Letting Go of Offenses...Let It Go!

Isn't it funny how you "preach" things only to be slapped with what you preached about shortly after?  I had posted my blog post about being humble and, surely, the next day I exploded.  Talk about humbling....

It happens to all of us.  We try to help others and we end up feeling like we got the short end of the stick.  Or, we sacrifice something in some way and we feel as if it was clearly not appreciated.  We all have had these scenarios happen to us but, when they do, how do we stop from harboring bitterness?  Because we all know how UGLY bitterness really is.

In Joyce Meyer's Beauty for Ashes series she says:

“First, let me say that it is not possible to have good emotional health while harboring bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness.  Harboring unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping your enemy will die!  Unforgiveness poisons anyone who holds it, causing him to become bitter.  And it is impossible to be bitter and get better at the same time!”

Let me tell you firsthand, those words are SO VERY TRUE! 

When you become bitter, everything changes you....the way you feel about all circumstances, the way you feel about others and, more damagingly, the way that you feel about yourself.  It is a downhill spiral and you HAVE to find a way to let it go and let it go quickly!

We have to understand that FORGIVING does not mean that you are condoning what has happened.  It just means that you are letting go of the strain that is slowly killing your heart and soul.  You have to forgive the action.  I mean, you REALLY have to forgive!  Forgiving does not mean that you are a doormat now that you have forgiven.  It just means that you are giving others the grace that God gives us on a daily basis.  Think about this Bible scripture:

Mark 11:25-26:  “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your sins.”

And, don't forget about the verse that states:

Matthew 18:20-21:  "21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."

That's forgiving someone 7 x 70 times, which means keep forgiving until you have found true forgiveness!

We have to keep in mind that the enemy (Satan) is after our happiness, after our hearts.  He wants us to be broken.  He wants our lives to be lived in chaos and distress.  He wants us to not enjoy one single minute of this glorious life that God has given us all.  He is out to kill, steal, and destroy.  When he is able to do this, this will put a huge wedge between ourselves and God and we surely do not want that!

Take a long look in the mirror.  Sincerely look at yourself and see if your heart has hardened, check to see if you have been living under an enormous amount of unneeded stress, see if you feel bitterness towards others.  If so, it's time to lay it all down at the altar, lay it down at the feet of Jesus.  He wants to forgive you but you need to forgive others.  We all do.

Love always wins!

~ Amy

The Acts of Being Humble

Humble: 

1. not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful.

2. having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc.

3. low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc.; lowly

4. courteously respectful

5. low in height, level, etc.; small in size

 

In today's society, if you are humble, people view you as being weak.  Today's world you are supposed to have a tough exterior and interior, you are supposed to venture around like you are the most important person on this earth, and you are supposed to act like that you just do not care....about anyone or anything besides yourself, right?  So. Totally. Wrong. 

 

In my opinion, that is the problem in today's cultures.  It is a me/me world.  What can you do for me? How will this help me?  You get the picture? I am sure certain people have already popped up in your mind haven't they?

 

The truth is we all need to humble ourselves and look beyond the reflection in the mirror. There is so much more that can be gained if we look beyond ourselves and look towards others.

 

Husband/Wife:

 

If we could humble ourselves to our spouse, just think of doors of love and respect that would open!   How can I be humble to my spouse?  Here are a few ways:

• Put your spouse FIRST!  Besides God, your spouse should come before ANYONE else and they need to know, without question, that they are always first. This gives a huge sense of security to the relationship.
• Admit when you are wrong and ask for forgiveness.  We all have battles in our marriages, and that will always be a part of any marriage or relationship, but we have to learn to humble ourselves and sincerely apologize when we are in the wrong. Apologize, ask for forgiveness so you can move on. 
• Asking and accepting forgiveness.  This goes in hand with the above statement. When you truly ask for forgiveness, learn to accept it!
• Don't be prideful!  Pride is one of the seven deadly sins and it can be a major destroyer in anything!  You two are a team - no one should portray to be better than the other one....at all.  Accept each others weaknesses and lean on each other's strengths but do not make your spouse feel like they are not good enough.  Ever.

 

Children:

 

• Do not ever put your children down; instead, build them up and encourage them.  If they do wrong, handle it in the right way.  Show them where they are wrong and how they can change it.
• Be a true role model for your children.  They will hear what you tell them but they will see what you do.  Actions are much stronger than words!  Remember - they are always watching!
• Teach them to serve others and take the focus of themselves.
• Get them in a good church, make them aware of prayer and sacrifice.

Humble Yourself Before the Lord:

 

• Jesus is the perfect example of humility - look at humbleness He portrayed out of obedience to His father to the point of death on the cross!  Now that is a true example of humbleness and humility!

 

“And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” –Philippians 2:8-11

 

• Remember - we couldn't even have a relationship with God if it wasn't for what Jesus did for all us. 
• Pray a lot.
• Follow God's instructions instead of depending on your own thoughts.
• Be willing to make sacrifices for others that will be pleasing in the Lord's sight. 

What are ways that you can be humble?

 

~Amy

 

Bible Journaling - A Fun Way For Deep Devotion!

Is this not stunning?

I recently found a group on Facebook about Bible Journaling and let me just say that I am so intrigued!  Once I stumbled upon it, I just kept Googling even more information and pictures.  To me, it is amazing and, also, I wonder WHY have I not heard of this until now?!?!?!?! 

What is Bible Journaling?  Well it appears that you can buy journaling Bibles (if you can find them - it seems like they are hard to find) and these Bibles have large margins on the side of each page to "journal" your thoughts but, as an example from the picture above, people are picking their favorite scripture verse on that page and making art with it...inside of their Bible.  Now I know some of you will think that a Bible should not be used for this purpose and that is okay.  We are all adults here and we are entitled to our own opinions but I think Bible journaling would be an EXCELLENT way to spend time in devotion because you would be meditating on that particular scripture and you are allowing to be creative with how it is laid upon your heart.  So, to me, it is a win/win situation!  I think this would be an excellent way to get your children involved too with buying their own journaling Bible.

I am going to go to my local Christian bookstore and see if they offer any journaling Bibles.  I am so excited to start doing this!

But what if you don't have a journaling Bible?  Well, I have researched that as well and I have seen some people draw their scripture on a piece of paper and place it in their Bibles in the area of the scripture.  And some try to incorporate the journaling part on any found blank space in their Bible.  It really depends on what you want to do and your preference but I thought this was such an awesome, awesome way to spend reflecting on favorite verses, and also wouldn't something like this be so heartfelt to leave to one of your children when they become grown?  So many possibilities!

What are your thoughts? 


~ Amy

***The above picture was from a member of a Bible Journaling Facebook group.  Her name is Meredith Jordan.  I think she did a FANTASTIC job!  Such an inspiration! ***

FREE TODAY - Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom From the Simple Life

Well done is better than well said.

The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have been kind to you.

Some folks don't exaggerate, they just remember big.Chances are good that during your life you've run across some good advice. And it's very likely that much of it originated with an Amish proverb. Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 400 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living--but they're not just for the Amish. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 400 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living--but they're not just for the Amish. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life's joys and sorrows. This expanded edition of Amish Proverbs includes more than 200 additional proverbs, giving readers more of the wit and wisdom they crave.

You can get this TODAY by clicking HERE. 


~Amy

Trials and Tribulations - Now is the Time for FAITH to Conquer All

A lot of trials seem to appear in many of our lives and sometimes it seems like they last forever.  I know mine has had it's fair share over the past year or so, most recently with major health issues.  But what do we know about trials and tribulations? 

1 Peter 1:7 - That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes when we are in the midst of trials we start to wonder — Lord, will it ever end? In case you haven't noticed, it doesn't. But the good news is that with each faith-testing experience, our ability to deal with these trials and tribulations becomes better and our faith grows stronger!

In this scripture, God compares our faith to a most precious and beautiful metal — gold. But when mined, this precious metal doesn't look very precious! It's dirty looking and black. How does gold become beautiful?  A refiner takes the gold and carefully melts it in a melting pot — slowly raising the temperature — but never to the point where it boils. As it melts, slowly the impurities rise to the surface and he will scoop away the dross leaving a beautiful pot of gold, ready to become your next ring or bracelet. Here's the amazing part. The refiner knows his job is done when he can look into the melting pot and see a reflection of himself.

The only way gold will become more precious is when it's placed on the fire! In the same way, the impurities of our lives must be exposed to the fire so that the Lord can scoop up the filth that shows itself when we get hot!! Notice, though, that He'll never allow us to boil! And then, when it's all said and done, He can look upon us and see the beauty of His reflection!

Let's not despise the trials we're facing today — on the contrary, let's embrace them! The Lord is using these things to prepare us to do great things for Him! Respond to the Lord today by saying what do you want me to learn from this today, Lord? And watch how the Lord blesses you through the fire!

In case this isn't enough, study on this: 

James 1:2-4 (KJV)

² My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
³ Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
⁴ But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

So it is apparent that we are going to face many storms and trials of this life.  We must find ways to ENDURE those times.  I know for my own sake, my faith has pushed me through every single time.  Yes, I sometimes get weary and angry but then I just get myself together and know that better days are ahead and I just have to put my faith in God.  Don't get discouraged if you are going through something.  Build your faith and follow God's way and you will never be steered wrong.

~Amy

FREEBIES...We All Love Them!

I know I have missed a few posts last week so I am adding several FREE links today.  These are 100% FREE as of today. 

Make sure you LIKE my Facebook page so you don't miss out on these.  My email subscribers do not get these posts until the day after - that is why I try to post things very late at night or very early morning so, when they do receive my email, it will be on the same day - sometimes it doesn't work out like that though.

Okay....onto the FREEBIES! 

When God Whispers Loudly:  This is a short book - only about 14 pages.  I downloaded it last August and I didn't realize it was so short.  Let me just say - THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!  Here is a little bit about the book: 

How does a promotion compare with this: to see my children grown and successful: committed to God and enjoying the peace only He can bring--to see my wife, cared for and surrounded by them, a loving family knit so close together? If I'd been promoted, it could in no way have added to this great treasure."

"Yes, I will tell them. I will call them, and I will tell them this same message I've been telling you for so long...this message you chose not to hear. Why did you ignore me, dear child? I told you every day, and showed you in a thousand ways, but you were too busy to listen. How loudly must I whisper before you hear Me?"

They're instructions, not memories--God sent me instructions in my dream. "

Above paragraphs are some of the written words by this author in this short enlightening story about listening to your inner conscious, to be still and know I am God. This author wrote a brief story about how a father worrying about his family was engrossed in the earthly realm obsessed with earning the money to pay for shelter, food and clothing for his family. So involved he missed the spiritual messages surrounding him every day, calling out for his attention. Until a promotion is taken away and he is angry at God for his misfortunate and being distracted gets into an accident.

Not to give any spoilers this reader will tell you to read to the conclusion to see the transformation this father and family go through suffering through the darkness to come into the light. This author should develop this narrative into a short story or spiritual messages.

Glimpses of Heaven: 

Trudy Harris began her career with Hospice in 1981, eventually becoming the president of the Hospice Foundation for Caring. This collection of more than forty true stories of Harris's patients offers readers an incredible glimpse at what lies beyond and what the living can learn from the dying. Her patients have described to her visions of angels and loved ones who have gone on before, the sounds of ethereal music, colors that did not exist on earth. She has been with hundreds of patients as they took their last breaths and knows the kinds of questions that both the dying and the loved ones they are leaving behind ask.
• What do you say to a loved one who is dying?
• What happens when we die?
• How can you make a dying friend feel safe?
• Does a dying person really see angels, hear music, or see friends and family members who have already died?
Tender, heartbreaking, and eye-opening, Glimpses of Heaven offers a window into the world beyond and life after death.

 

Bigger Than Impossible:   Impossibility is not a period at the end of faith's sentence. Faith, in the life of the believer, is meant to be tested. Without adversities faith will never become strong and overcoming.

God has not planned crises, pain and disaster to enter our lives as a dead-end to faith's venture. Many situations vaunt themselves as "impossible", but when they are stripped from their "I" and "M" and become dependent on God, they become "God-possible".

In this book:
• Live life victoriously as you learn to rely on God.
• Learn how to overcome all life’s obstacles.
• Watch depression and anxiety disappear.
• Understand why God is allowing you to experience mountains.

Each chapter of Bigger Than Impossible highlights a specific area of Lydia Chorpening's difficult past, and contrasts it with Scriptures which make God bigger than the seemingly impossible. By utilizing the complete assurance of these Biblical concepts you will develop your trust in the God who is bigger than impossible.

~Amy

Thankful Thursday - What Does It Take To Truly Be Thankful?

Sometimes there comes a time in your life when you wished things were going differently.  Sometimes there comes a time in your life when you wished that your circumstances were completely different.  And, sometimes there comes a time in your life when EVERYTHING changes and it is then, at that very moment, that you realize that you had everything you had hoped for - you were just being ungrateful for it - unthankful.

Now you may have "thought" you were being thankful by "giving thanks" here and there, every so often, but suddenly.....you realized you weren't giving true thanks. 

Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Ouch - be careful for nothing....don't take things for granted.  But in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. 

Folks, the times that we are living in are scary.  You can see the unfolding of the Bible as we speak.  We are ALL fighting a battle against Satan.  With this one Bible verse, it can open up the doors to a whole new life.  I am working on my own battles and this verse just reached out to me, like it was God taking me into His oh so loving arms, gently wrapping them around me, with Him saying "You have asked what you need to do.  Here is the answer:  Don't take anything for granted in this life or this world.  You may feel that you are at a standstill but sometimes it is okay to be standing still.  Pray to me on a constant, consistent basis.  I want to hear from you.  I want a steady ongoing relationship with you, My daughter.  Even though I know what you need, I need to hear it from You.  I am always by your side.  I will always protect you.  But, My child, I need you to come to Me.  Be thankful for the love and life that you have.  I never promised it would be easy.  There are going to be trials that you have to endure but know if you keep believing in Me and keep pushing through with faith, I will take the pain that you suffered through the trial and double it in joy.  My child, you are precious in My sight.  Keep your faith and communication with Me at all times.  Don't worry, My child, you are going to get through this." 

God is never surprised about our troubles or the trials that we face.  He is an all-knowing God.  But we HAVE to invite Him into our circumstances before He can start to work.  We have to thank Him for all that He has done and for all that He is.  And we have to ask for help with our situation by praying.  He is there - always. 

So if you are reading this and you feel like you wished things were going different in your life - take a step back because in an instant they can change...and sometimes they do not change for the good - sometimes they have the potential to change for the bad.  Be thankful where you are.  Give thanks to God for He is so good! 

What are you thankful for today?

~ Amy

Hang on! You ARE Going To Make It!

Do you ever feel like you are fighting a battle that you just cannot win?  Do you ever struggle with something and feel that you have it all under control and just out of the blue you realize you don't  have it under control?  Those moments are tough, aren't they?  I have been there for the past several days and it has been hard but I understand every single one of us is fighting some kind of battle....every single one of us.  Our battles may be different but what they bring remains the same - pain, hurt, torture.  Sometimes it leads us to anger and sometimes it leads us to depression and sometimes it leads us to just plain self-pity. 

Let me encourage you that if you are having a setback know that God has almost led you to your victory.  It is always the hardest just before the dawn of the trial.  Satan knows that you are so close in winning your battle that he is fighting you the hardest.  DO NOT QUIT!  DO NOT GIVE UP!  And, more importantly, DO NOT GIVE IN to Satan's lies and deceit! 

God never promised our lives would be easy.  He just promised us that if we followed Him and His ways that it would all be worth it!  He knew we would have battles and trials along the way.  Here are some verses to prove this:

1 Peter 4:12-13:  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
¹³ 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.

2 Timothy 3:12:  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

God knows all - the beginning to the end and this trial that you are going through right now is no surprise to Him.  What matters is how we handle the trial.  When you go through a trial, it is your time to prove your faith in God.  He is always there, through every situation that we encounter, but He will not come in to our situation until we invite Him.  He is there, by your side at this very moment......waiting for you to invite Him in to your situation so He can come in and make all things new again.  But you have to take the first step. 

We may not see the purpose of the trial but God is molding our lives into what it should be.  When He does the molding it is ALWAYS painful but He promises us joy afterwards.  We all need to be molded from time to time and through the fiery trials we must go but always remember - look how coal has to be heated in such a fiery way before it is ever produced into a diamond.  If the coal would have cracked during the intense fire it would have just shattered and became nothing, pieces would be lost...but the coal continues to endure the fire and, in the end, it turns out to be a beautiful shining diamond! 

So, will today be your day that you say "It's okay.  I AM going to make it"?

~ Amy