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Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 658

November 21, 2023///

Some of you may be like me and are not gifted in the growing of plants and flowers. However, each of us knows that sometimes in our potted plants one or more of the leaves will turn brown. Even the outside plants and flowers need some of the old stuff cut away. Or in the outside flowers or plants, weeds must be pulled up.

They also must be kept watered and if you are really into it, fed some kind of growth product.

Today may we look at Hebrews 4:12 with the plant and flower analogy in our minds!

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

We are like plants and flowers, and need some stuff cut away or removed from our heart and lives!  The writer of Hebrews tells us that God’s Word will do exactly that!

It has been said when we read the Word to also let the Word read us. Here is how that verse reads in the Passion Translation.

Hebrews 4:12 (TPT)

For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, and it pierces more sharply than a two-edged sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.

What do each of us need to cut away from our lives? For each of us it is different, but the Word of God will shine the light on what needs to be uproot and taken from our lives. The Word will reveal to us the true thoughts and motives of our hearts when we open our minds and spirits to the revelation it gives.

As we are open to let the Word and Spirit show us areas that are not making us stronger in Jesus but are making us weaker, we can allow the direction to flow to us to deal with each of those.

Is it a habit, pride, guilt, shame, past, other people, or pleasing other people. Wrong decisions, relationships, and the list could go on and on. We can grow in the Lord and in the Power of His Might, by responding to what the Word makes real to us!

The Word not only shows us what to cut away and get rid of, but the Word will water the soil of our heart so the Truths that we read and meditate on will grow and flourish.

Ephesians 5:26–27 (KJV)

²⁶ That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

²⁷ That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

We are the Church of Jesus Christ here on earth. The church is not a building, but we are the temples of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s look at the Passion Translation!

Ephesians 5:26–27 (TPT)

²⁶ to make us holy and pure, cleansing us through the showering of the pure water of the Word of God.

²⁷ All that he does in us is designed to make us a mature church for his pleasure, until we become a source of praise to him—glorious and radiant, beautiful, and holy, without fault or flaw.

As I close, let me encourage you to read, meditate, and listen to the still small voice letting you know what to change, etc.! Then I encourage you to allow the presence and power of the Lord God Almighty to give you victory in every part of your life!

Our lives without the Word on a consistent basis is like the neglect of a plant or flowers, our spiritual life will soon wither away, and we will not be fulfilling our destiny in Jesus.

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Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you that you give us the way to life through the Living Word that we can read and meditate on and let it read us. And, the Living Word, which was Jesus whose examples in the Word show us how to live. How foolish it is when we think we can just do it our way and still walk in the power and authority you give us. May we hide your Word in our heart that we will not sin against you! Amen!

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 657

November 14, 2023//

Our weather in Georgia seems to go from hot to cold in a moments time.

Let me admit to you that I have a temperature span of about 5 degrees. I can go from cold to hot in a matter of minutes depending on the feel of the area around me.

In the last few days, as we have gone from the eighties to the forties, I was thinking about how cold I was. And I was also thinking about how just a few months ago I was complaining about how hot it was. (except in church where the air was always making it seem like winter, ha-ha)!

I am not the only one who complains about the heat and cold in various degrees and ways!

This reminds me of the religious leaders in Jesus’ day who complained because of what John the Baptiest did not eat and drink and complained because Jesus did eat and drink those same things, and neither of them lined up with all their rules!

They were never satisfied!  We are like that not just in the weather but in all areas of life.

We can always look at someone who has more possessions, more talent, more breaks, is more beautiful, has less problems, has almost no physical ailments, more success, and a better job or at least has a job!

And yet we are all Blessed in so many ways. Even though I may complain about the cold and hot, I never fail every morning to Thank God that I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and awesome friends and family. I Thank God that I am not homeless, hungry, nor all alone!

I believe the Apostle Paul summed up how our life should be lived in the following verses!

PHILIPPIANS: 4: 11-13

¹¹ Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. ¹² I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 I can tell you no one I have ever known suffered as much as Paul did. And yet he declared he was content in whatever situation he found himself in!

May I share with you that I am not at that place at this point in my life. I cannot say I am content with everything and in every way!

No doubt like us Paul understood that God has good things for His Sons and Daughters and He will move mountains to give us good. He has blessings and healings and miracles, but for various reasons, even though we pray and believe as best we can, sometimes we must stand firm in the knowledge of His nature and His Love for us!

Paul was in prison many times and always used it is an avenue for sharing the truth of Jesus sacrifice for all humans!

He was stoned and left for dead, he was beaten, and in the Roman prison where we last saw him, he was teaching those who would come to see and hear him, write letters to the churches, and continue to fulfill his calling to spread good news.

Yet, he was content! Wow, I truly would love to be able to tell you that you will never have a problem in this life!

But the world we live in is not perfect and neither will all things in our life be perfect!

I believe the key that brought Paul contentment, and that we can also find, is in understanding who Jesus is and who we are in Him. It is in understanding that this world is not our home. We are citizens of heaven.

As Paul and Silas, sang and praised God in stocks in a Philippian Jail, we need to sing and praise God in every circumstance of our life.  

We are never alone. God will give us strength for the journey and peace that the world cannot give. That dear friend is contentment!

1 TIMOTHY 6:6-7

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

HEBREWS: 13:5

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

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Father, forgive each of us when we whine! Forgive us when we look at our lack instead of our blessings! Forgive us when we seem to have our eyes on the things of this world instead of the eternal and on you! Thank you, Father, that you Love us as we are, but you Love us too much to leave us that way!  Mold us into a vessel of honor! I ask this in Jesus’ name! A-men!

BE CONTENT! LOVE, MEMAW!

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 655

October 31, 2023///

As I was praying this morning my heart overflowed, with grateful praise and thanksgiving for my family and friends and neighbors that are friends.

God has blessed me with so many amazing and wonderful people in my life and I know it is not because I earned it or deserve it but because He Loves me.

I know He loves us all the same and unconditionally! But I don’t know your Blessings and your strength from Him in every situation and problem, but I know mine, and my heart is full of that knowledge.

I have lived 79 years on this earth. I am blessed with each day and the ability to live and even though I cannot do all I could do when I was younger, I am able to do many things and I Praise the Creator God for that.

You may wonder what has happened to result in such a feeling of blessing. Nothing out of the ordinary has occurred.

As I was reading the Bible this morning, praying, and letting the Word read me, I was so filled with Praise that I have a friend, Jesus, who is always with me and loves me. But in addition to that He has given me sweet and precious people in my life that I know will be with me in the hardest and most wonderful times.

I am so grateful that I know that Jesus is real. His peace, and His Love flow through me!

I decree and declare with King David:

PSALM 103:1-5

¹      Bless the Lord, O my soul:

And all that is within me, bless his holy name.

²     Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget not all his benefits:

³     Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;

Who healeth all thy diseases;

⁴     Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;

Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

⁵     Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;

So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

I love to quote that scripture in the first person, putting I and my in the benefits. “My youth is renewed like the eagle’s”, not thy youth, etc. Then it is a personal praise and lifts me up as the truth of the Word flows from my mouth!

I Bless the Lord that I do not have to walk this road called life alone.

I realize I am probably repeating things from the past, but I am so grateful that I can take all my burdens to the Lord in prayer, and He hears, and He helps!

I cannot fail to praise Him for His Blessings on me!

PSALM 111:1

¹     Praise ye the Lord.

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,

In the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

PSALM 106:1

¹     Praise ye the Lord.

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good:

For his mercy endureth for ever.

May we never forget each breath we take is given by God Almighty. Each step we take is because He gives us strength, and each prayer we pray is because He give us a voice.

Let us continual us the weapon of praise God gives us. The enemy of all that is good flees when we praise the one who created us and knows us better than we know ourselves!

I BLESS THE LORD, OH MY SOUL AND ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME BLESS HIS HOLY NAME! I GIVE THANKS UNTO YOU LORD; YOU ARE GOOD ALL THE TIME!

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Father God, I come in Jesus’ name! I do not have adequate words to express the praise, adoration, and thankfulness that is filling me up. To know you created everything and yet you know my name, love me, and know my deepest desires and dreams. You have an amazing plan and fight my battles. I release all I am and all I am not to your Lordship! Amen!

Praise is a weapon!

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 654

October 24, 2023///

Next week we will begin November and right on November’s heels will be December, and then we will be saying goodbye to 2023 and entering 2024.

With all that is going on in the Middle East, here in the United States of American and in the world, we may even wonder if we will make it to 2024.

We know Jesus is returning and the signs are everywhere that what we know as the rapture, or catching away of those who trust Jesus is very close!

We are told in Luke 19:13

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

In this passage in the Bible a Nobleman, who represents the Creator God, gave provision to those who served Him, and told them to Occupy or be His representatives, using what they have until He came back.

God Created each of us with abilities and talents that He can use to make this world a better place and to show others that letting Jesus guide your life results in a better life and a better way.

When we look at the suffering going on in the Middle East, in Ukraine, in Hati, in countries all around the world and right here at home in the USA, we can get overwhelmed with the magnitude of it.

But if we understand that we are not called to solve every problem, but we are called to turn every problem in the world over the one who made it all, pray for good and right to abound and then use what we have, do what we can, and then God is Glorified in what we do.

We may have been given the ability to make money. We are to use that to help the needy and further the Kingdom of God on earth.

We may have the ability to Love others, to provide food for the hungry, clothes and housing for the destitute or support for those bound in destructive habits.

What abilities and talents have you been given. What are you doing with them.

In the story of the good Samaritan, he used what he had and did what he could.

I ask you today to think with me about the situation in our world. Are we doing what we can, and using what we have, to help others and make this world a better place?

I ask myself daily, am I occupying in the way I should or am I distracted and distressed because of all the evil and suffering around us!

I am reminded that our prayers have no limits, they can affect things happening worldwide.

I am reminded that we can change the world one person at a time. Our confidence in the Lord Jesus and the Joy He gives will draw others to know they do not have to live defeated or depressed or hurting.

Prayer changes us and we change things.

Occupy does not mean to sit down and not move, it means to be about all we can do to help others and improve the suffering in the world.

May we use what we have, especially PRAYER, to be found doing good all the time!

I know this was a little heavy, but this world is in a place of great distress and the Christians must not just give up and sit down. We must be about doing good and using the powerful gift of prayer.

Then may the Father God say to each of us:

Matthew 25:21

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.

OCCUPY!!

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Father, I come in the mighty name of Jesus Christ! Help each of us to use the abilities, talents, and opportunities to Glorify you and relieve the suffering in the World. Your word says, where evil abounds, grace does much more abound. May we walk daily and moment by moment in that grace. Amen!

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 653

October 17, 2023///

ROMANS 8: 37-38

³⁷ Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

³⁸ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Conqueror! When I think of a conqueror, I think of one who has defeated an enemy or situation or habit or something else that has come against them such as fear, anxiety, worry or even a physical battle.

Some synonyms are:

• master
• vanquisher
• victor

The scripture that I started with tells us that through Jesus Christ we are not just conquerors, but more than conquerors.

Maybe to understand MORE is to look at a football game where the score is 56 to 7. The winning team just did not conqueror the other team but did more than that. They ran over them or mastered them.  They did more than win the game!

From this scripture we can see when we allow Jesus to control our lives and follow the leadings deep in our innermost being, we can do more than win a battle, we can conqueror the enemy of all that is good and live a life that shows others the power that is in us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In the first verse listed “Him that loved us” is Jesus Christ our Lord, who gave His life so we can be reconciled to God the Father.

When we receive what He did for us, we can walk victorious everyday as we relinquish all we are to the one who can do all things and Loves us and will fight our battles as we give them to Him!

Look at the second and third verse listed. Wow! Do you see that when we know who we serve, nothing can come between us and the one that enables us to conqueror the problems in our lives.

Sometimes we approach a day just wanting to survive. But may I tell you that when we realize we are not just conquerors, but more than conquerors, we can face each day with confidence that nothing can separate us from the one who has the power over all situations and circumstances.

We do not survive each day, we thrive, and we defeat the fear that tries to render us powerless, or the worry that consumes us, or the habit that keeps tempting us, or the body that keeps limiting us.

We defeat the thoughts that take us to low lows and the wrong desires that won’t go away.

Oh, what joy is ours as we realize: Yes, I can! Yes, I will! I will walk this day in power, victory and the Joy of the Lord that is our strength!

I have a scripture in a frame on my desk at home that says:

WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US.

I look at it each morning and remind myself that on this day I am more than a conqueror, whatever happens.

What an awesome feeling to know that I am loved by the Creator God, who spoke, and the world came into existence and who knew me before I was born and with who nothing is impossible.

What security that brings as I navigate an insecure world!

I invite you to join me as we go forth as more than conquerors!

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Father, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I come with a grateful heart. Thank you that as we trust you, we can conqueror all that we face each day. And not just conqueror it but come out the better as more than a conqueror! I lift to you each person who reads this and ask you to plant this truth deep within each of our spirits or the real us! We serve a God who can and will and who is able to lead us and guide us into all truth and victory! Amen!

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 652

October 10, 2023///

Fall is here, the leaves are turning, and the weather is becoming conducive to wrapping a blanket around us as we read a good book.

Fall festivals are everywhere and decorations for Halloween are on display in stores and yards and houses.

Soon we will celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas and then the New Year.

We celebrate birthdays of family and friends and then there are Anniversaries, Easter, Fourth of July and many other events and days set aside to remember something or someone and celebrate.

Today I want to remind you of the greatest celebration of all. Every day we should celebrate Jesus. Our Savior who gives us real life and living.

We do not just have to exist or survive or strive to be better than the next person. We can live real life because Jesus gave!

Jesus not only is the better way, but He is also the best way and the only way to a restored relationship to the Father.

EVERY HOUR OF EVERY DAY SHOULD BE A CELEBRATION OF JESUS!

[Isa 9:6 KJV] 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

When we celebrate a person, we tell of the good they have done, or we are celebrating an event that happened.

I know when a couple from the church was acknowledging my birthday in front of the church a while back, they were saying so many good and positive things I wondered if they were even talking about me.

But that is the way we celebrate people or events; we rehearse the good things.

May we understand that is exactly the way we need to celebrate Jesus every day. We remember the good and praise Him for all He has done for us and in our lives and our family and friends and churches, etc.

There is no one more wonderful than Jesus, no one else that can give us advise and direction in our heart that is total right, no one else that is able to do all things and no other whose Love is secure and never changes, and no one else who can give us Peace that the world cannot understand.

[John 14:27 KJV] 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

On the other hand, when we fail to remember the good, and do not Praise the one who gave us real life, we have an enemy who is opposed to all that is good and desires to destroy us.

[John 10:10 KJV] 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.

Praise and Thanksgiving and speaking the good things are weapons that defeat the one who would bring things into our lives to keep us focused on the problem or problems.

The Bible, especially the Psalms is filled with amazing praise scriptures. Write some on a 3×5 card and put them where you can see them and say them out loud many times a day.

Scriptures such as:

[Psalms 118:28 KJV] 28 Thou [art] my God, and I will praise thee: [thou art] my God, I will exalt thee.

[Psalms 139:14 KJV] 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.

[Psalms 28:7 KJV] 7 The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Let this day and everyday be a celebration day to the Lord Jesus Christ!

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Father, I come in the name of Jesus’ Christ of Nazareth. I am filled with Praise and adoration in my heart! I celebrate Jesus today and all He is and all He is in me! I celebrate Jesus because there is nothing He cannot intervene in, and He gives us wisdom and direction. Forgive me when I focus on the problems instead of the one who bled and died for me! Help me and each one who reads this to understand how powerful Praise and Celebration are. I worship, Praise, and adore the Lord God Almighty! Amen!

Let’s Celebrate Jesus!

Love, MeMaw!

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 651

October 3, 2023///

Do you remember as a child, thinking Christmas would never come and anticipating what would be under the tree for you. Whether it was expensive toys or underwear, shoes, or a fruit bag, we all looked forward and imagined we would get what we wanted.

Sometimes we did and sometimes we did not. Finances, availability, or our age for that particular thing may have kept us from getting the thing we dreamed of. But that did not keep us from the desire and dream of the next Christmas.

There are a lot of people I know going through difficulties in their body, their families, relationships, finances, jobs, and many other ways.

As Christians we pray about those things believing, and sometimes for whatever reason the answer just does not come like we want and in our time.

We know God is able to do all things and heal all diseases, so we continue to pray.

And we never give up! We keep trusting and keep walking daily with Jesus!

Sometimes though, our only option is climb! Take a look at the words of this song that the Hoppers Gospel Group sing and see if it speaks to you like it speaks to me!

MY ONLY OPTION

What is that standing before me today?

Another big mountain that won’t move away.

 I could be discouraged but I won’t this time.

My only option is climb.

CHORUS

When my only option is strength in the Lord,

He’ll give me the power like He has before.

I can’t be defeated – that’s not God’s design.

My only option is climb.

There are some mountains that will move away.

There’s another bright wonderful sun shiny day.

Now I face a battle that’s different this time,

 and my only option is climb!

I want to tell you that when all we can do is climb, we will reach the top and we will be victorious.

Referring to another song is one the Crabb family sings that speaks to me, may I tell you that is no mountain for the climber when the maker if the mountain is with us!

THAT’S NO MOUNTIAN FOR A CLIMBER

I looked at that mountain that stood in my way.
Would this be my last climb, would this be my fate?
How my heartbeat so fearful, what challenge awaits.
But, strength rose up in me, God’s power and grace.

Chorus
That’s no mountain for a climber.
I know what awaits at the peak.
Jesus is there watching over, to see if his help I need.
He makes sure that his dear precious children
Don’t fall by the trial so steep.
That’s no mountain for a climber
When the maker of the mountain is standing by me.

Bridge
I beheld all the footprints that had been there before.
Up through the cliffs and the rocks til’ I could see them no more.
And, I wondered what brave ones would challenge such feat.
God said “It’s the saints, child, that’s gone on before thee.

.

I tell you today just keep on walking, even if it must be one step at a time! Victory is straight ahead!

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Father, thank you that you will never leave nor forsake us but are with us always and will give us strength and victory as we lean on you!  Help each of us to understand that with you we are always victorious in every circumstance. I ask this in Jesus Name! Amen!

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 650

September 26, 2023///

Today I want to share with you a Me-Maw thought from 2011. We Have all heard the Coca-Cola slogan, “IT’S THE REAL THING”!

In this world of so much fake stuff, let’s be the real deal! Let’s be all we are placed on earth to be. Be who God made you to be!

You can find this 2011 thought and 59 more in “SKYDIVING ME-MAW THOUGHTS” on amazon.

Be blessed as you read or reread this!

ME-MAW THOUGHT–NUMBER 28–JULY 19, 2011

I am doing an unusual thing as I write this.  It is a little after eight o’clock AM and I am eating a TOMATO SANDWICH.  This is made from a tomato grown on our deck.  That is not a normal breakfast and I do not normally eat anything this time of day as I am reading the word and praying for all of you, but there it was…sitting on the counter, all ripe and ready to be cut.

Now for those of us who love tomatoes, the tomatoes grown in our yard or on our deck, compared to the tomatoes purchased from the store, are like a different food.  A just picked Tomato sandwich with plenty of mayonnaise, salt and pepper is an experience that cannot be described. 

As I started making the sandwich the Holy Spirit began to reveal some truths to my spirit.  These truths can be applied to any food that you eat.  Freshly made or freshly grown are better in any food, from apples to cakes.  But since a tomato caused this reflection to start, I will use it as a point of reference.

Some might say that the tomato lying on the counter tempted me to eat it.  But unlike the temptation that Adam and Eve succumbed to, this tomato was not forbidden.  It was good for eating and good for me.  Adam and Eve were tempted by the fruit on the forbidden tree that looked so good to the eye.  My question to you is…in our lives are we showing the love of Christ to others so they will want to partake or are we showing things that look good and tempting but are forbidden by the Heavenly Father in His word.  

WHAT ARE YOU TEMPTING THOSE AROUND YOU WITH??

COLOSSIANS 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Are we showing those around us the REAL JESUS?

Some of the tomatoes we have pulled from our vines have had bad places on them and parts that cannot be eaten.   Fortunately, we have not had any totally rotten this year, but some tomatoes look great on the outside, but are rotten through and through.

What kind of Jesus are we reflecting by our life?  Are we genuine, loving and kind? Do we really care about those around us?  Are we loving in deed and not just in words?  If we cut into the center of the Jesus we portray, what would we see. 

A true tomato eater can buy a tomato from a roadside stand that is proclaimed to be vine ripened, and the moment they taste it, or sometimes just cut into it they can tell the proclamation is false.  The truth is in the inner parts.

Are we looking good on the outside and tempting people to come to Jesus, only for them to find out that our lives portray “dead men’s bones”, or rotten places through and through?  Our words sound ok and our outside looks appealing but inside we have not relinquished our lives completely to the Lordship of Jesus and when someone looks at us, they see a fake not genuine.

A tomato that has rotten places or is rotten through and through is still a tomato, but there is some of it or all of it that is not fit to use to benefit us by giving us good nourishment.  A person can be saved by the blood of Jesus but not surrender to His Lordship.  Jesus wants to use all your talents, abilities, and the wonderful mind He has given you for Building His Kingdom on earth.

I have cut into a store-bought tomato that looked real and tempting on the outside and found it tasteless and bland. Our lives can look like a wonderful walk with Jesus on the outside, but inside are tasteless and bland.  We have nothing to give, because the things in our world have crowded out the life-giving wonder of serving a living and risen LORD.

1 JOHN 3:18    My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. ^

The point I want to leave with you is that we need to portray the REAL JESUS by letting Him have full reign in our hearts so that we can tempt people to lay down their self-centered, world aligned thinking and come to the one who can give real joy, peace, and love.

May we feed people the real nourishing genuine gospel, rather than a corrupt half rotten, half-truth gospel. Because the word says that “They (and us) shall know the Truth and the Truth will set them FREE.  Free to live life to its fullest and to fulfill the destiny they were born for.   May we all walk in the truth and the love of Jesus!

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Father, let us be real and walk in truth.  Let our lives portray the fresh genuine Jesus. I ask this for myself and all who read this.  In the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Please serve the Real Christ!

Love, ME-MAW

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 649

September 19, 2023///

“The home is a lighthouse which has the lamp of God on the table and the light of Christ in the window, to give guidance to those who wander in darkness.”           Henry Riesche

I have no idea who Henry Riesche is, but this quote indicates so much more than just a place of physical living!

When you hear the word home, what does it bring to your mind?

To a baseball player it might suggest crossing that last base called home!

To a soldier in a foreign country maybe they think of America where freedom is the accepted normal!

To the tired traveler it is the place they have set up housekeeping and have their stuff, and to the wayward one it is a place where they come expecting a joyous welcome!

Dorothy in the wizard of us reminds us simply that “There is no place like home!”

We have all heard:

“Be it ever so humble there is no place like home!”

Or “Home is where the heart is!”

Whether you live in an apartment, shack, small house, medium or large house, it can be a place or it can be a home!

Regardless of the size or contents, a place is just a place until the Love and acceptance and warmth that comes from the Lord God above, dwells there!

Yes, there are homes that are filled with the only kind of love we can give without Jesus flowing through us and some seem to be happy, but oh, when a house is filled with the love of Jesus Christ and the presence of people who care about each other we can have the kind of home God intended.

Whether you are single, a couple, a single parent family, a two-parent family, a blended family, or several generations in one house, you can make your house a home by allowing Jesus Christ to reign and His Love to abide there, and in ourselves.

Thomas Kinkade is called the “Painter of Light”. His light infused paintings of houses with light streaming from windows, and light all in nature, affirms the basic values of family, Faith in God, and beauty, came from the experience he had as a child.

Walking home each day he would see the welcome lights from the houses he was passing. It was like an invitation to something good!

Our children will learn more from what happens in our homes than in any other place. They may learn facts and figures in schools and colleges but what we live out everyday will show them what is really important!

May we as parents, grandparents, friends, etc. show them Jesus Love!

I remember as a young girl, when either of my parents walked in the door, I felt the warmth of home. I felt that all was right with the world. I saw them face to face and knew Love abounded!

God has prepared for those who trust in what Jesus Christ paid for on the cross, a home of light like no other. We can look forward to the beauty and perfection of that home. But most important we will see Jesus, our Savior face to face.

But may I tell you not only can you have a home of Love and acceptance here, but you can have the presence of Jesus in your heart so fully that you are home anywhere!

If home is where the heart is and our heart is fixed on our Savior, then we can be home and feel the love of home anywhere.

And as Thomas Kinkade saw light spilling from windows and was inspired to paint light into his work, the light of the love of Jesus can inspire others to commit to that light and to let it fill their house and make it a home.

Matthew 5:14 (KJV)
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Psalm 36:9 (KJV)
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

May the light of Jesus shine through each of our homes to draw others to the truth of His Love!

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Father, I come in the precious name of Jesus, and thank you for the light of the truth of your word that sets us free to be all we are created to be! Touch each of us to let our light shine through our lives, our homes and all we do. May we make our homes a place of refuge for the hurting, encouragement for the discouraged, and a place of rest for the weary! You give us direction and in you is light and true life! May each of us let you reign in our heart and life. We are your ambassadors! May we be strong contenders for Truth! Amen!

Love, MeMaw!

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 648

September 12, 2023///

This past Wednesday I turned 79 years old!

When I think about my life, I realize how exceedingly Blessed I am!

God has given me family, friends and opportunities that I don’t deserve, and I feel like as I have gone through each stage of life, I have been blessed to live several lifetimes.

The Lord has protected me supernaturally so many times I cannot count. Times when I know it was only the power of God and His guardian and warrior angels that kept me from destruction.

The enemy has tried to kill myself and many of my family members in different ways, but God intervened!

I gave my life to the Lord Jesus at age 9 and though I have disappointed the Lord God Almighty and made choices that were not the best ones, my desire has always been to serve Him and be an instrument for His Glory!

I know that giving my heart to Jesus at an early age was due to my parents having our family in church and showing by their lives that living for Jesus is the only way to true life!

But may I tell you that regardless of my parent’s beliefs and walk with the Lord Jesus, I had to make the decision for myself to say Lord I want you to guide me and lead my life.

Of course, at age nine, I did not realize I was saying exactly that, but I knew I was different and the pull that had drawn me to the altar that Sunday night was replaced with joy.

I tell you this from a heart full of love because I want to share that in the ups and downs, the hills and valleys, the hurts and pain, and the joys and good times, Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit have always been my anchor!

I have a mom and dad, 5 sisters and their spouses, nieces and nephews that have left this world and I know I will see them again because they had received Jesus as their Savior!

Ephesians 1:3 (KJV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Some of you reading this may be thinking right now that the fact that I was raised in a Christian home is great, but your parents did not raise you to believe in Jesus. Or maybe you do not even know who your parents are or were abused and neglected!

But may I tell you that God Loves you and as you trust Him, He will be the foundation of victory in all situations! He will restore years you lost in relationships and choices that led you from Him!

Psalm 67:1 (KJV) God be merciful unto us and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us.

God Loves you and you are the apple of His eye! He sees you as you are and loves you too much to leave you that way. As you allow, He will mold you into the vessel of honor He called you to be. He will wipe away the regrets and pain, and fill you with Joy, and Peace that do not depend on the circumstances!

Psalm 115:15 (KJV)
Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.

Psalm 68:19 (KJV)
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.

I know this has been different, but my heart is so full this morning of gratefulness for God’s love and care for me I just want everyone who reads this and everyone I know to have this relationship with the creator God!

I leave you with this fact:

Psalm 18:46 (KJV)
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

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Father, in Jesus’ name I come with a heart filled with gratitude and praise for your Love and relationship with me, your daughter, who has failed many times but who you never leave nor forsake. I ask you right now that you would stir up deep within each of our hearts a desire to know you more fully and understand your word and your way more deeply and just receive your hugs! Let all who read this understand that these thoughts come from a heart of love! Amen!

Love, MeMaw!