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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!

__________________________________

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

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 496

October 13, 2020///

We look around us and we see things that need fixing, situations that need to be handled, people who are in need and a culture that we do not even begin to understand.

We hear lies about and rejections of one person to another.  If we choose to look or listen to the different news media outlets, we know we cannot believe anything we are hearing!

My thoughts this morning are centered around what God the Father, creator of this amazing world we live in, sees when He views this world and its people from His perspective.

WHAT IS GOD SEEING??

Can you remember or imagine the heartache it caused or must have caused someone who just got a new prized vehicle and someone ran a red light or crossed the middle line of the road and destroyed not only the vehicle but maybe injured or killed the people in the vehicle.

I have heard and have even said myself “What a waste!”.

We have all heard or seen people whose have destroyed their lives and other lives because they chose to drink and drive, or someone who suffered great emotional stress after believing the lies that it was ok to take a life through abortion.

WHAT IS GOD SEEING??

I believe God is seeing a deceived and hurting people among a people who trust Him and believe and know that in the end evil will be destroyed.

I believe God is seeing a world of amazing natural resources for the most part ignored or misused!

I believe it grieves the heart of almighty God when He sees the children of this world neglected and abused.  There are boys and girls even in the great United States of America that will in their lifetime only see the ghetto’s and ugly.   They will never have a chance to see the beauty of nature or the good of mankind.

I believe God is longing to heal the hurts and anger that drives His creation to hurt and mistreat each other.  

When God created man and woman, He created us with a will.  We are created in His image and we have a brain and thought processes and we have a strong will. Our strong will is sometimes good and sometimes bad!

It is only when we surrender that will to the Lord Jesus Christ can we truly begin to live the abundant life God desires for each of us.

To our hurt, satan desires to cause deception and disbelief and when we choose to believe his lies, we receive all the anger, hate, abuse, and chaos that has invaded this wonderful, amazing world.

You see, it is the choices of ourselves, and all those who have gone before us that determine the destiny of where we are headed from here.

God sees the hearts of each person and He rejoices over the hearts of those who believe and trust Him with a pure heart!

But He grieves and Loves, and woes those who have gone their own way, which is not really their own way, but the way satan wants to take them.

Do not be deceived….satan hates you and is doing all he can to lure you inch by inch to a place of destruction that you never intended to go.

Our hearts were created to communicate and live the life God intended and that is the only way peace comes to our lives.

God sees each of us as beloved children who have either chosen life or death.  We can have all earths goods, success, and acclaim, or we can be in the gutter, abused, put down and used, or somewhere in between, but without receiving and believing Jesus Christ, we are spiritually dead and therefore never satisfied.

Maybe you believe in a God who created everything and let it go and is not involved in the affairs of man on continually basis.

May I tell you that is a lie from the pit of hell.  God Loves you, sees everything about you including the deepest part of you. He desires to take care of you and fight your battles, large or small, seen or in the spirit realm, but you must come to Him.

That will that you were created with can cause you to reject the very giver of that will. He is hovering near waiting for you to will to come to Him.  As He changes you, your will becomes one of living in truth and righteousness.

The truth is in the Lord God Almighty.  The devil is the liar.  And the choice is ours.

WHAT DOES GOD SEE WHEN HE LOOKS AT YOU?

_________________________

Father God, creator of all that is good, I come with a grateful heart of praise for your Love and Care.  Thank you that I chose you!  I ask that all who read this will give their will into your hands and you will bless their will and invade their hearts with your wonder and power.  Thank you that when we trust you good overcomes evil every time.  Amen

Serve Jesus! Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 495

October 6, 2020///

Yesterday as I was reading in 1^st John, I was suddenly struck by how we throw around the phrase of “I Hate”!

I realize a lot of the time we are talking about things or task or jobs and those would not fall under what I am writing about today, although we may be hating what God wants to use to draw us further into trusting Him in all things.

But have you ever said about a person, “I hate him or her”!  Of course you have, just as everyone has. If we are honest with ourselves, we may have thought it many more times than we said it!

On the other hand, I would declare that no one reading this would ever commit murder.  It is beyond each of us to even imagine that.

The scripture I was reading told me otherwise.

1 John 3:14-15 (KJV)
¹⁴ We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
¹⁵ Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Let that sink in for a moment! If we hate another person, we are a murderer!!!!

This scripture does not say, if you hate them without a cause, or if you speak it out you are a murderer. It says if you hate someone, you are a murderer.

We know God looks at our heart and so if we feel hate in our heart and never even give voice to it, He sees, and we are a murderer.

1 John 3:16 (KJV)
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Wow, do we really Love like that.  Do we get out of our comfort zone for others or are we looking out only for ourselves?

These are hard questions, but I have good news!

The good part is that God forgives when we repent and ask Him to.  Then He and only He can fill us with Love to replace that hate.

It is through trusting in Jesus Christ and relinquishing our lives to Him, that we can Love others with the Love of God regardless of the circumstances.

It is allowing the Love of God to flow in and through us!

Can we Love our enemies or even those close to us who hurt us so badly?

Can we say, I forgive and Love??

I know this is hard, but we need to understand that whether we make good or bad choices, each person was created by a loving God who breaths into each person, the breath of life!

Matthew 5:43-44 (KJV)
⁴³ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
⁴⁴ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Love your enemies, pray for those who despitefully use you!! What ???? That is a concept that only the Holy Spirit living in us through Jesus Christ can accomplish.

We were created with choices and from birth a baby understands selfish desires.  How many arguments among children are “no, it is mine” or I want, I, I, I, me, me, me.  What a child must be taught is sharing and giving.

The same is true as we grow up. Self-desires and preservations are prevalent, and it is only through receiving the unconditional Love from God and Jesus, that we to can Love unconditionally and without reservation.

It is only through receiving that Love that we can live out a forgiving, loving life instead of being a murderer by feeling hate or declaring it with our mouth.

When something is full, there is not room for anymore.  When we are full of the Love of Jesus Christ and the Creator of the Universe, Father God, there will be no room for hate.

We will understand that we are all a work in progress and look at each other with acceptance and the Love the passes all understanding!

This is a lesson our entire nation and world needs right now.  It must start somewhere! May it start with each of us!

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Father, in Jesus name I ask you to fill each of us who call ourselves Christians with the agape, or God kind of Love.  That Love that shows compassion and forgiveness instead of hate and condemnation.  Forgive each of us our murderous thoughts or words by our hating.  Let us rest in your divine Love and let that divine Love flow through us to others.   Amen!!

I Love you with the Love of Jesus, MeMaw!

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 494

September 29, 2020///

I want to share with you today some thoughts on the Heart of this Nation.

On Saturday I witnessed tens of thousands of people in Washington D.C. at      “Prayer March 2020”!   If you have not seen this, I urge you to take the time to watch the recording of it at the prayermarch2020.com website. It is two hours and thirty minutes long but well worth the time.

As I sat and watched people from all over America of every race and creed, come together to call on God I was filled with the knowledge that in spite of all the bad news and chaos and ugliness we see portrayed in the news media, this was the Heart of America in action.

Through the vison of Franklin Graham who is no stranger to Americans, this prayer march started at the Lincoln Memorial and ended at the Capital.  In between were stops to pray at the: World War Two Memorial, Washington Monument, White House, Museum of African America & History, and the National Archives.

At each prayer stop various parts of our nation was lifted.  In action we saw carried out the words to a song that was sung by John Rick called “Earth to God”!  It will bless you to listen to that song.  

As I shared a couple of weeks ago, God is the only answer to this country’s problems and yes those of the entire world.

James 5:16 (KJV)
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

As I watch with tears and faith and hope arising in my heart, I knew that in houses, apartments, and other places all over this great nation people were viewing and like I was joining is praying for the people and situations in the Greatest Nation on earth.

My heart was so full of understanding that what I was seeing and experiencing is indeed the “Heart of this Nation”. 

God’s precious people may not be as vocal as those who want to spread evil and discord but are powerful as they call on the one who created it all.  In our homes, places of business, shopping, and churches, we are mighty when we recognize from whom all blessings flow and who has the answers.

We may feel sometimes that we are a lone voice for God in a world gone crazy, but may I assure you that just as God assured Elijah that he had many who had not bowed to the enemy, God has many multitudes in this nation who are trusting and lifting up every faze of this Nation to Him.

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)
 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Today, whether you are home bound, or out among many people or anywhere in between, know that you have power when you call on Father God, through the Lord Jesus Christ!

Are you discouraged by all you see? Lift up your head and understand that the people who do know their God will do great exploits! By connecting through prayer, being obedient to the direction they are given and understanding that they are created on purpose, for a purpose, these people can change our world.

All of us are called to pray and intercede. This is what will bring the Kingdom of God to this earth just as He desires.  What if our prayers and intercession, or lack thereof is what is standing between God’s will prevailing or evil prevailing in our world?

Are we like Peter, James and John who fell asleep in the garden, before the crucifixion, when Jesus had asked them to watch and pray?

Maybe it is not sleep but being busy, wrong priorities and any other number of things that keep us from praying.  Maybe we think our little prayers will not change anything.  Think of your prayer as a snowflake, by itself it is not refreshing, nor does it cover the ground with beautiful white purity, but joined with other snowflakes it becomes a purity that whitens the earth and brings joy to many.

As our prayers reach the throne room of heaven and are joined with prayers from all over the world, we will see change in people’s hearts and actions.

I understand that I wrote on prayer a couple of weeks ago but at this point in our nation we cannot stress or participate in prayer enough.  God will hear and God will answer.  May your heart be filled with the presence of hope as you understand that the heart of the United States of America is Faith in Almighty God and prayer.

As we wake up and stand in the gap, God will hear!!!

___________________

Father, thank you for the privilege of prayer. May we as your people take advantage of the advantage we have in prayer.  Nothing will affect our nation and our world like prayer.  Fill each person who reads this full of that knowledge. In Jesus Name I pray.

PRAY!!! Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 493

September 22, 2020///

My question to you today is “How are you running”?

Do you need a tune-up, repair, gas, or a different kind of gas?

Do you need new tires?

Sometimes we need some or all of those in both our vehicles and our lives!

We were blessed yesterday to be able to make it to the car dealer where our car now stands to get a new transmission most likely.  It started out small and quickly got worse.

I know people who have put in gas that had gotten water in it and suffered much damage to their vehicle!

Tires out of balance or wore out will make the ride rough!

Just as there are different conditions that need to be taken care of concerning our vehicles, there are different conditions of our Spirits or life, and walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I may be overstating it but life without Jesus as our Savior and Lord is like a car running on square tires, skipping gears, rattling and all sorts of other maladies.

But when we receive Jesus as Savior a new life begins. We are new creatures in Christ.  The Bible tells us old things (or the old way of life) has passed away and all things become new (or different, our desires and goals are different)!

However just like a new car, our spirit needs maintenance, repair and sometimes replacing worn out things like we replace the tires on our cars.

We need a form of Spiritual gas and oil on a consistent basis. If we are out of gas or our car has no oil it does not matter whether it is valued at 2 thousand or 60 thousand dollars, it will not go anywhere.

All of that said, I ask you again, “How are you running”?

Are you just trying to make it through the day just like we were trying to make it to the dealership?

Are you bumping along on uneven or out of balance or low tires?

Are you in need of gas and does your oil need to be changed?

Are you mistakenly putting the wrong kind of gas into your mind and Spirit?

Do you have hurts, confusions and open wounds that need to be repaired?

May I tell you that none of that is what God intended when He created you and knew you even before you were conceived and sent Jesus to be the supreme sacrifice for any wrong you could ever do!!

John 10:10 (KJV)
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.

There are many today who are looking for the abundant life in the sweet by and by when they see Jesus face to face.

Look carefully at that scripture.  The thief referenced is the devil who wants to destroy you. But in that one verse Jesus tells us He came to give us not just life but life abundantly now, not just in the by and by!

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,

Now look carefully at the above scripture.  He will do abundant things, in us, around us, and through us, as we let His Power work in us!

That means in my analogy today that we allow Him to repair all the hurts and disappointments, the open wounds and make us whole.

That means we put the Word of God in us, which is like our Spiritual gas to flow through us with energy and strength.

That means we let the Fresh Oil of the Holy Spirit to anoint every part of our being and all we do! And we continual let Fresh Oil revive us!

We listen to the Word Preached or Taught and allow it to balance our tires that take us through each day of this life and we don’t hold on to the old (like old tires) just because that is the way it has always been or been done! We allow God to do new things!

This Creator God is still creating new and exciting things in and through and for us as we yield to Him!!

Isaiah 43:19 (KJV)
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

May we learn to sit in His presence, releasing all we are and all we are not to all He is and let Him do the repairs and maintenance in us.

Yesterday, if we had just parked our car at home it would never be fixed and ready to take us places again.  In the same way, we must allow Jesus to do what is needed in our lives so that we can go where He leads us.

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

_______________________

Father, thank you that we can come to you and you can fix us and mold us to do the things we were created to do.  Fill each person who reads this with this truth!  In Jesus Name I pray!  Amen

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 492

September 15, 2020///

On “The Christian View” TV show, I heard a comment that I have been considering.

The subject was “Faith and Politics”.  One of the co-hosts made the statement that what was happening in the world today is instead of “Faith and Politics”, we are seeing “Faith in Politics”!

If we use our Faith to guide our politics, our votes, and our prayers for our leaders, it is an amazingly good thing.  This country was founded on the truths of the word of God and the freedom that all are to enjoy.

But when we begin to put our Faith in the political systems or leaders, we are bound for failure.  No leader has all the answers. No leader or leaders can solve all our problems.

This country was established with leaders to guide it and we have gotten to the place that government is our source for everything!

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (KJV)
¹ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Proverbs 29:2 (KJV)
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

God created man in His image and gave us a free will.  A will to choose who we elect to govern us.  A will to choose evil or a will to choose good.  A will to choose via our likes and dislikes or a will to choose those whose beliefs line up more closely with the moral values and truth in the Word of the Living God.

Are there any of those in public offices: local, state, or national that are perfect? No not one!   Jesus was the only perfect one and He came that we may have life and life abundant, but we must choose that.

We must choose to pray for our leaders, and for the enemies hold on people’s minds to be replaced with wisdom from the throne room of God.

When we pray and listen to the inner voice of the spirit of God; when we pray and ask God to guide us to put the right people in office and when we catch a vison of what God can do when we pray; things will change!

When we sit back and criticize and complain and neither pray for our leaders and our country nor vote, the enemy is winning.

We are soldiers in the army of God and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal!

We do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities in the heavens!

This is not a battle of persons, but a spiritual battle.  We cannot win a spiritual battle with earthly weapons.  But by the power of almighty God we can pull down the strongholds of the devil. The one who want us to destroy each other with our divisions and hate.

 We are equipped, as sons and daughters of the most high God, who have taken our rightful place as royalty, to bring the enemy to our feet! Provisions have been made but as people of choice, the decision is ours!!

Ephesians 6:10-13 (KJV)
¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

We must PRAY for our leaders.  We must PRAY for our vote and then VOTE!

2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

“Evil abounds when good people do nothing!”                                                               YOU HAVE A CHOICE!  WHAT WILL YOU CHOOSE!

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Father God, I decree and declare in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that each person who reads this would choose to do battle in the spirit.  Let each of us pray and seek your face for this great Nation!  May we battle against spiritual darkness and may we let our voices be heard as we vote what you speak to our Spirits!  For give our apathy that helped lead our nation to so much evil.  We have the answer.  May we pray and obey!  Thank you for your love and care for each of your creations! Amen!

Choose!!  Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 491

September 8, 2020///

Sunday, the 6^th, I turned seventy-six.  Yes, I said seventy-six, but compared to Abraham that is really young!

As I ponder the life I have lived and the choices I have made, I totally understand that I did not always use wisdom or make good choices, or the choices God would have me make.

As a young girl I gave my heart to Jesus and have always desired and tried to live for Him.  Bur many times I depended on my decisions, my desires, and my wants. And as a result, messed up!!

But may I tell you that despite that I have been and am blessed and walking in the grace and favor of His love and care!

There have been tears and triumphs, faith and fears, sunshine and rain, hills, and valleys. There have been shouting times filled with joy and there have been times when I fell on my knees with weeping and wailing. 

There have been times when I could not speak or pray the hurt or grief was so bad and there have been mountain tops when I felt like I could conquer the world!

But I declare to you today that I was never alone, the Father God who created me and Jesus my Savior and Lord and the Holy Spirit never left me.  It did not depend on whether I felt their presence or not they were there.

John 14:18 (KJV) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

The fact that Jesus is with us but we do not realize it is born out in the account in Luke 24: 13-32 of the two disciples (followers) of Jesus who were on the road to Emmaus after the crucifixion and the women had reported the tomb empty.

These two were discussing what happened and Jesus began to walk with them.  They did not realize He was the risen Lord.  When they shared what they were discussing He expounded the Gospel to them. 

Jesus was with them! They did not recognize Him; they were so distraught in their confusion and grief of all that had happened.  They had thought Jesus would set His kingdom up at that time, but now they had lost hope.

Have you ever been there? That place where things did not turn out the way you thought they would.  You are discouraged and confused and yet Jesus is right beside you and you miss that awesome truth.

When it started to get night and the two disciples were stopping for the night, Jesus appeared to go on further!  They desired Him to stay and as they were eating an incredible thing happened.

When Jesus took bread and blessed it and gave it to them, their eyes were opened, and they knew Him.

Why did they now recognize Him? Because they desired Him to stay, they desired to commune with Him.  And when they ate of bread He had blessed, all doubt, fear, and confusion was gone.  They could see clearly that He was the risen Lord.

Jesus is with us, but we may not recognize Him. But when we desire to spend time with Him and partake of the bread of life that He blesses and breaks, our spiritual eyes are open, and we see clearly the risen Lord of Lords and King of Kings with whom nothing is impossible.

Are you weary, heavy laden, confused, disappointed, rejected, full of questions? Set aside time to commune with the one who loves you best.

Let the anointed bread of life come forth into your innermost being with power and victory.  Sit with Him, fellowship with Him, Listen and learn and you will see He was there all the time.

We need to put aside our preconceived ideas of how things should be.  The religious leaders of Jesus time were so caught up in their rules and their own self-righteousness and assurance they were right, that they were blinded to the truth that the messiah who they were looking for was in their midst. 

He did not fit their mold.  They missed Him and had Him put to death.

When we depend on our own righteousness (which is like filthy rags) and think we know exactly how it should be, we miss Jesus and put to death the fellowship, communion, and freedom He came to give!

May we spend time allowing the Risen Lord to bless and open our eyes so that we can clearly see His presence in our lives.

I read a quote this week that I think I think is worth repeating. 

“A coincidence is God way of remaining anonymous”.

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Father, thank you for your presence always.  Thank you for your plan and your Love even when we get off track.  Thank you for long life and thank you that I am soaring like the eagles.  Thank you that you will never leave me and when I draw my last breath, I will see you face to face!  In Jesus name I pray! Amen

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 490

September 1, 2020///

Have you ever thought about a piece of clothing that you felt would be simply perfect for you?  Or maybe you saw it in a store or online when looking for that perfect outfit.

Do you remember the disappointment when you found what you were looking for or took the clothing to the dressing room or received the delivery at home to find out that it did not fit right, did not look right on you or just looked so very different on than off?

May I tell you that life is like that when we determine to set our own goals and go after our own desires.  We reach the top of the corporate ladder, get the dream job, acquire the right house, get the fancy cars, go on the dream vacation or find our dream companion:  Then find it does not fit, it does not do right, it does not satisfy that itch deep inside us for something more.

Christians fall into that same pattern when they go after their definition of ministry or outreach or a million other good things we can do.

May I remind you today that you were created on purpose for a purpose and the right fit and the satisfaction comes when we are walking in the purpose we are created for.   When we are trying to walk in our own plans, we find ourselves constantly searching for fulfillment.

It is only when we receive the Lord Jesus as Savior and spend time in His presence receiving His plan for our lives, do we truly find the right fit.

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.

You can have it all according to the worlds standards, you can do what is called ministry 24 hours a day 7 days a week and not be in the place or have the fit God planed for you.  When we follow God’s plans we are filled with Peace, Strength, Energy, and the knowledge that we are enough!

There are purposes that every Christian should walk in and then there are the specific purpose that you were created for in addition to that.

We are given some of the purposes of every Christian in Ephesians 5:22. These are called the “Fruit of the Spirit”.

They are: Love, Joy, Peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, Faith, meekness, temperance.

You may want to do your own bible study on these.  These should be an outflow of our lives as Christians.

Then there are things that each of us are specifically called to do. These are not necessarily what we would call ministries but are the fulfilling of the plans God has, whether it is singer, missionary, pastor, training children, banking, accounting, building, managing, repairing, running a business, writing, speaking, being a stay at home mom, teaching, driving trucks, advertising, doctor, lawyer nurse, hair dresser. I could go on, but you get the picture.

When we are in our sweet spot of what we are specifically created to do, we can do it with joy and eternal perspective.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (KJV)
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;

Colossians 3:23 (KJV)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Matthew 13:46 talks about the PEARL OF GREAT price that when found was worth giving up all else to acquire it.  I submit to you that the specific plan God has created you for is the Pearl of Great price for you and you need to spend time with the Lord God Almighty and find that Pearl and walk in the fulfillment and satisfaction of being who you were created to be.

Are you always reaching for that elusive perfect fit, or trying to fill your life with things that will never satisfy?

Come to Jesus and surrender who you are and all you have to His Plan for you and you will find life is full of Joy and abundance and freedom.  We are all created with a deep desire to have a relationship with the creator God and He is waiting,

and He has an awesome plan.

Will you walk in His Plan which is already blessed or ask Him to bless your plans and wonder why you are not satisfied?  Come to Jesus!

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Father, what a perfect plan you have for each of us.  Forgive us when we go our own way and make our own plans without asking you to guide us.  Help each person who reads this to decide to do it your way because your way is perfect. Thank you that you have a plan for each of us that fits perfectly!  I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  Amen

Love, MeMaw