600/Pray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="640" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigrgGJrRa_7wHfFB2jB9hGdTvEjeXSWTfIZYMTezwUFZ13bHnpDIZzssPKyejz7o1yW3Cg41syrTkUjXVR8FGKS_znTkfbCrUNE1Z75d-H1RJaP62YgNcj0oAzz8NOZdsMxc0awvrQEQ/s200/Pray.jpg" width="200" /></a>For example, let us check this out! So <b><span style="color: red;">Psalm 37:4,5</span></b> TPT says 'Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life, and He will provide for you what you desire the most. Give God the right to direct your life, and as you trust Him along the way, you'll find HE pulled it off perfectly!' So to receive the Life of Jesus we would like, the condition is to put Him as number one, give Him total control and TRUST Him.<br />
<br />
So let us check out any promises we have for our life and see if there is anything we could be doing to cooperate with Father God<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-57356264493998253352020-02-15T08:12:00.001-08:002020-02-15T08:12:31.587-08:00IN THE WHISPER<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At the beginning of
this year I felt the tug in my heart to get rid of social media for one month.
Like millions of other people across the world I was looking at the year ahead
and wanting to put some healthy habits in place. What I thought would be
setting the habit of not being on my phone as much turned out to be so much
more.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this last month I
have been amazed at how much more I have heard God speak to me and how I have
felt His presence closer than ever before. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In our already busy
lives, when we get a spare minute what do we choose to do…. We bury our face in
our phone, watching other people live their lives whilst ours passes by. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During this month I
have learnt that God is in the whisper and if we are not careful we can drown
out His voice by occupying ourselves with the various other things in life that
fight for our time and attention. By not being present we feel less of His
presence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 12.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">11 </span></b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord
</span>said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, for the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord </span>is about to pass by.” </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">Then a
great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before
the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">Lord</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">, but the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">Lord </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">was not in the wind. After the wind
there was an earthquake, but the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">Lord
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">was not in the earthquake. </span><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">12</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;"> After the earthquake came a
fire, but the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">Lord </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">was not in
the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. </span><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">13</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;"> When Elijah
heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth
of the cave. </span><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;">Then a
voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 12pt;"> 1 KINGS 19:3 -13 NIV</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtSepjOGfKYwk9RTv21VTjpY2ilByeyHPhaxX_a98AmuS2_PuPMRA7NAjYRcB1cUMwY0ymT-0mLqaa0wYxCKMbHd_K9_jbG8Jx4XHP5tenPgOGg1pzguK4Jh-KyF3OO98wDeXf5rzHag/s1600/In+the+Whisper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="IN THE WHISPER" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtSepjOGfKYwk9RTv21VTjpY2ilByeyHPhaxX_a98AmuS2_PuPMRA7NAjYRcB1cUMwY0ymT-0mLqaa0wYxCKMbHd_K9_jbG8Jx4XHP5tenPgOGg1pzguK4Jh-KyF3OO98wDeXf5rzHag/s320/In+the+Whisper.jpg" title="In the Whisper" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
I love this moment between God and Elijah. So often we think God’s voice is
loud but I have often found that God speaks to us in a whisper. I recently read
that the reason God speaks to us in a whisper is because it’s intimate, He
wants us to draw close to Him so that we can hear what He wants to say to us.
God longs to have this kind of relationship with us, He wants to speak to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe like me He has
been trying to speak to you all this time but you are too busy to hear His
whisper calling you closer to Him. </span><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What’s one thing you
could do today to stop and be present so that you can hear what God is trying
to whisper to you?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">With thanks to Katie Sutton 💕</span></div>
<br />joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-35156320085071688812020-02-09T12:16:00.002-08:002020-02-09T12:16:55.843-08:00Our new Blogger! Keeping it in the family!.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before going to Australia in December to catch up with two very precious daughters and their families, I felt I needed to write my will. (Sure sign I am growing up) It is very simple but my most valuable eternal asset is the 'Joy for Life' web site including the studies. I do not want J4L to die with me, not that I am planning on leaving earth for my Heavenly home yet, but would like to plan and be responsible for an amazing tool Father God gave me back in 1993.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The world is changing in its attitude to Christianity, from within the Body of Christ, with the compromise on what the Bible says and how vital the Truth is. God does not dilute His rules and thank Him He does NOT dilute His LOVE either as we need His love and mercy more than ever. From outside the Church people are far more open to scoff belief in Jesus Christ than in years gone bye.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKDxZQmZ1HZwAxci7duGote4cQA1-kBYjnG-G8euuOIPn4PjwFqFMvcPgR7YnfTGY8uGbI84lcjxqpS2D7A0-4RAq2qotQyVakx29mnNpUlH6b6Ofbd99XxGT-f9huSluUuplP-rtYFI/s1600/Katie+and+Keegan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="894" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKDxZQmZ1HZwAxci7duGote4cQA1-kBYjnG-G8euuOIPn4PjwFqFMvcPgR7YnfTGY8uGbI84lcjxqpS2D7A0-4RAq2qotQyVakx29mnNpUlH6b6Ofbd99XxGT-f9huSluUuplP-rtYFI/s320/Katie+and+Keegan.JPG" width="177" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I know from the thousands who download J4L studies all over the world this tool is being used, and will be more and more as people want Truth from the Word of God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So while in Australia at the beginning of the year, I felt led to ask Katie and Keegan Sutton, my granddaughter and her husband, to take on this responsibility. Katie is working in a Church and she and Keegan are very open to the Lord's leading for their future together. Katie will start by contributing blogs. She will also try and make J4L and the blog move out into the public forum of Facebook and Instagram. She is very gifted and talented so will use these God given gifts for the modernizing of the whole web site and keeping us out there for every precious person who needs to know Jesus died for them and loves them passionately.</span>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-70598299915067911132019-11-07T09:34:00.000-08:002019-11-07T09:34:14.582-08:00To heal or not to heal?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sEQDRyAaU06N5nyz0fdakcO0tjlaAKt4zrwz_eT8oyaeM6IiiNy-rTzulJMwGt-OkL5tmsPtz13dMzzkYPTIOAmSeVJnz1flY1P3KrzkTv05Z3YthwbM-zl7IO6XgTQjMhgi3_9k5G4/s1600/dog-307003_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="469" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sEQDRyAaU06N5nyz0fdakcO0tjlaAKt4zrwz_eT8oyaeM6IiiNy-rTzulJMwGt-OkL5tmsPtz13dMzzkYPTIOAmSeVJnz1flY1P3KrzkTv05Z3YthwbM-zl7IO6XgTQjMhgi3_9k5G4/s200/dog-307003_640.png" width="146" /></a>During the last few months my body seems to be getting weaker; I have seen the GP; the Physiotherapist; tried a few changes of medication with no seeming positive result. Lots of questions, Is it grief? Psychosomatic? Sin in my life? Not pacing myself? Not obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit? And lots of the rest of the accusatory psychobabble that seems to come from my self pity or the liar from hell.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="clear: right; color: black; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;">I had prayed and prayed for healing also others had prayed one on one, and in a group for me.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFci83F7WcfR9ZYqELSUJH0HDcNnTN3xeg4QSh04jlAnHs_tUQe3e562FXwVoL4jnfUPOWH7rS44gvyhOcOs_L-qlaBBnKOTLgCL6kDXiGntP67P5aa6dKC090ZS-iSB3xxt2QtKevGVo/s1600/super-woman-1885016_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFci83F7WcfR9ZYqELSUJH0HDcNnTN3xeg4QSh04jlAnHs_tUQe3e562FXwVoL4jnfUPOWH7rS44gvyhOcOs_L-qlaBBnKOTLgCL6kDXiGntP67P5aa6dKC090ZS-iSB3xxt2QtKevGVo/s200/super-woman-1885016_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
But then I read this 'Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me - so that I would not become arrogant. I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. But He said to me, 'My Grace is enough for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness',<b>2 Corinthians 12:7-9</b>. When reading this verse in the past I had always focused on the 'messenger of Satan' part and felt there was an easy answer to that, just use the authority that Jesus had paid the price to give me. But hang on - this is Paul speaking and after three prayer sessions he was still suffering weakness. Twice in this single verse it says 'arrogant' and I realised Father God has been so good to me I can be very arrogant and lack compassion for people who are suffering. I am learning to fly above hardships, division, grief, disappointment and pain, as Father God told me He would teach me.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82hZ6WvJh56MIyRgOHU-4PW3Nw5iApZTtSszzsasKKIEA1oXRR1dkrUdDrpxHUBQBBe7rfr2E9X_DHRFDlFsWu0Yhr9tirg4FxFioKIwIyfJQJMXwa-9ihFfbOcGZwdSrO1rEKMIm5lQ/s1600/animal-2029281_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="539" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82hZ6WvJh56MIyRgOHU-4PW3Nw5iApZTtSszzsasKKIEA1oXRR1dkrUdDrpxHUBQBBe7rfr2E9X_DHRFDlFsWu0Yhr9tirg4FxFioKIwIyfJQJMXwa-9ihFfbOcGZwdSrO1rEKMIm5lQ/s200/animal-2029281_640.png" title="" width="168" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82hZ6WvJh56MIyRgOHU-4PW3Nw5iApZTtSszzsasKKIEA1oXRR1dkrUdDrpxHUBQBBe7rfr2E9X_DHRFDlFsWu0Yhr9tirg4FxFioKIwIyfJQJMXwa-9ihFfbOcGZwdSrO1rEKMIm5lQ/s1600/animal-2029281_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
So then I will boast most gladly about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions, and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak I am strong in Him, <b>2 Corinthians 12:9,10</b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSixZ2qks-59o_WkFH0SK9TJuHpdx06XbbRugUrQfNnaQqhPtM26IuURUWsUGuz2HymoIZGxWwwi3bO3yz3xRTPFYrDE4XuW7F79usJfJFTU270KpPf6cBmwiZG0c-wZ9GRsCB1deteis/s1600/music-1813100_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="527" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSixZ2qks-59o_WkFH0SK9TJuHpdx06XbbRugUrQfNnaQqhPtM26IuURUWsUGuz2HymoIZGxWwwi3bO3yz3xRTPFYrDE4XuW7F79usJfJFTU270KpPf6cBmwiZG0c-wZ9GRsCB1deteis/s200/music-1813100_640.png" width="164" /></a>So gone are the days of the accuser telling me how inferior I am; God doesn't want to heal me; I am useless as I can't do everything! I now need to 'consider it nothing but joy when I fall into all sorts of trials, because I know that the testing of my faith produces endurance........' <b>James 1:2 </b><br />
<br />
Of course I would love to have healing by supernatural or natural means but until that time I choose life in all it fullness in this season, and learn all my Father wants to teach me as I focus on Jesus 'the author and perfecter of my faith'. It is so much easier to focus on Him when I am not rushing round and being over the top on my cleaning schedule. If I use this time to draw closer to Him, praying, worshiping and in the Word, this time will only last as long as it is doing me good.<br />
<br />
Checkout <a href="https://www.joyforlife.org/index.php/real-church-12/">https://www.joyforlife.org/index.php/real-church-12/</a>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-40915678455132414812019-10-22T08:01:00.001-07:002019-10-22T08:01:38.083-07:00The Wall Part 2.Having posted my last Blog 'The Wall' I was so excited to find out about the project 'the Wall'. This is a large monument being built near Birmingham UK. It is built of a million bricks each representing an answered prayer. It has two motorways going past so people will be able to see it and also to pull off the road and view close up. As you put your phone up to the brick you can read what God has done. What perfect timing for this Nation.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhN-XxQHgZA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhN-XxQHgZA</a><br />
<br />
Also 10 facts about the Wall with a picture of the winning design.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5MPgUMfVVI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5MPgUMfVVI</a>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-83342856823748270612019-10-13T11:30:00.003-07:002019-10-13T11:30:52.896-07:00The WallI hit it, it hurts, I have nothing more in the tank!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZr_ngUsVn-8PFkUwEr8SVy0McrY0xcqqV0o9-Ta022kftvWWMbgWsbXzQpu8cnB-sczwed7JCSKkcGOP7fe026-VrUIuYBYqYkP_3Jsja4NgXM5bO0M8Lo9riUNS14JrwB3bLS7eLOSI/s1600/adult-wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZr_ngUsVn-8PFkUwEr8SVy0McrY0xcqqV0o9-Ta022kftvWWMbgWsbXzQpu8cnB-sczwed7JCSKkcGOP7fe026-VrUIuYBYqYkP_3Jsja4NgXM5bO0M8Lo9riUNS14JrwB3bLS7eLOSI/s200/adult-wall.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
but I must keep going---- what will people say if I am not at the next meeting? the next appointment ----- I have felt like this before and managed to push one foot in front of the other! As my granddaughter says who ran the London Marathon 'the Wall feels like you don't have any energy and don't really know how you're going to keep going!'<br />
<br />
I feel so sad, I have so much to be thankful for, so why do I feel so miserable? Where is God in all of this? It hurts, everything! my psychobabble is ridiculous and just goes round and round. My body wants to stop, get off the treadmill of life. there is no strength, the pain is too much, I am on my own for this, people have heard my complaints over and over, they don't need it again.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="640" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0LdXGLsnc6jI_HHu84JWbN9OcZ3qQzZZTycazl4Ud_uto2RznqOZJTXzxiEGeB6q1SCX6ac3vRcMmDI5cUI3gZkIn7rLShyphenhyphenUQFjfA37aSWfN1POPth6xvkavEcP2BCSbN4vL4Gz82Q4/s200/hand-help.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b style="background-color: white;">Help! Help!Help!</b></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">This is the Marathon of 'life'. I know about the victory at the end, the crown I will receive if I can finish well. The 'well done you good and faithful servant'! But how can I get from here to there?</span></div>
<br />So I choose 'time out'! Can I learn how to not go this way again? Please Lord.<br />
I humble myself and ask for prayer, admitting where I am at, not pretending to be the 'woman of power for the hour'!<br />
I go away to a solitary place, reduce my calorie intake and disconnect the TV. That is a start! I have asked Father God to show me what study to do and any books to take and as I spend the time with Him alone and sleeping,......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlEiOWNlB_L5BZykeK7o7J8ltG0pJqE9JNoUCDmgEv_2mUw9BCM83mjVySmhK7-lBcfor_kxdZjhiOH1jbszwNwqVqfZo9ocX_Ncin0AwEZuonh4-4xrXe_h_SItUzXffSFQfEq3jALs/s1600/yellow-peaceful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlEiOWNlB_L5BZykeK7o7J8ltG0pJqE9JNoUCDmgEv_2mUw9BCM83mjVySmhK7-lBcfor_kxdZjhiOH1jbszwNwqVqfZo9ocX_Ncin0AwEZuonh4-4xrXe_h_SItUzXffSFQfEq3jALs/s200/yellow-peaceful.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I realise He has set me up to focus solely on His love for me and His close intimate relationship with me, through 'Song of Songs'. As I worship Him and allow Him to change my heart, I can feel the cloud lift. 'How enriched are they who find their strength in the Lord; within their hearts are the highways of holiness! Even when their paths wind through the dark valley of tears, they dig deep to find a pleasant pool where others find only pain. He gives to them a brook of blessing filled from the rain of outpouring. They grow stronger and stronger with every step forward' <b>Psalm 84:5-7</b> I am learning to just 'be' His child and He doesn't love me more for being a 'doer'<br />
Search www.joyforlife.org watch the video 'Burnout' 'Too Busy' and 'Are you a 'martyr' or a Mary?'</div>
joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-86753358587011334372019-07-29T14:52:00.000-07:002019-07-29T14:52:57.547-07:00The words of my mouth!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyone who knows me knows how I am always pushing the power of the tongue. Our tongue is the most powerful muscle in our body, It can do the most harm and it is the only muscle that can benefit from not being used!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSd5Jp5aFubH9XgtbRMQ0jlsyMl2oduG96xU5_2P7jhVuXtogawpHzTOdX9rTR45MZ4IxJJbhvz8t8jT_5rsz0w8W22tolsf48vBaxP1FDhc6QmL4-hqhBrY9HO-RHRyHtbourriPN8aM/s1600/tongues-1031219_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSd5Jp5aFubH9XgtbRMQ0jlsyMl2oduG96xU5_2P7jhVuXtogawpHzTOdX9rTR45MZ4IxJJbhvz8t8jT_5rsz0w8W22tolsf48vBaxP1FDhc6QmL4-hqhBrY9HO-RHRyHtbourriPN8aM/s200/tongues-1031219_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Starting with God in <b>Genesis 1:1-3</b>, the earth was without form and void, and the Spirit of God was moving upon the face of the waters, but God <b>said</b>.... and it was done. Words from the mouth of God formed the universe. And in <b>Hebrews 1:3</b> it says all things are upheld by the Word of His power. So not only was the whole universe made by His Word but it is all being held together by the same Word.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Father God has put the same ability in us. We know if we feel miserable for what ever reason, if we rehearse this over and over to friends, family or on the phone, we continue to feel miserable. BUT if we say we feel miserable but know God is going to turn it round for our good, we can lift ourselves up from the pit of despair. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXIp47ZmipZ5eax6UVQGiwxp0UBP25c2QevR32v0CU1Nf6eqRAFIZUayvkZekHw4E10DBsg3xZLSTm-PcEa8FsEC82PHFqFI43-y5XP6R8C07JQdEepkGuPZxxPWHzTPGM4IeqSYH854/s1600/emoticon-305443_640+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="613" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXIp47ZmipZ5eax6UVQGiwxp0UBP25c2QevR32v0CU1Nf6eqRAFIZUayvkZekHw4E10DBsg3xZLSTm-PcEa8FsEC82PHFqFI43-y5XP6R8C07JQdEepkGuPZxxPWHzTPGM4IeqSYH854/s200/emoticon-305443_640+%25281%2529.png" width="191" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A year ago I went to a weekend retreat and a lady who knew nothing about me gave me a word of prophecy about how 'God was going to teach me to fly'. I thought that was funny as I do not like flying at all, but it got my attention. She enlarged upon this saying I would learn to rise above <b>harsh words, difficult situations.......</b> I have been speaking it out since that time to burn it into my spirit. A few weeks ago I received a message informing me of something that could mean a change in my circumstances and immediately I went to the phone but inside me rose up the realisation that this was a great opportunity for me to 'fly' with Him. So after talking to Father God and claiming His promises to me, within about 20 minutes I felt completely different and quite excited that whatever my future looks like I know WHO holds my future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let us recognise the power in our words, even the world does that. But let us be serious about THE WORD of GOD that is living and active and goes right to the root of the problem. We can use it to transform every area of our lives, 'A gentle tongue (with its healing power) is a tree of life' </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-q92r5XXo9Jd8rwJXlTmmyfTPylA1ypaeiqdywTN4VW4IyXzPXcbmAlaYOW-ufq0GfgebiOBBsSLnCJ8bmVyYBg1dTSHV-guFSZKoYMtSn4DUsx_U3MVjZHub2f1WQw9Cup-FH4BeEpM/s1600/panda-1454629_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="638" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-q92r5XXo9Jd8rwJXlTmmyfTPylA1ypaeiqdywTN4VW4IyXzPXcbmAlaYOW-ufq0GfgebiOBBsSLnCJ8bmVyYBg1dTSHV-guFSZKoYMtSn4DUsx_U3MVjZHub2f1WQw9Cup-FH4BeEpM/s200/panda-1454629_640.png" width="199" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let us come into agreement with our Father about what He says about us instead of feasting our thoughts on any rubbish that has been spoken over us or to us!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We can encourage all those around us, family, friends and colleagues to be serious about words and see how it changes the atmosphere and can even change outcomes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God' <b>Romans 10:17</b> So for our faith in Jesus Christ to grow we need to be speaking Life from His living Word and not death, <b>Proverbs 18:21</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-10758423939433329732018-12-12T12:24:00.000-08:002018-12-18T13:06:23.839-08:00What is pouring out of us?<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">Father God has done so much for all of us. He has poured out His Love </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">and shown us at the Cross and resurrection how much, even if we don’t want to acknowledge it. This is our choice, we have no excuse (</span><b style="color: #757575; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">Romans 1:20</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">I have been so challenged </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">how much I allow all the Father has done for me, and shown me, pour through me OR do I keep it to myself feeling this is the God's blessing for me alone, <b>Acts 3:6</b>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">Very early in my Christian journey Father God showed me how my resentment was destroying our marriage. Dave and I got right with each other. Then my Bible study leader pointed out this blessing wasn’t just for me but for all other believers. I needed to swallow my pride and give my lesson away.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeh_HYso_SaMCPUZRTScpdUgrvzW7p87m0WVNmBIc-rV9aje8Yk_WbJQK1Q1dEntNNx2S_QZXMEEH7devWZwib4GhvD5ZwHGRaoBvPd9EEsHfE8QlkVSWM13joCZ1rgzt_K9HFh5-ZlY/s1600/2014-08-08+12.03.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeh_HYso_SaMCPUZRTScpdUgrvzW7p87m0WVNmBIc-rV9aje8Yk_WbJQK1Q1dEntNNx2S_QZXMEEH7devWZwib4GhvD5ZwHGRaoBvPd9EEsHfE8QlkVSWM13joCZ1rgzt_K9HFh5-ZlY/s200/2014-08-08+12.03.04.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">Never did Jesus teach His followers life lessons, so that they could keep hold of what He said. None of us would be following Jesus today if they had not laid down their lives, to share all that Jesus had done and taught them.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">Am I stopping the work of the Holy Spirit Who is graciously showing me a truth and then I just hold onto it for myself. No every lesson God teaches me is to pass through me just like a stream of Living Water to change lives, giving wisdom and direction to all! Making sure He gets all the glory and not making me out to be 'holier than thou'.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">There are lots of reasons and arguments in our heads that cause us to keep God’s goodness to ourselves but none of them are justified. We win the victory in life because of the blood Jesus shed, the bold word of our witness and we are not in love with ourselves but are willing to die for Christ, <b>Revelation 12:11</b>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">Imagine what would have happened to the early Church if the apostles had not allowed the Holy Spirit to pour out through their hands or speech, (<b>Acts 5:12</b>) <b>we </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;"><b>would be lost</b>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;">So go out into the world and set your friends and enemies free, not in your own strength but by His Spirit.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZ96mmgddzOijguo5jtQJl9tmYYgW3HEEdK8SBq6UNaLkflfc8b72Kevgdb69MQZVtb9d38guXaAo7pNdfgbEVL2addQGOn-DYzoK6racDQu8NrHXtgD_qvBpYmQqLrIS4qBXrqBWmMo/s1600/2014-08-27+12.50.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZ96mmgddzOijguo5jtQJl9tmYYgW3HEEdK8SBq6UNaLkflfc8b72Kevgdb69MQZVtb9d38guXaAo7pNdfgbEVL2addQGOn-DYzoK6racDQu8NrHXtgD_qvBpYmQqLrIS4qBXrqBWmMo/s200/2014-08-27+12.50.07.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: white; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>'Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His plea through us. I plead with you on Christ's behalf, "Be reconciled to God!"' </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2 Corinthians 5:20.</b></span><span style="font-size: 18px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #757575; font-family: , "helveticaneue"; font-size: 18px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span></h2>
<br />joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-86305411557076010172018-07-29T02:51:00.000-07:002018-07-30T03:40:20.467-07:00Never once.......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLTF3QY2YOW35uGTehRuJuTeBdQJ30SF-sfxAyMQHJQdMP62icsWO6tmiv_xkl76tEvKE0Qlq_WdTRZAMOe_5GEBHE6AeQ95AHeuOZiOfbSwPyODIz3Yo9lQc9RHO-Mygb7ZrLBLSjqY/s200/Heaven+entry.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">A whole year has passed since the gates of heaven opened to welcome Dave home.He heard those encouraging words ‘well done you good and faithful servant’ And he saw Jesus so clearly and he entered into all Jesus paid for for him and he saw so clearly all that he had held onto by faith, in the last 46 years.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">I can declare that I <b>never once</b> walked this last year alone, the Holy Spirit has been my constant companion and in times of total overwhelming grief He has always lifted me up. He has caused me to give the pain to Him. When I have felt ‘take this cup from me’ Father has given me the ‘garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness and the oil of joy for mourning’ <b>Isaiah 61:3</b></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">I can honestly say this last year has been my steepest learning curve in my relationship with Jesus. I am mega thankful for each step. Having the confidence and complete assurance that I will see Dave again. This is not just wishful thinking, but faith in the promises of God's Word, which have helped me so much. I don’t think I would have made it to this day without knowing there is definitely life after death. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Also without the amazing selfless love of my children, and their daily Whats App messages. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6ikMR4y34idhM_kgKm8jt0reHaoKB3NI015ev7L6JZ-Iv-5Il7VOqi2vc_mQWabhx5ChXnmUnqRZeFwCKaBqztSOzTQgA_HsiP9YdDlcSbYTQ-QWVPzgt3bW-2naX_-Nlfne5W5GZQg/s1600/UUAX2538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6ikMR4y34idhM_kgKm8jt0reHaoKB3NI015ev7L6JZ-Iv-5Il7VOqi2vc_mQWabhx5ChXnmUnqRZeFwCKaBqztSOzTQgA_HsiP9YdDlcSbYTQ-QWVPzgt3bW-2naX_-Nlfne5W5GZQg/s200/UUAX2538.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">His constant Presence, answered prayer, His miraculous provision, He has <b>never once</b> let me down. This is such a challenge to me to share the Truth so others have the assurance of a home in heaven. It is true there is life after death for everyone and the choice we have is where we spend it?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">In the first weeks, because Dave had gone from a giant to death in three weeks, I would go to crowded places and want to shout ‘who will be dead in 3 weeks?’ all because we all live as if we are going to last forever. We are not prepared for the inevitable. We live ‘it won’t happen to me!’ We cause ourselves so much difficulty by not being prepared. I was not!!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Living again the emotions of ‘this time last year......’ with flash backs, seeing his strength failing. His excitement of going to live with Jesus and the Lord showing him about the fruit in his life. I am so thankful He protected me from this pain then, so I could do all that had to be done at the time and I now have an amazing support network around me so I am empowered to face challenges and I realise now I have <b>never once</b> been alone.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">So time to move on to my new ‘normal’, to consider what I want to leave behind in this last year and where I am aiming to be this time next year?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">I am having a very busy time at present having been to Panama for my grandson’s wedding to beautiful Marianella. Coming home alone, then driving to Scotland with my little brother to see my land and 3 business meetings. Then to Wales for a long weekend for two very special birthdays, 3yr old and 6yr old. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaFtVyT-6XtbrXdF4OZrBJPannyoYUHr805lIk8yYDD9XQ3h6gIa0is4S8a35IJcc3CQQc46VsCG3hLpYt6jO-Jc0fj5OpokXr_VwCJd4AWT_Jpc_feH8IM0vE8NqcG4UKr2Zys_YVZw/s1600/iPhone+download+230618+1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="894" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaFtVyT-6XtbrXdF4OZrBJPannyoYUHr805lIk8yYDD9XQ3h6gIa0is4S8a35IJcc3CQQc46VsCG3hLpYt6jO-Jc0fj5OpokXr_VwCJd4AWT_Jpc_feH8IM0vE8NqcG4UKr2Zys_YVZw/s200/iPhone+download+230618+1636.JPG" width="111" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
Now I am packing for a 7week trip to Australia for the wedding of my beautiful granddaughter and a much needed holiday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What a busy time and I am so encouraged daily by the assurance that I will <b>never once</b> be alone whatever the future holds and whatever I feel.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Also if I am to have victory daily in this coming year I have to have a special time to sit at Jesus feet and worship Him, filling myself up on the Word of God, life giving food. </span><br />
<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-weight: normal;">Plus being kind to myself with rest and good food, so here I come Australia. More Word less waffles! Although I do have a responsibiity to certain members of the family to keep up Dave's tradition of supporting the wonderful ice cream trade.</span></h3>
joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540579076471934267.post-90063830127142874992018-05-31T08:10:00.000-07:002018-05-31T08:11:49.981-07:00'All you need is LOVE'<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember organising a day about 'Love' in a gay night club called 'Outrageous'. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdiTPJ9DXKMWwvrmawLEBlAZjiRfsj4k46qIFkRI0KFQP0HUglDOgGtiFpWLCLYBSaghrEB0SCCEMxEXOJSEHGWNYVsfKqxZOwLL9DFPgKeYFbqmhQuniC1mycoNTTXTS1VpRqlqMVdI/s1600/ball-288470_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdiTPJ9DXKMWwvrmawLEBlAZjiRfsj4k46qIFkRI0KFQP0HUglDOgGtiFpWLCLYBSaghrEB0SCCEMxEXOJSEHGWNYVsfKqxZOwLL9DFPgKeYFbqmhQuniC1mycoNTTXTS1VpRqlqMVdI/s200/ball-288470_640.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We opened with the song 'all you need is love' and the opening was a clip from the film 'Love Actually' which shows very clearly the various love relationships we can give and receive, seen at the arrival hall at an airport. Lots of amazing helpers worked hard at showing love in many very practical ways. There were stories of love in drama, in poetry, in song and in some very personal life stories. Four girls who had all had wonderful victory in very tough situations in their lives. They came to see that firstly they are loved unconditionally by Father God Who paid an unbelievable price to show them how much. He allowed His beloved Son Jesus to buy us all back from death, hell, and the grave. Because of that Love they could love others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Running a 'Joy for Life' group in Rosie's Tea Room every Monday. We are studying 1 John and it is called 'Real Love'. Also watching the celebration of the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor Castle. This has made me stop and think do we really know what 'Love' is?? It seems to be vital for all of us. We hear all the time about the trouble little children get into if they don't feel loved or have a missing parent for whatever reason. The repurcussions move throughout our lives. We all have 'stuff' going on causing us to feel unloved, insecure, sensitive, anxious even if we believe in Almighty God as our Father and have the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. We have a battle going on in our heads telling us lies, half truths and truth that we dont believe.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AZWiPwimVJqbHygLjqTRFzm9fpFR_ysBDx7s4_UXONe_N0qelVyJJB3_FEf_zQv5Ged1VGmBr5bXdr2LrAAQJKKzu-xkqPwMSYtOSIjB1qbkhhI8Au893vxP-dDuYzyv39U6G8LQ8LU/s1600/gravestone-294155_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="616" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AZWiPwimVJqbHygLjqTRFzm9fpFR_ysBDx7s4_UXONe_N0qelVyJJB3_FEf_zQv5Ged1VGmBr5bXdr2LrAAQJKKzu-xkqPwMSYtOSIjB1qbkhhI8Au893vxP-dDuYzyv39U6G8LQ8LU/s200/gravestone-294155_640.png" width="192" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I am here to tell you that 'Love never fails'. In the ten months since Dave died I have felt all the depths and heights of emotion having opportunities to think the worst about myself, my situation, about Dave and even to doubt God Himself. But He has continued to pour His love into me on a moment by moment basis. There have been phone calls, messages, songs on UCB radio, podcasts, and daily readings so spot on to where I am at that day. There has been so many answers to prayer, provision of finance, lost passwords found, all encouraging my faith in the One true God and that I am loved more than ever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I knew Dave was leaving to be with the Lord, I spoke to Father God, that I want to hold Him to His Word in <b>Isaiah 61:3</b> that part of Jesus' work is to give 'beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness. That I might be called a tree of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.' That is what any pain is for, so that people can know that Jesus is alive and very relevant to our everyday trauma. It helps to keep speaking out our trust in Jesus and the living Word that He gives us.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEM63Yizf6_1CJaqUj_8rZge_kg5ojbK2QNypFd0cQq4UlPM09-Nc9jchrgZ8VNCyYwGIwESb5nJsSno6NBWHG1CRZqFcJXcECU8L6ExcdED9XiwibztxU6XG_j64KfQ8omPtbIXzKLs/s1600/poor-2754335_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEM63Yizf6_1CJaqUj_8rZge_kg5ojbK2QNypFd0cQq4UlPM09-Nc9jchrgZ8VNCyYwGIwESb5nJsSno6NBWHG1CRZqFcJXcECU8L6ExcdED9XiwibztxU6XG_j64KfQ8omPtbIXzKLs/s200/poor-2754335_640.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is so much written about 'love' and so many questions as well in the Word. But our only measuring stick is Jesus. How does our love measure up against His? Especially loving our enemies, those who have done us wrong, who spoke against us or worse.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do not forget we were His enemies before we bowed the knee to our wonderful Lord Jesus, and look how He treats us. The same Holy Spirit who motivated Him can motivate us as well to love supernaturally. Then the whole world, far more than 29 million people who watched Meghan and Harry, will stop and take notice of the Bride of Christ because of the way we love one another, <b>John 13:34-35</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.joyforlife.org/index.php/real-love/</span><br />
<br />
<br />joyforlifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15736042120352533723noreply@blogger.com0