Cute...oh can it be true??

This was on Chachaneen's blog and it made me laugh.

It did make me think about our blogs and how they really do represent the way we talk our walk , don't they.

Everyone watches Christians closely. They either see a good representation of an honest walk with the Lord or one that is fraught with a misrepresentation of how He would have us live as disciples.

We need to be real in our struggles so the world knows we all live real lives, not some super spiritual hyper-religious act that makes others feel so inadequate as to think they can never approach God. My own opinion is that there is a fine line in doing so. Let us not flaunt our sin as though they have no affect on us or others, or in fact did not put Christ on the cross, but be humble in sharing our own failures with people as well as the joys we experience.

And let us be full of mercy and grace to those who know no better (or do) and are looking and watching us all the time. Our own pet peeves or rants can be kept to ourselves as they might serve no good purpose really. Let's not give anyone a reason to call us hypocrites who say we love God but are ripping others to shreds with our words or actions.

Christ even washed the feet of Judas ...knowing he would later betray him....this is the kind of love we experience from the Lord every day. Let's go love others as He did.

--ooOoo-

Closed Doors

Praising God For Closed Doors

(from Daily Encourager)

We need to learn to praise the Lord as much for a closed door as we do for an open door. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If he didn't close the wrong door, we would never find the right door. God directs our path through the closing and opening of doors. Once a door closes, it forces you to change your course. When another door closes, it forces you to change your course again. Then, finally, you find the open door and you walk right into your blessing.

The Lord directs our paths through the opening and closing of doors, but instead of praising him for the closed door (which keeps us out of trouble); we get upset because we "judge by the appearances." You have an ever-present help in the time of trouble that is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of you, He can spot trouble down the road and set up a roadblock or detour accordingly.

But through our lack of wisdom, we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour sign. Then, the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, "Lord, how could You have done this to me?" We have got to realize that the closed door can be a blessing. Didn't He say that no good thing would He withhold from them that love Him? If you get terminated from your job, praise God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves: it might be another job, it might be school. If that man or woman won't return your call, it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go).

One time, a person had a bank they had been in business with for many years tell them "No!" to a $10,000 loan. The Lord put in their spirit to call another bank. That bank gave them $40,000 at a lower interest rate than the first bank was offering. We can sometimes trap ourselves in doubt and discouragement through judging by appearances.

Be grateful for the many times our Father has closed doors to us just to open them in the most unexpected places. The Lord won't always say in spoken words: "Go to the left, now to the right" ...sometimes He will just close the doors that are wrong for you.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him

and He will direct your paths.

(Prov. 3:5-6)

Trust

In what do you put your trust?

Family
Friends
Career
Money
Health
Talent
Beauty
Government
Instinct

You can peruse this list and think about each one and come to realize that they all can or have failed you in one way or another.

People come and go, family members pass on or move on, careers end abruptly, money is lost, illness debilitates, beauty fades, governments fail, talents dim and instincts are often wrong.

There is One in whom you can trust.

Christ Jesus

Name above All Names

If you seek Him you will find him and He alone will satisfy. As your foundation of faith you are secure and your life in Christ will prepare you for any times of trouble. He is your help. He is the author and finisher of your faith and there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. You will have contentment and confidence as well as Joy from within in spite of circumstances. Your priorities will become those of love and service to others. He is trustworthy and His love for you will set you free.*

*It's all in the Bible :)

There will come a time Jesus said:

Romans 14:11 For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.

Be blessed beginning today to live a life in Christ.

He's waiting - He's calling

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

there's just something about that Name,

Master, Savior, Jesus

like the fragrance after the rain.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

Let all heaven and earth proclaim

Kings & Kingdoms shall all pass away

but there's something about that Name.