The law of faith -v- The law of works

"But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]." (Hebrews 11:6, AMP)

Not only do I believe God exists but "I believe Him" I believe His Word, His promises, I believe that there is nothing impossible for God. I would dare not to ever limit Him. He can make a way when there seems to be no way. He can turn any situation around and do great and mighty things. And when it seems impossible at every turn God can still make a way. He is a great and awesome God! And when He says He is a rewarder I believe Him.

Faith is what pleases Him and earnestly and diligently seeking Him brings rewards from Him. He is indeed a rewarder! But sometimes we can get so caught up into thinking about all the things we must do to get God's blessings/rewards that we forget that His blessings come from our believing in Him and believing Him. Most everyone believes in Him but what I am saying is Believe Him with all your heart, there is a huge difference between the two. Why not rest a little from all your worries and fretting and constant questioning of yourself and circumstances: "Am I doing something wrong, did I do that right? I must do my morning devotional, I must say this prayer this way. Did I walk the straight path today? Is God pleased with me? Did I obey everything in the scripture's today? This is not faith in God but faith in yourself, so stop... and place your faith in God. This is not walking by faith but by works.

As long as we live in this flesh we will never be perfect within and of ourselves. Yes.. I hear ya saying but faith without works is dead. Here's a question to think about, "Are you working as to establish your faith, or are you living by faith which will in turn establish good works? Are you loving and doing well because your heart is full of faith and belief in God and believing God? There is a law of works and there is a law of faith. The law of faith will establish the law of works but the law of works will never establish the law of faith (Rom. 3:27,31).

God's grace is unmerited favor so you can't earn it. He just gives it because of His love for you. Take a good hard look at your heart and do some examining of it and ask yourself do you believe and obey out of obligation in hopes of God's blessings and rewards or do you believe and obey out of a heart that is full of love and belief for Jesus your Lord and Savior? Do you have a heart to do right because it might get you some brownie points or do you do well because you just Love Jesus and you want Him to shine through you? May we examine ourselves and ask "Am I living by faith which will establish good works or am I living by works in hopes of establishing my faith?"

What it basically comes down to is to know that you are truly loved so very much by your Father God, and that there is nothing you can do to earn His love. Even if you don't believe in Jesus (God's only begotten Son), and you don't believe that He sent His Son to die for the sins of the world, He still loves you and desires to be with you, but it is only by Faith in His Son Christ Jesus that that can be possible. Faith is what pleases Him and that is all.. If you truly have faith in Him (believing in Him and believing Him)then all else will follow.

(Eph. 2:8-9) For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast.

God Loves you and He desires to be with you now and for all eternity, so rest and surrender in faith in Him and He will take care of the rest for you "For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus unto good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [ living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. ( Eph. 2: 10 AMP)

Have you ever been snared?

Have you ever found yourself suddenly snared in life, and your thinking "What the crap how did this happen?" Pardon my french but I am just being honest here. You were just walking along in life minding your own business praising and glorifying God then bam out of nowhere you have been snared. How could this happen? Why did this happen? How am i going to get out of this situation? Fight or flight mode kicks in you can't really choose flight because you are caged in, so you choose fight. Thinking... this contraption is a net, i have my pocket knife handy so i will just cut myself out of this thing.. SOOo you begin cutting away at the fibers of your cage not even taking into consideration the fact that you are 20 feet in the air and when you cut yourself free the only option is falling to the hard ground below. The only thing your thinking about right now is, "I want to be FREE"! "I am going to be free... Yeah! that's right freedom baby freedom... Freedom!!! Yes! I am finally free! Now screaming has begun and reality has kicked in as you start your rapid decline of 20ft. down to the hard ground below, thinking now.... UH OH! this is going to hurt! Your free alright but now your broken and in a lot of pain and to recover from your injuries it is going to take 1 year of therapy and hopefully no longer.

Therapy is good, this is the time you begin thinking about some things, and what you could of done differently. (Thinking now...) Maybe if i wouldn't of panic and stayed calm i could of escaped that snare without injury? Maybe i should of prayed? Maybe i should of trusted God to send someone to set me free? Maybe i should of asked God how to escape from this thing? Maybe God Himself would of delivered me? Doesn't His Word say that He will deliver me from the snare of the fowler? Why yes it does (talking and answering self mode now). How come i didn't trust God to rescue me?......How stupid could i be? I was praising and glorifying Him while i was just strolling along in life before i got snared, so how come when i got snared i turned off the praise and prayer and took matters into my own hands? Why do i feel as though it's always up to me to fix things? Why do i say to myself if it's going to be it's up to me? Why do i find myself always trying to control things? Why do i find myself trusting others as well as myself before trusting you God? This attitude of mine has always been no good. All it has ever done and all it will continue to do is bring me a lot of pain and heartache. If i would only learn this time and never do this again? Yes! that is it, i believe that I have finally learned this time and next time if there is a next time hopefully there won't be, but.... if there is

"I WILL TRUST YOU GOD!"

Dare to Dream

You know what? I have come to the conclusion that i will never find total comfort and security in this world. I mean i have always known that, but at times i still find myself striving to be comforted and secure while i am here. I have said this before and will say it again because it is straight out of the Word of God. " This world is not my home, I'm just a stranger in this land and I'm just passing through," I don't belong here and i know it. So why do i at times try to make it a comfortable and secure dwelling place for myself?

The Bible says that we are to be content in whatever state we are in. Even though life can be tough and bring a lot of discomfort as well as disappointments, i have concluded that the one who has the tenacity to remain content despite the circumstances is someone who has realized that this world is not their home and they are only a stranger passing through they are moving onward because they see the finish line, every now and again they will get a glimpse of their home which awaits them up ahead. They like others desire comfort and security as well, but they know it is not here but just ahead of them, thus they continue moving forward and homeward. Their eyes are fixed on the prize they have set their face like a flint. Come what may it doesn't matter to them they know that they will reach their true home one day and this is their mission and goal in life.

They have realized that this world is not meant for them to settle down in and get all comfy and cozy. You won't ever here them say: "aww.. this is life i have attained it can't get any better than this, I got my nice house, food galore, all the luxuries of life, all the toys a person would ever want, now i am just going to settle in and relax and enjoy this world and all the stuff it has to offer." Nope.. you will never hear them say that because they know that what this world has to offer is nothing compared to their eternal home. They will not settle and be limited to the meager livings and riches of this world. They know that what the world has offered is nothing in comparison to what God is offering them. God has called them to the higher things. He has dared them to dream and to dream bigger and for the greater blessing! And that is exactly what they intend to do for they know that "Eye has not seen and ear has not heard neither has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for them that love Him." They haven't seen the total picture yet but every now and again they get a glimpse and it propels them onward and forward!

This world is lacking greatly it is a deficient existence compared to our heavenly home that awaits us. I will not settle for second best and I hope you don't either. Don't be like the rich man in the Bible who said to himself in Luke 12:19-21: 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

God is daring you to dream beyond this world and begin moving onward and forward, the journey might seem long but don't give up you will reach your destination and the reward will be worth it!

And when He SAW their faith

Have you ever thought that tenacity, strategy, determination, ingenuity, thinking outside the box could be characteristics that are very appealing to the Lord. In fact could this be so pleasing to the Lord that He could possibly say, "My child since you have shown me your heart of tenacity and ingenuity in thinking outside of the box and beyond the normal/natural scope of things and have shown a sense of determination I am going to grant to you the desires of your heart."

I was thinking about this the other day after reading about Christ Jesus healing the man with palsy in (Luke 5:18-25) And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

Did You catch that? When Jesus saw their faith He said, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee." The men showed their trust and confidence in Jesus by being ingeniously determined to get their friend to Him. The men did what they felt they had to do for their friend and then Jesus took it from there.

Have you heard the old saying, "There's more than one way to skin a cat?" No offense cat lovers, I love cats myself, so don't get your panties in a tuft. These men were determined to come up with a strategic way to get their friend to Jesus so that he could be healed and they were dramatically successful in their conquest. Because of their faith and ingenuity, this man so far, has been spiritually healed (his sins have been forgiven).

We must go a little further because this man's physical healing is about to be granted by Christ Jesus as well. And the Scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up they couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that wheron he lay, and departed to his house, glorifying God.

Isn't Jesus cool? The Son of man (Jesus Christ) has not only the power upon earth to forgive sins He also has the power upon earth to heal the body. I can just see the Scribes and Pharisees now, standing there with their mouths agape in total amazement and perplexity.

This account in scripture was a reminder to me by the Holy Spirit that we can possibly stop short of seeing the physical miracles in our lives because we limit our vision of hope. We can look at circumstances as hopeless and get tunnel vision which then causes us to lose our faith/determination and thus we can overlook the one possible way that will birth a miracle. The men had hopes that if they couldn't get their friend through the crowd then they would go over the crowd. They were tenacious, determined and strategic. I can just see Jesus smiling as if to say, "That's my boys! and I am proud of them for showing determination in their quest to get to me and having confidence in me."

If it seems as though it is impossible to get to Jesus because circumstances are blocking the way ,then we must look up and go over them. This is where Faith comes in. Circumstances should never stop us from our pursuit and appointed destination which is Jesus. Jesus is our Hope and He is our Answer both now and forever!

May we all be honest with ourselves and ask this question, "Am I looking up and going over the circumstances in life and trusting in Jesus or have I stopped short by looking at the overwhelming crowds of circumstances in front of me and think that all is hopeless?

Now is the time to hold on and don't let go!

I have an urgency in my spirit to let the Body of Christ know that now is the time to hold on and don't let go, maybe you have had the same urgency and this is just confirmation but nevertheless I am exhorting all to hang on!

Through out scriptures I read passages that exhort us to endure, be steadfast, hang on, don't give up, stay confident. This can be really hard to do when it seems like all hell is breaking loose in our lives. We grow weary and exhausted. Affliction and suffering can come in like a flood pulling us under it's currents and we struggle trying to get a breath. Sorrow hits our hearts like heavy anvils, making us feel abandoned and lonely. We find ourselves growing weary don't we?

At this point we can give up or take hold of faith. I choose to take hold of faith and hang on! The scripture's read that after we have endured for a while we have need of patience and then the promised reward comes, so pick up the shield of faith and quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and stand strong in God's promises, and in confidence proclaim them. The sufferings here is nothing to be compared with the glory and joy that we will behold in the presence of Christ Jesus for all eternity.

God is not slack concerning his promise, but He wants none to perish, so now is not the time to begin back peddling now is the time to move forward in the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. Now is the time to rise-up and lift up our eyes for our redemption draweth near. Now is the time to lift the banner, speak the Word and be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! We must not look around but look up! Now is the time to embrace hope, faith and love. Now is the time to walk in the fullness of God. We must look to Him and set our face like a flint for the glory of the Lord has risen upon us!

I have heard it said that when you find yourself at the end of your rope tie a knot in it and hang on. When you have stood and done all that you know to do then keep STANDING and stand strong. God is Faithful, His Word is True. When everything else perishes God's Word will stand sure and that is what we want to be standing on when everything else collapses for that is our Hope and our Faith!

Now is the time to make sure that we have on the full armor of God and hold on and don't let go!

Are you ready?

Mt. 25: 1-13 (1) Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

(2) And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

(3) They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

(4) But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

(5) While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

(6) And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

(7) Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

(8) And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

(9) But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy, for yourselves.

(10) And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

(11) Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

(12) But he answered and said , Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

(13) Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Are you ready? Are you prepared? Do you have plenty of oil for your lamps? What does this mean some may ask? In the Word of God, lamps/light is symbolic of God's Word. His Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. If you do a study on oil in the old and new testament you will find that it's purpose was for anointing and consecrating. Oil was used to anoint as to dedicate something or someone to a service or goal. Oil was used to make or declare sacredness. Oil was also used for medicinal purposes as to bring healing. By the Power of the Holy Spirit in us we are anointed, dedicated, sacred and even healed.
If a lamp is shining long and bright that means that it has plenty of oil. This is the same with us spiritually speaking. The Word of God in us can only burn brightly if we are full of the Holy Spirit, sanctified set apart and anointed. Oil (Holy Spirit) brings forth the Light (Word), the Light in turn will shine forth from our lives for all to see.
You are the light of the world a city upon a hill, men will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Jesus is the Light within us and it is by His Spirit that we burn brightly. Hide not your light under a bushel. Let it shine forth for all to see.
The foolish virgins did not have enough oil and their lamps went out. They were not prepared. They slumbered, they slept, they became lax in their waiting for the bridegroom. Their connection and their communion with their bridegroom was void and on empty. They had no oil. Now they wanted a quick fix. "Give us some of your oil" they told the wise virgins. They thought they could conveniently ride the coat tails of the wise virgins in requesting the use of some of their oil. But the wise virgins being wise as they were said "NO."
We are all accountable for ourselves to be ready for Christ's return. No one can ride someone else's coat tails into the chamber room of Christ (the bridegroom). To be His Bride ready and prepared takes having an intimate relationship in communion with Him for your own sake by and through the power of His Holy Spirit in your own life.
Always be ready and prepared. Keep filled with the oil of His Holy Spirit. Watch therefore for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh. The wise virgins had plenty of oil in their lamps.
Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Is the Light of Christ/His Word, His love, His Truth burning brightly in your life? To know God's Word, and to know His Son Christ Jesus His Spirit must live within us. Our communion with God only comes through the Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus in us. Christ Jesus in us the hope of glory. If you are not filled with the Holy Spirit your light is not burning, which means that there is no communion/connection with Christ in your life. Don't be like the foolish virgins that was not prepared and came to late knocking on the Bridegroom's door only to hear Him say, "I know you not." If you have His Spirit you will be known by Him and will know Him and to know Him is to love Him and love Him is to know Him!
The Spirit and the Bridegroom say COME. The Spirit and the Bridegroom is calling to His Bride. Don't close your ears and eyes to His calling. AWAKE! Bride of Christ. May you long to know Him more intimately through the power of His Spirit and be filled, ready, and prepared for His coming!

JESUS is the WORD

I hear this much to often, "Yeah! I believe in Jesus, I'm a Christian." But when it comes to the WORD many will say, "Oh! that's not for today and you can't believe everything you read in there. WAIT A MINUTE! HOLD UP! Maybe you don't understand, JESUS and the WORD are ONE, and they cannot be separated for you see JESUS IS THE WORD! So how can you say that you believe in Jesus but not the Word? How can you say that you are a Christian (meaning Christ within) and not believe what the Word of God says?

Jn.1:1- In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was God.
Jn.1:14- And the WORD was "made flesh" and "dwelt among us", (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the ONLY BEGOTTEN of the Father), full of grace and Truth.
Jn.3:16- For God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY BEGOTTEN Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Do you see the similarities in those verses. If you truly believe in JESUS then you will believe the WORD, because they are the same. I am not being judgemental here nor am I condemning anyone I am only sharing God's Word and what it says. I am truly concerned for those who call themselves Christian but toss the WORD aside. And sadly many throw parts of the Bible out just so they can continue living a life in sin, because it's easier this way and so then they don't feel convicted. The Bible says that we are to examine ourselves to see if we are truly in Christ or not. How do we do this you may ask? Well, by simply believing in JESUS/THE WORD, and believing that He/JESUS and He/The WORD is indeed TRUTH and for us to live by, thus JESUS/WORD is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE.

Sometimes I think it is easier to grasp truths in poetry. So I have a poem to share concerning this subject.

JESUS IS THE WORD

We have lifted our voices and your Truth we proclaim

We have even loved others in Jesus mighty name

But hearts are so cold and hardened to thee

That your WORD they reject and from their sins they won't flee

Oh! they say they believe and on your WORD they do stand

But when put to the test they fulfill their own plan

They walk their own path and justify their sin

As if your WORD means nothing and doesn't pertain to them

They honor you with their lips, just words that is all

For their heart is far from you and to the world they do call

What's going to be sad is on that final day

When they come knocking at your door and you will turn them away

"Depart from me" those words will ring true,

"You workers of iniquity for you I never knew"

"For me to know you and you to truly know me

A love for my WORD must be your heart's plea"

"I cannot know you if you toss my WORD to the side

For you see it's in me (MY WORD) you abide"

"It's my Spirit that binds us (my WORD in your heart)

Which brings us together and never apart"

"For I am the WORD and JESUS CHRIST is my name

And we cannot be separated for we are ONE in the same."

Tamela Greenwell

Judge Roy Moore Of Alabama

Alabama Judge
Some of you may be wondering what Judge Roy Moore has been doing since he was removed from the bench for refusing to remove the Ten Commandments from his courtroom wall. Please read the poem he wrote.

The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama . Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama ! The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America the beautiful, or so you used to be. Land of the Pilgrims' pride; I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpster's, Abortion on demand, Oh, sweet land of liberty; your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly poisoned by cocaine choosing to indulge their lusts, when God has said abstain

From sea to shining sea, our Nation turns away From the teaching of God's love and a need to always pray

We've kept God in our temples, how callous we have grown. When earth is but His footstool, and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government that's rotting at the core, Appointing Godless Judges; who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer in a well deserved tomb, But brave enough to kill a baby before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not angry, that our land's a moral slum? How much longer will He wait before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God, from Whom we cannot hide? What then is left for us to do, but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children, will humbly turn and pray; Seek His holy face and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven; and forgive us of our sins, He'll heal our sickly land and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful, If you don't - then you will see, A sad but Holy God withdraw His hand from Thee.

~~Judge Roy Moore~~

This says it all. May we all offer our prayers for Judge Moore to be blessed and for America to wake up and realize what we need to do to keep OUR America the Beautiful. Let's lift Judge Moore up in Prayer..He has stood firm and needs our support.

My thoughts: I don't know if America will ever truly be beautiful again until Jesus comes to reign in the earth, but sadly this poem by Judge Roy Moore speaks volumes of Truth about the condition of America and how far we have come!

IN GOD WE TRUST!

Been thinking about some things

I have been thinking about some things, so I thought I would share with you some of my thoughts. Maybe you might have some insight or revelation that you can share with me.

I've been thinking about Jesus when He was in the garden praying and He asked the disciples to keep watch with Him but they all fell asleep instead. Each time when Jesus returned from praying He would find the disciples sleeping soundly. He asked them, "could you not watch with me for one hour?" Jesus was going through a very stressful time so much that while He was praying He was sweating great drops of blood. There is medical/scientific name for this condition which can indeed happen when someone is under a great amount of stress. I can't think of the medical term for this right now, I will search it out, but if you know what it is please let me know. Here is the one time that Jesus really needed some support, and only for one hour but they all fell asleep on Him. Evidently the disciples didn't seem to take this as more important than getting their sleep. If you have a servant's heart than you might be able to relate a little to the heart of Jesus and His desire for them to keep watch with Him. Jesus said that whoever is chief among you will be servant of all. True servants are leaders, they will support, lead, guide, protect, comfort, encourage, stand alongside and help carry the burdens of others, they will sacrifice their own comforts for the comfort of another. Others may perceive a true servant as a strong independent leader who doesn't need the support/comfort or encouragement from others, but this is soooo far from the truth! If anyone needs to be comforted at times it is those who have a true servant's heart. Why does it seem that when a servant is in a real time of need and or distress everyone that he has served is now gone to sleep on him. They might think to themselves, "they will be alright, after all they are strong and will be fine." Even though the servant has specified his need for some comfort and support they will ignore him and continue to do what they desire for themselves. Jesus in all of His love and grace didn't hold this against the disciples but only questioned their lack of concern for Him. This really made me sad as I thought about Christ's love for the disciples but their lack of concern for Him. That is one thing that I have been thinking about. What are your thoughts on this?

Here is something else that I have been thinking about. "Being still" in other words having a peace of mind and not fretting about things and totally placing our trust in God for our lives. After all the praying, asking and wondering why, doesn't there come a time when we just need to be still before the Lord and know without doubt that He has heard our prayers, sees our heart and knows our condition and now the time has come to just trust Him with our lives. What are your thoughts?

More thoughts: Have you ever wondered what the future holds for your own personal life here in this world? Have you often wondered if things are going to get better or if things are going to get worse? And if things are only to get worse then why must the misery here be prolonged, what good does it do? Maybe it keeps our hope and desire alive to long for a better home. But you know what, even if things were grandiose here I would still be a witness of a better home and a far better place to come. Whether things are bad or whether things are good I still know and realize that there is a far better place that I will one day call home and I will continue to tell others of this place as well. So why am I still here, well this brings me to my next question of thought. Is the only reason we are still here because we are a benefit to others in being a witness of Christ Jesus? So if I stop making myself available to others as to be a witness or even a help of some sort would I then be taken out of this world? Hmmm, sounds tempting! No, I'm just kidding that would be very selfish of me, but would Christ be gracious and forgive me, after all I just long to be with Him? Hmmmm, no I am just kidding already, so calm down! What are your thoughts?

Here is some more of my thoughts. I just don't understand why so many people/Christians will say that it takes suffering for them to draw close to the Lord. What this says to me is that they are only drawing close to the Lord when they are in need of something. Isn't this somewhat selfish, because as long as things are going well they will say that they do not draw close to the Lord but just as soon as things turn for the worse now they are drawing close to the Lord. How does this make the Lord feel? Shouldn't we be praising, thanking and drawing close to the Lord when things are going well? If my children didn't rejoice in my goodness toward them and thank me for my love and grace in the joys of life, this would make me feel very sad, because after all I enjoy seeing them rejoicing in my love and gifts of blessings. If they only came to me when things were bad well this would make me feel used. I would desire them to come to me in the midst of their heartaches of course but not to forget me in the midst of their joys. What are your thoughts?

Well that's about it, there are some of the things that I have been thinking about, give me your thoughts.

Chasing Rabbits

In Arizona are some of the biggest Jack rabbits that I have ever seen. For the life of me I cannot figure out what they eat around here that makes them grow so big. You will see them running around in the open fields where only scrub grows. I am assuming that must be what they eat and we have plenty of that so maybe this is why they are sooo big!

We have one of those fields right across the street from our house and everyday we take our dog Frissee over there for her daily run. When we ask her if she's ready to go chase a rabbit, she knows exactly what we are talking about and she gets all excited with anticipation in hopes of seeing the rabbit. Of course she could never catch it they are super fast and will leave her in the dust every time. That doesn't matter to Frissee though she just enjoys seeing the rabbit and getting the opportunity to chase it a little while. The rabbit is a master escape artist it will zigzag while it is running and then before you can blink an eye it has made a hard turn and off it goes disappearing in the brush. It is so funny watching Frissee because just as she is going full throttle seeming to be on the rabbits heals bam it turns hard and Frissee will begin to slow down and then stand there puzzled wondering where in the world did that rabbit go? LOL!

My animals have taught me so many life lessons especially my dogs, it is amazing how they excitingly anticipate each new day. Even though Frissee has never caught the rabbit that doesn't matter to her, after all it was a great chase and she will sport herself as if she has accomplished the greatest joy of the day. What makes her excitement for the chase even more amazing to me is that most of the time when we take her to the field we never even get to see the rabbit. Weeks even months can go by before she gets to see the rabbit again. But that doesn't matter to Frissee because she anticipates each day as if she will get to chase the rabbit and sometimes her anticipation pays off. Each day Frissee will enter that field with expectations that today will be the day of the "CHASE"

Watching Frissee made me do some self-examination. Do I look forward to each new day with excitement and anticipation of what the day has in store. What if that prayer still isn't answered? What if today isn't the day of that financial blessing? What if I don't get to chase the rabbit today? Do I still make the best of the day as my dog Frissee does? Did I still rejoice in the day? Did I decide to just give up hope today and never hope again? Afterall it has been weeks, months, maybe even years and there has been no rabbits to chase. No adventure, nothing has changed. It is still the status quo or even worse!

Do you find yourself growing weary and losing heart? I have at times. But I am reminded of scriptures to Hope thou in God, to not grow weary in well doing for you will reap it you faint not, that His plans for me are good.

Do you know that our hope should go beyond this world? Really now, just think about that for a moment. Our Hope should go beyond this world but a lot of times we can't seem to see past what is in front of us. We limit our hope by keeping it held close to our hearts to only be used for here and now. When we can look beyond this world and hold hope in our heart for the eternal things a supernatural peace and rest will invade our souls, because at this point we will begin to see that the suffering that we go through here is nothing to be compared to the glorious day that awaits us. Understanding that will lift the heavy burden of this world off your shoulders! (Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest)

When we can get a glimpse of the finish line and the reward that awaits us it makes the chase an enjoyable one. And unlike chasing rabbits this chase will end with apprehending the goal! So in the meantime may we anticipate each new day with great expectations!

1 Cor. 15:19 If we who are [abiding] in Christ have hope only in this life and that is all, then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied.