Monday, April 30, 2018

Can we hear God when He speaks?

When we are facing a major decision, we need to pray about it fervently and trust God to lead us.
We ask Him to reveal HIS will to us. So, the question is, can we hear God when He speaks?

In the last few days, I have done a lot of praying and reading the scriptures about this, and I have learned God can and will speak to us in many different ways.

Through The Holy Spirit 
Through Scripture 
Through Other Christians 
Through Sermons
Through Circumstances 
Through Dreams and Visions 
Through Music 
Through HIS Son, Jesus Christ 

God is God. He has the power to do anything. He can speak to any one of us at any time.
We need to learn to recognize that it is God speaking.      

Love in Christ,
Tera


Friday, April 27, 2018

Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine

How many of us worry about things we can do nothing about? How many of us have wasted many years of our lives worrying? I would love to have those years back and approach them differently. Wouldn't you?

There is an old hymn titled "Farther Along" by W.B.Stevens. I won't write all of the words of the song but the chorus I have been singing all morning, so I thought I would share it with you.

Farther along we'll know more about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine
We'll understand it all by and by.

Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine! We need to remember the days and time God gives us is precious and valuable. Stop worrying the day away and live in the sunshine every hour God gives us. We'll know more about it, and we'll understand why...all by and by.

Love in Christ,
Tera


Thursday, April 26, 2018

Choose to be better not bitter

I have heard this saying many times, "The way we respond to suffering from a hurt will make us better or bitter." How true. Every person at some point in their lives has been wronged or hurt by another person. If you haven't, you are blessed!

We remember the story of Joseph and how bad his own brothers hated him. They nearly killed him but instead sold him into slavery. If anyone had the right to feel bitter, it would be him. But in the story (Genesis 37-50) there was never any mention of bitterness. He even had the opportunity to get even with his brothers by punishing them, and they actually expected punishment. Instead, Joseph showed kindness. Joseph said to his brothers when they bowed before him in fear (Genesis 50:19,20) "Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good." Joseph was gracious to them. This, my friends, is real forgiveness.

We can hurt forever and stay bitter or forgive and live a better stronger life.

Love in Christ,
Tera


Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Pray and give it to God

There are times when the unknown is unclear, fearful and we become desperate. This is when we pray and give it to God. There is nothing HE can't help us with.

I pray for God's Presence when I feel I can not go through a situation alone.
I pray for God's Peace when I am fearful.
I pray for God's Protection for all of my family every day in this chaotic world we live in.
I pray for God's Provision when I am in need.
I pray for God's Power when I am weak.

These five bold words are lifelines for me. I can tell you God listens when we pray. I am so thankful and blessed I can go to God in prayer. I thank Him for hearing my prayer and answering it according to His will.

When the unknown is unclear, pray and give it to God.

Love in Christ,
Tera

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Wilt thou be made whole?

To overcome any problem, whether it is physical, mental, or spiritual is to admit that we have a problem and we want to change.

There is a story in John 5:1-15 where Jesus asked a man who had been lying by the pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years an important question: "Wilt thou be made whole?" The man answered the Lord with self-pity. "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked."

Sometimes I think Jesus puts us to the test with that same question. "Wilt thou be made whole?"
Do we want to get well? Do we care enough about our problem to do something about it...even if it means we have to make an effort? Are we blaming others for our problem?

Jesus is gracious and cares about us deeply. He desires us to be whole. We were fearfully and wonderfully made by Him, and He knows how to fix us. Let's trust Him and be willing to let Him heal us.

Love in Christ,
Tera

Monday, April 23, 2018

Let the "Why" in life become the "How" in life

We have times in our lives where it is hard to wrap our heads around the whys in life.
I remember asking God a few years ago why was this happening to me? HE answered, "Why not you?" Why was I any different than anyone else going through a trial? Did I not think God could use the situation I was going through for HIS good? Did I not think God loved me enough to help me and would supply my need during the trial?

Philippians 4:19: "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

GOD wants us to understand that the "why" in life needs to become the "how" in life.
How God loves us. How big God is. How God wants the very best for our families and us. How God wants a relationship with us, that is beyond anything, or anyone else could give us.

God can and will supply ALL we need in the whys in life.

Love in Christ,
Tera


Friday, April 20, 2018

A Time To Every Purpose

"To every thing, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted." Ecclesiastes 3:1,2

All the events of our lives are in those two verses. God knows everything about us. The time of someone coming into the world and going out of it. He has a plan and a purpose for each of us. Even if we have to lay a dream down, God sustains us and will heal our brokenness during that time.

We need to remember God is sovereign. We live our lives within HIS time. There is a time to every purpose so let's make it meaningful, joyful and fruit bearing.

Love in Christ,
Tera








Thursday, April 19, 2018

It's Time To Shift Our Focus

We are all guilty when we go through a trial, we start thinking more about the challenge than what God can do for us. The more we think about it, the more we become discouraged, anxiety sets in and maybe even anger. We have stopped praying about it but have not stopped thinking or talking about it. We see our situation as an obstacle instead of an opportunity. We forget we have been praying to a God that is sovereign and sufficient.

It's time to shift our focus.

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Stop focusing on the negative and shift your focus on things that are positive, true, pure, and lovely.
Let your anxiety and discouragement turn to joy and peace.

Love in Christ,
Tera


Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Lord, Increase My Faith

There have been times I have asked the Lord to increase my faith. I feel sure we have all asked at one point in time.

Faith is not nodding our head up and down saying, ok to what God is going to do. Faith is committing our whole heart, mind, and soul to what God is going to do. Sometimes God will even ask us to do the impossible or what we think is impossible. It is during this time we put our complete trust and faith in Him. We claim His promises. We learn to be still. We learn to be patient.

"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you." Luke 17:5,6

The Lord is saying, "It only takes a little faith to do great things." Faith is powerful. Faith also believes God can and will accomplish anything that HE intends to accomplish.

Love in Christ,
Tera


Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Friendships are blessings from God

Each of us has friends that are there for us in the good times and the bad. They are there to have a fun day with, to share our good news with, when life is hard and days are dark and dreary, to encourage and pray for us and with us. These friendships are blessings from God.

Scripture tells us in Proverbs 18:24, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

God wants to be your friend. There is no greater love than the love God has for us. He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, for us to have a friendship with Him. Do you or someone you know need a friend?  Be one that encourages and shares the good news today...a blessed friendship may develop.

Love in Christ,
Tera

Monday, April 16, 2018

Taking The Right Path With The Right Compass

Each one of us has had times where we have gone the wrong way. We have taken the wrong path. Chosen the wrong fork in the road. We went forward when we should have stopped and turned around. There may be someone right now that has taken the wrong path. It is not the end of the road. Stop. Look at your compass the right compass-Jesus Christ-and start following HIM.

Luke 9:23, "And HE said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
Isaiah 41:10, "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 on my righteousness."
John14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Is Jesus Christ your compass in life? He is the way. He is the only one that knows exactly where He wants us to be and will lead us in that direction with clarity and endurance.

Love in Christ,
Tera




Friday, April 13, 2018

Wisdom From Above

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." James 3:17

Each of us desires to have true wisdom from the Lord. Let's take a look at seven keywords in this verse that hopefully can help us with that desire.
 
PURE. Staying holy and clean.
PEACEABLE. Don't be a problem maker be a problem solver.
GENTLE. Being kind at all times.
INTREATED. Willing to yield to others.
FULL OF MERCY & GOOD FRUITS. Have and show compassion for those in need.
WITHOUT PARTIALITY. We can't be worldly and stay close to God at the same time.
WITHOUT HYPOCRISY. Be trustworthy and loyal.

Don't look for worldly or man's wisdom it will bring confusion. Claim God's wisdom and live a life of harmony and peace.

Love in Christ,
Tera






Thursday, April 12, 2018

"Thy Face, Lord, Will I Seek"

"When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek." Psalm 27:8

There is a blessed meaning in this verse. To seek is to desire. A desire to turn our hearts and thoughts toward GOD. So many times in the last couple of years I have sought God's face. I desired and needed direction, wisdom, clarity in things. You know when you need an answer, and you also want to be in God's will with the answer. I prayed seeking His face. I prayed with a humble attitude and gracious heart. I cried out "Lord, look at me and let me look at You, show me Your Face, in this situation. Give me peace, YOUR peace in this decision.

God wants us to come to Him with an open heart. When we pray, "Thy face, Lord, will I seek." be receptive and have a humble and grateful spirit. He will shine down upon you His direction, love, peace, and clarity.

Love in Christ,
Tera

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Bringing Into Captivity Every Thought

2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

Bringing into captivity every thought. Wow! Every thought? Yes, I'm pretty sure it means every thought. I can see this being hard to do, but I can also see our lives having more peace and joy in it if we did. To rule over our thoughts, we have to think and apply God's truth in the way we think and live and set our minds on the character of Jesus. 

Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Don't let people or things on this earth keep your thoughts from being obedient to God. Claim every bible verse you know that can help you stay in obedience to His truth. Stay focused on God, bring into captivity every thought and seek things that please and honor Him. With God's help, we can do this!

Love in Christ,
Tera
 

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

"There HE Goes Again!"

God is SO good!

Psalm 9:1 says, "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works."

Sometimes when I am talking to someone, and they are telling me what all happened to them including experiencing a disappointment or a scary situation I start hearing how God was working in every little detail of their story, and I say, "There HE goes again!"

This happens to all of us. God intervenes and shows mercy and grace to each one of us every day, but we do not realize it until we sit back and start thinking about what just happened or how HIS Hand was involved in what happened. I am sure we could think about a time of God's goodness and undeserved kindness in our lives, how He orchestrated things or had the right people or the right places there on our behalf. 

Let's start today watching and listening to how good and how extraordinary our God is. Then thank HIM and share His goodness with others. 

Love in Christ,
Tera

Monday, April 9, 2018

Do Not Worry

My precious mother always said, "Do not worry, worrying was a sin. We were to pray."

Our lives are filled with stress and anxiety every day. It's called LIFE. God does not want us to be stressed and worried; it only complicates the situation. Worry divides our mind and draws our focus away from God, His faithfulness, and His righteousness. We are also saying that God cannot be trusted to take care of our situation or provide what we need.

So how do we not worry? When the temptation of worrying comes, it is critical that we do not go there. We need to say, "NO immediately! I am committing this to God. I refuse to let it take over my thoughts. I will seek God in this and will trust Him in everything I am concerned about."

Philippians 4:6 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God."

Bottom line. Do not worry about anything instead pray about everything.

Love in Christ,
Tera

Friday, April 6, 2018

A New Day

Another morning, a new day. It's quiet and peaceful. We are listening to the bird's sing, watching the sunrise, we have a fresh cup of coffee, and best of all, it is God and us.

But then it happens...our mind begins to think about everything we have going on, the endless challenges and responsibilities not just for today but for the next few days. Our brain has now kicked into accelerated speed. Whew! Then we recognize God's nudge or His voice. He's bringing our thoughts back to Him and what He has for us in this new day. You can almost hear Him say...
"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10.

How blessed we are that God cares for us. Those tender nudges telling us His love, mercy, grace, strength, faithfulness will get us through whatever challenges or responsibilities we have. Don't waste this day worrying, spend time with God and enjoy a new day!

Love in Christ,
Tera

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Those Feelings of Guilt

Guilt. This 5 letter word is powerful. It is powerful because it is an emotion that leaves us feeling worthless and depressed. Listen we all make mistakes. Scripture tells us that we have all sinned.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.

GOD forgives. No matter what we did, how long ago we did it, GOD forgives. It is not His desire to condemn us over and over. Those feelings of guilt that keep popping their ugly head up and causing strife and struggle in our life are not from God. Don't be a victim of satan and his lies.
If we have confessed our sin and received the gift of salvation, God has removed our sin through His mercy. "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12.

So, if God has removed it from His memory, we need to remove it from ours. Start today claiming God's grace. Let's stop punishing ourselves, leave those feelings of guilt behind us, and start living a life of freedom and peace through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Love in Christ,
Tera

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Lead Me To The Rock

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:2. Psalm 61 is a psalm of a troubled heart. David was crying out to God because he was heartbroken. 

How many times have we been heartbroken? How many times have we cried out to God, "lead me to the rock that is higher than I?" I have read, prayed and cried this verse a lot. When our heart is broken and overwhelmed with the storms of life, we want to run away until things get better, but that's not the answer. Where are you going to run if you could run? 

JESUS CHRIST is our shelter. HE is our towering rock of safety. He gives us promises after promises of His unfailing love and faithfulness. He knows our breaking point and will comfort our heart each and every time.

Love in Christ,
Tera 

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Wait Upon The Lord

Isaiah 40:31 says, " But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint."

I am positive we have all said, "When are you going to answer my prayer, Lord? "When is this trial going to be over?" I am weak, weary, discouraged and ready for you to lift this burden. GOD has His perfect timing in and on our lives. We feel God is not answering our prayers, but He really is.
I have to be reminded there is NO, YES, and NOT NOW answers. We are impatient people and live in a "right now" world. This verse tells us that when we wait upon the Lord, we will find the strength and peace we need. We can rest when we abide in Him, and He abides in us. God will give us whatever we need to get through the trial. We need to be still and anticipate HIS blessings.

Love in Christ,
Tera 



Monday, April 2, 2018

On Our Knees

I heard a sermon once that we stand the tallest and strongest on our knees. I have found this to be true. When we pray on our knees, we recognize that God is sovereign and HE is over everything in our lives. Everything. There is not one thing that we are going through that HE doesn't know. Nehemiah 1:11 says, "O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name."

The story of Nehemiah is a story of a man who loved God and his people and sought God in everything. He fought every battle, every situation, every fear in prayer. He gained his strength from praying to God on his knees. 

We are blessed people. We have the freedom to pray. We can get through any battle, any situation, any fear just like Nehemiah. We have the same God. When we pray seriously and fervently on our knees we become taller and stronger and God will reveal HIS plan and HIS purpose for our lives.
The power of God works today just like in the days of Nehemiah.

Love in Christ,
Tera