A God-Given Spirit

 

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for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

Words of Paul to his spiritual son Timothy.

Paul encourages Timothy to not be ashamed of speaking about God or about his (Paul’s) imprisonment.

God empowers His people to stand for Him and His Word. He still empowers us, His followers, to stand firm in the face of what the world throws at us.

A church I was a part of had a guiding document that included the guiding thought that the church’s calling is to approach the world and change it. Instead, we see the world entering the church and changing it. My present church’s denomination historically has been counter-cultural in its beliefs. Slowly, the world has seen to have crept in and tried to destroy the beliefs and practices we have held dear. Author Charles Colson wrote in some of his books that the colleges of the east coast we founded by churches and originally taught Christian values. Even at the time of his writing, the values, once held dear to the institutions were becoming blurred.

There was a gospel song I heard several years ago that summed up what we must do, it’s title-” The Basics of life”. One line said it all, “Let’s get back to the Basics of life. "We need to do just that!

   

We Must Give Thanks

 

      

 

For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.            Psalm 33:4-5 (NKJV)

 

The psalmist tells us some wonderful thoughts about our LORD. He writes that His word is always correct; when we follow what he tells us, we will never go astray.

 

He continues by reminding that God works in truth; the Lord will not steer us in the wrong direction. It is up to us to listen to and obey what He tells us.

 

God delights in His children when He sees them living righteously for Him. He also delights in them when they seek justice for others and themselves.

 

The Lord showers goodness down on the earth. He gives us beauty in nature. He provides fresh fruit and vegetables during the summer. He allows us to have people in our lives who are good to us. These people display His goodness to us.

 

For every way the LORD displays His goodness to us, we must give thanks.

 

 

Peace through Jesus Christ

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These things I have spoken to you that in Me you will have peace. In the world you

Will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 (NKJV)

 

Jesus gives His disciples further guidance in this passage. He tells them that He has chosen to say these things for them to find peace in Him.

 

He cautions them that they will have tribulation. (And they did.) However, he tells them to “be of good cheer.” He then states. “I have overcome the world.”

 

In our present time, we face many harsh circumstances in our lives. COVID, personal illnesses, loss of family members, etc. When we look at what Jesus went through as He hung on that cross and the reason He consented to doing it. He did it for us to be deemed worthy to enter heaven.

 

What we experience during our time on this earth is nothing in comparison. The Apostle Paul called what we go through while we are on earth “momentary troubles”(2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV). He overcame the world for our sake. We have peace with God because of what Jesus did- He died in our place. As we live for Christ, we should always remember this.

Our Joy May Be Full

 

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These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. It is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:11-13 (NKJV)

 

Jesus has just told His disciples that He loved them as God loved Him. He also told them that if they ‘keep’ His commandments, they will have His love in their hearts.

 

Jesus told these disciples for them to remember His joy and rely upon it. He then commands them to love one another as He has loved them.

 

Have you ever wondered what our world would be like if each of us would love those around us as Jesus has loved us?  

 

As I think on this, I see a world where there are no broken homes, no divisions in extended families, no fights that lead to killings, each holiday would be truly a time of joy.

God Is Love

 

God Is Love

 

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:8-11(NKJV)

 

God personifies love. When a believer thinks of love, he or she looks to Him. In looking to the LORD God, we learn that love is THE main attribute He has.

 

In dealing with others, we must remember that about God. He loves us even when we are unlovely. My best friend was teaching a class of children on the love of God. She named some people who had done some terrible unlawful acts to others. As she named them, she asked, “Does God love that person?” The answer in each instance was, “Yes!”

 

God loves the vilest criminal as much as He loves you and me. We wonder how that is possible. God loves everyone because He made them, the murderer, the thief, the insurrectionist, the thieves, and the ones who violate others.

 

Put On the New Man

 

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if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:21-24 (NKJV)

 

Paul wrote these words to the believers at Ephesus.

 

He points out that believers should not dabble in the ways they pursued before they came to Christ. The decision to NOT partake in the ways of the ‘old man’ must be a daily decision. ⁽¹⁾

 

The decision to allow the ‘new man’ to be seen in our lives is ultimately up to God. ⁽²⁾

 

Certain times, our attitudes might not reflect God. When this happens, we must ask God to forgive us. It isn’t always easy for me to keep a reign on my attitude and even sometimes my mouth. But God is always there to hear my pleas.

 

God can help us put off the old man in our make ups. He desires us to put on the new man for us to reflect Him to those around us.

   (1,2 Jeremiah Study Bible, © 2013, Worthy, Hachette Book Group, New York, NY. Page 1645, Study Notes.

 

God Sees Me-Paul

 

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As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from

heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him,

“Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?” Acts 9:3-4 (NIV)                

Saul was on his way to Damascus. His mission was to round up those who belonged to The Way, the sect of Christians, and carry them back to Jerusalem. They would be his prisoners.

 

Something happened that changed his life forever. He met the LORD. God asked him a very pertinent question, “Why are you persecuting me?” Jesus identifies himself. Paul is told to go into Damascus, and he will be told what to do.

 

            The LORD instructed Saul in a one-on-one conversation. Those traveling with Saul did not see anything. How often do we hear a message from God that no one else hears?

 

God watched as Saul wreaked havoc among those who belonged to The Way, those who believed in Christ. God knew all the evil and nastiness in Saul’s heart. Yet, God chose to forgive Saul and direct him to work for Him.

 

For God to know Saul’s attributes, He had to watch as Saul went through his murderous ways. He saw Saul, forgave him, and used him for His glory.

 

As God sees us go through our lives, He takes note of our attributes and our weaknesses. Personally, I know He has taught me so much about myself. I now understand why I react the way I do when I have issues with my computer. It is due to my frustration. I know God can take care of that shortcoming if I allow Him to.

Mercy and God’s Love

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Psalm 51:1-4

Have mercy on me, O God,

According to your unfailing love;

According to your great compassion

Blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity

And cleanse me from my sin.

 

David pleads for God’s mercy for God to blot out his transgressions, to wash away his sins and remove any trace of sin from his heart.

For I know my transgressions,

And my sin is always before me.

Against you and you only have I sinned

And done what is evil in your sight,

So that you are proved right when you speak

And justified when you judge.

David knows what he did, and he knows it was sinful, and it will always be before him.

 

King David is being honest here. He knows he has been found out. The prophet Nathan confronted him about his affair with Bathsheba and all that entailed. We, who claim to belong to Jesus, must examine our lives and our hearts to find our transgressions and surrender ourselves to God. It is up to each of us to do this for ourselves, no one can do it for us.

David speaks honestly before the LORD. We must do likewise.

 

I am taking a break from blogging. I have some things to take care of and need to get refreshed. I have been running close to empty and need to replenish myself and take care of some other things. I will be back on Tuesday, September 1^st.

 

 

 

 

Freedom: Walking in Freedom

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I will walk about in freedom,

for I have sought out our precepts.

I will speak of your statutes before kings

and will not be put to shame,

for I delight in your commands

because I love them.

Psalm 119:45-47 (NIV)

The Psalmist bares his soul to God in this passage. He tells the LORD that he will walk freely (ESV says “in a wide space). What does he mean?

In context, the writer tells God, “I will keep your law continually forever and ever.”He pledges to ALWAYS honor the LORD and his laws.

Why would the writer vow to do this? He has sought God’s laws in order to live in his world. When we choose to follow God’s Word, we seek His governance over our lives.

The Psalmist commits to speaking of the Lord before the rulers of the nation and not be ashamed for doing it. He vows to do this because he finds happiness in God’s decrees which he loves.

The writer states he will honor the LORD’S commandments and will think deeply on the Lord’s laws.

In our world today, we need to learn to seek out God, study His Word, apply what we learn, and speak to others in all walks of life, especially those who are leaders in our governments.

Sometimes, I believe that there is more that I should be doing to further God’s kingdom. Do you feel that way?

Freedom: Why I Have Freedom in Christ

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Recently, I saw a MEME on Facebook that I really liked.

I still believe in Amazing Grace,

God’s grace is truly amazing. Once we accept His Son as our Savior and strive to live for Him, Jesus intercedes before His Father for us.

that there is Power in the Blood 

There is no power equal to God’s power. God can handle any issue that confronts me and will use it for His glory.

that He Walks With Me and Talks With Me

Wherever I go. Jesus is beside me; to the grocery, the pharmacy, the insurance agent, on visitations, on drives, on trips with my husband.

When I pray, God listens. When I pray fervently, He talks to me. We communicate and have fellowship with each other.

that Because He Lives I Can Face Tomorrow 

I should not fear because Jesus lives in my heart. He tells me He has all things under His control.

all because of The Old Rugged Cross

I have freedom from my sin because God allowed His Son Jesus to die a criminal’s death for me and for each of you. Once for all.

Grace upon Grace

http://www.surprisingtreasures.com

For from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:16-17 (ESV)

When we accept Jesus into our hearts and learn to live for Him, we receive great love from Him. We don’t deserve His love. We all are sinners. When we accept Him we become sinners saved by grace. The only thing that can help us through the hardships of this life is what He does for us because of His eternal grace.

We receive His grace many times throughout each day. We awaken each morning because He chooses to allow us to. We have food to eat because we can purchase it or it is provided for us.

Recently, I noticed my distance vision was not as clear as it should be. I was able to get an appointment the same day I called my vision care provider. I received a thorough exam. I was not eligible to get new glasses through our vision insurance for six more months. God’s grace allowed me to order and cover the cost of new eyeglasses. They should be ready for me any day.

God’s grace is free to us. All we have to do is ask His Son, Jesus, into our hearts and rely on Him.

Have you experienced God’s grace in your life lately?

New Beings

http://mucciarone.net/2012/08/26/new-creation/

From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (ESV)

Paul writes these words to the believers at Corinth. These words speak to me of his experience with the LORD. Before Paul met Christ, his passion was to destroy anyone and anything that spoke of the risen Savior. After his experience on the Damascus Road, Paul spent the rest of his life spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

Several years ago, there was a businessman who owned a tavern in our city. It seemed to be successful and well-known. One day, I drove past the building and noticed that there was a new business there, a beauty shop.

 Sometime later, a friend and I were talking, she told me what happened. The owner found the LORD and decided that his establishment was not one that Jesus Christ would be proud of. His wife was a hairstylist. He closed the tavern and made the building into a beauty shop.

What could happen if we all took this ‘new creation’ thought seriously? Interpersonal issues would be more easily resolved. People who find the LORD would be able to live their lives as God has planned. People would no longer have doubts about plans for their lives.

Dear Father God; Thank You that You created us into new beings when we gave our hearts over to You. Please help us to live our lives as those new creations You have created us to do Your will for our lives. Guide us as we live for you. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.      

New Heart

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And I will give them one heart and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people and I will be their God. Ezekiel 11:19-20 (ESV)

Happy New Year to each of you. We seem to always look forward to something new, be it a new outfit, a new piece of furniture, or a new vehicle. God plans to do new things for us if we are willing to let Him be in control. Our focus passage will help us understand more.

                                                                 

“And I will give them one heart,” God tells Ezekiel He will give to the people of Israel His heart. He will do this for us, His people, in today’s world when we allow Him to guide.

“and a new spirit I will put within them” Along with that new heart, God spoke of giving the Israelite people a new spirit.  In our world, we receive a new spirit when we submit our lives entirely to Him.

“I will remove the heart of stone” God recognized the Israelite’s stubbornness and planned to remove their pride from them. Each time they chose to revere Him, it only lasted for a short time. In today’s world, each of us has to daily submit our lives, hearts, and emotions to our heavenly Father.

“and give them a heart of flesh,” Each time the Israelites worshipped God as He intended to be worshipped, events went well for them. In our present world, we see things happen because we live in a fallen world. All we have to do to see things turn around is to honor and worship God in a manner that befits Him.

“that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them.” God tells Ezekiel what the children of Israel have to do for their part. In our world today, we still have His statutes and his rules to guide us through our days and our times of trial.

“And they shall be my people and I will be their God.” God wanted to have a relationship with His chosen people, the Israelites. In our present times, He wants to have a relationship with each of us, His children.               

Rejoice, Praise, and Be Glad

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This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

On most days, I repeat this verse while I am still in bed. Doing this helps me have a good outlook on my day. However, this does not guarantee me a perfect day or a day without trials.

I heard a friend of mine preach a sermon on living in the moment. In it, she told us about taking each day as it came and not to look ahead to the next one, especially if we may have fears about what lay ahead for us. I have found that I am a happier person because I have practiced living in the moment.

Living in the moment also means I can’t dwell on the past. Yes, there are memories I have that, if I often rehashed them, would wreck my emotional balance. I only speak of those past events when I believe someone’s knowledge of those times will make a difference for him or her.

God gives us each day as a gift. When we learn to use that day wisely, we honor God. (As I write this, a close friend of mine has been ill for over a week.) Sometimes, how we spend ourdays as a change from what we call normal. Some days and even some weeks are busier than others. 

We can learn to find joy in whatever God sets before us. (James 1:2) There are times we have to search for the glimmers of joy as we go through a trial. Some of the lessons we learn because of those trials have great value to us.   

The psalmist, then tells us to be glad. Gladness sometimes comes easier than we think it would.  Someone receives a promotion or a raise at work. Someone gets a new car. Are we happy for them? Suppose you had been interviewed for that promotion and that someone was your friend? Yes, we are to be glad for them.

“I Am the Door”

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I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved

 and will go in and out and find pasture.

John 10:9 (ESV)

                Jesus Christ explains to his listeners that there is only one way to reach God and to enter heaven; that way is through Him and Him alone.

            In our world, we see buildings with doors and windows. Doors are present in order to allow desired people in and, when necessary, to keep unwanted people out.  Looters and robbers climb through windows in order to gain entry to buildings and homes where they do their questionable deeds.

           

            Jesus tells that if anyone enters the fold via any way other than through Him, that person is a robber and a thief.

            A song, actually its chorus, from years past comes to mind. The words are simple and yet meaningful. “So high, can’t go over it; so wide, can’t go around it so low can’t go under it; you have to go through the door.  I found the lyrics to the song. (Lyrics by the Bishops)

   Well don't you know it’s so high (so high) you can't get over it?

So low (so low) you can't get under it

So wide (so wide) you can't get around it

You must come in at the door

So high (so high) you can't get over it

So low (so low) you can't get under it.

So wide (so wide) you can't get around it

You must come in at the door

Well, you can't get there by walking

And you can't get there by land

Now if you want to get to Heaven at all

You must go hand in hand.

And you can't get there by walking

And you can't get there by air.

Now if you want to see Heaven at all

You must go there by prayer.

So high (so high) you can't get over it

So low (so low) you can't get under it.

So wide (so wide) you can't get around it

You must come in at the door

Well, Rebecca she said she saw Him

Come riding up in the air

Well it was so high you couldn't get over

The Bible does declare.

Brother Jonah in the bottom of the deep blue sea.

In the belly of the whale he stopped.

Well he was so low he couldn't get under

He had to come to the top

So high (so high) you can't get over it

So low (so low) you can't get under it.

So wide (so wide) you can't get around it

You must come in at the door

Now old Pharaoh he drove those children

Across the wide sea and he found

That it was so wide he couldn't get around

So he went right through and drowned

Now I told you folks how hard it was

I made it plain to see

So if you want to get o Heaven at all

Come on and follow me

So high (so high) you can't get over it

So low (so low) you can't get under it.

So wide (so wide) you can't get around it

You must come in at the door

So high (so high) you can't get over it

So low (so low) you can't get under it.

So wide (so wide) you can't get around it

You must come in at the door

Hearing the Word

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And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:41-42(ESV)

            Jesus conversed with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. He told her things about her life that a stranger would not know. She ran into town and told the people about her encounter with this man that she believed was the Christ.

            The people of the town went to the well and Jesus spoke to them. Many more believed because of what they heard. They heard for themselves.

            Today, we seem to be afraid of sharing Christ with our neighbors, not because we are ashamed of Him. We fear rejection. People of the world, once they discover a person belongs to Christ, acts differently toward that person or persons. We have to stand for Christ even when others might reject Him.

           

            “How can we stand for Christ,” you may ask? We can:

           

·         Pray for them. Add those names to our prayer lists and pray for them as we would those of our church family.

·   Try to show kindness to those around us. Smile and greet them when we see them.

  

·          Attempt to ‘be there’ when someone has a great need. We might be led to ask if they could use an extra pair of hands.  

·         Not judge when we hear things about their activities. Remember, they might not know those activities might not be things God likes.

·         Speak kindly to others about them. Others are watching how we handle certain aspects of our lives.

Dear Father God: Please guide us as we attempt to tell others about You and Your wondrous acts of mercy and of the miracles You have performed for us, your children. Give us Your words in order for Your Kingdom to grow. I ask these things out of Your mercy and grace. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen    

Restore Us

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Scripture: Psalm 80

Focus Verse “Restore us, O Lord Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” Ps. 80:19 (NIV)

               This psalm names Asaph as the author. In the ‘song’, the words of our focus verse appear three times, in verses 3, 7, and 19. These words are a plea for God to restore His people.

               The writer believes God has been angry at the nation Israel. The Lord has not honored their prayers. The people have grieved the state of their country. Neighboring nations have laughed at the people. Israel’s enemies mocked them.

               Asaph reminds the Lord that He brought the nation out of bondage in Egypt and allowed them to remove other peoples from the land.   At the time of Asaph’s writing, God has thrown open the protective gates to the nation and permitted anyone to pass through and partake of the fruits of Israel.

               The writer pleads with God to return to them and to watch over them. When He speaks, the people perish. Asaph refers to the Messiah in verse 17. He then asks God to revive them and promises the people will call on Him.

               Our 21^st Century world needs to pray for God to look down on us and guide us through these messy times. Our nation needs to look to the Lord, call out His name, and ask for His mercy. It is the only way we can be restored as a nation.

A New Birth

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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1: 3-5 (NIV) 

               Peter writes these words to God’s chosen people, scattered throughout the world. He gives praise to the Lord. He then reminds his readers of the marvelous works God did for them because of his unmerited love-love they did not deserve. My family recently received gifts that we had no idea we would ever receive. This deed has humbled me. I believe it was only through God’s intervention that we received them.

               God protects us through our faith until He chooses to come again. He keeps what He has stored up for us guarding that which He deems to be ours from perishing, spoiling, or fading.

               There will come a day when all things will be revealed to those who remain true to Him. I want to be one of those to whom God reveals all those wonderful, miraculous, and special things about His realm. I know I have to remain close to God.

Some Thoughts on Prayer

Imagine with me that you have made friends with a neighbor and were able to introduce that person to the Lord. He or she accepts Jesus into their heart and then wants to know about what a Christian does, specifically about prayer.

What is prayer?

   

               Prayer is the way we talk to God, through Jesus.

 Why do We Have to Pray?

               We pray because Jesus set the example for us.

               He spent time alone in prayer on a regular basis.

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

(Luke 5:16) (NIV)

               In the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed for His Father’s will to be done.

(Matthew 26:36-45) (NIV)

              

               He taught the disciples how to pray

(Matthew 6:9-13) (NIV)

He prayed for Himself.

“Father, now glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

(John 17:5) (NIV)

               He prayed for the disciples.

(John 17:6-19)(NIV)

   

               He prayed for those who would believe because of the disciples’ ministry.

(John 17:20-21)(NIV)

When Can We Pray?

                

               We can access God through prayer at any time of the day or night. Even when we can’t sleep, we can pray.

What about the things we can’t have any control over?

               We can still pray because our God is in control. People need to remember that God is in control of all that happens in our world.

Do our prayers really matter to God?

              

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

“The prayer offered in faith will make a sick person well. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:15a, 16b (NIV)

Eucharisteo: Jesus Saved Me

(Eucharisteo comes from the Greek. It means "He gives praise.") 

As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we spend time reflecting on what God has done in our lives, what he has given us, and we express our gratitude. Where would I be if Jesus hadn’t saved me? All I know is I would not be where I am nor who I am today.

Jesus spoke to an insecure teenager and said, “I can take care of those worries and fears you have.” But she really didn’t understand.

The LORD spoke to a young newly-wed wife and said, “Come back and learn of me.” She followed His leading. He spoke to a new mother and said, “Give your child to me. I will help you two take care of him.”

He spoke to a tired, depressed, and confused thirty-something woman and said, “You need to come away from there and get your life and your family in order.” Christ spoke to a worn-out, still depressed wife and mother and said, through His Word, “Choose life; let me handle that circumstance with him.” She learned that there was a side of life that wasn’t so dark. She still had worries but they became different.

The Lord spoke to a fifty-something woman. “This is how I want you to serve me.” He reminds her of this when He needs to.

God told a frustrated mother, “I am your God. I will take care of you.” She had to hear this one several times, as her family went through several difficult times.

Along the way this woman developed compassion for others, re-learned how to laugh, how to be a friend to those around her. Jesus has also taught her that, while she may experience ‘bumps in the road,’ He would always be with her.

I am that woman whom the Lord has spoken to and guided all these years. This is my testimony of His faithfulness. While I didn’t always hear Him audibly make these statements to me, He led me to see what I needed to do and where I needed to go in my life.

Dear Lord Jesus: I know You did this out of your grace for me. All I can say is “thank you” for all you have done for me. I praise Your name. Amen