My wonderful friend, Debra Aiken has an awesome blog titled, Tell The Lord Thank You.  She always has powerful and timely messages of hope and I wanted you to read her latest message.  We all go through trials and tribulations in this world.  Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in our storm instead of focusing on our God!  The truth is that nothing you face as a believer has any power to destroy you.  All of your struggles are used as the tool God uses to promote you to higher ground and closer to him.  Please read Debra’s message and be blessed.  It is the truth you may need for today.

CAUGHT IN A STORM

Matthew 14:22-25 – Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea,[a] tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.

In this passage of Scripture we find Jesus disciples trapped in a fierce storm. They find themselves in that storm, because they have been commanded by Jesus to cross the Sea of Galilee. These men are obedient to Christ command, yet, we see them struggling against the storm. They are struggling to fight against it and it appears that they are making no progress and are unable to get out of it.

Have you ever found yourself in that place? Have you ever found yourself stuck in one of life’s storms, and no matter how hard you try, no matter what you do, it seems that you cannot make any headway? Well, we all have times like that! It may seem to you like the storm will never end and that there is no possible good that can come from what we are going through.

There is some good news for us, even in the storm. Romans 8:28 declares that all things work together for good to them that love God, them that are called according to His purpose.

Of course, one could easily ask the question “HOW does a storm benefit my life?” STORMS ARE GOD’S MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION! It is through the storms, test, trials and struggles that God reveals himself to us. Christ used this storm to reveal Himself to His disciples. Christ will do the same thing in your life and in mine.

Verse # 25 says that He came to them in the darkness of the night; “the fourth watch”. Sometime between 3 AM and 6 AM, during the darkest hours of the night, Jesus came walking on the water!

Maybe your storm may be raging and you are walking in darkness today wondering where Jesus is. You may be facing some of the darkest days of your life right now. Let me remind you that our God is ever with you, Heb. 13:5! Let me remind you that even in the darkest hours of life God is still God and He is still in control of your life.

1 Kings 8:12, “Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.”; Psalm 139:11-12, “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” Even the darkest hours of life cannot hide us from the face of God. He is there even when you cannot see Him.

The disciples were in a fight for their lives. Mark 6:48 says that they were “toiling in rowing”. That is, they were struggling against the storm. I get the impression that these men were afraid for their lives. When they thought all hope was gone and that they were doomed, Jesus came walking on the waves!

There are times when we all feel like we have lost the battle with our storm, but may I remind you that just as surely as the Lord is in control of your blessings, He is also in charge of your storms? When things look the bleakest, just look around, Jesus is about to show up! Remember, He may not keep you from going into the storm, but He will keep you in the midst of the storm! Think of the 3 Hebrews, Daniel, and Noah. God did not prevent any of these from going into the storm, but He saved them all in the midst of their storm. What He did for them, He will do for you and I.

Our word on today is that regardless of what we are facing in life, remember that Jesus is greater than that storm we may be facing. If you will be patient and wait for Him, He will show up right on time. You will see that the storm was used by the Lord to make Himself clear to you. The very thing wen  fear will be the vehicle He uses to show up in our life.

We must remind ourselves that though the storm keeps on raging in our lives and sometimes its had to tell the night from day, our soul is anchored in the Lord!

WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST, I LOVE YOU ALL! TELL THE LORD THANK YOU!

DEBRA

Do you doubt in times of trouble?

In the gospel of Luke, chapter 8:22-25, we read where Jesus and his disciples set out across the sea heading for Gadarenes.  As they sailed, Jesus soon fell asleep.  Suddenly, a large storm came upon the lake and the boat was swamped as it was being battered by the wind and high waves.  The disciples cried out saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”  Jesus got up and with a word, he calmed the winds and the waves and then said to the disciples, “Where is your faith?”

These four words are a challenge for us even today.  In the course of all that we do, there is going to be struggles and strife as we face financial difficulties, marriage failures, health problems, family concerns and heartaches of every kind.  Can Jesus do anything about the pain we are experiencing as we cry out in despair, “Master, Master, I need you to help me now before I drown in my own tears!”

The truth is that Jesus is close to the brokenhearted.  He is with you in every storm even though you can’t see him or feel his presence.  He gave us his promise that he would never leave us.   He died to pay the price for us to live life abundantly despite what is overwhelming our day.  The wind and the waves of our problems are no match for the Master of the wind, and the ruler over the waves.  He knows the difficulty that you are in and he knows how to rescue you and bring you through it.   The fear that is gripping your heart is only a lie given by the enemy to hold you in bondage and keep you from experiencing the joy that God has set before you.

So where is your faith?   Are you letting a trial or circumstance decide your day?  Have you turned your hope over to the enemy instead of trusting in your God?  Your faith in the bad times must be exactly where it is in the good times for Christ is in control of both!  If your strength wanes when difficulties arise, you need to learn of the love of the God you serve.   His power is like no other as he alone is sovereign.  Never allow your trials and pain to be your master.

In all things, you must always remember that Jesus left you his peace in this dark and perishing world.  He already knew what you would have to endure and by his blood shed on Calvary, you have been set free!  The Apostle Paul knew that in all his sufferings that God had a purpose to take him to it so that he could take him through it.  God’s glory was always revealed in every ounce of suffering that Paul endured.  It is true for us also.  God cares enough to hold all of our tears in a bottle {Psalm 56:8 } and he has a plan to one day wipe away every tear  {Rev.7:17}.

Though your may be going through rough waters at this time, Jesus still can quiet the wind with just a word.   He is accomplishing great things through you as you hold on in faith trusting that he will never fail.  Never let the enemy fill you with doubt.  He has no power to destroy you or the plan God has for your life.

Where is your faith?  If it is in Jesus Christ, take rest from all your fears for he has redeemed you. He has summoned you by name for you now belong to him!

It is my prayer that God will reach those who need to understand this truth and that he will give them peace in the struggle they are now experiencing.

“For I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that he is able to guard that which I trust to him for that day.”

In order to have a life of joy and victory no matter what trials you face, you must know the God you serve.  There must be nothing that keeps you from standing against the enemy no matter how difficult things become in your life.  For that reason, your faith must be hinged on knowing that Christ is more than enough to take you through your pain.  You must know that he will never fail you. And unless you have his Spirit living in you and working through you, you will never experience all that God has for you.

There is always going to be storms and trials in life.  Jesus came to this earth to set us free from the bondage of sin but he told us that we would have trouble in this life.  His purpose was not stop all struggles in this life but rather to show us his power and his character as he takes us through them all.  It is only in going through the fire that you know that God is over the fire.  It is by facing disappointments and heartache that you find that God is able to heal your pain and make you new.  Only by living through the battles that you face here on earth can you realize that your God is bigger than any enemy you face. And it is by facing the winds and waves of trouble that you know without a doubt that God is in authority and control over all things.  You can have peace despite all that you endure because you know that nothing can destroy you and all things will be used for your good – for the purpose he allowed.  God’s permission must be given for everything that touches the life of a believer who lives in Christ.

If you know Christ as Lord and Savior, you have the protection of legions of angels who are commanded to watch over you.  The enemy knows that he can’t win over the army of God so he works to convince you that God is not able to help you.  When you start to fear in the midst of a trial, you are giving the devil a foothold to take you down.  You are letting the seeds of doubt overwhelm you and take your eyes from the truth. You are letting a lie keep you in bondage instead of taking God at his word.

The Apostle Paul knew his God.  He trusted that whether in life or death, God was in complete control.  There was nothing that Paul was going to face that God did not know in advance and prepare him for.  Paul did not look at his circumstance and cower in fear.  He looked at the power of his God and fought the good fight until the end.  He understood that death could only bring him to see the face of the God he loved.  Nothing was going to happen to him outside of the will of Christ who had every detail of his life secure.

When you face difficulties and trouble in your life, you can choose to believe God or fall victim to the deceiver from hell.  We are only passing through this life. It is a journey that is going to take us to riches and glory that our minds cannot now comprehend.  We will live with Christ is a place of unspeakable beauty that will never end.  Never let that truth leave your heart.

Start today to seek out Christ in everything that you do.  He is able to give those who trust him the peace and joy and work out all of their struggles.  When you give in to fear, you are giving in to a lie from hell.  Jesus overcame the world and he has the power to help you get to victory.    I am praying for you!

What if this was your Father’s Day card?

Walking the path of life by faith

Faith believes what the eye cannot see, what the ear cannot hear but what the heart knows without a doubt is true!  The promises of Christ will never fail you no matter where you are or what battle you are facing.  Nothing is too hard for the hand of God to take you through and to raise you above.  You must keep your faith and not doubt no matter how strong the winds are that come against you.  They may rock your boat but they will never sink your ship when Christ is at the helm! 

I could not have said it better than the poet and believer Ella Wheeler Wilcox did.  She mirrors the words of the Apostle Paul who said:

“For I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that  he is able to guard that which I give to him for this day.”  ( 2 Timothy 1:12)

“ I will not doubt though all my ships at sea,
Come drifting home with broken masts and sails,
 I shall believe the Hand that never fails,
 From seeming evil worketh good for me.
And though I weep because those sails are battered,
Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered,
‘I trust in Thee’ ”
Ella Wheeler Wilcox -1850- 1919

To anyone who is facing a trial that is making  you weary and fearful, please know that you are not alone.  The eyes of God are upon you and he will not fail to take you through your pain if you will put your trust in him. 

I am interceding on behalf of all who need to know this truth.  Christ will always be bigger than the problems you face.  He has defeated all of your enemies and nothing has the power to alter the perfect plan that he has for your life. 

Be in peace and stay strong.  I lift up prayers for all who come to this site. 

Photo by Francesco Cosi

 For Christ himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14)

I have given this message before, but we are living in a time of testing when it warrants repeating. We read in Psalm 23 that the LORD is our shepherd who leads us to green pastures and  quiet waters, but that may not seem true for you in your life now.   It is tough to survive on a planet that is literally being destroyed as every form of evil fills the heavenly realms.  Can God truly restore your soul to his peace despite the battles raging all around you? 

Keeping your hope alive in the midst of your struggles and fears can be difficult.  Although Christ has promised us that he would never leave us but would always take us through our problems, the strength to stay in faith when the storms of life come upon us can seem impossible. 

The truth is that Jesus did not die just to give you eternal life in heaven.  He died so that you might have an abundant, joy-filled life right here on earth.  He who knew your name before the foundation of the earth is able to heal your pain and ease the heartache that you may be going through.  There is nothing that comes upon you that can destroy your life if you have put your trust in the risen Savior.  Jesus is not just waiting for us in heaven.  He is here with us now in all that we do.  His power and strength is the force sufficient enough to demolish any stronghold that seeks to defeat you.   

Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.   Those are life changing words!  He is speaking with all the power of God when he tells us that we do not have to fear any problem or impossible situation.  Jesus will not only take us through our problems, he will give us the peace that we need to stay trusting while we are in the battle.  The peace Jesus speaks of is the truth that sets you free.  It is the irrevocable promise of God that you can still have hope despite your trial because nothing can destroy his purpose and plan for you.  He is ready to shine a light to guide you on the path he has set for you.  Jesus is your friend, your counselor and an ever-present help in all things.  There is nothing too strong or too impossible for him to do for you because he alone is the source of all power. 

 Throughout the scriptures, we read of how God would make a way in impossible situations to help his people.  There is nothing that can change the course of victory for those whom he has redeemed.   In Exodus, we learn that God did not lead the Israelites around the Red Sea but rather he brought them to the Red Sea that they might understand his power as he parted the waters for them to cross safely to the other side.  

The victories written in scripture are here for us today.  God is willing to part the deep waters of trouble and pain that is in your life and bring you through safely to the other side.  Impossible situations are no match for the power of the risen Christ who defeated darkness and death and bought for you eternal life. 

Whatever painful situation you may be experiencing at this time, take heart and remember that Jesus is with you.  The hope that he gives you is not just a desire, it is a promise. God can always make a way to help you!  It is my prayer that he will help you to understand this truth. 

Dear Lord, I am praying for those who are going through a trial in life that is bringing fear and doubt.  I pray that you will give them a very real sense of your Presence and let them know that you have legions of angels surrounding them now who at your command.  I pray that anyone who is struggling with a financial problem, a marriage or relationship conflict, a serious health issue or a bondage of any kind will know without a doubt that you can make a way above and beyond their circumstance and bring them to victory.  I am praying that your truth will fill them and drown out the lies of the enemy who is leading them to believe tha there is no help.  Jesus, I pray that you will touch hearts all over this world and give them the peace and strength to know that your perfect plan will never fail them.  I give you praise and honor for you love that endures throughout eternity.  Amen

I just want to be loved

                                                                                                                                 To my sisters in suffering

Let me come in where you are weeping, friend,
And let me take your hand.
I, who have known a sorrow such as yours,
Can understand.
Let me come in – I would be very still
Beside you in your grief.
I would not bid you cease your weeping, friend,
Tears bring relief.
Let me come in – I would only breath a prayer,
And hold your hand,
For I have known a sorrow such as yours,
And understand.

by Grace Noll Crowell

 

 

There are many women who are living with some form of domestic abuse in their marriage.  It is heartbreaking to know that so many women are suffering with physical or verbal abuse by a spouse who had once vowed before God to love and cherish her forever.  God’s plan for a man and a woman who marry was for them to be a demonstration of Christ’ love for his church.  That is not what is happening as more than 50% of today’s marriages end in divorce.  Sadly, some of the rest are just existing in loveless, lonely marriages. 

While it is true that God hates divorce, there are times when a woman may be in danger if she remains in her marriage.  Abuse in any form should never be tolerated.  It is a difficult subject but one that must be addressed.  One of  my dear friends, Anna Wood, has a wonderful Christian site which helps women deal with the pain of abuse.  Her blog, At the end of myself….at the feet of Jesus, gives many great messages of loving support to those women who feel alone and weary from enduring the control and abuse from a spouse.  I hope you will check out this site and let God speak to your heart by the messages of hope.

In addition, I want you to know that I am praying for anyone who needs help with a marriage struggle.  I know that when you face a troubling situation like this in your marriage that may feel that you can’t tell anyone.  You may be afraid.  My heart is burdened for women who struggle in a relationship because they feel that they are unworthy or don’t deserve anything better.  That is a lie from hell sent to keep you in bondage.  Christ has deemed you worthy to be a joint heir with him in heaven.  He loved you enough to die to give you life and a future with promise.  He has a plan for your future no matter what painful trial you are in right now.  God has not left your side and he will see you through your pain.  I pray that God will give you peace and the strength to do what you must do and to know that his love for you will never fail.

In all that we do, we make a choice of whom we will serve. When you continue in our sin or allow others in sin to influence you, you are in fact choosing the path of destruction. There will never be victory for a person who lives in rebellion to God.  If Christ is truly living in your heart, you must follow in his way because he has given you the strength to do so. Paul gives us this message in Romans:

Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. (Romans 6:11-14)

You will have no control over your body if the power of Christ does not reign in you. He can’t be your Savior unless you also make him your Lord! If you are tired of living a life that constantly brings you down with its consequences, then choose to live the life that God intended for you. We all have sinned and fallen short of righteousness, but we don’t have to remain in our lost state. We can allow Christ to rule in our bodies and let his truth guide our steps to overcome all that comes against us. He will always provide a way to help you on the right path. Many of you have struggles that you deal with everyday. They seem to overwhelm you and it is hard to believe that Jesus can help you. That is a lie. Jesus died so that all the chains and bondages that have you in slavery were broken. There is no power that can come against a true believer that is stronger than the force of Christ that is in you. Even the devil knows that he cannot destroy a believer who trusts in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! He knows that God’s plan for every believer is one that cannot fail. All the enemy can do is to try to get you to forget that God is with you in ALL trouble and every storm that comes against you.

Whatever struggle you face, Christ can help you through it. Never let your circumstance and your pain seem bigger than your God! Jesus can always make a way for those whose hearts seek him. But to live as a conqueror in this fallen world, you must not continue in the same lifestyle. You must want to change and to leave the path of destruction that you are on. You cannot have one foot in heaven and one on this earth. You must choose to offer all the parts of your body to do what is right! Anything else will take you down and give the devil a foothold to come into your life and destroy you. What breaks my heart is that so many have believed the lies from hell for so long that they don’t understand that there is a way out to victory! Many have just become comfortable living a painful life that is going to destroy them forever because they don’t know the truth. The truth is that Jesus made a way for you no matter how far you have fallen. He is willing to give you hope and a new future IF you will allow him to rule in your life. Don’t give the devil permission to rule your life anymore.

Call upon Jesus and ask him to change you and to give you hope. He will never fail those who truly want him. Your past is filled with the devil’s lies. Now is the time to turn to the truth. God knows how to take you above your struggles and to conquer your addictions. Call on him today to help you! You are loved. Never sell yourself short for you are worth so much more than you know!

I want to share with you a wonderful message by Charles Spurgeon.  In this world we sometimes look at our circumstances instead of our God.  The darkness shadows us everywhere but the truth is that God is watching over those who belong to him. We cannot be crushed; we cannot be destroyed; and we can never be lost when Christ is our shepherd.  All that comes against us is being woven into the perfect plan that Christ planned long before we were born.  Remain secure despite your pain for you will see God’s power to take you through this battle safely.

Read Spurgeon’s message and find hope knowing that God will never fail us and that his plan for us cannot be stopped despite the troubles we endure. Keep your faith, dear friends, for Christ is coming soon to take us with him!

A message by Charles Spurgeon:

We are sent into the world, if we are believers in Christ, like sheep in the midst of wolves, defenseless, and in danger of being devoured, yet no power on earth can destroy the chosen disciples of Christ. Weak as they are, they will tread down the strength of their foes. There are more sheep in the world now than wolves. There are parts of the world where wolves once roamed in troops where not a wolf can now be found; yet tens of thousands of sheep feed on the hillside: one would not be very bold to say that the day will come when the wolf will only be known as an extinct animal, while as long as the world lasts the sheep will continue to multiply.

In the long run, the sheep has gained the victory over the wolf. And it is so with Christ’s people. They appear to be weak, but there is a force about them which cannot be put down: they will overcome the ungodly yet, for the day will come when mighty truth shall prevail. God hasten that blessed and long-expected day. Till then, when persecuted we are not forsaken, when cast down we are not destroyed. Many Christians, are placed in positions where they are subject to very great temptations and persecutions; they are mocked, laughed at, ridiculed, called by evil names. Persecuted one, will you deny the faith? Are you going to put aside your colors, and relinquish the cross of Christ? If so, I can only tell you, you are not made of the same stuff as the true disciples of Jesus Christ; for when the grace of God is in them, if the world be iron, they are northern iron and steel; they can bear all the blows which the world may possibly choose to lay upon them, and as the anvil breaks the hammers in the long run, so will they, by their patient endurance for Christ’s sake, break the force of all persecution, and triumph over it.

From a sermon by Charles Haddon Spurgeon entitled “The Northern Iron And The Steel.” Image by John Davey under Creative Commons License