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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!

______________________________________________

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.

_____________________________

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!

___________________________________________

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!

_______________________________________________

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

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?

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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!