Posted in Living in Today's World, Photography, Time for Sharing, Trusting God

Tested With Forever Love

 This past Wednesday, I was hit by the enemy in a way unlike anything before.  I know the reason he was able to get past my shield of faith was partly due to my extreme weariness from my varied chronic medical conditions.

My oldest and my youngest daughters encouraged me in the Lord on the phone that evening for hours.  My girls repeated back to me what I’ve told them over the years, but to no avail.  I just went to bed and wept bitter tears of fear.  Why?  Because this jab by the enemy, allowed by our Father God to help me grow–like burning off the dross to purify the gold, hit me hard!   To shorten this… the very next morning the issue was resolved.  I giggle now-but it is no laughing matter when we fail to learn from our Father’s allowed tests.  As I praised our Lord Jesus and humbled myself before our Father in heaven as I was extremely saddened by my reaction to this obstacle.  I share this because sometimes we still struggle with the flesh we live in.  We forget, in moments of unexpected trials/troubles/events, who we are in Christ Jesus and that the Lord God Almighty is our Father.  ( rereading Romans 5 and 6 ).

promises2No matter what happens to me in this life… nothing will ever separate me from the love of God.  Standing on the solid Rock and claiming the promises of our Father and Lord Jesus.  Prayerfully… someone may need this today.  ♥ Streim

 

 

 

Posted in Living in Today's World, Photography

Make sure the switch is on…

lighthouse

 

Jesus spoke to His disciples “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV)

Recently someone told me about a young Christian girl who sought help from prominent older women in her church.  She had experienced a situation of complete failure in her walk with Christ.  So young in Jesus, still awaiting the milk of the Word to nourish her, but no one responded.  Now this precious baby lamb of God is very frightened and angry.  I thank our Lord Jesus ‘another young Christian women’  suggested she spend some time with a common friend of theirs who loves the Lord and is much older in the faith.  The ‘older woman’ in the faith agreed to have coffee with the troubled girl and just talk.  Do you let your light shine…or just talk about it?  Sadly, many claiming our Savior’s name speak the words without walking the walk. Honestly, it takes a daily commitment to the Lord and His work.  This dedication is only accomplished by totally surrendering our will to our Heavenly Father.  Are you sure if your switch is on today..?♥ Streim

 

Posted in Lessons from the Holy Bible, Seeking Truth?, Time for Sharing

Turn around Tuesday! “Are We Throwing Away Our Joy?”

1 Cor. 1:21  But God chose what is simple in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

The Bug
Oh how sweet the smile of a little child…it comes from such a tender place within, an innocence we all lose as we grow older.

What could be simpler and weaker than the innocence of  small children?  Little children are totally reliant upon their parents, parent or someone older (depending upon the situation) for their needs to be met. Incapable of providing food, shelter and clothing for themselves—they simply trust, without thinking or worrying.  They have have no idea where the next meal is coming from, but they trust it will be there.  The same is true of shelter or clothing.  I am more than aware that the number of children worldwide who live in circumstances without these basic needs is growing into the billions, which is beyond sad.  However, even under the most impoverished conditions, a “little child” is content with whatever is provided as they rely on someone to care for them.  Am I being a tad redundant here, yes I am!  You see, our Lord Jesus Christ spoke many, many times of “little children”. 

Matthew 18: 1-5 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying , Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  And Jesus called a little child unto him , and set him in the midst of them,  And said , Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted , and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me.”

Matthew 11:25  At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;

Matthew 19:14  but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Luke 10:21  In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will

John 13:33 ” Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ “

I believe we often lose the inner awareness of who our God is and the beauty of His character as our Great Creator and Redeemer.  His love, tenderness, mercy, goodness and patience become  overly “theologized” (I know that’s not a word,until now) which causes the hope, peace and joy of knowing Him to get lost amidst a plethora of translations, versions, lexicons, dictionaries, study helps, books, books and more books. (** Ink Slinger if you read this I am downplaying reading materials, just the overuse of them in the areas of God’s character listed above**)

Simply and yet profoundly GOD showed His immeasurable love and mercy when He provided the sacrifice needed to reconnect ourselves to Him by giving of His only Son to die in our place upon that cross at Calvary. 

When will we surrender ourselves to our Almighty God and Lord Jesus KNOWING He is caring for us continually…morning through evening… day after day? 

When will we begin rejoicing in the knowledge that we have a BIG GOD who is our Father, Redeemer, Lord, Friend, Comforter, Care-giver…slow to anger and with tender mercies?

When will we become to trust like “little children” in our Abba Father and bask in the joy of His love?

The Shepherd knows what pastures are best for His sheep, and they must not question or doubt, but trustingly follow Him. H.W.Smith

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I posted this originally in June 2012.  I believe we need to be reminded of the Sovereignty of our loving GOD!  This is a simple post; nothing theologically fancy (I couldn’t really write like that anyway).   I pray the Lord Jesus is carrying your heavy burdens.  It is impossible for us — praise Him!!!  ♥ Streim

At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.  Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.  All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:25-30  NKJV