Tag: God

Hope

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian2 Comments

{Well, I began this post two weeks ago and am just now getting back to it. Maybe my next post should be on procrastination!}

HOPE. What do you hope for? In what or whom do you hope?

Hope in God green grass

We had been searching for a used garden tiller for a few months. We had bought our tomato plants, but our garden plot wasn’t ready yet to receive them. So, we kept them in pots until they could be planted in their summer home. Then, thanks to our friends Pat and Terry, we got some wonderful compost for our garden soil. All that we needed now was a tiller to get it all in the ground. So, before renting a tiller, we searched once more. We found a couple of possibilities. One we could see right away, the other later that evening. So, off we went to check out the first one. The owner said he and his wife were downsizing due to his recent diagnosis of cancer. He also disclosed over the phone that sometimes the tiller would quilt running. But that if he unscrewed the gas cap and then screwed it back on, it would be off and running again. So, since my husband (Pete) is a handy guy, we decided it was worth a look.

We met Gary and Nancy at their beautiful home. I don’t say that lightly. It was almost breathtakingly beautiful. The property and house were gorgeous and sat on a shared pond. A lot of work has gone into the landscaping and I could have stayed there for hours just enjoying the surroundings. And, to you guys out there, they have a 5-car garage – a handy man’s dream. But that beautiful home took a lot of work to keep it that way. Gary and Nancy were both wonderfully friendly down-to earth people and we enjoyed talking with them.

Well, Gary took Pete out to his garden to try tilling. It started and ran like a champ. No issues. While they were playing in the dirt 😊, I talked with Nancy. She shared some things with me about their family and Gary’s illness. Their children live out of state and haven’t yet been told about Gary’s cancer. They are coming for a visit this summer and they plan to tell them in person. She said that they don’t talk about it much. They just go about their days trying to stay positive and hope (fingers crossed) for the best. There was no mention of God or faith. Just keeping their fingers crossed that everything turns out ok. I was sad that luck was all they were holding onto in this trying time.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15)

Well, the guys made a deal on the tiller and loaded it up. I felt strongly that God would want us to pray with/for them so I asked if they would mind if we prayed for Gary. They said no, they didn’t mind at all. So out by the pond, we all held hands and Pete and I prayed. Afterwards, Nancy had tears in her eyes and said that their friends had been past the evening before and prayed for them. Do you think God directs our paths? He sure does! (Proverbs 3:5-6)

As we were driving home, I said that I thought God sent us specifically there just to water the seeds of faith that had been planted by their friends the night before. There is a reason we had searched for so long for a tiller. The timing wasn’t right. In our minds, the time was late, but God’s timing is perfect!

A funny thing happened after we got home and unloaded the tiller though. We got it around back and Pete started to till the garden soil. I’m telling you it was like a comedy show! He started it and before he could even step back to the handles, it died. That went on and on and on for so long that we were laughing. I know his arms and shoulders hurt from pulling that cord so many times in a row. It would have been quicker and much less effort to just shovel the dirt and compost together! We believe God has a sense of humor and we had to laugh. Eventually though, the garden got tilled and the tomato plants put in the ground. As we watch the garden grow, we will remember to pray for our new friends Gary and Nancy. Thank you, God, for showing us that following You always leads to blessings.hope in God

I am thankful that my hope is in the Lord. What about yours?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

05/20/19

 

Imaginary Friends

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian1 Comment

Did you ever have an imaginary friend when you were a child? I did not and in fact, I can’t think of anyone I know who did. But I have heard that many children do have imaginary friends. I guess that’s when imagination starts, in children. imaginary friendThe benefit of imaginary friends is that they are whatever you want them to be. They never have to get mad at you, they can always be by your side and agree with all you say and do. You can make them do the scary things that you are too afraid to try. They can take the blame whenever you get in trouble. You can be with them or ignore them whenever you want. It’s a one-sided relationship where you are totally in control. The trouble with that is…they are not really a friend at all. They are not real and true. You are just as alone as if you had never imagined them in the first place. In order to have a friend and be a friend, you must get to know the other person and allow them to know you. imaginary-friends - facebookThat takes effort and it takes time. Life is lonely with a friend who is only imaginary.

Do you know people who have a relationship with God like that? I guess the more important questions is…have you ever had that relationship with God? Where you imagine Him to be what you want, when you want? Pick him up when you need Him and then ignore Him when life seems to be going well? Is it a one-sided relationship where you do all the talking and no listening? Does this imaginary god love you just as you are but doesn’t want to work in you to make you better? That’s not real – that’s not God. He does love you just as you are but…He does want to work in and through you to make you better. He has a plan for you and it’s a plan for YOUR GOOD. The thing is, you can’t be in control. You can’t pick God up when you want and then drop Him when you want to go your own way. You must let God be God in your life. He’s not pushy; He gives all of us freedom of choice. We can choose to have an imaginary god or we can choose to follow the real, personal and only true God. What will you choose today? Imagination and deceit or reality and truth? Deceiving ourselves only leads to destruction.imaginary friend cartoon - God

I choose GOD! I pray that when I try to take control and make God what I want, I will quickly realize it and use my imagination for something beneficial, not making a false God. His will, not mine. He is God, I am not.

Isaiah 65:2 “All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations”

2 Peter 1:3 “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

John 17:3 “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

04/01/19

GIFTS- part 1 {7.24.18}

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian2 Comments

God-given gifts. We all have them. Yes – even you and even me. gifts given by GodSometimes we look at others and recognize their gifts but miss our own. Last night we met up with our cousin and his wife. We had not seen our cousin in years and met his wife for the first time.  It was a great evening getting to know them and share a bit of our lives. They were driving through our area on their way to an art show. Sounds exciting doesn’t it? They are both artists. Great artists I might add. His paintings are fantastic, and she makes lovely jewelry. We had the privilege of seeing samples of both of their arts. Our daughter, son-in-law and grandson were there too. They each have wonderful gifts of their own. I was thinking about that and realized that all of us have been given gifts. Some just seem more “special” than others – in our minds. Not with God though. He carefully gave them to us – specifically, on purpose. You have one (or many).

Can you identify your gifts? I am not musically inclined, and I do not have the gift of painting or making jewelry. But, I do have a big smile. Even though it shows teeth that are not straight and makes my eyes almost close, I have had people tell me my smile brought them joy. Imagine that – a crazy looking smile bringing joy! I think tha a gift. Maybe you have a green thumb. That’s a gift. Are you organized? Can you hit a homerun on a baseball field or make a 3-pointer in basketball? Do you swing a mean hammer? Cook a great meatloaf? Bake brownies like nobody’s business? Are you a great storyteller? Those are all gifts. Are you “tech savvy”? Now that’s a gift I could use! We mustn’t think more highly of ourselves, but we also must not think less of ourselves because our gifts aren’t visible to the multitudes. Maybe our gifts were to be shared one-on-one. Take a minute today to identify your gifts. Then thank God for them.

James 1:17-18 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

gift gods greatest loveBack to our evening with family…

Isn’t it amazing how love can just pop up? We didn’t really know these two relatives but last night love showed up and now we have a love connection as well as a blood connection. That’s the greatest gift isn’t it? LOVE. GOD IS LOVE. GOD GAVE US LOVE. GOD INTENDS US TO SHARE THAT LOVE. We all have that gift and can put it on the top of our list. LOVE. The greatest gift of all.

Packing and Moving {8.8.17}

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian

Have you ever packed and moved? If so, you probably are hesitant to read this blog post. We recently moved, downsized – really downsized! We are building a house so after we sold our home, we found an apartment (with a garage – thank you, God). garage storageThat’s great because after we sold some things, gave some things away, and pitched some, we were actually able to fit it all in. It took some really creative organization and we just hope we don’t need anything that’s in a bottom box in the garage (we have a narrow path to the door from apartment to garage). But, God blessed us with this place and we are thankful.  I have to say though…it was a struggle and the night we actually slept here, we were pooped (maybe a better word is exhausted but you get the idea). Counting this apartment, we have lived in 10 different homes in the past 35 years. Funny though…I don’t remember the actual moves. Maybe I blocked them out of my mind or maybe it was because I was younger then. Regardless, this move really knocked the wind out of me. If I had to carry boxes down those stairs another day, I might have gone on strike (ha ha). During this process though I began to think about the Israelites and felt humbled, a little bit guilty and a whole lot of thankful! After all, we had time – time to sort, time to sell, time to pack, time to move (it went right down to the wire but we made it 1 hour before our house closed and we had to be out). Grumble and complain – can’t do it when I consider my blessings. Let’s take a look at the Israelites.

Their exodus took place at night. exodusThey were told it was coming but still…did that prepare them for the moment’s notice to get out of town? I wonder. They grabbed what they could carry and off they went. Then as they traveled, God went before them in a cloud. When the cloud stopped they camped. When the cloud moved, they moved. They always had to be ready to pick up everything and take off. (Numbers 9:15-23) They followed the cloud and did just what the Lord commanded, when He commanded (immediate obedience – after all, is delayed obedience really obedience?).

Exodus 15:11 “Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders”? (Remember all the wonders He showed them during their trek? Parting the sea is one of my favorites but so very many…) Exodus 15:13 “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” God is good – all the time. He knows all; He created all. We can surely trust and follow Him!

I have a hobby – quilting. It’s a hobby I thoroughly enjoy (especially since I share the hobby with my daughter) but along with that hobby I have tons of stuff (supplies). As I was boxing up all the fabrics, books, tools, etc. I was a little overwhelmed myself with how many boxes it took to accommodate all my “treasures”.packing boxes.png In my defense (or justification), most of what I make is given as gifts but still – I think I might have to live to age 100 to use up everything! Humbling, a little embarrassing and extremely motivating to get busy and sew. I started thinking about what God says about our “treasures”. Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not (stop) store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store (start) up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

I sometimes wonder, if I just had time to grab what I could carry and leave everything else behind, what would I grab? What would you grab? Makes you stop and think doesn’t it? What are our “treasures”?

god-is-loveWell, we are settled now until the next move and I would like to leave you with this verse about treasures – God’s treasures. Deuteronomy 26:17-18 “You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him. And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands.” If God is not yet your Lord, please seek Him. When you seek Him, you will find Him. His word tells us so. You will find what has been missing from your life in God, only in God. Have a blessed day!

Love {2.14.17}

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian

Happy Valentine’s Day to all! I hope you are giving and receiving love on this day and every day. It’s hard not to think of love this time of year in our part of the world isn’t it? We are bombarded with suggested gifts for our loved ones. flowers I was in our neighborhood grocery store yesterday and before I even got into the store, the “in between area of carts” was FULL (I mean full) of flowers! It was beautiful! There was hardly room to get in the door. Our retailers help remind us all to give up some cash and show someone we love them. It’s not all about cash though. There are many things we can do and say to show our love. We can get creative and think like a child. They usually know what it’s all about.

I have felt God calling me to write a message on love for this Valentine’s Day and I actually typed one up yesterday but never could get it finished. It just didn’t seem “right” somehow. This morning I realized why. God gave me a message as only He can.

I checked Facebook to see how a friend is recovering from her surgery. Praise God she is doing well. While I was in Facebook I saw a post from another friend. It was a prayer request for a dear friend of hers who is waiting for a transplant. Then it hit me – right in the heart. You see I had a dear friend years ago who was also waiting for a transplant. It’s a terrible time of mixed emotions. You want the transplant because it will give the person needing it hope for continued life here on earth. However, you realize that in order for them to live, someone else must die. We don’t wish death on anyone (or at least we shouldn’t) so that’s a hard thing to wrap our heads and hearts around. Usually the person dies of illness or accident. While that’s a tragic time in the life of their family, it brings hope to the one waiting the transplant. Hope and despair sometimes go hand in hand.

There was another though who died so that we could live. His death was no accident. It was caused by no illness. He willingly gave up His life out of love for The Father and love for all of us – ALL OF US. His name is Jesus. He suffered more than any of us will ever be able to truly imagine and He knew exactly what it would be like before going down that road. Now that is love – true love – sacrificial love – pure love – everlasting love.god-is-love

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” (John 3:16-21)

We all seek love. Millions of songs, poems, books, movies, etc. are centered on love. We all want to be loved and to love. But this Valentine’s Day, let’s remember where love started in the first place.

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

spread-loveToday it seems like we see a lot of hate in our world rather than love. Don’t you wonder what would happen if we turned that hate around by loving others? Let’s give it a try. It’s possible even to love our enemies when we have God in our hearts. We can make the world a better place – one person at a time. Like the song says, “Love is all we need.” Let’s share it.

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-38)

USA – Land that I love! {11.5.16}

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian

As we approach Election Day next Tuesday, God woke me up this morning with some thoughts to share.  I was reminded of the companies for which I have worked in my career. There have not been that many (7 total I think from teenager to now) but most of them have held corporate values of which I could align mine. The company’s values are what drive their decisions, day to day operations and government of their employees. The same thing is true with countries.

Let’s revisit our country’s values. Of course foremost is our Constitution. I did not include it here because of space limits but encourage you to search it on your own and see what it says. Today, even some of the truth of our history has been changed to reflect “politically correct” thinking. It’s a good idea to seek and know the truth. Only the truth will set us free.  John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

I’m not even sure if school children still recite the Pledge of Allegiance but here are the words.usa-flag

Our Pledge of Allegiance

I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Our National Anthem is usually sung at sporting events but unfortunately, cheering for the teams usually begin before the singer has finished the first verse. Here are the words. The song actually has four verses. Pay particular attention to the last verse.

Our National Anthem – The Star Spangled Banner

Oh, say! can you see by the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming; Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there: Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam, In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream: ‘Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution! No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the war’s desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: “In God is our trust“: And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

usaNow that we are reminded of what is so special about our country and its core values, let’s pray for our nation to get back to those values and that we will live in truth and freedom. After 9-11 many sought God immediately and fervently. Then time went on and we forgot God. It’s time to humble ourselves and turn back to Him today. Only God can truly heal our land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 “ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

May God Bless America – land that I love!

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It’s Off To Work We Go {9.21.16}

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian1 Comment

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. What a movie! What a song! I can’t sing or even think of that song without smiling from the inside out. It just makes me happy.seven-dwarfs One of our grandsons used to love to watch that movie but he called it the “Hi Ho” movie. So, when he wanted to watch it, he asked for “Hi Ho”. There is just nothing like the old Disney movies. Even though they all had their share of evil and some scariness (is that a word?) in them, they always had a happy ending. Those are my kind of movies – happy endings. I also like all the loose ends tied up in pretty bows too so don’t take me to scary movies or those who leave you hanging. Anyway, back to Disney. Their movies are like our lives, aren’t they? Evil, bad times, temptations and goodness all together in one story. But like Disney movies, if we trust in God and follow closely after Him, we will have a very happy ending to our life here on earth. God is using this movie to teach me some lessons about work. Not just the work that people do when they go someplace and get paid for a job they do for a company, anything we do that is a work. Here’s what God says about it:

Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

That’s the key to being able to happily sing the “Hi Ho” song. It’s all about attitude, isn’t it? This is not a suggestion, it is a command. This scripture does not say “if you work outside the home” or “if you are a stay-at-home parent” or “if you get paid a huge salary” or “if you like your job” or “if they treat you well” or “if you feel like it” or “if people praise you”. It says, WHATEVER YOU DO. Yikes. That means whether you are a movie star on a red carpet, owner of your own company, cleaning toilets, mopping floors, digging ditches, teaching rebellious kids or dishing out fries at McDonalds. I wish I could say that I live out this scripture but I can’t. I think I usually have a good attitude but…there are times! And I have to admit, when I’m dusting furniture, I definitely do not have the right attitude. How about you? Maybe if I sing the song when I tackle less than pleasant tasks, it would make a difference. I’m going to try that. I’ll make sure I’m alone though. Only God can appreciate my singing voice. Come to think of it, I think it’s time to get out the sweeper and get to work.

Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

snow-white-and-dwarfsFunny how God speaks to us. This time He’s speaking to me through a Disney movie and the attitudes of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. God works in mysterious ways and with the simple (like me), he uses the simple things to teach us. He is so gracious and loving!  I’ll share more lessons from these characters in future posts. Snow White, Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy and Dopey all have something to show us. Stay tuned for more from “Hi Ho”.

Terror from the Tempter {7.13.16}

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian2 Comments

I don’t know about where you live but when I turn on the news each morning, there seems to always be sad and tragic news in abundance. I really don’t remember the last time I watched the news and there was no killing reported. It’s so sad. It rouses many emotions in us but I wonder how often it prompts us to do the things we can do – pray and love.

Matthew 5:44: “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

The terror we are seeing is from the tempter, Satan. He wants to steal, kill and destroy. He appears to be doing quite a fine job of it, with help from us. God never tempts us to evil but He does allow us free will to choose good over evil.

James 1:13-15: “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

1 Timothy 5:15: “Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.”

Remember, when we are tempted to sin/evil, God will ALWAYS provide a way of escape for us. We need to look for that escape route and take it.

Loving our enemies is hard to do, hard to even think about doing in our own strength. That’s why we need GOD. It’s only possible through His love and His Strength working in and through us.

1 Thessalonians 5:15-24: “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire, do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”

Sometimes we let these awful things we hear go in one ear and then out again if it doesn’t happen to our family or friends. But, we know that it affects us all. This is a war we are in the middle of and the battle is fierce. It’s a war against good and evil. It’s a war against our nation, our families, and even our sanity. The great news is that God has provided us all we need to fight this battle. Check it out below.

Ephesians 6:10-18: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for the saints”

So, I guess the purpose of this post is to remind myself and others who may read it to keep on praying, keep on trusting God and keep on fighting the fight, on our knees and with love. Loving God first and foremost and then with His help, loving others – all others. After all, Christ died and rose again for EVERYONE.

If you have not yet joined the family of God, you can do that right now. Admit your sins, accept the gift of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ as your savior and then love, trust and follow God. It’s that simple. God will help guide and direct you and give you understanding through His Holy Spirit.

Mighty things can happen when we all join together in love and prayer. Are we with God? Or, are we with Satan? Those are our only two choices. If we don’t actively choose God, we choose Satan by default. His team may win battles but they lose the war and end up in terror and torment for eternity. Choosing Satan is a choice leading to death. With God, we will spend eternity in heaven. Easy choice – choose God and live!

Addicted to Love {6.20.16}

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian, God, Love2 Comments

Do any of you remember the song “Addicted to Love”? For some strange reason it’s been in my head for about a week. I’ve been thinking about addictions and it popped up. Like a song you hear and can’t get it out of your head until another one takes its place. This verse is what I keep thinking about:

“You might as well face it, you’re addicted to love.”

Addiction: The act of devoting or giving up in practice, the state of being devoted. To devote or surrender oneself to something habitually or obsessively.

We can find ourselves addicted to many things. It can be fame, money, certain foods or drinks, alcohol, drugs, exercise, hobbies, television, internet, Facebook, pleasing people (fill in the blank for your life). addictive behavior

We want to feel like we control our lives. And, we do have control over some things. We have control over the choices we make. We have control over our attitudes. Maybe that’s why we are so easily tempted to the bondage of addictions. It’s our self-satisfaction we desire and sometimes think we deserve. I believe we all have tendencies to addictive behavior. Whether it is having to have a cup of coffee, soft drink, or tea before we think we can begin our day, an addiction to drugs or alcohol, or not letting anything or anyone disrupt our exercise or TV schedule, they are all types of addiction. I mean, the fact that I can’t open a bag of chips and stop at 1 or 5 or 10, but can keep eating long after the hunger is gone, that’s addiction. The fact that I will stop at McDonalds to get a tea even if I’m not thirsty, that’s a habit turned to addiction.

When we realize we have an addiction that is starting to control our lives instead of us controlling it, we need to take action. We all have a void in our lives that only God can fill! He is the only person who can really help us and fill void. After all, He knows our struggles already. He knows everything about us (Psalm 139:1-16). He created us to love and worship Him. And, NOTHING is too hard for God. He is creator! (Jeremiah 32:17) He loves us with a love that we can’t even comprehend. And, God’s power in us is strong enough to demolish any stronghold (2 Corinthians 10:4-7). The Spirit of God gives us power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

God’s Word tells us that no temptation has seized us except what is common to man and God is faithful. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. And, when we are tempted (and we will be), He will provide a way out from under the temptation. We just need to be willing to take that escape route. Sometimes I’m willing and sometimes I’m not. I do like to get my way, even if I know it’s not in my best interest. Maybe that’s another definition of insanity. It’s like doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

1 John 4:8, 16 “Whoever does not love does not know God, because GOD IS LOVE.” “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. GOD IS LOVE. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”

1 John 5:3 “This is love for God: to obey his commands.”

I don’t know about you but…I need GOD and I need His help to put Him first in all things and only be addicted to love – Love for God and others. After all, GOD IS LOVE. Only through God’s power in me will I be able to truly love Him and all others. Because, like me, not everyone is always loveable.

addicted to love I want to be addicted to God to the point that being with Him and following His lead are both a habit and obsession. In order to truly love others, I must love GOD FIRST and MOST – all the time. Only then will the light of God shine in my life for others to see.

I pray that one day people will say to me, “You might as well face it, you’re addicted to love.”

God’s Word: Know it, Pray it, Live it {5.21.16}

On By Leslie AnnIn Christian, God2 Comments

I hope you will bear with me in this blog post. It’s a bit of a testimony of my Christian walk and maybe similar to some of yours. We weren’t all “born in the church”; some of us (like me) “saw The Light” much later.  This journey we are on as believers in Christ is an amazing journey but sometimes it’s hard to see “God’s guideposts” as He directs our paths. Do you ever feel like that? Trying to discern where your will ends and God’s will begins is sometimes hard to see. I don’t know how long you’ve been on your Christian walk. Maybe you have not yet accepted Christ and started down that narrow path. If not, the steps are simple. You simply come as you are. Here’s what God says is required: (Romans 10:9) “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Once we confess our sins and accept Jesus as our Savior, here’s what God says in (Luke 10:27) “He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Of course, loving like that in our own strength is impossible. That’s one of the great blessings we receive – God’s strength will work in and through us and His love will enable us to love others. Now, back to the topic at hand…

My husband and I both accepted Christ in our thirties. Our Christian walk seemed to head down the road fast and furious. However as we look back, it really took us quite a while to “get it”, “connect the dots”, or “see clearly”. Neither one of us grew up in the church. My husband did go occasionally as a child and knew many of the Bible stores. I was, on the other hand, clueless. I only have one memory of attending church as a child. It was Easter morning when I was 5 years old. What I remember is walking into the church and my Sunday school class wearing a new dress, patent leather shoes and white gloves (I felt so wonderful in those things). My mother tells me that we attended a few times after that but I really don’t remember those times. I did not know any of the Bible stories that most children learn. So, when I accepted Christ at age 30, my learning curve was huge! Unfortunately, we were raising 5 children at the time and they suffered from our lack of knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. We all went to church whenever the doors were open. My husband and I read our Bibles but, it took us a long time to figure out how to walk out our faith in Jesus. Therefore, we didn’t show/teach that to our children. We simply didn’t know how ourselves (at least I didn’t). You know this saying is so true – “You don’t know what you don’t know”! Something was missing but I didn’t know what it was. I didn’t even realize enough to pray and ask God for it! I do, however, remember spending my lunch hours in God’s Word. It seemed like I could not get enough of it. I felt like I was so many years behind that I wasn’t sure how I would catch up and move forward. I knew that we needed to somehow incorporate our faith at home with our kids either reading or doing some sort of devotion or Bible study with them. But, frankly, it was all we could do to keep up with their school work, extra-curricular activities, keeping up with cooking, cleaning and laundry – not to mention all the outside chores. Thankfully my husband got home from work before me so he got to be the “homework helper” when needed (I do thank God for that one!). Our priorities were misplaced. Well, we can’t go back and change the past or re-do those years. We can only go forward and pray for God’s grace to cover our mistakes. Three of our five children are serving God and we are so very thankful. We are still praying for the other two and know that their salvation is for sure within the will of God. He wants all to come to Him through Jesus.

Knowing God’s Word: The only way to know God’s Word is to read it. To truly understand God’s Word, as a believer, you have the Holy Spirit to guide you into understanding. The more I read my Bible, the more I see and understand. Even after reading it through many times, it is still fresh every time I pick it up. God seems to speak to us just where we are and gives us answers when we are seeking them. He truly loves us so much that he provides all we need. To summarize, we must know God’s word in order to: (1) obey it, (2) recognize the counterfeit and deceiver’s lies, and (3) share it with others. That brings me to the next part of today’s title…

Praying God’s Word: There is no better assurance of praying in God’s will than praying His Word back to Him. What a journey of prayer God has taken me on! I was terrified to pray out loud for years. I thought I had to pray a certain way. After all, I had heard preachers and others pray and their prayers sure didn’t sound like me talking to anyone, let alone our Creator! I didn’t know and couldn’t feel right speaking in their words and ways. It just wasn’t me. Did I need to change? I wasn’t sure but I knew I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of a group of people. Remember, I was the one who didn’t know anything about God’s Word and was frantically trying to catch up. Well, God, in His infinite wisdom and patient guidance, taught me to pray as I was ministering to children and praying with them. He is so gracious! It was a long journey and God was pushing and giving me strength all the way. Praying is like second nature to me now. All I had to do was finally realize that I didn’t have to speak in a certain way or use special words. God just wanted me (and all of us) to talk to Him. So, however you speak – that’s it. I made something so simple seem so hard. As I begin this new ministry (blog and prayer gatherings) I wonder…was God preparing me for this all along? Funny how hindsight is so clear.

Living God’s Word: Now we come to where the rubber meets the road (had to use that analogy – it’s May in Indiana and the 100th running of the Indy 500 is almost here. Yes, I’m a Hoosier.) The only way we can live out God’s Word is through His power at work in us and the Holy Spirit guiding us. In January 1997 I changed jobs. It was by far the best job and best company I had ever experienced – a perfect fit for me. The funny thing is that I wasn’t looking for a job but a previous co-worker kept hounding me about it until I finally created a resume and applied. I got the job and shortly after I started, one of my new co-workers shared with me that she had been praying for God to send a Christian to fill the position I had taken. It didn’t take me long to realize the blessing was mine! God led me there because I needed her guidance and example. She truly walked her talk. God was (and is) in every part of her life. She saw Him at work everywhere and included Him in all things. Through her example, I kept seeking and finally found what I was looking for – clear vision.  I will never forget the day my eyes were opened and I could actually see God at work around me. I can’t explain it but I just knew that I knew that I knew and the light bulb has been on ever since (thank you, Jesus). People at work were drawn to my new friend because the love and light of Christ were evident in her. She truly cares about others and shows it. She is a wonderful encourager but is brave enough to hold you accountable to God’s Word if you are a Christian. That is what we are all called to be and do. She retired a few years ago and is sorely missed. We are still dear friends and maintain our relationship. If you don’t have a Christian friend/mentor/prayer partner, I encourage you to ask God for one. It’s an incredible blessing.

So, where are you on your walk? Are you on the narrow path yet? Have you been wandering around for a while? Are you “comfortable” or allowing God to nudge you into the unknown? I would love to read your story. Simply comment or reply to this post.

Whatever point you find yourself on this path, please keep moving forward. Your life depends on it.

p.s. I have a bonus for all of you living in the Avon, Indiana area. On Saturday, June 4, the dear friend that I mentioned above will be sharing with us at our next “prayer gathering” before we get down to the business of praying. You can find all the details on the “gathering” page of this blog.