Sitting Down With God

    "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. "  Romans 8:28     I looked up the definition of purpose today.  Purpose as a noun can mean the reason for which something exists or is done, made, or used. As a verb it means to design or to intend.  I also looked up according, which means to agree.  So those that love God have been called in agreement of his intended design. Hmmm.  Interesting.  Some bible scholars say that before the world was made God knew exactly who would be open to yielding to Him.  He knew before man was ever made that certain people would respond to His will.     God has a will and a purpose for each and every one of His children.  Think about it.  When you have children, from the time they are in your womb, you think what kind of child will I have?  What will they do with their lives?...

    A sanctuary is a sacred place.  A place that is Holy.  When you are in Christ, He rests in you.  Therefore, your body becomes a sanctuary for the Lord.  Think about what you do on a daily basis.  Are you a sanctuary for Christ?  Does your life reflect a Holy place?     I know that I am for the Lord.  I know that I love him. I can't say that I always fill my life with things that could be considered holy or sacred to the Lord.  I was listening to a song this afternoon, it went like this," Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary. Pure and Holy, Tried and True."  I am tried everyday.  The question I ask myself is, "Am I true to the Word of God?"  " Am I living a life worthy to be called pure or holy?      I wish I could say yes but I can't.  I falter and sometimes miss it.  I want to be a sanctuary for the Lord.  I want to walk in his ways.  Right now I am at the bab...

In Exodus 6:9, the bible talks about how Moses went to the Israelites. He went to give them a message from the Lord. God told Moses to tell them that He would bring them out of Egypt. He told them that He would free them from their bondage. The Lord promised that He would redeem them and make them His. The Israelites didn't want to hear it anymore. All they had seen since Moses came back was an increased workload and worse treatment from Pharaoh and his slave drivers. They were discouraged. They had,had enough. They didn't listen to Moses. They wanted to be free but they could see no change at that moment. All they could see was what the situation was right then. When God gives us a message that doesn't mean that our situation is going to abruptly change. Not that God isn't moving in our life or situation, just that it might not be clearly seen at that moment. This is the time God uses to strengthen us. We should wait on God to move us. We shouldn't...

    I was doing my bible study today and a thought was put before me.  The question was " How often do you take a shower?"  How does this pertain to a bible study? Ha ha, I know what you mean.  I was like,really?  What kind of question is that?  But, as I read on in my study the answer was so clear.  I bathe everyday.  I take a shower sometimes twice a day depending on how dirty I get in the course of my day.  So if I bathe daily or more than once a day; why am I only going to the cross every now and then?     Doesn't sin make you feel unclean?  This is a good question.  If sin makes my soul unclean and dirt makes my body unclean.  Then why am I bathing my body and not my spirit?  I have really been trying to have a better walk with God and I need encouragement daily to keep myself strong in my personal convictions for a better life.  However, I find myself knowing that even though I do my bi...

James 1:2-4  Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. NLT     Consider it joy to go through problems and hardships?  I can't say that I have ever really felt joyful about going through a problem.  Have you?  Our first instincts  are to get angry and upset.  We go and throw woe is me pity parties.  Then after a little while we ask for God's help.  Of course, with the "Why, God, Why?" mentality.  Why do I have to suffer through this? I paid my tithes, I gave my offerings, I pray everyday, I go to church on Wednesdays and Sundays, I help out in nursery.  I collect money for missions and charities.  God Why me?  Why not that other person.  The one who doesn't even love you or know you.  That person who c...

          I was sitting at my desk at work the other night and one of my coworker's turned to me and said, " You know, I am glad you found God and everything, but its like it has just sucked the life right out of you.   You don't act the same anymore and I think you were just fine before you started going to church."   She looked at me expecting me to get angry with her for saying this.   All I could do was laugh.           I thought to myself. " God, what a great opportunity to witness of your amazing love and glory today.   Thank you."   I sat back and my coworker and I had a very good chat.   I said to her, " Thank you, that is probably the best compliment anyone has ever gave me."   She looked confused and I broke it down for her.           It is great that she can see the changes in my life.   That is a witn...

Dear God,    I know I am a back-slider.  I know that I sin everyday and that I fall short all the time.  I pray that you forgive me my sins and that your mercy fall on me.  I know that your love endures forever.  I know that your son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins.  I know that at Calvary all my sins were paid and that from that day on I was given the opportunity of eternal life. Thank you, God!  Thank you for loving me so much.                          Love,                            Kristine