Breathing Thankfulness

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

In this time of year, with Thanksgiving just around the proverbial bend, leaves falling from the trees, days shortening, and much cooler nights, we tend to be torn. Our desire is to be thankful, yet we complain about the cold, darkness, and falling leaves. What if we change our ways? What if we take Paul's advice and make the choice to always be joyful, always pray, always give thanks? What would happen?

From personal experience I can tell you that a person can choose joy. There will be moments of sorrow, but those moments don't have to last forever, nor do they get the choice to drag you down. We can choose. Hold on a moment - for those of you who are thinking "Yeah, what does she know?!" I've been there. I've suffered seasons of depression so bad that suicide looked the only way out. I've been in seasons of abandonment, depression, loss, grief... However, these things DO NOT define me. Nor do the negative things in your life define you.

In this verse is a key that unlocks the door to joy - thankfulness. When we are thankful to the Lord for the things in our life: good, bad, and ugly, He begins to do a work within us that words cannot describe. Remember, there is nothing that you will go through that God does not know about and there is nothing you will walk through that Jesus doesn't understand. If you have surrendered your whole self to Jesus and accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour, you have the Holy Spirit within you and He will guide you. Do not believe the thoughts or voices that tell you 'you are alone' or 'nobody cares' or any other negative lie.

Jesus came to this earth - leaving the perfection of heaven behind - to be our example. He grew up, suffered and died at the hands of other people. In this world things can be tough, but when Jesus is on our side, we are victorious even if it doesn't feel that way. You are not alone and you are loved more than you will ever know. Remember, Jesus' story doesn't end at the grave. He rose from the grave defeating death and hell. He is now seated at the right hand of the Father and is interceding for each and every person who calls on His name. You are not alone. You are not forsaken. Choose Jesus and choose joy.

I want to encourage you this Thanksgiving and each and every day forward to choose joy by choosing thankfulness. When you're happy, thank Jesus for something. When you're angry, thank Jesus for something.When you get down, thank Jesus for something. Look around, it isn't hard to find things to be thankful for. Make thankfulness a habit. What are you thankful for today?

Joy in Trials

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials," James 1:2 NKJV. Is this your reflex action when you encounter trials - to count it all joy? Congratulations to you if so, however, if not, welcome to the club. Now this is not a club I am proud to be a part of nor do I want to remain in it. I long to "count it all joy when I fall into various trials" and one by one slowly will learn to do just that if I consciously make the decision to accept trials with a joyful attitude.

The problem is that we have been deceived into believing that the Christian life is an easy one. We somewhere along the line bought into the idea that once we accept Jesus, everything will be easy and simple. I apologize if this is where you are. There is nothing recorded in the Scriptures that tells us that. Trust me, I have looked long and hard to find it. It's not there. However, Jesus tells us that there will be trials and tribulations but that we will never have to be alone in them (John 16:33, Hebrews 13:5). There is cause for joy!

When you read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and study Jesus' life, there is nothing simple or easy about it. He had one trial right after another. Anyone who calls themselves a Christian is claiming "little-Christ" so we are guaranteed trials. John 16:33 concludes this way, "but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Isn't that a wonderful promise? We can choose joy because Jesus has overcome the world. Dear sister and brother, trust in the Lord, count it all joy, and store your treasures in heaven. Jesus loves you so much and one day when you close your eyes for the last time and look in the face of Jesus Christ, it will all be worth it. Whatever valley you are in, whatever mountain you may have to climb, whatever the trial or tribulation you find yourself battling, count it all joy and put your faith in Jesus.

Be Still...

Psalm 46:10 (NKJV): "Be still and know that I am God."

Advent season is here - we are looking to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We spend countless hours preparing for Christmas. Cooking, cleaning, cooking, shopping, cooking, wrapping, preparing, cooking... We want everything to be just right.

During the Advent season, will we focus on the Who of Christmas this year rather than the what - for instance, what am I going to eat, what am I going to wear, what am I going to get? Are we willing to take as much time to prepare our hearts (Christ's home) as we do our homes, the food, and all the trimmings? What if we took time to prepare our hearts as well as all the other stuff? What would happen if we took time to get alone before God and confess our need to control the season and all the "stuff" we feel is so urgent and ask God to lead us and allow Him to heal us and let Him take the lead?

Are you willing to  sacrifice something you want to do, to do something He wants you to do? Are you spending time alone in prayer and keeping your heart open to hear from Him? Are you praying for strength to be obedient to Him in all things this season?

Jesus holds all of us - and this whole world - in the palm of His hand. So what if the mince pies don't get made? So what if every ornament is not in place? Are those things really as important as spending time in His presence, preparing your heart for His coming?

Jesus came to this earth the first time as a baby. The next time He comes, He's coming for us. We must be ready. No amount of shopping, cooking, or cleaning will matter on the day the trumpet sounds. I encourage you to take time each day to get before the Lord - just you and Him. Find a spot that is quiet where you can spend time in His presence and ask Him to help you to "be still and know that He is God". Let go of the endless lists of to do's and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. "Jesus is the reason for the season" - let's give Him the welcome He deserves.

May the peace and the love of Christ be with you. In Jesus' joy,
Natalie 

FREEDOM

"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:23-24 NKJV

Jesus' resurrection paved the way for us to be in relationship with the Father. We are no longer separated by the chasm of sin. Jesus paid the price: it was not free for Him. However, He made a way and it is free for us. He stepped in and filled the gap created by disobedience. What joy we can have, what fullness of life we can live!

Is your life full of joy? If not, why? We have the promise of His joy to fill us. Have you asked for it? As sons and daughters of the King of kings, we are heirs to all of His promises. In the above Scripture passage, we have a promise to receive what we ask for. The only condition is that we ask for God's will in our lives. He wants all that is best for us. Not just the good stuff, but the great stuff!! Isn't that exciting?

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,

thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and

I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me,

when you search for Me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV

He knows what He has in store for each of His children. We only need to say "YES". Saying yes can be hard to do, but when you know the One who is leading, it is much easier to follow. If you aren't ready to say yes, take some time and read, study your Bible, and pray. Get to know the Lord on a personal level. Spend time talking to Him like you do your best friend. Be honest and take time to listen. He may speak through the Word of the Bible. He may speak through Christian friends. He may speak in very unexpected ways, but I desire for you to know that He does speak. Listen carefully my dear friends, Jesus is "standing at the door and knocking. If you hear His voice and open the door, He will come in and be with you." (Revelation 3:20 paraphrased)

Dear friend, Jesus awaits. Call on Him today.

Blessed Understanding

"The unfolding of Your words gives light;

It gives understanding to the simple." Psalm 119:130 NASB

If you had an electrical problem in your house, you would probably call an electrician.

A problem with your car would find you seeking the advice of a mechanic.

When you are experiencing trouble or pain, fall to your knees and seek the One who loves you and knows you better than anyone. Jesus Christ died and shed His blood so we could have an intimate, personal

relationship with God Almighty. Don't allow anything to come between you and your Lord.

In addition to prayer, seek the guidance of the Bible. The Bible is our guide book for living.

 It has what we need to know. It teaches us how to live.

The Word of God is truth. Psalm 119:60

The Word of God is light. Psalm 119:105

The Word of God is alive and able to break through barriers. Hebrews 4:12

Not one of us is able to know all things. No one except the Lord Himself. Yet, reading God's Word

-The Bible-

will open our understanding to the Truth. The prayerful daily practice of Bible reading will teach us, strengthening our relationship with the One True God and our Lord Jesus Christ. As we listen to the Holy Spirit teach, we can develop discernment and wisdom that will enable us to hear His voice and give us the courage to follow His will for our lives.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this day. Thank you for Your promise to never leave nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for Your Word that reveals truth to us. We need Your touch and Your wisdom Lord. Pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may experience the Word of God with fresh eyes and a fresh understanding. Reveal the truths to us as You know we are ready for them. Lord, we pray for a blessed understanding of Your Word. Give us the courage and boldness to walk in Your Truth. In Jesus name, Amen.

I would like to challenge you to take time each day for the next 40 days to read from your Bible. Don't just read it to say you've done it, but pray and ask God to reveal what His Word is saying, and ask Him to direct you to apply it to your life. Some days you may read a verse or two. Other days, you may read a chapter or maybe more. How much you read is not important. Learning from and applying the Scriptures to your life is the goal of this challenge. If you miss a day, don't fret or give up. Remember, tomorrow is a new day and keep on going. He wants to spend time with you. Why not start right now? He's waiting for you!

We All Have A Purpose

In Ephesians 2:10, Paul clearly states a promise God has given to all believers, everywhere in the world, across the centuries, past, present and future. Beyond that, His promises are for believers whatever your age or station in life. Hold this one tightly. Unwrap it as though it were the most precious gift-just as all the promises in the Bible are-and apply it to your life. Remember that these gifts and promises are not to place on a shelf and admire, but are to be used in your life.

Are you ready for the promise? Here it is. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

You are His workmanship- God has created you special and individual. You are not like anyone else in this world. He has designed and fashioned you to stand out and be all He has created you to be. Who are you created to be? That is something you need to take to the Lord in prayer. He is willing and able to show you if you would just ask. Seek His will and purpose for your life. He may not speak in an audible voice, but He might. He may not give you an answer in the moment you ask, but He can. The truth is we must first seek His face with a true and repentant heart. He will guide us and direct us if we will give our hearts to Him. Guard yourselves against the schemes of the devil. He is real and he wants to destroy you. If you listen to his lies you will begin to believe many things about yourself that are not true. You were created by God and God doesn't create any junk. Dear One, you are precious in God's sight. He loves you like no one else.

...created in Christ Jesus for good works-One thing I can tell you about your purpose with confidence is this; you were created for good works. Jesus came to this Earth all those years ago to show us how to live. He forgave those who hurt Him. He loved those who were in need. He healed the lame, fed the hungry, hung out with those who on the surface looked unworthy. Can we say the same? Good works can mean a range of things. The point is this. Through prayer and quiet in the Lord's presence, He will guide and direct you into the good works He has prepared for you. It is amazing what one act of kindness can do. For instance, when you take the time to smile or say hello to someone, there is the potential to make a huge impact on another life who then may make impact on another, and so on...

...which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.-From the beginning, God had a plan for your life. He created you male or female, placed you in the city, town or village in the part of the world, in the time and generation you are in for a reason. He knew what colour your hair would be, how old you would live to be and what your purpose would be. He does not want it to be a secret. Have you taken the time to truly seek His will and plan for your life. Know that His plan is perfect and when you are walking in it, there will be trials, but along with those trails come the joy of knowing the Lord.

Having a friend and personal relationship with Jesus Christ has held me up in times I felt I would be crushed under the weight of oppression I was experiencing. A personal relationship with Jesus is the one thing in life we all seek-whether we know it or not. Whatever you may be struggling with-and we all have struggles-realize that Jesus understands. If you don't believe me, read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible and see for yourself. He is there standing at the door of your heart, knocking and waiting. He is a gentleman and will not force you, but He will be there when you are ready to accept His gifts and promises.

May He be your joy and your strength. With many blessings,
Natalie

Who Is In Control?

I must apologize for my lack of posting in the last little bit. Still, God is busy at work and He is answering prayers and moving things forward-always. Have you ever really stopped to think about what God is doing in heaven? I have. I have read through the Scriptures looking for glimpses into heaven and there are some awesome ones! Sometimes we think of God sitting on His throne basking in praise and laying back. However, the Bible tells us He is at work also. Job 1:6-12 we see God is having a meeting. It says, "the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them" (verse 6 NKJV). If you read through this portion of Scripture, it should become apparent to you that Satan is not allowed to do anything without God's say so. The Lord is in control. That is a promise you can count on. He has your best interests at heart. Sometimes in all of the day to day things: heartache, a bad diagnosis, children gone awry and anything else that you are struggling with, it is hard to see God. What if you put God in front of it all and looked at the circumstances through Him? What if you clung to the promise from Hebrews 13:5 that says, "I (meaning God) will never leave you nor forsake you" (NKJV)? When we view life through the Lord instead of the Lord through our circumstances we are left with a peace that cannot be explained. Realize that God holds the whole world in His hands, that means He holds YOU too. I pray that He will be with you and that you will accept His gift of peace, joy and love. If you do not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, scroll down to my blog post "The Greatest Promise" and accept His gift of salvation.