Who are You?

Who are you? Where did you come from? Tell me about your family?

Of course, most of us can answer these questions. I can go as far back as Scotland and tell you about my family history. Events and people that tell us all about our heritage. Some of the facts we learn, may not set well with us, and that part we don't share. lol. But all in all, we need to know who we are and what it means to be in this family. Genealogy is interesting and I have been doing quite a bit in the last few years, but I also have come to a place where it is not as important as before. As a Christian and follower of Christ, I believe it is more important to find out who we are in Him. As our Heavenly Father, what blessings or privileges do we have and are we claiming what is ours. I would venture to say,  most do not know who we are in Him, and if we don't know then we can hardly benefit.

Living way beneath what is ours, is probably the norm for many. As we begin to delve into this very important issue, let's take a minute to pause and ask for wisdom, and that God would reveal to us how very critical it is to know who we really are. Amen!

Listed below are just a few . Words are powerful and a proclamation of our faith. Read out loud and believe that you really can claim this scriptures. This the Word of God!

There are many more promises in the Bible,  that will tell you who you are. So if you are into the genealogy that really matters, you will certainly be blessed!
 

Meditate and believe!

I Am Accepted

John 1:12 — I am God’s child.
John 15:15 — I am Christ’s friend.
Romans 5:1– I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 — I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:19,20 — I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:2 7 — I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:1 — I am a saint.
Ephesians 1:5 — I have been adopted as God’s child.
Ephesians 2:18 — I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 1:14 — I have been redeemed and for¬given of all my sins.
Colossians 2:10 — I am complete in Christ.
I Am Secure
Romans 8:1,2 — I am free forever from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 — I am assured that all things work together for good.
Romans 8:31 — I am free from any condemning charges against me.
Romans 8:35 — I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21,22 — I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:3 — I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 — I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.
Philippians 3.20 — I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 — I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Hebrews 4:16 — I can find grace and mercy in time of need.
1 John 5.18 — I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me.

Thank you for stopping by, Blessings to you!

In His Strength!

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (The Message)

Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

This week has been one of struggle and a sense of  "who am I and what is my purpose". What do I have to offer and how do I go on? More questions than answers! I am only half a person without my husband, right? Since he is in heaven now, the thought came to me yesterday that I would not want
him to come back, he is with the Lord! This is our greatest hope and reward! He preached about heaven many times and it was obvious he was very excited. But now this does leave me in a quandary. I am so thankful for him, but where does this leave me? So, as I was reading this morning, these scriptures nearly jumped off the page! Paul was also in a quandary! After you read all he is dealing with, his answer is to accept what has been handed to him and then to realize that in his weakness, he is made strong in Christ! How hard this must have been for him as it is for me and many others. We will not understand all that has happened or the whys of this life! But what peace it brings just to trust that this God of the universe that created me will use this life event and somehow use it for my good. Now I have to be honest with you, I don't see how this could be in any way working for my good. But this is what the Word of God tells me;  "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (Romans 8:28). My heart is broken and I don't understand, but like Paul I am going to trust that God knows what He is doing! He said His Grace was enough for me and for you. I realize I am not the only one with more than enough to deal with, so my prayers are with you as you read this post. I pray for peace in the middle of your worst day! I pray for faith bigger than a mustard seed and I pray for trust in abundance. Please take away from this that no matter what is going on, if we trust God, we will become stronger!
Have a blessed day and keep focused on the only One that can make our life complete!

Please check out Spiritual Sunday!
http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2012/04/resurrection-sunday.html

Much Afraid and Her Companions!

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.”
- Habakkuk 3:19

I am reading a book that the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance entitled "Hinds Feet on High Places". You may remember it to, it is a story, an allegory actually, of the journey Much Afraid takes from the valley of humiliation where she lives with the fear families to the mountain top with the Chief Shepherd. There her name is changed to Grace and Glory. She learns through life's lessons all about the Fathers Will and the sacrifices that were made every step of the way. She is granted powerful hinds feet after making  the difficult journey and even her companions Sorrow and Suffering have their names changed to Joy and Peace. It is a wonderful account of our walk with the Lord. As I am experiencing this valley of loss, I to am learning there is nothing more important than being faithful to the Lord. What ever we go through, the key word is "through". I have to admit this fear as Much Afraid had, that it doesn't appear any good can come from this, but even more terrifying is the fact of being without the Good Shepherd's love and guidance. Surrender is of course the place where we cannot change the situation and we must trust God. So hard to do, as humans we want to always try and figure out and of course question God as to "why" and  "where are you, God" As Much Afraid sings words of worship, the mist lifts around her where she can see the Shepherd standing there with her. I know He is with me even when the pain grips my very heart and soul. I am confident in this time of my life, God will not leave me or forsake me. Many things are apparent in this story, but the one that stands out to me is the fact, when we call, He will answer. If you are going through the valley of loss, my prayer for you is for your name  to be changed to Grace and Glory. The journey is long and hard, but so worth the trip. We can't quit! the pain and the heartbreak will heal. These are not my words but the Words of God. I am sure as you read this you realize my precious husband entered into the presence of God on January 15. He always preached about heaven and would get so excited because he knew one day he would be there. This is the hope we all have if we have been forgiven for our sins and to be in heaven with our Lord and Savior! Joy does come in the morning (Psalm 30:5). I am praying for you as  you read this that God will comfort you, and I ask for your prayers also. There are many more tears and times of sorrow, but in my weakness and because of His strength, I will and so will you make it to the mountain top. No more crippled feet that keeps us lame, but powerful Hinds feet. If you also have a chance to read this little book, please do so, you will be inspired. Although Hannah Hurnard changed later in her life from her faith in God to some very new age and even occultic practices, this amazing little book has ministered to thousands of people. Have a wonderful week ahead and  walk in faith sweet friends!

  Please check out Spiritual Sundays, you will be inspired!  http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2012/02/welcome-back-again.html

Trusting God!

Please read Acts 27 and 28 of the journey that Paul experienced!

"Can I trust God even when my life gets stormy? Can I trust Him even when things go unexpectedly wrong? Can I trust Him even when my situation is so discouraging that I see no way out? Will I trust Him even when things seem hopeless?"  Oh my, I wonder how many times I have asked these questions and several more in the last few months!  In my posts, I seem to be stuck on this subject because of all the trauma in my life. If you have been following me then you know that my sweetheart of 27 years was diagnosed with cancer in June of this year. I can't begin to fill you in on everything and there would be no need anyway. This post is about trusting God no matter what! This roller coaster ride has taken me to the very bottom where I didn't think my heart could stand the pain and then to where I would soar with hope that he would live and be healthy again. Now the ride is not over with, right now we are home with physical therapy trying to get him on his feet so that we can finish treatment. I can't tell you what the outcome will be, only God knows. But I can tell you in the last week, peace has settled in my heart. Not peace that I will be okay if the end result is not what I want, but just peace, like the roller coaster ride has smoothed out a bit. This peace that comes from knowing God is in control. We all pray for God's will and then we find our scriptures to hang on to. This is standing firm in our faith, but what if this is not God's perfect plan? Do you see where I am going? I am believing for complete healing for this man that has my heart, but what if it is time for him to go home? I truly believe that trusting God is the hardest thing to do! Oh, we are full of faith but when the storms come, I will admit to you, my faith has wavered more than once. So what do we do? I have no answers nor has anyone else had one for me. Why do bad things happen to the children of God? Still no answers! It is for me just taking one day at a time, staying in the Word and continuing to believe in God. Is it easy? Not hardly, it is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Will all this be used for the Glory of God? The Word says it will be, and will it be worth it somehow? Well, I guess I am still out on that one. I am trying so hard not to discourage you with my words, but somehow just show you my heart and it is just being honest with you. I have experienced every kind of emotion that can be imagined in this situation, I have blamed God (yes, I said that) and questioned Him for His motives in allowing this disease. I just also have to believe that God understands,  after all He made me and knows full well my weakness and frailties. So where do we go from here? As I stated before, it is one day at a time, and trying not to figure out everything, which is silly. I am praying for my unbelief, for my faith to be strengthened and I am praying no matter what happens I will be faithful. This ride we are on leads to our destination of Heaven, there to be with Jesus for ever and ever. So no matter what happens, we will stay focused on Him who never leaves or forsakes us.  Him who loves us and said He would never put more on  us than we can stand but would make a way of escape. "Just allow God to still the storms" ! Thank you for your prayers and letting me share with you this ride. I pray God's richest blessing on your life, and if it is a while before I pen another post, Merry Christmas. May it be the memorable ever!

Check out Spiritual Sundays, link follows: you will be blessed
http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2011/12/welcome-back-again.html

Preparation in the Desert!

Luke 1:80

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness [in the desert] until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Have you ever had a desert experience? You know the times in your life where you feel alone and surely this cannot be a part of God's plan for your life? Well, if you haven't, you will have! Sound harsh? We cannot ignore parts of the Bible when He tells us there will be valleys, deserts, times of trials and testing. So what do we do when our heart breaks? How do we react to these tragedies? Two words! Trust God! From the time you begin reading in Genesis and end in Revelation, we are told to trust the One who created us. It is very hard to do this when we don't understand what is going on. But if you really believe that ALL things work together to the good to those that love the Lord and are called according to HIS purpose (Romans 8:28)! Then what else can you do? I know many of you are going through some difficult times, we sure are, so I just want to encourage you that God is in control if you will let Him be. He will lead and guide, if you will let Him and He will never leave you, but you need to stay close. Your words are powerful when they are faith filled! Speak healing and health to your loved ones, be encouraging to those around you that are hurting. Really show folks you care! Jesus taught us about love, it was His whole purpose because people are the most important thing to Him. He loves us and will never let us down. And be patient if things don't happen when we think they should, could it be because we are not ready? Time is a mystery to us but God knows the beginning, middle and end. We get stuck in the middle some time, but if we don't give up and just keep believing and TRUST Him, we will learn to grow in those hard times and be strong in our faith. Will there be more deserts? You can count on it! But every time we are out there, our faith grows. Then and only then are we (in Him) a comfort and help to others. As you read this my prayers are for you to be strengthened and stand firm. Find out who you are in Christ and believe those promises are for you.
Blessings to you! (Please check out Spiritual Sundays, you will be blessed!
http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2011/09/welcome-friends.html

Life Changes!

An update is in order since I have been silent for so long! Many "life changes" have happened in our life, but the biggest one is that word that no one wants to hear "Cancer". My husband has just a month ago been diagnosed with lung cancer and so the journey began. To tell you that we were shocked would be an understatement! We knew something was wrong, but had no idea it could be this. The emotional roller coaster started off with me crying my heart out for several days, then of course reality sets in. I have to tell you that the statement that Job made in 3:25
"What I always feared has happened to me.
      What I dreaded has come true."
really hit me hard. I also have to be honest and tell you that I was angry with God. Any raw emotion that can be experienced was there. Yesterday as we sat with the doctor and was given most of the results of the tests, again just panic and unbelief. All the whys and hows and of course we don't know, but God does and He has everything under control. Now, I have to tell you of the faith my sweet hubby has. Did this shake him up? No, not at all. His response was "this will bring God glory, He is in control of my life and I do believe I will be healed". Oh, there was and is a lot more like that. It is remarkable to see someone in terrible pain, yet believing God is working miracles in his life and the life of others. Many good things have already happened and we certainly are expecting many more.  The biggest miracle so far is the fact we are at the Cancer Treatment Center in Zion Illinois. I can't begin to or have room to tell you about this place except that it is amazing. The stories we hear are truly miraculous, people that were given up on are still alive, some cancer free and others being helped with treatment. You would think it would be a very sad place, but it is not. These people have hope here which they didn't have before.
This week has been a trying of our faith and many others as they pray for us. Bad news after another as the test results was coming. Cancer showing up in the colon was not expected, but there it is and these things have to be dealt with. As I said before, there are so many emotions to go through and then it is back to faith and believing in God's Word. We know what His promises are and we are praying for His will to be done. We are going to stand strong and ride this thing out. I will be posting an update as regular as I can. I also know there will be many praying for him as you read this. Thank you so much, what a wonderful blessing to know that people we don't even know will take the time to pray for someone they don't even know. My prayer is for you to walk close to the Lord and listen with your heart, then you will have the peace and joy that is rightly yours.

I will be linking up with Spiritual Sundays, please go there, you will be blessed. http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2011/07/hello-friends.html

We Can Be Sure!

Romans 8:28 (The Message)

26-28. Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Do you really believe this scripture? I have to admit I didn't believe "everything" would work for my good! I believe it has to do with where we are in our faith walk. I just never could go along with the fact that these terrible things that have happened in my life could have anything to do with God, much less be used for my good. BUT, as I get older in life and certainly as I grow in the Lord, I can tell you with a sincere heart that I truly do believe this very thing. For example, years ago when I was divorced and remarried, having a blended family and all the junk that went along with it, I can look back now and see God leading us all the way. Isn't that wonderful to know? We are on a journey! Now were there mistakes and wrong decisions? Of course, but God was still using these things to help me grow. In Jeremiah 29:11 we read "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." I do believe God knows what is best for me, I do believe He will use the things that other people's actions or those of my own will be used for my good just as His Word declares. If we believe only parts of Gods Word and not all of it, then this is picking and choosing what we want from Him. We either believe all of it or nothing! I don't serve a God that can lie, I know what He says to me and I choose by daily walking in faith that He will be there for me, that I can trust Him and certainly that I can believe what His Word says to me. I hope and pray you have a made up mind to believe and trust in the One and Only true Lord. There is no other way except His way. We live in perilous times just like the Bible said would happen in the last days! I am here to tell you, these are the last days. Time is short and urgency is the hour, please be in the place you need to be spiritually to pray for and stand in the gap for your unsaved loved ones and friends. We need to live strong and mighty by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is possible, we just need to step out in faith and claim the promises of God! Have a wonderful day leaning on Him!

A Mothers Determination!

Even now just the word, “polio” brings back many heartbreaking memories for me. You see, my sister and I experienced first hand this disease that plagued many children and adults in the early 1950s. I was five and my sister was three. Within 2 days we were both diagnosed and on our way to the children’s hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. It is strange the memories you have when you are a child. I remember the fear! We had always been protected by our parents and now something was happening to us that they could not control and we did not understand. I remember the other children in the same ward we were in, the crying that took place, and the heartache that touched everyone. All across our nation people lived in fear they would be the next victims. No one knew where “it” was coming from, or how “it” was spreading. So many questions and the doctors did not have the answers to any of them. We were in the hospital for about 6 weeks receiving treatments for the fever, and therapy for our legs that wouldn’t move anymore. Part of the routine was this monster of a machine called an iron lung. We have been asked many times since then how long we were in it, but there is no way of knowing. Our parents have both gone to be with the Lord, and there are many questions that I would like to ask, but that is not possible. I think sometimes, we don’t get interested in things until we get older and then it is too late to find out the facts. However, I have to share with you the faith of our mother! I couldn’t tell you if she believed in healing or not but I know she prayed for us, and how she worked with us all the time after we came home. We were still paralyzed and had to be carried which added to all the other jobs she has. Each day brought hot clothes wrapped around our legs and hours of therapy, moving, stretching and pulling! I know God had to give her strength and patience. I am sure with two little girls to take care of; it was very hard for her. She wasn’t the strongest person having health problems herself as a child. However, I can tell you we both learned to walk again! With the exception of surgery for my sister when she was 11, we did recover. Not ever as strong, but we could walk, and run slow. What a blessing! Some of the other children we knew were not as fortunate. This story is not to discourage and have you think “oh those poor little girls” Thank God we made it! We were also told that if our mother had not been determined and believed that we would walk again, we probably wouldn’t have. Where is our faith to believe when something devastating happens to us? Are we grounded and rooted? I am so thankful for a mother that believed God! If she had been in a fearful state all the time, she would have been powerless to help us. There are so many promises in Gods word that will sustain us in the darkest hours of our lives; of course, this is depending on the fact that we know Gods Word. Then when we do know His word, we need to believe that what He said, He will do for us. Was there a time she was overtaken with fear and questioned God? I am sure she was! I believe it is normal to ask these questions of “why”. It is important for us to have the facts and reason out why these things happen to us, even though there will be times when this is not possible. Of course we never did learn of who we had come in contact with or when. Since then scientist have proven that it was a virus spread much like the flu. The polio vaccine was not available in our community until 1956, after that fewer cases were reported. So many children endured this terrible epidemic, so many mothers turned into nurses, and more importantly prayer warriors. You know, those “knee warriors”, the ones that would not give up, but were filled with a determination and perseverance that came directly from the throne room of Heaven. Each year as Mothers Day approaches, I am reminded how our mother had faith in God, and believed that her children would walk again. A mother, who never felt sorry for us, but always treated us as being normal, do you realize how “crippled” we could have been in other ways? She was wise in her decisions because she had faith. I truly believe God gives mothers a tender heart and a special instruction for her children. I pray you have precious memories of your mother, If you don’t, I am truly sorry! However, if you are a mother, you have an opportunity every day to make a difference in your children’s lives. Pray for them; claim them for the Kingdom of God. Love them and more importantly show them Gods love. You will be blessed, remember God is Faithful when we believe.

Pray and Pray Some More!

Ephesians 6:13-18 (The Message)

13-18. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Are you still standing? Is the battle around you in full force? What about your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are they in warfare for their very life? I can say the battle has been stepped up! Our enemy, the old deceiver and liar would like for us to believe we are at the end of our rope! He wants us to grow weary and just quit. Well I have news for him, We will not quit the fight, we will not give up our faith. I know when I am tired and fall behind, there are some very sweet friends and hubby of course that are praying for me, and I can assure you, I am praying for you (as you read this) and others that I know are weary. Listen, I read the last of the Book, and I can tell you, WE WIN! Praises to our Father God! We Win! Please don't give in to the enemy, just keep praying and seeking God with all your heart! Rest in Him and He will give you peace!
( there is a link on the sidebar to Spiritual Sunday, go over and be blessed by these sweet ladies that love the Lord!)
Have a Blessed Lords Day!

Don't Assume You Know It All!

Proverbs 3: 1-12 (The Message)


1-2. Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands.
They'll help you live a long, long time,
a long life lived full and well.

3-4. Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.

5-12. Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
a father's delight is behind all this.

There are so many times I try to figure out why this is happening and why that is happening and all I wind up with is a headache! Do you ever do that? Why, why, do we do this? Maybe it is human nature and maybe it is just not trusting God! ouch! (I am of the opinion it is the last one.) I truly love my Heavenly Father and I want to trust Him, but it just seems like sometimes there are just to many unanswered questions. Listening to His voice (and I am sure we can hear Him) in our spirit or through His Word will assure us that He does have a plan for our life, and no. we will never figure out or understand everything. This is faith, and it is a daily walk with Him! Lets find that place where we can trust Him from the bottom of our hearts and believe there is a bigger picture than we see! I don't believe God gets mad at us for asking questions, it is only when we resent His correction that makes us bitter and have unbelief. I pray for me and you that we trust Him, I want that healthy body and those blessings from my Father! Lets give Him the first and the best of everything we are and have.
Blessings to you this day, my sweet friend!

Promises and Warnings!

2Peter:3-11 (New Living Translation)

Growing in Faith

3. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
5. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6. and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7. and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

8. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

10. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Please read very carefully and recognize the promises that are for us if we diligently supplement our faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. There is also a warning that if we don't, we are blind even to the point of forgetting we were saved. Have you ever heard someone say, "well, I don't know if I am saved or not?" Could this be the reason why? It is Gods plan for us to grow and mature as Christians. I don't know about you, but this is a revelation to me! I hear the warnings loud and clear. Could this also be the reason some have not moved into the fullness of God? The other promise I want you to notice is the last part of verse 10, "Do these things, and you will never fall away" (or stumble as some versions read). Now, that should do something for our faith! I pray your faith will be strengthened as you meditate on the Word of God! Please understand the importance as Peter explains to us exactly what is happening and why.

You Don't Have to Move!

Genesis 26:1-7, 12 (New International Version)

1 Now there was a famine in the land—besides the earlier famine of Abraham's time—and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. 2 The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. 3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws." 6 So Isaac stayed in Gerar.

12 Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him. 13 The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. 14 He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. 15 So all the wells that his father's servants had dug in the time of his father Abraham, the Philistines stopped up, filling them with earth.

Why in the world would anyone plant crops in a time of famine? Why not just move and go somewhere else where there is water, food, jobs whatever your need is, just move! Sounds familiar doesn't it? If things are not working out here, let's just go somewhere else, maybe things will be better. I guess Isaac was wondering the same thing but look what happened, The Lord appeared to him! Do you think he was seeking the Lord? Evidently from the scriptures above, Isaac trusted and believed God just as his father Abraham did. God told him to just stay put and He would bless him. He had enough faith to plant his crops right in the middle of a famine, and reaped a hundredfold because God blessed him. Amazing isn't it? Isaac did not look at the circumstances, but he looked to God. In spite of everything he saw, he just focused on God. Wouldn't it be something if we did the same thing, just looked to Him for all the answers to our problems. Can you imagine what those people thought when they saw Isaac planting his crops with no rain in sight. Probably called him crazy. Well, we all need to just get "crazy" and just do what God tells us to do. Step out in faith and claim those promises. They are for us, you know. Reach out and lay hold of them, you will be blessed to!

Live By Our Faith!

 

Hebrews 11:1-6 (New Living Translation)

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. ² Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

³ By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

⁴ It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.

⁵ It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. ⁶ And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

 

What does this statement mean to “"live by our faith”? First of all, Webster's definition is reliance, loyalty, or complete trust in God.  Now that part was easy, I understand these words, but how do we “live” by them? Here is what I believe in very simple terms; “We can only receive from God what we are willing to believe Him for.”  I am sure there is a much better way to describe this. but to me it is a daily walk, one where we are truly desiring to live for Him. Taking Him at His Word, and really believing He will do what He said. There are countless people in the Bible, just like you and me, that we could mention. (the scriptures above are just a few mentioned in chapter 11)  We just need to remember that those promises they stood on are the same ones we can stand on to.  God does not have favorites, we are all treated with the same  unfailing love that abides with us forever. I encourage you to seek out Gods Word, He said you would find what you are looking for! Hugs and Blessings to you today!