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MeMaw Thoughts

Number 506

December 22, 2020///

How do you respond?

Have you ever blurted out something or done something that you immediately would like to erase?  Of course, everyone has.  That may have caused embarrassment or misunderstanding but today I want to talk about our response to truth that is revealed to us, or that prompting inside that stirs the knowledge that we are supposed to do a certain thing.

All of our minds are on Christmas this week.  Those of us who Love and serve Jesus are looking at what the Birth, death, and resurrection of The Savior of the world means.

May we take a moment and look at the responses of some of those in the word of God!

The Wisemen saw a star.  Their response was not to just gaze at the star in wonder and wish they could see the Messiah it was announcing.  Their response was to get on a journey and follow the star a long way to worship and bring gifts to the new baby!

The shepherds saw the great light and heard the angel’s announcement of His Birth and where they could find this Newborn King!  Their response was to go find this Christ Child.  They could have sat around discussing what they had seen and making the excuse that they had to stay and watch the sheep.

Mary and Joseph could have lamented their situation of having to travel so far and having no place but a stable to rest and deliver this Savior!   Instead, they did what was necessary and filled a manger with hay and rejoiced when the Shepherds came and worshipped!

Earlier they had responded to Angel messages with obedience to the will of Almighty God!

We could look further at the lame man who took up his bed and walked at Jesus command rather than just pondering what it would be like to be healed!

We see the disciples who cast their net on the right side of the boat at Jesus command even though they had fished all night and caught nothing.

We see the denial of Peter with the response of repentance and forgiveness.

We see the betrayal of Judas. Instead of repenting and receiving forgiveness he allowed satan to lead him to total destruction.

And we see the religious leaders who rejected Jesus in spite of all the prophecies they knew.

What about you? How do you respond to the call of the Savior of the World who took your place and paid the debt for your sin and bridged the gap to a relationship with the Creator of the Universe?

Our response must be to receive and follow Him.

With Jesus as your Savior how do you respond when you are shown a revelation of truth that needs to be followed?  Or even a card to write, a phone call to make, or any number of other things that you may know deep inside you should do!

May we not be guilty of just wondering what it would be like to see that thing come to pass, or to make an excuse “if”, or procrastinate, or gaze into the stars and wish?

Our response effects all of those around us and our future.  Our response shows our Trust in the Savior of the world. Our response says I believe, or I wish I could believe that He will fight my battles and I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!

What truth has been revealed to you that you must respond to? Will you say Yes!

What action, large or small to you need to move forward on? Will you say Yes?

John 10:27 (KJV)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Mark 15:12 (KJV)
And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

What is your response to the call of the King of Kings, Savior of the World?

Listen, obey, and follow the Christ of Christmas!

I pray that each of you have an amazing Christmas as you understand who Jesus is and receive and follow Him!

John 3:16 (KJV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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Father, thank you for your Love, thank you Jesus for your Love and thank you that we can serve, follow, and respond with yes to all you reveal.  Touch each heart that reads this with the desire to say Yes!  Yes, to your will, your way, and your desire for each of us!  Amen

Let Jesus Love, Joy and Peace invade your mind, will and emotion!  Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 505

December 15, 2020///

Nine days from now will be the day we celebrate the birth of the Savior of all who will receive Him.

What does this mean for you? 

Maybe during this season of this awful virus, you are not going to be able to celebrate like you are used to!

Maybe you have no one to celebrate with!

Maybe you are unable to shop and by presents for those you love!

Maybe because of job loss, you are concerned about food and housing daily, and now Christmas!

Maybe you are missing the friends gathering or church gatherings or extended family gatherings!

Maybe you are a church leader concerned that your church cannot help people this holiday season the way it usually helps!

Maybe you are wondering how in the world did we got to this point from January 1, 2020!

May I bring your attention to the fact that a baby was born.  Not just any ordinary baby, but the long-promised Messiah, the Savior of all mankind!

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
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.

In the Gospel if John, the writer declares Jesus was part of the creation of the world, chose to bridge the gap that sin had placed between God and man.  Therefore, He came as one of us to pay for all the wrongs we will ever do. 

John 1:3-4 (KJV)
³ All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
⁴ In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Jesus, the light of the World, came into a world filled with darkness and infused it with light.

THIS IS WHAT WE SHOULD BE THINKING ABOUT!!

Consider that light came that wonderful night.  The night when most of the world were unaware!

John 3:16 (KJV)
¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The shepherds heard and believed and came to worship. The wisemen saw the star, believed, and begin a long journey to bring their best to the Christ Child, and Mary and Joseph had been told about their baby that he would save His creation!

Matthew 1:21 (KJV)
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

JESUS! what an incredible wonderful Savior.  The first Christmas, the night of Jesus birth, was far from perfect and far from what even the religious leaders believed about the Messiah, the King of Kings come to set people free!

But He came, not in a palace, but in a stable, and thus begin an unusual life! A life full of the knowledge within Himself of who He was but the rejection of those who should have been looking for Him.

May we not repeat that mistake! May we not get caught up in what we can and cannot do this season, or what we can or cannot buy! But may we honor the Christ of Christmas and may we celebrate within our hearts and minds the reality of the Salvation this baby brought to us!

Read the true story of Christmas to you children and be grateful that we do not have to walk this road called life alone!

No matter how different you find this Christmas Day, remember the true meaning of Christmas, and rejoice, a Savior was born!

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Father, I thank you for the plan of salvation that was formed from the foundation of the world. Jesus who was part of creation chose to come a one of us.  For that the world celebrates.  What a Savior! May each of us rejoice as we understand the real significance of this season! Because of Jesus and in His Holy name, I pray! Amen

Rejoice, a Savior was born!

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 504

December 8, 2020

This day, in the midst of holiday list and preparations or worry and concerns about the holidays, I want to direct your attention to Nature and how it praises the Lord God Almighty by just being what it was created to be.

Have you ever just gazed at the beauty of the stars in a clear sky or the mountains that reach high toward the heavens, or the ocean that ebbs and flows?

Each of these are being what Almighty God created them to be!

Psalm 148:3-5 (KJV)
³ Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
⁴ Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
⁵ Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

Psalm 148:4-6 (MSG)
⁴ Praise him, high heaven, praise him, heavenly rain clouds;
⁵ Praise, oh let them praise the name of GOD— he spoke the word, and there they were!
⁶ He set them in place from all time to eternity; He gave his orders, and that’s it!

Isaiah 55:12 (KJV)
For ye shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

How do the mountains and hills sing, and the trees clap their hands? By bring what they were created to be!

How do we Praise the Creator God and our Savior Jesus Christ? By being who He created us to be!

We were created in His image and when we receive what Jesus did for us on the cross, His Spirit lives through us.

As we allow ourselves to be guided by His presence, we are being what we were created to be.  Yes, we each have gifts and abilities and to be obedient and use these for His Glory is Praise and Honor to Him!

But also, to walk everyday with His Presence and Peace in everything we do, is Praise and Worship to who He is.

Think about how looking at the beauty of flowers, trees, mountains, sky, and ocean makes you feel closer to the one who created it all.

I believe in the same way, when we are who we are created to be, people whom we are around or encounter, are drawn closer to their creator!

Have you ever met someone who just made you feel good inside just being in their presence? That person is being who they were created to be!  Does that make you want to be more like Jesus?  I know it does me!

Several years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Gloria Gaither.  The Love and character of Jesus was so real in her, it was flowing like honey out to all around her!  It made you want to draw closer to the presence that surrounded her and snuggle close.  I had never seen so much love and compassion flow from a person!

What did that do? It made me want to be more like Jesus and be the vessel to draw others to the one who gives life abundantly!

What was this precious lady doing?  Just being who she was created to be!  Yes, we should fulfill the plans and ministries God has designed for our lives. But we should not be striving and worrying about those plans and ministries or trying to build ourselves up and make it happen on our own.

We just need to be who He has created us to be!  We are to be willing and obedient and God will open doors not man can shut, and we can walk through them in Faith and Victory!

As you do the things necessary for daily living and as you use your gifts and abilities in business and/or ministry, never forget that in all of that you are to rest in the arms of almighty God and just be who you were created to be.

Rest for the body is necessary but we can rest in Jesus and be busy about our lives.  Real rest comes from being in the yoke with Jesus because He has already won the victory.  Real rest comes from being who you were created to be and not striving to be something someone else was created to be.

• Do not try to run someone else’s race!
• Stay in your lane!
• Do not try to put a square peg into a round hole!

These three quotes all point to my writing today, just be who God created you to be and that is Praise, Worship, and Adoration!

Father thank you that you created me to be your representative on earth!  May your love flow through all who read this and may each of us rest in your Presence and Peace as the rush of the holidays tries to rob us of that Peace.  May we just be what we were created to be and let your love draw others to the Christ of Christmas! Amen!

Have an amazing December! Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 503

December 1, 2020///

Lamentations 3:22-24 (KJV)
²² It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
²³ They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Psalm 36:5 (KJV)
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

December first, 2020, I want to encourage you with the truth of God’s FAITHFULNESS!!!

Each of us have had to make many adjustments this year because of the virus raging in our world.  Just as those who have gone before may we learn some valuable lessons during this time of change and confusion and unrest.

Our ancestors forged through wars and fought for freedoms and even in our lifetime we have seen tragedies such as the Twin Tower attacks and other senseless destruction of lives and property!

So, you may ask why does God allow this?  You must remember that we were created with a will that gives us choices.  God will not override our will.  When we choose to believe the enemy of all that is good and allow him to push us to evil, I believe God weeps. There will be a judgement on wickedness, but God desires to give people more time to repent.

As Christians we can walk in the assurance that God is Faithful and will fulfill His Promises.   But we must be a force for GOOD and Right!   We must pray that people’s hearts will be changed and turned toward a God who Loves them and desires the best for them.

We must show those all around us a better way to live. We must walk each day in the Power of the Lord God Almighty and with the conviction that He is Faithful!

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (KJV)
³ But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)
²³ Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

David wrote in the Twenty-Third Psalm:  The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want!

I encourage you to put whatever you need this last month of 2020 at the end of that sentence!   I shall not want for health; I shall not want for provision to feed and provide for my family; I shall not want for Peace; I shall not want for Joy; I shall not want for friends; I shall not want for time with my family………what do you desire to put there?

If, we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and if we believe He is truly Faithful we should be able to walk in that truth and spread that truth to all who are around us through lives secure in the Faithfulness of our Creator God!

Are you worried, fearful, anxious? Then you are not grasping the truth of His Faithfulness! Time thinking on the scriptures will infuse you with truth!

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
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.

This Peace, this Guidance, this Security is for us. We must receive it as we walk in a world that has gone away from Truth!  Our lives and our influence on others can spread the Peace and Faithfulness that flows from us.

I encourage you that if you do not have a church, do not attend the one you claim as your church because of covid-19 or just out of the habit, to push yourself to join with others either in person or on-line, to Worship the only one who can speak Peace!

There are multitudes of services on TV or on the Internet you can be a part of, even if you are concerned about being in a crowd!  But I caution you to beware of what you watch and listen to.  Make sure it is Truth from the Bible and it builds you up!

The word is life and joining together with others gives us strength to walk in Faith and Victory and be an example of Gods Faithfulness!

This December as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God, may we truly grasp His Faithfulness and Love for us and rest in His promise of Peace, Joy and Victory!

The longer I live, the more I am sure that “HE IS FAITHFUL”!  

May you walk in the assurance of that truth!

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Father, thank you that you are always Faithful to fill your children with peace and love and the security that only comes from you.  May all who read this take hold of the truth of your Faithfulness and Love that is beyond our understanding. You, Lord have been faithful to me even when I have not made good decisions. I thank you for that.  May we place all that we are and all that we will ever be in your loving, faithful care!  I ask this in Jesus name, the name above all names!  Amen

Have an awesome week!  Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 502

November 24, 2020///

Psalm 100:4 (KJV)
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Psalm 103:1-5 (KJV)  

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.

Psalm 34:1 (KJV)
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

On this thanksgiving week I wanted to remind you that God is good and is on your side no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.

As the pilgrims gave thanks on that first thanksgiving for the new land they had come to so that they could worship God without restriction, may we thank the Lord God of Heaven for the continued privilege to worship in freedom.

I encourage you to join me in repeating the above verses out loud every day for the remainder of this thanksgiving week.

I also encourage you to take a moment and consider one thing you can be grateful for.   Are you breathing?  Do you have a place to live? Are you Blessed with children who you are allowed to love and mold into amazing adults?  Can you walk, talk, touch, smell?

Do you know Jesus as your Savior?

Any one of these are blessing from God the Father who gave His best in allowing Jesus to die for the sin of the world.

We may long for the way it was, for some calmness in our world but we all have something to be thankful for.

This is thanksgiving week in the United States.  This is a national holiday not a worldwide holiday.  As we begin to think on our blessings may we remember that not all people of the world are allowed the freedoms we have in our country.

May we thank God for those who fought, and many died so that we can be free to live, work, worship and come and go as we please.

We need a revival in our great country.  A renewing of the freedoms this country was founded on.  We must pray for blinders to come down from people’s eyes that they will see the real Jesus!

Let us start by being thankful for all our Blessings including this great Nation as messed up as it seems to be.

Why are people wanting to come into the USA from all over the world?  Because we are the land of the free and home of the brave!

Let us never take for granted all the incredible Blessings we have.  I urge you again, consider your life and give God Glory and praise for all the Blessings bestowed on you.

I urge you to thank your spouse and your family for their love and care: thank your children for the joy they bring you: thank your parents for giving you life: thank a good friend for being your friend!  You may even want to thank your manager for their leadership.   What if you thanked the harried cashier for their hard work!

We can be thankful when we remember that God is good all the time.  When we cannot see Him working, He is still working.

We sing a song at church that says:
“God is good in the morning,

God is good in the evening,

God is good, He is good to me!”

God is good, He gave and keeps on giving.  May this week be a beginning of a life filled with thankfulness.  No matter what circumstances you are in a grateful heart will open you up to incredible Joy and Peace.

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Father, thank you that you are good, and you Bless us and guide us and fight our battles for us.  Thank you for the pilgrims who endured hardships to come to a place where they were free.  Help us understand the sacrifice of all who have gone before us and be grateful. Thank you for Jesus who gives us internal and eternal freedom.  May we live a life of worship and adoration to you the one who Loves us most.  Thank you for your blessings!  In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Have an awesome week being thankful!  Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 501

November 18, 2020///

Acts 26:2 (KJV)
I THINK MYSELF HAPPY, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

Let us analysis the statement: “I think myself happy”!

The dictionary describes happy as:

1)characterized by well-being and contentment

2)glad, pleased

Paul, the apostles was standing before the king being allowed to defend the charges against him.

We must remember that this is the one who said, “Though the outward man parish, the inward man is renewed day by day!”.

Paul had joy and peace deep in his innermost being but had situations and troubles that were discouraging.

Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)
; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Philippians 1:2 (KJV)
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

If you have been a Christian very long or around Christians, you know that happiness comes from without, but joy and peace are deep within.

We can walk in the peace of God and the joy of the Lord that is our strength no matter what is going on around us!

However, happiness is the outward expression of how we feel.  When we are weary, physically ill, in difficult circumstances beyond our control, or in a world that is full of conflict and chaos, that surrounding of happiness requires us to bring out thoughts into line with the truth that is inside us!

Look again at the phrase, I think myself happy! Paul was saying, my surroundings are prison, my accusers are lying, I am headed for punishment, but I will remember the Lord my God!

I will bring my thoughts to the truth that:

• Jesus died for my salvation and rose victorious
• No matter what happens this life is just a vapor
• The soldiers may hurt my body, but the inward man is secure in my standing as a son of the almighty God
• With God all things are possible
• My life is in the hands of the creator and I will not fear what man can do to me
• I am going to get to witness for Jesus to King Agrippa
• God is going to impress on me what to say

You get the picture!  Paul was talking to himself the truth, that overrode the circumstances and feelings of defeat and discouragement!

My desire for each of us today is that we think ourselves happy. Think on the good thing’s life has given you and the truth of the word of God.

We can walk in joy and peace deep within and still be in turmoil over all that is going on around us.

 We must remember that we are saved by the blood of Jesus and nothing that happens can change that.   We must remember that every circumstance and situation in our lives is an opportunity to walk out the faith that is within us. And we must talk hold of the truth that if God be for us, who can be against us!

So I ask you today, are you allowing all that is going on in your life, body, family, surroundings, nation and world to destroy your happiness or are you going to join me in “THINKING YOURSELF HAPPY”!

Most of us are far more Blessed than we even realize and take so much for granted!

I encourage you to change the outward you, by thinking yourself happy!

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Father, in Jesus name I come.  I thank you for a home to live in, food to eat, heat in winter, and air in summer.   I thank you that you are with each of us always and guide us in every decision.  I take hold of the truth that you fight my battles.  I take hold of the truth the I am yours Father God and no person or thing can change that. I thank you that I can see and hear and walk and have an amazing family and church. I thank you that you will supply all I need, and you heal my body and send angels to protect and fight for me.  I am so thankful that you Lord God Almighty love me.

Think yourself happy!   Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 500

November 10, 2020///

I have a thought-provoking question today!   I may have asked this before, but it is worth revisiting.

What is the deep dream and desire of your heart for your life and future?

God created each of us with a purpose and destiny.  We are uniquely made and like no other.  You were created with abilities, talents and dreams that will make the world a better place and fill you with divine satisfaction.

Maybe you know what it is and maybe you are living it and finding a joy and fullness that many leave this world without ever accomplishing.

Maybe you have no idea what it is but are just doing what you can to get through life or even to do good.

Or maybe you know but have so many obstacles in your way that you have buried that dream deep inside.

Maybe it is more than one dream or several areas of the same type dream.

Many of us would say we cannot accomplish what we feel we are put on earth to do because of two things:  money and time!

I ask you today to think deeply as I ask you a question I posed to a group at church when we were studying and discussing the book: “Dream Giver”.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD PLENTY OF MONEY AND TIME?

May I encourage you to think about this.  Do not just shrug it off or give some surface answer!

What is it that gets you excited to think about or something you do that gives you joy and energy? This is the thing or things you need to pursue.

I have heard it called our sweet spot.  When we find and pursue the reason we are created, it is our sweet spot and will fill us with a dynamic that nothing else will.

There is much good we can do in this world: send cards, make calls, volunteer at a food kitchen, cook meals for shut-ins, and a million other things. But it is when you find the sweet spot of your life that you will truly live as the Creator God intended.

Isaiah 44:24 (KJV)
Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

None of us are here on this earth by accident.  None of us are forgotten by our creator and we were “Created on purpose for a purpose”!

Psalm 139:13-14 (KJV)
¹³ For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Children play games of pretend. They let their imagination go and play like all things are possible.

May I tell you today that with God all things are possible.  We need to take a minute and consider what we really want deep in our spirits.

Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)
I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

God desires for us to fulfill the purpose we were created for, but we have a will.  We can choose the road we want to travel.

Ask God to show you the next step to take toward his plan for you. 

Is it your deep desire to open your own daycare?  Then volunteer to help in the nursery at your church as you pray for guidance.

 Is it your deep desire to write? Then write and share it with a good friend who will give input.

 Is it you desire to start a business of your own? Get involved in organizing and helping administrate things in your church!

Write the vison of what your imagination sees down so you can have it in front of you.

Do not let obstacles of the full dream keep you from taking steps toward it. It may be a class, or a job in the area of your dream. 

But take steps toward the thing or things you were created for.  Imagine!

Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

What is your sweet spot? Pursue it!

____________________

Father, thank you that we are not a mistake nor an accident.  We are created in your image for a purpose. Help each of us to understand why we are on this earth and give us the wisdom and guidance to follow you and pursue the plan you have for us!  You are able to overcome all obstacles and we trust you.  I ask this is Jesus name.  Amen

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 499

November 3, 2020///

As I think about the condition of our Nation and the turmoil that is prevalent, and the knowledge that the news we are subject to cannot be believed, I want to share what my heart realizes.

The thing that needs changing in the United States and the world is people’s hearts!!

We as a nation can pray and vote for the candidates whose views line up closest to the word of God.  And we should!

Laws can be put into place and enforced as much as is humanly possible and marches and rallies can encourage people to work for a cause!

But it is the hearts of people turned to the Creator of the Universe that will make a defining difference in our Nation and World.

The true Christians and true Christian leaders, and churches who believe God is who He says He is, and Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior are the ones who can make real change.

If the human traffickers had a heart filled with Faith in God, human trafficking would stop.

If those who smuggled, sold, and used all kinds of illegal drugs and misused legal drugs had a heart change, drug trafficking would stop.

If those who sell their soul for fame and fortune had a heart change, they would change the world by their witness.

If those who provide the killing of unborn to scared vulnerable young ladies or those who just want a way out, had a heart change, abortion clinics would close.

If those who found themselves in an unplanned pregnancy had a heart change, there would be no need for abortions.

If the senators and representatives of our Nation and State had a heart change, they would be able to govern in a way to benefit the people of this nation, laying politics aside.

If spouse and children abusers and those who neglect their families had a heart change, dfacs would not be needed and the family unit would be secure.

If those who are causing destruction and harm from their violence had a heart change, they would be filled with peace instead of anger!

I could go on, but you get the picture!!

The bottom line here is that people’s hearts are what is on the line here. Not just for this world but for eternity.

May I tell you that you as a living breathing active Christian are the instrument to effect change in our world!

Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Ephesians 6:6 (KJV)
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)
 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

John 3:16 (KJV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:10 (KJV)
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

John 12:46 (KJV)
 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Mark 7:21-23 (KJV)
²¹ For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
²² Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
²³ All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

John 14:27 (KJV)
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.

THE WORLD NEEDS A HEART CHANGE AND WE ARE THE AGENTS!

Billy Graham was asked once why he did not run for president of the United States of America.  His reply: “I have a higher calling!”.

May we understand we have a high calling to spread light into darkness!

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Father, we are the instrument of change in our world.  May each of us step up and take our place as a light pointing others to a changed heart.  When we shine bright, hearts will change and true, real, good, and loving change will be seen! In Jesus name I ask! Amen

Heart change: let it start in us.   Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 498

October 27, 2020///

Are you a cookie in the box or a fresh out of the oven cookie with an aroma that makes all around you take notice?

Yes, I said cookie!   Think about a cookie from a package purchased at a store.  Many of them are very tasty and will provide the sweet we crave.

But then think about the smell of a fresh baked chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, sugar cookie, or many other varieties that are fresh out of the oven, warm and the aroma and taste filling every one of your senses.

I know that you agree with me that there is no comparison!!

Many Christians today find themselves in the packaged category.  We act, do, and say the correct things and are truly a Christian just as the packaged cookie is truly a cookie.

We may satisfy some needs around us through our lives and ministries.

Would you not rather be a Christian who is warm and filled with the sweet smell of being in the very presences of the Savor of the world and the Creator of the universe?

When we are spending time in the presence of the Lord God Almighty and allowing Him to cleanse us and fill us with His Love and Power, we can be a sweet refreshing alive encourager and living witness to all of those around us!

Yes, the world will SEE JESUS in our actions, words, and deeds, and will be drawn to Him!

John 12:32 (KJV)
 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

If we, here on earth, lift up Jesus by our fresh anointed lives, He will draw people to Him!

We are not instructed to draw, but to lift up!

I purpose to you that if you are a packaged Christian you will not be as effective in lifting up the Living Savior as you would be if the very life and breath of the Creator of everything has refreshed you and taken frustrations and confusions from you and filled you with the fresh anointing and the living water that flows freely when we release ourselves and our lives to His Lordship!

Psalm 16:11 (KJV)
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

1 Chronicles 16:27 (KJV)
 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

It is in His presence that our strength is renewed, and we find Joy for the journey and wisdom for our lives.  Why would we want to try to do it on our own?

One moment in the awesome presence of the Savior will change everything.

Are you tired of being a packaged Christian with the correct form and exactly like all the others in the package?

Are you ready to be unique and an instrument of lifting up a sweet aroma?

 Just as a pan of fresh cookies may not be exactly alike in shape and size, we may be different.  But we can all have a fresh touch and a fresh Joy and Peace as we go through our days!

All we need to do to enter His presence is follow Psalm 100:4!

Psalm 100:4 (KJV)
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Just begin to give Him thanksgiving for all His Blessings and Praise Him for who He is and for all He created you to be and Bless His name.

If all you can do is say the name of JESUS over and over that will begin to usher you into the Holy of Holies!   As you then expand that to THANK YOU JESUS, those three words will open rivers of Life-giving water within you!

Psalm 29:2 (KJV)
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

When we praise and worship the Lord Jesus and the Creator God, and then commit our day, our way, our family, and our lives to Him, we can Lift Him up in all we do!

Psalm 37:5 (KJV)
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Proverbs 16:3 (KJV)
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

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Father, in Jesus name I come.  Thank you that we can draw strength, wisdom, joy, and peace from your presence.  Thank you that our lives can be a true example to others that your plan is for an exciting life of real, genuine abundance.  May each of us desire to walk in that fresh anointing that only comes from time spent in your presences.  May we understand that is the way to true joy and peace. Amen

In His Presence!  Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 497

October 20, 2020///

The world is full of fear, but you can be full of Faith!

Corrie Ten Boom said:

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God!”

Ruth Graham, daughter of Billy and Ruth Bell Graham wrote a book titled:

“Fear not Tomorrow, God is already there!”

Both the quote and the book were not at all recent but apply very profoundly to the situations we find ourselves in today.

Fear is very real, and fear can immobilize you, cause you great stress, and even cause you to sink into depression and helplessness.

But who God is, and His amazing Power is greater than any fear we may encounter!

You may fear the corona virus, the election, the future of your children, the safety of your family and friends in a world seemingly out of control.  You may be walking in fear because of the loss of a job and the fear of the inability to feed and clothe your family in the face of the tumultuous times we are in!

Maybe you fear facing a sickness or old age or a situation that is out of control!

Fear and Faith are both unseen but are both very real.  Fear says focus on the situation and what may happen tomorrow.  Faith says focus on the God who made all things and us, and Loves us beyond measure, and holds tomorrow and each of us in His incredible arms!

1 John 4:18 (KJV)
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

For the one who has received Jesus Christ as Savior, our goal must be to let the power of the Cross stamp out all fear!

May I pose a question for all of us today? Do we really have Faith that the God of the universe really Loves us and is fighting our battles?

Luke 12:32 (KJV)
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:6-7 (KJV)
⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
⁷ But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Do we trust that the Greater one lives in us? Do we really grasp that we are beloved sons and daughters of the one who knows all, sees all, and is all powerful?

Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

As I examine my heart this morning, I ask you to examine yours! 

Do we really believe God is who He says He is?  Do we really grasp the fact that with God all things are possible?

Do we honestly take hold of the truth that He Loves us with all our bumps, bruises, confusions, and failures? 

Do we receive His forgiveness and grace for all we may have done and all we are not?

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Do we look so much at the circumstances that we cannot see that we are safe when we place our life and our family and friends lives in His capable hands?

Proverbs 29:25 (KJV)
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

In this time of great fear and turmoil all around, we who have a relationship restored to the God of the universe through our trust in Jesus Christ, should be the example of walking in Faith and banishing fear!

What are we showing to those around us?  We are representatives of Jesus Christ and Jesus knew who He was and walked in complete trust and agreement with the Father!

Faith says I believe and trust the God who breathed life into me!  May we strive to walk in Faith and Victory every moment of every day!

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Father, your Love banishes fear. I ask you to help each of us to surrender any fear or turmoil that may try to invade our minds and hearts.  I ask you to help each of us understand that we do not need to fear the future because you have already been there.  Invade each of us with great faith as we focus on who you are.  I ask this all in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  Amen

Love, MeMaw