Reflection Verse

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~Jeremiah 10:1-2 Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.~

Reflect on this .....

Reflection Verse and Birthday Wish!

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HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY ABIGAIL!

~Psalms 139:14-18 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.~

Reflect on this ....

Reflection Verses

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~2 Timothy 3:1-9 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.~

Remember who you are!

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~I KNOW WHO I AM~


I am God's child (John 1:12)

I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)

I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)

I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)

I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)

I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)

I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt.5:13-14)

I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)

I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)

I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)

I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)

I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)

I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)

I cannot be separated from the love of God(Rom.8:35-39)

I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)

I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)

I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)

I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16).

I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)

I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).

I have been justified (Romans 5:1) I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1).

I am God's workmanship(Eph. 2:10)

I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1: 5)

I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14).

I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)

I belong to God Do you know who you are!?


REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE!!!

Reflection Verses

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~Deuteronomy 11:18-19 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
~

Clear Direction

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I came across this and wanted to share it here for whomever may be needing it.

Faithfully in Christ,
Autimama

---------------------------

Clear Direction


Sometimes in life we may feel unsure
Of what God would have us do
What is His will for our lives right now?
When faced with two paths to choose

We need to come before the Lord
When we have to make a choice
We need to have ears that will hear
The Lord’s still, quiet voice

For God will gladly show the way
And open the doors to go through
With clear direction from our Lord
He’ll show us what we should do

For He longs for us to know His will
And know the plans for our lives
So we’ll accomplish the work of the Lord
As His Spirit in us daily guides

For He will walk with us each day
And help us with each decision
As our hearts are open to the Lord
He’ll impart to us His wisdom

We just need to ask of the Lord
For the direction that we need
He will answer and speak to our hearts
As we trust in His name and believe.

© By M.S.Lowndes.

~Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.~

Reflection Verse

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~Isaiah 65:17-25 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.~

Reflection Verse

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~Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.~

He Never Promised ...

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Our precious Lord never promised us an easy road in life.
But He promised He’d be with us to help us face the strife.

He never promised us that we would never suffer grief.
But He promised He’d be with us to help provide relief.

He never promised us that we’d never have a broken heart.
But He promised to be with us to help ease the aching part.

He never promised us our life would be free of pain.
But He promised He’d be with us to help ease our suffering.

He never promised us that our life would be free of stress.
But He promised He’d be with us to help put our souls at rest.

He never promised us an abundance of earthly treasures.
The ones He promised are up above in unbelievable measures.

God will never break His promises, on that we can depend.
The most important promise was the Son He was to send.

By trusting all His promises and by trusting in His only Son,
We’ll overcome our earthly perils for the battle we have won.

~Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
~

Reflection Verse

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~Isaiah 40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.~

God Knows ...

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When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts...
God knows how hard you have tried.

When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish...
God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by...
God is waiting with you.

When you're lonely and your friends are too busy for a phone call...
God is by your side.

When you've tried everything and don't know where to turn...
God has a solution.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated...
God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find rayes of hope...
God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for...
God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe...
God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow...
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing...
GOD KNOWS

~Psalms 139:17-18 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.~

Reflection Verse

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~Isaiah 58:8-12 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.~

Reflect on this ....

Reflection Verse

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~Isaiah 25:4 For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.~

Reflect on this ..

Abased and Abouding

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Philippians 4:12-13 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

In all things, whether we abound or are abased we are to be a grateful people.
We are fully instructed to be full and to be hungry, to abound and to suffer need.

I can not even begin to praise God for this verse that has help me and so many countless others.

This verse sets in stone the trials and joys to come! The good and the bad. How awesome to know that even through the sufferings (our valley moments) we also have a promise of joy, blessings, abouding in all goodness!

I shall follow my Lord where ever HE takes me as I know that no matter how much I suffer in this present temporal life, I will find joy also and will worship in the presense of my KING one day!

For now, while here on this earth, I resolve to give my whole heart, mind and soul to Jesus and let HIM guide me through all my trials (Isaiah 43:2) without complaining because I know that HE will not depart from my side or give me more than HE knows I am able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).
I will not ask "Lord, why is this happening?" instead I will ask "Father, what are you teaching me through this?

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.


**What a wonderful book full of blessings, wisdom, instruction, suffering, gladness, and accountablitily is our Bible - God's Word.**

Reflection Verse

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1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Reflect on this ...

Reflection Verse

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~Isaiah 45:5-6 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.~

Have You Read The Good News Today?

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God doesn’t want you grabbing the newspaper first thing in the morning and reading all the bad news in the world. He knows that if you do that, your heart will be full of cares, anxieties and even fears.

This happened to a mother who read in the newspaper that students from China studying in our local schools were becoming top students. She wrote to the press, voicing her concerns about the stiff competition her child would face from these students, even for the top jobs in Singapore in the future.

You see, when you are reading the newspapers, magazines, medical journals, economic reports, watching movies or surfing the Internet all the time, then you are getting your “nourishment” from these sources instead of God’s Word. Now, I am not against these things. But if you constantly feed on earthly things which cannot satisfy, you will fill your heart and mind with cares and worries.

Jesus doesn’t want you to end up worrying about your life — what you will eat, drink or wear — as these are the things that the Gentiles (people of the world) seek. He says that your heavenly Father knows very well that you need these things. (Matthew 6:31–32)

That is why He promises you that if you would seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, all these things that the world seeks after will be added to you (Matthew 6:33). It will not just be given but added, which means greater in quantity and quality!

If you are broke, don’t pursue money. Pursue God your prosperity. If you are faced with lack, don’t pursue material goods. Pursue God your provider. If you are sick, don’t pursue healing. Pursue God your healer.

Beloved, don’t grab the newspaper or call your friend first thing in the morning to talk about the latest bad news. Instead, grab your Bible and read all the good news God has for you for the day. And as you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all the things that the world is running after will be added to you!

May the Lord bless you today and may HIS good news be at your fingertips daily so your mind heart and soul can reflect on all HIS teachings, promises, and wisdom!

Faithfully in Christ,
AutiMama

Reflection Verse

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~2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.~

Reflect on this .....

Honoring Isaiah ~ Verses

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~Isaiah 41:17-20 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together: That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.~

~Isaiah 41:10-13 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.~

~Isaiah 61:10-11 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. ~

~Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.~

Isaiah is my Favorite book and I just wanted to share some verses that have brought some inspiration to me. May the Lord bless you richly today!

Reflection Verse

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~Isaiah 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
~

Have you forgiven today?

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A wonderful friend, sister in Christ, and my adopted mum sent this to me and I wanted to pass it along. I hope it blesses you.

Faithfully in Christ,
AutiMama
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John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.



Forgiveness

One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking
in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things
were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job.

His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated
him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the
illness he had, that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with
anger, resentment, and frustration.

Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find,knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there. And with tears in his eyes, he
prayed: "Lord- You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive I am sad, Lord, because I cannot, I don't know how. It is not fair Lord, I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive.

As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray you teach me to do the one thing I cannot do: Teach me to forgive "

As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt
something fall onto his shoulder.
He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because now where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground.

He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them.

He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus
hanging on a cross.

He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head.

Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

"Have you ever told a lie?" He asked?

The man answered - "Yes, Lord."

"Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?"

The man answered - "Yes. Lord." And the man sobbed more and more.

"Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours?" Jesus
asked?

And the man answered, "Yes, Lord."

"Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain?"

The man, crying now, answered - "Yes, Lord."

As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"? The man's crying
became uncontrollable, for he could only answer - "Yes, Lord".

Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man
felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was
the blood of Jesus.

When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus,
and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before.

Jesus said, "I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you."

It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something, but
when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is.

Reflection Verse

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~Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. ~

Reflect on this ....

Are you asking or acting?

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John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

If George Bush came up to you and asked you for a glass of water, you would without hesitation quickly get your "special guest" a glass of nice clean water without batting an eye, or thinking twice!!

Why is it that we then question our SAVIOUR? Why do we then reject HIS presence in our lives? Why do we walk half on the narrow and half on the broad way?

If we would only realize daily Who it is that is asking us, inviting us, into a fellowship with HIM, we would surely do so ... but wait, we as Christians do know who Jesus Christ is. We do know that this is the Son of God, born of a virgin (*Matthew 1:23),
we do know of His ministry for 3 1/2 yrs that HE walk along side man (*Matthew 4:23,24 *Luke 7:21 *Matthew 8:16, 17 and many more),
we also know of HIS death, that has purchased us through the shed blood of the perfect Lamb of God (*John 3:16-17 *Romans 1:16 *2 Corinthians 5:17 *Matthew 27:50-53 *1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)
we also know of HIS resurrection (*Romans 1:4-5 *Mark 16:1-8 *Matthew 28:1-10 *John 2:19 *1 Peter 1:3)
we also know of HIS "bodily" ascension (*Acts 1:9-11 *Luke 24:39)


*John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.*


If we having the knowledge, the Word, and faith of the Love of Christ knows these very important doctrines why do we still refuse to get Jesus the water that HE asks for? The words of John 4:10 pierce like a sword through our hearts, then we should most certainly re-evaluate our lives and live for Christ and not ourselves. We can not half-narrow and half-broad way walk through life.

God does not see gray area, only black and white.
I recently read an article about Christians who were thrown in arenas with bulls to be gored to death but would be spared if they renounced the name of Christ. The article states this was about a century after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The article focus's on many but the one that stands out to me was one of two women who refused to renounce Christ and refused to wear the goddess clothing. One was 15 and the other had just given birth and her parents had come to plead with her to just "fake it" renounce Christ and LIVE, and take care of her new born baby that needed to be fed and cared for.
!
This brave martyr would not renounce Christ, more over she made it very clear that if she rather her baby die and be with her in heaven with Christ than to have a mother who has renounced God and never be able to see her child again.

Now, any worldly and sadly even some Christians would debate this and say, but God forgives, God understands, God is Love ... and YES, all of this is true, BUT what does Scripture say about this?
***Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.***2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:***

I see no gray area's here ... it's pretty black and white!

There are many more examples but I just made this one, to get the point across. Now, humanly and truthfully speaking I hope and pray that I nor anyone I know are ever put in this position but I know that God will give you and me the strength to endure this if we were!


So we must choose either the narrow=life or the broad=destruction & death ... ?

Which one are you going to choose?

John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.



Are we going to fully recognize Christ in our lives, are we choosing to know HIM and for HIM to know us?
Are we going to KNOW who is offering us HIS living water? Are we going to refuse to make HIM wait? Are we willing to serve HIM now!?!

I pray that we all give a hearty YES, AMEN to all the above!

Faithfully in Christ,
AutiMama©2007

Reflection Verse(s)

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~You say: It's impossible
God says: All thing are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: I'm too tired
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-20)

You say: Nobody really loves me
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: I can't go on
God says: My grace is sufficient (IICor.12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: I can't figure things out
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: I can't do it
God says: You can do all things (Phil 4:13)

You say: I'm not able
God says: I am able (IICor.9:8)

You say : It's not worth it
God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

You say: I can't forgive myself
God says: I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: I can't manage
God says: I will supply all your needs (Phil 4:19)

You say: I'm afraid
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Tim. 1:7)

You say: I'm always worried and frustrated
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: I don't have enough faith
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: I'm not smart enough
God says: I give you wisdom (I Cor 1:30)

You say: I feel all alone
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Heb.13:5)~

Reflect on all of these .....

Are you Conforming to this world?

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Thank you Dr. C.H. Spurgeon - I am sharing this as I find it most relavent for our edification and the growth of our spiritual life. May Dr. Spurgeon's message touch and bless your heart. God bless and have a spirit-filled day in the Lord and remember let everything you do, think and say, praise, glorify, and honor our heavenly Father!

Faithfully in Christ,
AutiMama ©2007
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~Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.~

If a Christian can by possibility be saved while he conforms to this world, at any rate it must be so as by fire. Such a bare salvation is almost as much to be dreaded as desired.

Would you wish to leave this world in the darkness of a desponding death bed, and enter heaven as a shipwrecked mariner climbs the rocks of his native country? then be worldly; be mixed up with Mammonites, and refuse to go without the camp bearing Christ's reproach. But would you have a heaven below as well as a heaven above? Would you comprehend with all saints what are the heights and depths, and know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge? Would you receive an abundant entrance into the joy of your Lord?

Then come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing. Would you attain the full assurance of faith? you cannot gain it while you commune with sinners. Would you flame with vehement love? your love will be damped by the drenchings of godless society.

You cannot become a great Christian-you may be a babe in grace, but you never can be a perfect man in Christ Jesus while you yield yourself to the worldly maxims and modes of business of men of the world. It is ill for an heir of heaven to be a great friend with the heirs of hell. It has a bad look when a courtier is too intimate with his king's enemies.

Even small inconsistencies are dangerous. Little thorns make great blisters, little moths destroy fine garments, and little frivolities and little rogueries will rob religion of a thousand joys. O professor, too little separated from sinners, you know not what you lose by your conformity to the world. It cuts the tendons of your strength, and makes you creep where you ought to run.

Then, for your own comfort's sake, and for the sake of your growth in grace, if you be a Christian, be a Christian, and be a marked and distinct one. -C.H. Spurgeon

Reflection Verse

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

Reflect on this ...

Our Fantastic Sunday 10/14/2007 (family post)

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And praising HIM I am!!!

What a fantastic day!!! My MIL stayed with us over the weekend and was able to fix our classroom curtains!! (BIG BLESSING!!!).

We got up for church like any other Sunday. Our church has a AM Sunday service and a PM Service ... BUT our's are done all consecutively.

Meaning ... we have Sunday School (for the whole family) at 9:30am and at 11: am first service then at 12:30pm we all break for lunch and have lunch in another building adjacent to the temple, then at 1:30 we start our second service (evening service). and are out by 2:30- 3pm.

Well now that, that has been established, LOL. We noramally have a schedule between Sam and I.

Sam will stay with Josh during the first service on the "toddler" side where he can hear what the Pastor is saying but not in the actual temple. And during the second service it's my turn.

Well today, PRAISE GOD!, Sam stayed to see how long Josh could handle it and boy let me tell you I was praying THE WHOLE TIME!!!
God is good and answered my prayers and our lil man stayed for the whole first service without incident (or at least not more than any of the other children, lol)!

Come lunch time everyone was talking about it, "we can't believe he made it through the whole service" they kept coming up and telling me!!!! I said " I prayed and the Lord is good and answered my prayers" ... it really was a good message today, it always is but it's was especially good today on the end times, and how everyone thinks there will be a "rapture" as in the Left Behind Series --- not so! (thats a whole other blog, LOL)

I was just singing God's praises and was just THRILLED!!! Sam was so happy that the whole family was actually together for once in almost 2 yrs!!! Well, let me tell you ... our awesome God was not finished!!!!

I remember praying ... "Lord, I praise Your Holy Name and thank you so much that Josh made it through the first service, I pray he can make it through the next service too if it be Your will!!!"

Well, there is a reason that our Lord Jesus said - Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Josh stay for the second service too and we are still in shock!!!!

It was a great day indeed, wonderful lunch with family (during our church lunch hour), yummy food that my niece Becky made.

I took some "arroz con pollo"
(yellow rice and chicken with veggies),

Becky made some yummy enchiladas - Lasagna style, and then some yummy chocolate chip cheese cake squares for "postre" dessert (yes after lunch, we Spanish ppl eat desserts after every meal, LOL!!!) Josh of course did not eat any of this!!!

He had slices of fried ham (10), potato chips and chocolate chewy bars (very nutritious) and his vitamin water!!! Afterwards, we all let our children run around outside for a few minutes so they can burn some energy before having to sit for another hour or so.

Well everything was great, he ran around for about 10 mins and was great for the second service.

HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH!!!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!

Thank you Jesus for a wonderful day Father!!!!!!!!

Faithfully in Christ,
AutiMama©2007

The Vessel

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The Vessel
Your hands are upon me Lord,
As you mold me into what you desire me to be.
You have taken me from a lump of clay,
And formed me into something of beauty.

Through the work of your hands, Lord,
I am being fashioned into something that pleases your eye
And I know in order for my clay to be soft,
The works of the flesh must continue to die.

Through the trials of fire I am perfected,
And by the washing of the Word the clay is made clean.
I want to be able to shine for your Glory,
That through my life your cross will be seen.

May this vessel of clay glorify you,
Throughout each and every day.
For just as the scriptures have said in your Word
You are the Potter and I am the clay.

What an honor to be part of your collection,
Of all the vessels you have on your shelf.
You have taken something that was worthless,
And made me into something of great beauty and wealth.

For each and every one of your vessels
Was molded carefully by your hand.
And each vessel has a special purpose,
It is all part of your perfect plan.
---------------------------------------

When we come to the Potter, we need to surrender all to Him - all our cracks, our imperfections - and let him be the Master of the Pot.
Let Him mold us, make us the vessel of honor that he wants in these days when he's so marvelously pouring out his Spirit on His People.
Let him make us into an individual shining example of what we can be in Him, when we let him "model" us and get out of the realm of the flesh.

Faithfully in Christ,
Autimama©2007

Reflection Verse ..

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~Jeremiah 18:1-6 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.~

Reflect on this ....

Reflection Verse ..

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~James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.~

Reflect on this ....

Are you Benefiting?

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~Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.~

The Lord's Test

I woke up this morning
and knew that today,
The sun would not be shining
and the clouds would be gray.

As I stepped outside,
rain fell upon my head.
My car wouldn't start
so I walked to work instead.

I was late for all of my appointments
My day was such a mess.
I dropped my head in disgust
and asked the Lord
for one request.

"Lord, why is it that
things won't go my way?"
He gently replied,
"Dear child it is because
you didn't thank me yesterday.

I woke you up and enabled
you to see the sun again.
I gave you shelter,
protected your family, and even let
you make a new friend.

I blessed you far
greater than I ever had before.
But you were too busy
to thank me once more.

You didn't feel sick
because I maintained your health.
You had money in your pocket
because I maintained your wealth.

You had shoes on your feet
and clothes to wear, too.
You had plenty of food to eat,
and what did you do?

You ignored me and went
about your tasks.
But when you wanted something
you never hesitated to ask.

I was there when you needed me
and that wasn't too long ago.
But when things started going your way,
it was me you did not know.

As if that weren't enough,
I provided your favorite luxuries.
This was something I didn't have
to do-they weren't even necessities.

And when it was time to get on your
knees and show your gratitude,
You decided that after such a
fulfilling day, you weren't in the mood.

So I decided to
give you just a little test.
To show you how it would feel
to stop being blessed."

I began to realize what
the Lord was saying.
And when I got home,
I fell to my knees and started praying.

He said, "My child, you have
learned and you know I do forgive.
But remember to remember this day
as long as you shall live.

I love filling your life with joy,
and your pain I'll alleviate it.
But just a simple thank you would show
how much you appreciate it.
----------------------------------------

How very true this poem seems to be. Are you only asking God into your life when times are bad?
During those "mountain" top moments do you remember that it is the Almighty that is allowing such blessings in your life?
Or are you only aware of God's presence during your "valley" moments?

We need to understand as human beings we are not meant for constant "mountain top" moments .... for this very reason! We take for granted those moments and to add insult to injury we then take for granted the Author of our lives and Who in fact is responsible for such blessings that we are going through!

We must be informed that it is indeed God who ordains our lives and who is the Master of all things past, present and future.

The audacity to think that we ourselves can do anything without the Lord presence in our lives shows
"a" - we are most certainly selfish by sinful nature and
"b" - we are also lacking the basic knowledge and wisdom that would direct our lives, if in fact we would gives ourselves COMPLETELY to God!

It is important for us to treasure the "mountain top" moments, but it is as equily if not more important to also learn, treasure, and grow spiritually from our "valley" moments.

Lets not forget to appreciate God daily for HE gives us daily benefits that we most certainly don't deserve!

Faithfully in Christ,
AutiMama©2007

Reflection Verse~

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~ Philippians 1:3-6

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: ~

Reflect on this ....

Waiting on the Lord ...

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~2 Corinthians 4:14-16 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. ~

WOW! Now Paul sure was a speaker of wondrous words, but they all came from truth, from the Holy Spirit and indeed how true it is.

I have found many around me and myself included being tested to the limits lately. I find myself constantly praying for sister and brothers who have fallen on hard times, be them financial, emotional, physical, or spiritual .... I myself am included in all of these.

I recently had an acquaintance ask me if I am indeed going through all of these hardships, why am I not losing my mind?

Well needless to mention that we are all human and human nature at it's weakest displays lack of faith constantly if not always during our toughest and heartbreaking trials ... BUT ..

We serve an Almighty God and though all may be black, although all may look dismal, although we may not see a solution ..... GOD DOES!

~2 Corinthians 4:8-10 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.~

When we face these dark moments, these valley moments we are also faced with our own human weaknesses .... we are faced with the facts that we are NOT master's of our faith, life, and/or future! We are puddy in the potter's hands.

When these moments of weakness come ....

Where do we turn? Who do we call? -- GOD, our Father, the KING of kings, the GREAT "I AM"

Why do we call HIM? -- Because it was created in us to call out to HIM, we were created for the purpose of honoring, praising, and glorifying HIM!!! So when these "dark" moments come, our spirit naturally clings to it's Creator, it searches out that oneness that it needs .... we need HIM daily!

So I answered this young woman and said, "if it were not for my SAVIOUR I would have lost my mind a long time ago. If it were not for my LORD, I would have done things that you have not even ever thought about. If it were not for my KING, I'm sure I'd be in hell right now."
Now by this time the young woman's eyes were as big as a pluto!

She then asked me "so what does your Lord give you that you are not any of those things you mentioned?" .... ah! yes, just the question I had been waiting for eh?!

"Simply, .....

HE give me peace to endure the storms of life (John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.),

HE gives me strength (Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.),

He gives me joy (Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.),

He gives me grace (Romans 5:2 (KJV) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

He gives me hope (Psalms 71:5 (KJV) For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.

He gives me happiness ( Psalms 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:)

He gives me what I need (Philippians 4:19 (KJV) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.)

He gives me wisdom (James 1:5 (KJV) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.)

He gives me rest ( Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.)

He gives me faith ( Matthew 17:20 (KJV) And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.)

He gives me possibilities (Luke 18:27 (KJV) And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.)

He gives me trust ( Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.)

He gives me companionship (Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV) Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.)

He gives me mercy ( Psalms 145:8 (KJV) The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.)

He gives me help ( Psalms 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. )

He gives me life ( Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

He gives me a home ( John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.)

He gives me Salvation ( John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.)

He gives me HIS return for me ( 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.)

He gives me many more things but by this time I had her full attention, but she did have to go (children and husband calling her) She did leave me with this "I believe this is the kind of gifts I need in my life" I jotted down some Scripture for her and she left, I have not talk to her since, but have heard from other aquiantances of mine, friends of her that her life is completely different!

PRAISE GOD! To HIM goes all the honor and glory!!!

All this to say, even though you have having a bad moment in life, going through a storm, sitting in the valley, and walking in darkness ... there is hope ....
Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Remember the Lord is not going to leave you, HE's gonna walk through it with you!
Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

May you feel renewed in the faith that our God is a mighty God, full of purpose for you and me and HE will guide us through this life.

May the Lord bless you richly and may you be at peace.

Faithfully in Christ,
AutiMama©2007

Set your sights on the Lord ...

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~Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.~

REFLECTION VERSE~ 10/12/2007

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~Deuteronomy 30:15-17 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; ~

Reflect on this ....

REFLECTION VERSE~ 10/11/2007

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~Titus 3:4-6 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; ~

Reflect on this ...

Dirty Robes

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I just had to share this, another beautiful and truthfully done devotional by Stacy! I have her permission to re-post, please do not copy with her expressed permission.

This devotional speaks volumes and some may be offended but it is the truth none-the-less!


*Imagine a groom preparing for his wedding day. He is a humble, godly man who desires to love his Proverbs 31 bride as Christ loved the church. In fact, he adores her so much that he would gladly lay down his life for her, if necessary.

He patiently anticipates the day when they will be joined in holy union. He longs to share those intimate moments and conversations which only married lovers can share.

But wait! What is this he sees? His bride-to-be is flirting with another man! And what is she wearing? She is revealing parts of her body that were meant for him! Imagine the betrayal he must feel…a pain so deep it makes him weep.

Rather than confront her when his emotions are so raw, he chooses to go for a drive. He is appalled to see her a few hours later, walking in to visit a psychic. What happened to his bride-to-be? Where is this godly woman he thought he was going to marry?

He decides to wait and see where she goes after talking to the psychic. He is astounded when he sees her pull up to a sports bar that is having a girls’ night out, male dancers included. Standing in the shadows, he watches his bride-to-be not only drinking her fill of alcohol, but also drinking her fill of men. She fixes her eyes on the dancer’s white teeth, behind a very seductive smile. She lowers her gaze to his bulging muscles and naked chest. He watches in agony as her eyes focus intently on the dancer’s gyrating hips. She licks her lips seductively, like a woman inflamed with passion. What would she do if she knew her future groom saw it all?

Jesus looks in anticipation to His wedding day. He is coming for a bride, dressed in spotless white…a bride He loves so much that He died for her. (Revelation 19:7-8; John 3:16) Unlike the fictional groom in the story, Jesus does not watch us while hiding in the shadows. He sees our every deed. He knows our every thought. How are we preparing for our wedding day with our Savior?

The bride-to-be in the story pretended to be one thing when she was with her future groom. The same thing often happens in church. We appear to be holy and righteous every Sunday, but how do we act the rest of the week?

Many in the church are committing adultery. It may not be physical adultery, but rather, adultery of the heart. (Matthew 5:28) Have you dirtied your white robe with lust?

While the vast majority of Christians would never visit a psychic, many allow the occult into their homes through books with witchcraft and occultic themes. We can also let the occultic into our home through numerous television shows. On primetime TV, there is a show whose very title leaves no doubt as to its content. Another popular show features a detective who is “visited” by murder victims as he seeks to solve the crime. As if this were not bad enough, many parents openly allow their children to view cartoons with blatant, occultic themes. Is your white robe covered in occultic graffiti?

Perhaps you have kept your robe clean from the above sins. Are you holding onto bitterness or unforgiveness? When we harbor these attitudes in our heart, they soil our white robe.

What about anger? When we give full vent to it, we spew dirty, hateful words. They drop like soot on our fine linen, leaving dirty and black holes.

What is the bride to do to get herself ready? Second Chronicles 7:14 has the answer. First, we must humble ourselves and admit we have sinned. David said when he confessed his sin, God not only forgave him, but removed the guilt of his sin. Second, we must pray. While our spirit may be willing to follow Christ, our flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41) To be victorious over sin, it is imperative that we spend time in prayer. Next, we must seek His face. In seeking God’s face, we seek truth, which is found in His Word.

The Amplified Bible says we must crave God. We need to crave His Word more than we crave chocolate or caffeine. Last of all, we have to turn from our wicked ways. True repentance is not being sorry you got caught. Rather, it is being sorry you sinned and determining to turn and go the other way.

Jesus gives a stern warning for the dying church of Sardis to wake up. If we do not wake up, He will come like a thief…unexpectedly. (Revelation 3:1-3)

Jesus is coming soon. We need to make sure that our robes have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14) We should strive to be like the few people in Sardis who did not soil their clothes. (Revelation 3:4)

Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)

© 2007, Stacy R. Miller

~~ Stacy ~~
Proverbs 31 devotionals

Intro ..

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Yep it's me with yet ANOTHER blog, BUT an important one to share!

God bless you all and hang in there ... I'm running out of ideas so I might not create another blog after this one!! LOL!!