You Are Not Forgotten...

Do you ever have moments, maybe even days, when you feel like you are alone and forgotten?  You feel invisible at work… the kids are growing up and spending more time away… you have not met the “love of your life.”  All these things can make you feel isolated and alone.

I know for myself when I have those moments I would rather just lay on the couch and pull the blanket up over my head.  And I might do that for a short time.  But I have come to realize that when I “feel” forgotten or alone… that is definitely a time to do the opposite of what I am feeling.

My encouragement to you today is that you are not ever forgotten… you are never alone! As a child of God, you know He is always with you… even when you don’t feel like it.  All the things you have done for the Lord will always be remembered... as a "warrior" you may end up hurt and distraught... but anything done in faith and love will be honored by God... don't let life make you feel insignificant or discouraged.  God remembers the good done in His name.

“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Hebrews 6:10-12

And you know one of the best ways to not feel forgotten is to take your eyes off yourself and put your eyes back on God.  He has given each one of us so many opportunities to serve Him and reach out to those in need.  And this seems like a great day to start! So my challenge is for each one of you to pick up your sword and get ready to slice through the feelings that are bringing you down!

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Let the high praises of God be in your mouth, and a two-edged sword in your hand. (Psalms 149:6)

Rejoicing in Truth!

Recipe for Life...

I know many people that collect cookbooks… some of them don’t even like to cook, but they like to see what delicious recipes they would make if they did like to cook.  I have a cupboard full of cookbooks, some little thin, freebie ones… some big heavy ones with beautiful pictures and elaborate ingredients, I spent a fortune on… some old ones that have been passed down from family, some of these ones are literally falling apart from years of use.  I have one that was my grandma’s; I received it after she had gone to be with Jesus.  That one is my prize possession! The funny thing about that one is that it has completely come off its binding. I cannot even use it anymore… I now have to keep it in an envelope so I don’t lose any of the pages.  You might wonder why that one is so precious to me… of course it has some great, simple, everyday-type recipes… and it was a remembrance of my grandma… but what makes it so special to me is my grandma’s handwritten notes throughout the pages of that tattered book.

This made me start thinking about the “recipe” book God has given us.  His precious Word, given to us as a recipe for an abundantly blessed life.  Every ingredient you need for daily living is found in this one Book!  God’s handwritten note to us… written by my man, but authored by the  Holy Spirit.

Just think… the Bible (God’s Word) is the only gift from God’s hand to us.  In  II Timothy 3:16-17 is says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  We, as followers of Christ, need to be prepared for anything that may meet us throughout the day.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,  I Peter 3:15

How do you prepare yourself?  Read Ephesians 6:10-17. 

~Be strong in the Lord (v. 10) and by reading and receiving God’s Word is where your strength comes.

~ Put on the whole armor of God (v. 11-12) to be able to stand against the evil of this world, seen or unseen.

~ Reading God’s Word daily so you know what you believe and you can stand on that Truth.  This is the belt of truth that will hold up the breastplate of righteousness and integrity, which guards your heart. (v. 13-14)

~ Dress your feet with God’s Word, the Good News of peace, so you will be sure-footed and always walking on solid ground. (v. 15)

~ Most importantly take the shield of faith to stop the fiery darts of the enemy. (v. 16)

~ Cover your head  (your thoughts, motivations) with the helmet of salvation, always taking the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God wherever you go. (v. 17)

It is not about just reading your Bible… it is about falling in love with the Words of God.  It is not about knowledge of the Bible… it is about learning Who God is and Who He wants to be in your life.  It is not how much of the Word you are in, but how much of the Word gets in you.

Rejoicing in Truth!