Revealed Secret| Choices | | Posted by LaJoyce on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 8:50am | Another year has rolled around and we expect better things in the year of 2012! But, will we get them!
We try as hard as we might to do things differently from our past experiences and sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't. I will say it does more often then it does not! We make the choices in our lives. Some religious folk will say when things go wrong that the devil had his hand in it, but I will say, "What is the choice you made regarding the situation?" We are so quick to blame the devil when things go wrong when in actuality it was our choice. Most of us have never met a devil or we would poop in our pants!
If things go well, we made the right choice and should give God the glory. He is the author of your faith and we put our faith in action when we make the right choice. You may say, '"what is the right choice?" Then I say "does it line up with the Word of God." The Bible is full of promises that we should take advantage of and the only way to know them is to read about them in His Word . Some of us go to church and swallow whatever we are taught, but does what we've heard line up with what His promises say? A lot of pastors make up their own version and can get you into a ditch. Pray before reading and ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate to your spirit what He wants you to know.
You are given gifts from God and He has given them to you to use in blessing others. God can't bless something if it is not used. After all, that gift is given to you to give away. You can give it away over and over again. God will never take that gift from you unless you don't use it. He has called you to bless others! How can that gift God gave you bless you if you keep it? I know my writings are redundant but that is how we learn, by hearing it over and over again.
I hear folks say, "well, I don't want to do that job, well did you ever think that God put the resources within you to do that job you are not wanting to do?" I know a gal who is a wonderful cook that can make dishes that would bless your socks off, but she doen't want to do it! Unfortunately she still walks around looking for something God has not put within her and is without a job. Take your eyes off the past and look to the future which is bright with the opportunites of blessing others from within.
So I leave you with a few so- called New Year's resolutions that you may want to put into practice.
Bless you all abundantly in your search of the surprise God has put in you!
LaJoyce
| | | | | Words | | Posted by LaJoyce on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 9:10am | I want to talk about the importance of our words. Lots of times we say whatever comes to our minds. It gets us into trouble if it is not filtered correctly through our spirits. You may say ' through our spirit?'. Yes, if we say anything that we are thinking, just think how dumb we sound when we want to sound intelligent! Our spirits have alot of good things in them that have been put there after years of studying, teaching or whatever our vocation might be or has been. Did you know you are a spirit housed in a fleshly body. The real you is inside of your fleshly body. The covering of our flesh is the facade to what really lies inside. All of us look different, and I think that is a good thing, but our spirits get developed by what we put into them through our intellect, mind, emotions etc.
So we have to be careful what goes into our spirit, also known as heart. because whatever we put in will come out through your mouth eventually. Some folks say, does it really matter if we say things that we don't mean. Oh yes it does, because that is part of us and we can condemn ourselves. For example and I touch on this alot...some folk will say 'I just love them to death.' What does that mean...you love someone to death! Does it mean you love them a whole lot or maybe till they die or what? Why be confusing! Our words snare us in that we can have what we say. Mark 11: 23,24 talk about that alot and it is Jesus speaking there.
The word of God in Mark says three or four times, to 'say', and to believe only twice. Anyone can believe anything, but what do you 'say'? Saying is an action and believing is in your spirit or heart. It lies there dormant until an action is required through your mouth. So if it is in your heart then you say it!
If your heart is filled with words of healing, love, peace and joy then your words are full of God's glory and in turn He blesses us with our words.
This is election year coming up and it is so easy to get caught up in the negative that the media loves to control us with. We say things that are unkind because it is what we hear and it goes to our heart and comes back out of our mouths. From there it is send out by waves of an unseen realm and most times comes back to haunt us. Our best bet is to pray for God's will to come to pass and in that we stay in peace. We all love to talk with our friends about lots of things and mostly it is our opinion. Some of the things we say bring up emotions from the past or condemning words on someone that we would not do otherwise.
Even though we may think this life is about our lives when it really isn't, it is about Jesus. We think we have rights and we do, but make them come to pass through prayer. It is alot safer!
So with that I want to leave you with a blessed Christmas and a New Year that will bring surprises that you never thought about. Isn't it super to be surprised! Look forward to them!
Be blessed,
LaJoyce
I have found this quite interesting to post from my son!
Merry Christmas!
When is the last time you read a Christmas devotional directed primarily to believers who are surrounded by the true meaning of Christmas? That is the intent of these thoughts, put forward for your consideration.
The true meaning of Christmas is all around us. It seems that everywhere we go, and everything we read, we are reminded that God became flesh in Bethlehem. This happened about the time that our calendar starts numbering the years. We are showered with prophecies and words of encouragement, telling us how this long-awaited Savior was sent to earth, according to God's promise, to redeem us from sin, and grant us the free gift of eternal life.
We lavish one another with presents, with thoughtful acts of service, with patience and kindness, politely and calmly preparing our families and churches to be in the right frame of mind for this pleasant holiday celebration, when we are nestled comfortably in the fellowship, security, and refreshing transparency of the family of God. It seems that there is no place where we get away from this light and love, the warmth and nurture, the truth and righteousness, that Christmas means in our lives. And the best thing about it is that it is not just one time of the year, but for all our everlasting life!
But is that the wrong meaning of Christmas? If we step away from this Christmas environment, from the normal mentality we are so immersed in, we will discover that no, this is not the wrong meaning of Christmas at all. The false meaning of Christmas is sometimes hard to come across in our lives, but this season, let's spend some time reflecting upon it, if you will.
Can the false meaning of Christmas be found in our peaceful and truth-loving Advent activities and reflections? Hardly, although sometimes we get a brief hint of it in the occasional fun song about Saint Nicholas or wintertime. To get a fuller understanding of the false meaning of Christmas, we must pause a little longer and look a little deeper.
The false meaning of Christmas is not how God humbled Himself to share in our humanity, but is found in human pride and selfishness! It's about how greedy and pushy people are, how rudely we behave. And even if people put a smile and kind word on the outside, the inside is rotten and uncaring.
The false meaning of Christmas is not the Bible stories that we are reminded of so frequently this time of year, but in the commercial and fantastical narratives that this world wants to feed us, through movies, radio, advertising, and word of mouth. It is Santa Claus, and department store shopping, the malls and the internet shopping, irrational spending and reckless borrowing, and mad rushes on Good Friday.
It is not found in the baby lying in the manger so long ago. It is today’s spoiled children and keeping up with the Jones', fashion and fads. It is pithy and empty sound bites, the climax of a film, with a humanistic moral about giving or sharing, or about family and traditions, that try to make us feel good for a moment or two. These can never feed our spirits with any lasting nutrition.
The wrong meaning of Christmas is not the Spirit of God who lives in us eternally, but the pleasure of sin which endures for a season. It leaves us feeling drained and discontent, disappointed with unmet expectations, and lusting for more. It is the covetousness that gnarls away at us on the inside, the family quarrels and jealousies that consume us on the inside.
It is not peace on earth and goodwill to men. It is the fear that January blues can only be repressed, never relieved, perhaps through alcohol, overeating, over-priced concerts that promote idolatry and promiscuity, working out at the gym, exchanging gossip on Facebook, meeting that ever-elusive "perfect someone" or watching more TV and YouTube videos. We frantically chase after the wind, placing our faith in the lies that the devil feeds us, instead of in the love and power of Jesus.
It is not the beauty of our festive decorations, but the ugliness of energies and devotion - our very lives - wasted on idols. Carried to its end, we find misery, depression and death.
This is the wrong meaning of Christmas – maybe not the most complete picture, but a much better picture than what we get in our day-to-day Christian lives. It is so easy to forget this as believers, yet the Bible calls on us to look back and remember:
Ephesians 2
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ... 11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth … 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
Why should we remember the false meaning of Christmas? We should remember where we came from, and understand where others are. We are to imitate Jesus, having compassion on those who are as sheep without a shepherd. We are to be aware that the god of this world blinds people, and that we have the message of hope that they need, if they are to escape the wrong meaning of Christmas.
Do we do this by insisting on using the word “Christmas” in every holiday sign and greeting? The Apostle Paul wrote the following:
II Timothy 2
14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. ... 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
The devil has come to steal, kill and destroy. Those who are his victims are being robbed, killed, and destroyed. Remember this Christmas season, that our mission transcends the starting and ending dates of our calendar seasons, situations, and moods.
II Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
Together let's stand out as a gleaming light to the world as Jesus taught (“Ye are the light of the world”), and as Paul exhorts us in his letter to the Philippians:
Philippians 2:
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life.
So this Christmas season, let us remember those who are caught up in this world's system, and be like the star that led the seekers to the house where Jesus was living. Like the Samaritan woman who met Jesus and recognized him as the Messiah, let us go to our neighbors and proclaim, “Come meet the Messiah!” Like the beggars who found the spoils from the enemy which God defeated, let us reason, “It is not right for us to keep this to ourselves”, and go back to the famished within the city walls to spread the news of victory and God’s provision!
It is by grace we have been saved; and there but for the grace of God go we. Freely we have received, freely we give, showing mercy to those who doubt and charity to those who are being deceived by the false meaning of Christmas. As one contemporary Christian rap artist, Lecrae, has shared, we can be like "a trail of stardust leading to the Superstar!"
Shine this Christmas! Be a witness for Jesus! Merry Christmas! May you be blessed, and be a blessing to others around you! I thank God for those who have shared the Good News with me, and for all of you brothers and sisters in Christ who celebrate this season together!
Glenn Shrom
| | | | | Thanksgiving Time | | Posted by LaJoyce on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 8:06am | Oh the joys of Thanksgiving, delicious food, lots of chatter with family and friends, but it seems Thanksgiving in the stores is passed over. The commercial sector wants to advertise Christmas even before Halloween! Thank God for the Pilgrims coming across the ocean and helping us to get started in an America. We have to purpose in our hearts to remember where we started at, but God knew that humans would become money hungry for their goods to be sold. He knew! Guess what, He loves us just where we are. He knew our thoughts would get swayed over to commercial side of buying. He knew that people would get nasty in stores and push one another around over a bargain. He knew by giving people a choice over their lives that they could easily be persuaded.
The good news is that those that persevere, to give back, will ultimately do what is right. I love Christmas, don't get me wrong, but we have been persuaded to give gifts whether we want to or not. I have turned a new leaf so to speak many years ago and give when I feel led to. I don't buy for the sake of buying. Most young folk today get so much that they look forward to it and are not convinced that they are loved. Maybe for the day!! I believe Jesus should be celebrated everyday, not just one day a year. Many folks take advantage of the many outreaches and really don't understand why they are helped.
The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8 to pray and give thanks for our requests that we pray for. In other words, thank God even before you see it. Let's thank God for the mighty warriors that crossed the ocean, lost their lives trying to achieve a dream. They left us with a place to live, started us on how to grow crops, and read the Bible, so that we could have the abundant life. When they arrived here they thought they had reached a land so giving and they died trying. So it is with us, never assume someone owes us something when we sit on the couch doing nothing to help ourselves. The Bible says in Proverbs that idle hands are the devil's workshop.
So with all that said, please have a Thanksgiving filled with the joy of the Lord.
Many blessings,
LaJoyce
PS By the way Jesus was born in late March or early April!
| | | | | Happy Autumn! | | Posted by LaJoyce on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 8:48am | Hello Dear Readers, another month has come and gone and today we are starting October. Hopefully , summer has been a blessing in your lives. I love the way the trees wave their leaves and the branches bounce up and down, while the wind that is not seen promotes this activity. What if if the wind had color? Than we could see it and maybe avoid it when the color turns deeper and a storm approaches. The clouds will give an ominous sign, showing their dark shades of blue and let us know what is on the horizon. Is it a storm? Or is it a time to stop and let God do all the work?
So it is with our faith. We can't see God, yet we know He is there. The prayers of other folk help us to feel His presence. When the storms of our lives surround us like the wind, we can relax and know God is with us. He promises to take care of us, take every need we have, and transform it into something that will be best for us, and to glorify Him. We have to trust Him to do that. If we don't, we battle strife and sleepless nights that wear out our bodies. Ever gotten up in the morning and feel like you haven't slept all night? That's what anxiety will do to you. There is nothing so big in our lives that God can't take care of it !
Some folks say praying is a crutch to rely on someone else that cannot be seen to take care of our problems. Best crutch I've ever had to lean on, I'm telling you! The folk that don't understand spiritual things will say that, but the folk that have learned to lean on God for support understand very well. Who wins? We do! We get all the fringe benefits of learning to trust, answered prayer, peace of mind, joy unspeakable.
Did you ever wonder why some folk get favor in their jobs? Hard work is one reason, but learning to trust God will bring what your heart is desiring. You say, well I didn't get the job! I say, it wasn't for you to have it. Again, anxiety reared it's ugly head. Go about your day and thank God for leading and guiding you. That job will appear before you know it. God loves obedience and when we learn how to be obedient in our trusting, He will take over and all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
I have been asked, don't you ever get anxious over things that come up in life? I used to, but after many years of leaning on and trusting God, I know I can't change a thing. You see when it comes to other people and your interaction with them, their ideas will take ahold of their lives. Your job is to pray and mind your own business. Every one in this life is working out their salvation daily and are at a different place of maturity. It is not our job to tell them what to do, that is God's job and all He wants is for us to pray.
Well, 'til next time have a great month, enjoy the cool weather and enjoy the promises of God.
LaJoyce
| | | | | Temptation | | Posted by LaJoyce on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 9:16am | The cares of this world just seem to bombard us like a tsumani: our jobs, people in our communites, and wherever we travel and have interaction with others. Sometimes we feel like shutting our doors and never letting the sun shine on our faces.
But that doesn't last forever, because our nature is to intermingle with others. Soon we open the door of our heart to once again set forth in another adventure of life. I love adventure, especially when it involves both my hubby and myself; taking a day trip to see something new, a play, or just taking a drive to our church. Being with another person lifts us up and renews our perspective on life. God created us to be with other people. Some folk are discourteous, some polite, others disinterested. It's what we call life!
What I want to talk about is temptation. All of us have temptation in our lives. Temptation can be a good thing when applied properly. Are you tempted to read and study your Bible? Are you tempted to help people when they call on you? God never tempts anyone to evil. You see, God can never be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. Our desires tempt and entice us and we are drawn to evil. He has given us a free will and expects us to be drawn to His will to do a good thing to others, as well as ourselves. It makes me smile when I hear folks say,"well I guess God wanted his child to come to heaven at a very young age, because He may want them in the choir of angels." NO, the word of God says, in many places , 'Psalms' for one, Chapter 91, 'with long life will I satsify you.' That doesn't mean he is calling you home prematurely. Are you temped to believe that? We believe the way we were reared in life!
Another one that makes me smile is when a hurricane or earthquake hits, is this, 'God caused it.' God does take his hand of protection off us when we do wrong, but a violent storm or skaking is from the enemy which came from the fall of man in the beginning of his creation. We take ourselves out of His protection. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. But God did not cause it. We are better to say, 'he allowed it.' Why, does He allow these things to happen? To better equip us for this life! The way we learn is to have negative things in our lives to show us the positive. If we never experienced the negative how would we know the positive? It is called maturing. Each incident in life we receive prepares us for the next, which in turn makes us lean more strongly on what God says about a given circumstance.
What if we all thought alike or always lived in a positive environment? We would become babbling idiots! We need the negative to help us know the positive. Too much negative is not good, but we learn in our psyche to hunt for the positive. God placed that ' want' there.
Our lives here on this earth are only a short time compared to eternity and this is our proving ground. Every life lived here will live somewhere else ultimately. It is God ordained whether we like it or not. God wants us to have the pleasures of His kingdom while we are alive, then carried over to the life of eternity. This is our proving ground. In the Lord's prayer, Jesus says ,' thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.' You will only change addresses when you leave this earth. Your mind and spirit go with you. Your body will be decayed because flesh decays. We receive an eternal body, that will be perfect. Hallelujah to Jesus!
Till we meet again my prayer is for all of you to prosper and be in good health.
Blessings to all,
LaJoyce
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