Thoughts tag:walkinginfaith.net,2008-03-21:/thoughts/3 2008-08-01T15:24:10Z Movable Type Personal 4.1 Prayer Comment tag:walkinginfaith.net,2008:/thoughts//3.84 2008-08-01T15:06:13Z 2008-08-01T15:24:10Z Vickie Todd http://www.walkinginfaith.net

Vickie






]]> Justified tag:walkinginfaith.net,2008:/thoughts//3.79 2008-07-27T02:13:50Z 2008-07-27T02:15:47Z Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} This morning I looked at Romans 5:1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we... Vickie Todd http://www.walkinginfaith.net

This morning I looked at Romans 5:1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

I won't go into why the "therefore" is there because that would be in previous chapters. I did note that "having been" is written in the past tense which means if I'm a believer it is already done. Just like if I "had been" to the grocery store it would mean I had already been there. Because I am justified, I now have peace with God through (by way of) our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Most of my study tools are packed right now due to early spring rain, but I was able to use my Strong's Concordance to look up the greek meaning for the word justified. It said "to justify, vindicate (to set FREE), declare righteous (free from guilt, morally right) to put someone in a proper relationship with another".

 

Then I looked up 'justified' in my 1828 Webster dictionary to see what Noah Webster would say. Justified said "to pardon and clear from guilt. To absolve (release), or acquit (to set FREE, to release) from guilt and merited (due) punishment and to accept as righteous on account of the merits of the Savior."

 

How did I apply all this to me? I spend entirely too much time trying to do what has already been (past tense) done!

 

Blessings-

]]> Imperishable Crowns tag:walkinginfaith.net,2008:/thoughts//3.78 2008-07-27T02:04:02Z 2008-07-27T02:09:58Z Vickie Todd http://www.walkinginfaith.net

Recently I caught myself thinking about crowns.  I have studied crowns in scripture but thought I would take the opportunity to once again see what the bible has to say about crowns.  It was a neat study in the past and it blessed me once again.  Here are some of the things the bible has to say about crowns.

 

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 likens the Christian walk to a race.  It tells us to run the race so that we may obtain the prize.  Verse 25 indicates that we will not receive a "perishable" crown, but an "imperishable" crown.

 

James 1:12 references a "crown of life" which is promised to those who love the Lord  (This is one we want for sure!)

 

2 Timothy 4:8 talks about the "crown of righteousness" that the Lord will give to them "on that Day" that love His appearing.

 

Here's an interesting verse: 2 Timothy 2:5 "And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules", likening our Christian walk to a competition.

 

1 Peter 5:4 talks about a "crown of glory" that does not fade away! 

 

Revelation 2:10 has some serious things to say surrounding the "crown of life". "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.  Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."  (This is Jesus talking to the Persecuted church in Smyrna)

 

Lastly, Revelation 3:11 has another serious note to add.  Jesus is talking to the faithful church and says "Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown!"  (Does this mean we can lose our crowns?) 

 

I hope you will prayerfully consider what the Word of God has to say about crowns and how it may apply to you.  It is always important to read what the word says and pray/seek how it applies to our lives. 

 

On another note, I returned not long ago from our annual Seminar and Awards Banquet for The Angel Company.  Guess what I got?  If you guessed a crown, you're right!  Thanks to all my customers who faithfully order from me that made it possible for me to receive a crown for the "Rising Star" award!  Here is a picture.  It is really pretty.  Unfortunately......it is perishable!


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]]> A Living Word tag:walkinginfaith.net,2008:/thoughts//3.71 2008-06-09T07:09:59Z 2008-06-09T07:29:04Z The last few years have been rather challenging for me. Lots of trials, challenging relationships and many ups and downs just to name a few. I am forever encouraged by the word of God and how it ministers to me... Vickie Todd http://www.walkinginfaith.net The last few years have been rather challenging for me. Lots of trials, challenging relationships and many ups and downs just to name a few. I am forever encouraged by the word of God and how it ministers to me exactly when and how I need it. Last week we had a special speaker at the church I have been attending. His message was good, but there was one word that came out of the message that ministered to me just exactly where I needed it. That "Living Word" came to me from 1 Peter 5:10: "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." (NKJV) Isn't it encouraging to know that the things that we suffer are going to "perfect, establish, strengthen and settle" us? Gives a whole new perspective.

Lastly, today I had the awesome privilege of seeing someone come to the Lord. Praise be to the Lord! It was a most exciting day! Did you know that the angels of God rejoice when a sinner gets saved? "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10

]]> Is God Able? tag:walkinginfaith.net,2008:/thoughts//3.68 2008-05-30T03:43:15Z 2008-05-30T03:46:13Z Vickie Todd http://www.walkinginfaith.net ]]> Psalm 32: 8-11 tag:walkinginfaith.net,2007:/thoughts//3.52 2007-09-12T20:31:40Z 2007-09-12T20:34:35Z I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit... Vickie Todd http://walkinginfaith.net I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

]]> In it to Win It! tag:walkinginfaith.net,2007:/thoughts//3.51 2007-08-29T21:14:12Z 2007-08-29T21:45:22Z As christians, we are "In it to Win It"! Oh my gosh! I would highly recommend the message from James McDonald on this subject. Listen today! The words of the Lord, through him, are powerful! I am looking forward to... Vickie Todd http://walkinginfaith.net As christians, we are "In it to Win It"! Oh my gosh! I would highly recommend the message from James McDonald on this subject. Listen today! The words of the Lord, through him, are powerful! I am looking forward to part 2 on Thursday!

You can listen at: http://www.walkintheword.com/broadcast.aspx

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

]]> The Essense of Leadership tag:walkinginfaith.net,2007:/thoughts//3.50 2007-07-09T03:49:17Z 2007-07-09T03:50:45Z A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality... Vickie Todd http://walkinginfaith.net A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. In the end, leaders are much like eagles....they don't flock, you find them one at a time.

]]> July 27, 2006 I ran tag:walkinginfaith.net,2006:/thoughts//3.8 2006-07-27T13:11:30Z 2006-08-16T07:40:48Z July 27, 2006 I ran across a really good verse this morning in my quiet time. I thought I would share it with you. I pray it blesses you as it blessed me! Psalm 27: 13-14 "I would have lost... Vickie http://walkinginfaith.net July 27, 2006
I ran across a really good verse this morning in my quiet time. I thought I would share it with you. I pray it blesses you as it blessed me! Psalm 27: 13-14 "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord."

On another note: As we continue to go through these financial trials, it never ceases to humble me when the Lord blesses us in a specific need. This week He brought us a vacuum cleaner! Our vacuum cleaner broke just a week or so ago. We did not have the money to buy a new one. With a large family, vacuum cleaners are kind of your best friend! Anyway, one day this week, a man knocked on my door. He was standing there with a vacuum cleaner. He said someone came into his store and purchased it anonymously for us. There he stood with a brand new vacuum, papers and all! (He just looked like an angel to me!) We are so grateful for the Lord's blessings during this time.

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]]> July Thoughts Ephesians 2:8-9: I tag:walkinginfaith.net,2006:/thoughts//3.9 2006-07-07T03:05:00Z 2006-08-16T07:40:48Z July Thoughts Ephesians 2:8-9: I have been studying the book of Ephesians lately. This morning we looked at the subject of "grace". Since I spend my time studying the "Kay Arthur" method, we had to look at all the references... Vickie http://walkinginfaith.net July Thoughts
Ephesians 2:8-9: I have been studying the book of Ephesians lately. This morning we looked at the subject of "grace". Since I spend my time studying the "Kay Arthur" method, we had to look at all the references of grace, underline them and then make a list of what we learn. This caused me once again to reflect upon the text of Eph. 2:8-9. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." This verse is so clear that there is nothing we can DO to be saved and I must add STAY saved. I have so many friends and acquaintances that are spending their time "earning" the salvation that God freely gave. That is why it is called a gift! When was the last time you "worked" for a gift? There is a reason given in these versus why we can't "work" for our salvation. "lest anyone should boast". God does not want us to get there and be able to list all the things WE did to make it so. No. He wants us to be there because it is all about what HE did. Not only do we not get saved by anything WE can do, we can't stay saved by anything we can do either!

Verses for reflection:
Romans 10:3-4 "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes"
Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us,......"

I find a funny thing happens to me when I get into "working" or I like to refer to it as "law" keeping. What happens? I get FRUSTRATED! I am so thankful that I do, because when I take a moment to step back and see why I am "frustrated", once again I find that I am "trying" to live up to someone else's expectations, "doing" what I think someone else wants me to do, "doing" what others will think is right, etc. I have to put my foot firmly down and say "NO" and then stop it! That is not what this life is about. I long for the day, when I more frequently walk in "rest" than not. As I continue to seek truth and walk in it, I am one step closer! Praise the Lord for frustration!

Grace: There are two aspects of this in scripture. Undeserved, unmerited favor is one, the other is power. I am on a quest for treasure! I find myself anew wanting to know more what the scriptures say about this fascinating word.

On another note: I am often reminded that I spend too much time thinking about my circumstances! One of the things I have started doing lately to help me stop this was pick up a favorite book of mine. A very good friend (Thanks, Elaine!) gave me this book a few years back. It's called "31 Days of Praise" by Ruth Myers. If you don't have this book, I would order it today. It will really make a difference in your life! I am making it a new habit to read the praise for the day before my feet hit the floor in the morning. (I keep it right by my bed!) Well, in a very timely manner, I ran across "Thank You for Your ultimate good purposes in allowing the weaknesses or failues of others......" Whoa, wait a minute. That didn't say what I thought it did....did it? Yes, I had to take a double take. I was just reading along quickly as usual. I stopped dead in my tracks and read that again. "Thank you for Your ultimate good purposes in allowing the weaknesses or failures of _____" I kid you not, I actually said outloud "You mean I am to thank You for that weakness/failure in ____________(you fill in the blank!) As I reflected on this more, I was reminded in my spirit, that Yes, this is true. God can and does allow weaknesses/failures in those around me. What for? Why to mold ME and make ME more into the image of Jesus Christ! Whew....isn't there an easier way?? Get this...the next thing I read said "I especially want to thank You for what You plan to do through those things that disappoint me, upset me, make me anxious or break my heart.....

Ooh, sometimes it is through gritted teeth that I have to say "Thank you God for the circumstances etc. that you have allowed into my life! Because I know they are for my good. In other words, I'm learning to thank Him because it is true, not because I FEEL like it. Whew! That is a tough one!

Some things I ran across lately that are worth sharing-

Sign: God is not who we think He is, He is who He says He is!

Quote: "You cannot neglect the Word of God and have spiritual
discernment".

Recently, I got an email from my favorite people at Lifetime Guarantee: I recommend reading their latest devotion on knowing God's will. You can read this at http://www.lifetime.org/email/newsletters/egrace2006-06-28.php

Enjoy your week!

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]]> June 26, 2006 Thoughts about tag:walkinginfaith.net,2006:/thoughts//3.10 2006-06-26T14:57:02Z 2006-08-16T07:40:48Z June 26, 2006 Thoughts about quiet time: Over the years I have gone back and forth as to when to have quiet time. I do not think the bible specifically says that you MUST have your quiet time in the... Vickie http://walkinginfaith.net June 26, 2006
Thoughts about quiet time: Over the years I have gone back and forth as to when to have quiet time. I do not think the bible specifically says that you MUST have your quiet time in the morning. I believe, in context, scripture teaches that we should truly live a life of meditation and walk in constant fellowship with the Father. And in fact, the christian life is about maturing closer and closer in this walk. I personally would rather have my quiet time in the middle of the afternoon or in the evening than to not have it at all. There is something special about the morning though. I must say that there is something extra special about sitting at the feet of Jesus first thing BEFORE you get involved in whatever the day brings. I find it is harder to bring myself "quiet" before Him when I set that time apart later in the day. However, Sometimes the events of the morning get going so fast, you just can't do it in the morning. Or at least that is often the case in my life. Better to have it later, than not at all. It's not about "law" keeping, it's about being diligent to seek truth because you desire to walk in victory. Verses for reflection: Romans 10:17 "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God". John 8:31-32 "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (my personal favorite ) :-)

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]]> June Thoughts It has been tag:walkinginfaith.net,2006:/thoughts//3.11 2006-06-12T06:10:43Z 2006-08-16T07:40:48Z June Thoughts It has been a LONG time since I have posted. I have been making notes and carrying things around with me too long. Let me try to pen on paper what has been going on with me lately.... Vickie http://walkinginfaith.net June Thoughts
It has been a LONG time since I have posted. I have been making notes and carrying things around with me too long. Let me try to pen on paper what has been going on with me lately.

I am learning some very hard things in my life. I am undergoing some fairly severe trials right now. My husband has been out of work since October. This has been a huge trial for us as a family. Schedules and tensions are extremely trying. We are all learning to say we're sorry. That is a good thing!

Some of the things I am learning personally in this are HARD things to learn. I remember people the Lord put in my past that were going through some pretty significant trials. As I reflect on my attitude back then, I can see a lot of "self righteousness". What I mean is....we can have a different attitude with people that are going through trials until we have to go through them ourselves. It is easy to give "biblical advice" and tell others what they should or should not do. Now I am learning to "go through" myself. I am learning to "walk through" what I only knew about second hand before. I am deeply repentant of that attitude. That is a hard, but good thing to learn.

I am harder on myself than anyone else is. I am particularly hard on myself regarding my spiritual walk. I entertain thoughts sometimesthat God is displeased with my walk of faith, etc. Recently the Lord ministered to me through Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is....." It just popped out to me that God does not expect me to have faith in myself, but faith that "He is". Funny, I just took a big sigh of relief at that. Well praise God that it is not faith in myself that pleases Him, but faith in Him! On a funny note...I was sharing this with a friend at church and she politely reminded me of the end of the verse too! ....and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!" Ooh, that is just good!

I have been studying the book of Ephesians in my quiet time. This morning I was prompted to open "My Utmost For His Highest" to May 15th. The Lord reminded me again....."Remember what you are saved for..that the Son of God might be manifested in your flesh". He is doing a work in me that I must WAIT for the finish.

This walk with Christ, this "walk in faith" is not about me. It's all about Jesus Christ in me. The battles I face are because satan wants to render powerless the witness of Jesus in me. He is doing everything in his power to accomplish that in my present circumstances. I am extremely thankful that I have knowledge of this and that I have the Word of God in me. Some days I walk in complete despair. Other days I CHOOSE to entertain self pity. I am very thankful that God does not allow me to stay there. I have learned to call despair, depression and self pity "sin" because that is what it is. I have a lot of knowledge of the Word of God in me and I can turn and walk in faith a lot faster than I used to. That is a good thing too.

Another thing I am learning....How did Jesus handle anger? 1 Peter 2:23! "who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously." Jesus wants to manifest this same behavior in me.

My personal soapbox: Don't believe everything the media tells you. Learn to seek out truth for yourself. Let's discuss the war for instance. I am not stating an opinion for war, or against war. I just want to make a point about truth. I know someone who personally went to Iraq. He is a person in high places that went there to see if what the media is portraying is correct. It is not! The "bad" that is going on in Iraq is a very, very small percentage of the population. Unfortunately, the media capitalizes on it to make it "seem" like it is the biggest majority of people there that do not want us there etc. The people there are very thankful for the freedom they now have, for the government that is put in place, etc. You are not hearing of these things on the news. There are more people killed DAILY in America by the process of abortion than are killed in Iraq! (I might add that abortion numbers far surpass the numbers in 9-11 also.) They do not tell us these things on the news.

One thing that really stood out to me recently.....there are over 6,000,000 people in Bagdad, Iraq alone. I had no idea that the population was that many. The picture that I get of Iraq from listening to the news is far different. They also sway large numbers of people by putting out "poll results". Beware. Don't believe everything you hear on the news. Seek the truth!

Proverbs 14:12 AND Proverbs 16:25 both say the same thing: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Is it any wonder that God thought to put that verse in the bible twice!!)

The DaVinci Code: I do NOT recommend reading this book, nor going to see this movie. It is a blatant attack on the Word of God. I read the book because a friend asked me to so I could give an opinion. It is meant to do the same thing that satan did in the Garden of Eden. That is, shed doubt on what God said! It is no different all these years later. The game plan is the same. The Word of God is the absolute truth. Don't toy with or accept any suggestion that it is not complete or that it is wrong.

What book do I recommend? If you want to read an exciting book for fun, read "House" by Frank Peretti. Most of his books are exciting, can't put them down action, but they usually have a strong spiritual message. I highly recommend Nightmare Academy by him also. It is an absolute eye opener!! (I'm not going to suggest what it is about, because then you won't read it for yourself!)

Lastly....I had an extra personal encounter with the Lord just today. I was sitting under some extremely good preaching. Praise God I am still tender and that the Holy Spirit can move me to powerful conviction. I was just sitting there listening and suddenly realized He was speaking to me! I was moved to lay ALL of my present circumstances on the altar and WAIT, take my eyes off myself (my hurts etc.) and firmly fix them on the Lord Jesus Christ! This was an exciting time for me personally.

Thanks for stopping by today. I'll be posting July Thoughts at the first of the month. Come back for a visit soon.

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]]> This morning in my quiet tag:walkinginfaith.net,2006:/thoughts//3.12 2006-03-15T01:56:00Z 2006-08-16T07:40:48Z This morning in my quiet time I was very encouraged with Psalm 4. "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. O sons... Vickie http://walkinginfaith.net This morning in my quiet time I was very encouraged with Psalm 4. "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; The LORD hears when I call to Him." You may be surprised at what touched me the most and met my need just this morning. It was verse 1. "O God of my righteousness!" I was reading from the New American Standard version. The footnote said "i.e. who maintainest my right". My interpretation: God maintains my righteousness! There is nothing I can "do" to make me more "right" than Jesus has already made me. Nor is there anything "I" can do to maintain it. That started my day just a little bit sweeter! Hope you have a good week.

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]]> Daniel 3: This has always tag:walkinginfaith.net,2006:/thoughts//3.13 2006-02-01T15:36:00Z 2006-08-16T07:40:48Z Daniel 3: This has always been one of my favorite passages in scripture. Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar), and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were serving in the King's palace. Nebuchadnezzar was king at the time. You can... Vickie http://walkinginfaith.net Daniel 3: This has always been one of my favorite passages in scripture. Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar), and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were serving in the King's palace. Nebuchadnezzar was king at the time. You can read the first three chapters of Daniel if you want more of the setting. Nebuchadnezzar decided to make a very large gold image. He required ALL to come to the dedication of the image. A herald commanded everyone that "at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery you will fall down and worship the image", "whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace". Some Chaldeans came and reported to the king that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego would not bow and worship the gold image. Of course, the king in a rage, ordered the men to be thrown into the furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were not real concerned. They were sure that their God was able to deliver them even from the furnace. This made the king even angrier. He ordered that the furnace be turned up 7 times hotter than usual! There are lots of things to learn from this entire passage, but this is the point I am sharing. In verse 20 he commanded his men to bind Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego and cast them into the fire. verse 21 "then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace". Even the men that threw them into the furnace were killed because the fire was so hot! Verse 23 confirms that the three fell down BOUND into the midst of the furnace. The next thing we read, the king is astonished because he looks into the furnace and sees not three, but four men walking in the midst of the fire. Verse 25 "Look!" he answered, "I see four men LOOSE, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." Again, there are so many things that can be learned from this passage but these are some things that speak to me. The men were bound when they were thrown into the furnace. The fire did not touch them. Now I don't know about you, but I don't particularly like to go through "fiery" trials in my life. They are "hot" so to speak. But I take some great comfort from this passage as I apply it practically. Those men were in the furnace, seven times hotter than usual. Jesus was in it with them as He is with me when I am in a trial. The men did not lose their lives, nor even were hurt. Verse 27 "the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them". Wow! They were in a fiery furnace and not even touched. What was taken away by the fiery furnace? Only the things that bound them! Think about it. That brings a whole new perspective to those fiery trials that we face in life! Bless you for visiting and Happy Valentine's Day!

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]]> Life has been rather interesting tag:walkinginfaith.net,2005:/thoughts//3.14 2005-11-17T13:19:00Z 2006-08-16T07:40:48Z Life has been rather interesting of late. Those who know me close know that our family is undergoing several somewhat severe trials. How does one make it through a time such as this? Whew! I can only say what I... Vickie http://walkinginfaith.net Life has been rather interesting of late. Those who know me close know that our family is undergoing several somewhat severe trials. How does one make it through a time such as this? Whew! I can only say what I am learning and applying in my own personal situation. Our enemy seeks to destroy us and is absolutely ruthless in his tactics. He doesn't care if our life is hard or challenging. In fact, I truly believe that he works even harder during such times. He is truly our enemy and his goal is simply this: death and destruction. He absolutely does not want us to walk in any victory or acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes my thoughts are totally overtaken by him and I find myself walking in total defeat. But then.......quietly I hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit bringing to remembrance the things I have learned and know to be true. (John 14:26) I then make a conscious effort to apply what I know to be true. I make an effort to bring to my mind the truths in scripture that apply to my situation. Things like: God is faithful! He cares for me! He is unchanging! His mercies endure forever! Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever! He still takes care of His own! Do not worry about what you will eat or drink for your Father knows that you have need of these things! God CAUSES ALL THINGS to work for our good! He will direct my steps! He is our healer! This is just a sampling of some of the things I remember. What happens when I bring these thoughts to my mind? Simple: I walk in victory! The bible tells us that God causes the sun to shine and rain to fall on both the just and the unjust. I simply do not know how one without Jesus could endure the trials we face in life. What would I do if Jesus, by His Spirit, did not remind me of His truth and His love. He brings to mind those things that bring hope and comfort to me in a seemingly hopeless situation. Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

You can know Jesus too! He is offered as a free gift to those who will call upon Him to be saved. You cannot get free from the sins you have committed or will commit in the future. For the wages of sin is death! Only by a living savior, Jesus Christ can you enjoy life and life more abundant.

Hope you are having a wonderful week and may today be the day of salvation for you!

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