DO YOU DREAM DREAMS?

Walt Disney

Many people wonder if they have dreams to pursue. While others have dreams and lack the courage to pursue them. Then there are a few, who have dreams and walk out in courage to bring those dreams into fruition. A case in point of course, is Walt Disney. Thus his quote above. We all know that this was a man who had a dream, used his courage and brought his dream into reality.

Winston Churchill once said, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.

There will be many times in ones life that they will recognize they have a dream, even if it is very vague. Muster the courage and walk toward your dream. If you step out, God will help you to bring it about.

"And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome." Acts 23:11 KJV

God plants a dream in our hearts because He created us with skills and abilities so we could accomplish what He called us to do. Trust him, follow him and He will take you to places on high.

When Do You Get Boldness?

“In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.” Psalm 138:3 (KJV)


There are many reasons in life ever day that we need courage, strength and boldness in our spirit. For most of us we wait till we need them before we cry out and ask for them.


Perhaps it would be better if we prepared our hearts with God's words each day so when the time comes that we need these things, we will already have them, deep down inside of us ready to come to our aid immediately.

CAN YOU FORGIVE AND FORGET?

 

Joseph's brothers definitely did Joseph wrong in many ways because they were jealous and envious of his relationship with their father. We have all been hurt by someone in our lives and sometimes we hold grudges. The sad thing is, the grudges hold us in bondage, our unforgiveness creates unrest in our lives and misery. Nine times out of ten the other person is totally oblivious to our feelings toward them. So they aren't the ones hurt–we are.


"So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him." Genesis 50:17 KJV


Here Joseph's brothers send him a message from their father and Joseph's father asking him to forgive his brothers for the evil, the wrong, they did him. And Joseph forgave them.


It was hard on Joseph to be taken away from his father and home and sold into slavery. He did endure hardships, yet through it all, God's hand was upon him, and what was meant for his harm God produced good.

Our prayer:

Father, because of you, I can forgive those for the wrongs they have committed against me. Although it is not easy, and in the natural, my feelings are hurt you give me the strength to choose to forgive, and overcome those feelings and forgive them. What was meant for my harm you will bring good out of it. You are faithful to forgive me of my wrongs; therefore, I must forgive others of their wrongs to me. Amen

Are there people today, that have hurt you and you have unforgiveness in your heart for them? Do you wish them misery? Let go of those feelings. Those feelings are toxic and harmful to you mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Choose to forgive them. In doing so, it is you who is set free.

DO YOU HAVE GOD'S GRACE?

wikipedia.org

Grace, is a wonderful gift. It is an unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification by God. Do you feel God's grace? There are times, I have felt it so strongly, I just want to wrap my arms around it and hold it so I will always have that feeling.

It would be wonderful if we could go through the day with that feeling. Yet, we live in a fallen world and have to deal with things as they come up and with people that sometimes are not the most pleasant. Some even have hidden agendas.

It is during those times I try to remember God's words. "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times having all that you need you will abound in every good work." II Corinthians 9:8 KJV

This is God's promise to all of us who are children of God. His divine assistance is given for each of us, so that regardless of what we need to do the work we are called to do we will have all that we need to do it.

Sometimes we forget, we are not alone. He is with us, whether we feel Him or not or we get so busy and forget. Regardless He is there.

He promised He would be there and assist us. To regenerate us ( restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state) , and to sanctify us (make holy).

Doesn't it make sense then, that we should stop, and talk to Him? Asking for His help in all things. Even to the point of discussing with Him, situations, and asking Him to direct and give us direction will make our lives not only manageable but wondrous and inspiring to others.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

 

shc.edu

God said, "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Acts 2:21 KJV

God is no respecter of persons - he wants all of us saved.  How do we know that? "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. Acts 10:34 KJV

When you see a homeless person, what do you automatically think? Do you have compassion for them or disdain? I see a person that God loves dearly, so much so, that He sent His son to die on the cross for them. Just like He did for me.

If God loved them so much to do that, can we not lift them up in prayer asking God to move in their spirit and remind them how much God loves them. To let them know inside God wants to help them.

We don't know how they got there, in that place of homelessness. But we can pray for them.

"Lord God, we lift the homeless up to you. We don't know the reasons they became homeless, but you do. Come unto them Lord, let them feel your mercy, your grace and your love overflowing in and towards them. Enter into their situations and work your perfect will in their circumstances. Fill them with strength and a desire to reach out and take your hand out of their situations.  Open the doors Lord and lead them by the hand and restore to them the life you gave them, one of love, mercy and joy. Now it is with faith that I know you will work in their situations for you said whatever we ask in your name you would do. I know it is not your will they be in these situations. What Satan meant for their harm you can turn around and bring good for them. We thank you Lord for this...for moving and shaking the dregs off of their heart, soul and minds. In Jesus name, Amen."

 We who love the Lord must do our part to further God's kingdom and we do this by prayer. We are to intercede for those who need God's help. Interceding for others is important. We can also give to organizations who provide food, clothing and shelter for the homeless. They need our help to continue those services.

Let us love others as God loves us!

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

 

shc.edu

God said, "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Acts 2:21 KJV

God is no respecter of persons - he wants all of us saved.  How do we know that? "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. Acts 10:34 KJV

When you see a homeless person, what do you automatically think? Do you have compassion for them or disdain? I see a person that God loves dearly, so much so, that He sent His son to die on the cross for them. Just like He did for me.

If God loved them so much to do that, can we not lift them up in prayer asking God to move in their spirit and remind them how much God loves them. To let them know inside God wants to help them.

We don't know how they got there, in that place of homelessness. But we can pray for them.

"Lord God, we lift the homeless up to you. We don't know the reasons they became homeless, but you do. Come unto them Lord, let them feel your mercy, your grace and your love overflowing in and towards them. Enter into their situations and work your perfect will in their circumstances. Fill them with strength and a desire to reach out and take your hand out of their situations.  Open the doors Lord and lead them by the hand and restore to them the life you gave them, one of love, mercy and joy. Now it is with faith that I know you will work in their situations for you said whatever we ask in your name you would do. I know it is not your will they be in these situations. What Satan meant for their harm you can turn around and bring good for them. We thank you Lord for this...for moving and shaking the dregs off of their heart, soul and minds. In Jesus name, Amen."

 We who love the Lord must do our part to further God's kingdom and we do this by prayer. We are to intercede for those who need God's help. Interceding for others is important. We can also give to organizations who provide food, clothing and shelter for the homeless. They need our help to continue those services.

Let us love others as God loves us!

I Would Like That Peace!

Peaceful Setting. Quiet accept for the water lapping up on the sand. Slight rustle in the trees as the leaves sway with the breeze.

This is the ideal spot to sit and concentrate on words that can bring me peace. With the world in such a hurry, all of us need a particular place we can go and separate ourselves from the noise the world makes. If we can't be at this beautiful, restful spot, then we will have to picture this scene in our minds as we sit in our living room. Breathing in and out, slowly. Exhaling the cares of the world and breathing in the peace that is ours through God's words.

When I see this scene I am assured that God truly blesses each of us, everyday. Unfortunately, sometimes we don't realize it, because we are so hurried we don't see the blessings.

God's word says, "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. Psalm 34:14(KJV)

Many times we feel like we can't take the time to sit and be still and spend it conversing with God. But it is important that we do this so that we can be filled with His peace.

You will note in the verse, He tells us to seek peace...He even says pursue it.

He tells us this because it is important to our well being both physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

...listen to the water as it comes ashore and hear His calling you to peace.

DO YOU TELL HIM?

Philippians 4:6    (paraphrased) Do not be anxious about anything. In everything-pray and petition (God) with thanksgiving (if you ask him for anything or if you ask him to do something then thank him for doing it.).

So tell me, what isn't clear about that? God's word says don't be anxious...another way to put it is don't worry. Don't do it. Now obviously there is a good reason He doesn't want us to worry or be anxious about anything.  And the reason is what it does to our health. You see worry and anxiety cause our body to go into a flight or fight mode which releases chemicals into the body. These chemicals over a prolonged time cause the chemicals to become toxic to the body causing problems with our organs and muscles...on a daily basis this produces symptoms such as headaches and worse can cause strokes or heart attacks.

Okay, so now that we know worry and anxiety are bad for us. What now? God said pray. In other words talk to Him. Tell Him what's bothering you. Believe me, He wants to know. Guess what, He is the person who can do something about it. That alone is a good reason to talk to Him. Right?

Now what else did He say? He says thank Him. Yes, thank Him before you see results. Why? Because by doing so tells Him you believe He will, second, you are expecting Him to do it, and third, you are receiving it in faith.

Think about it this way...waitress comes to your table and ask for your order. You tell her what you want. Then you thank her and she leaves your table to turn your order in. She doesn't hand it to you right there, immediately because it has to be cooked. So it will take a little while. But you trust her in that she turned your order in, and you believe she is going to bring you your order when it is done and you know you will receive your order.

So there you have it. God made it where we do something, don't worry, and He does something, He handles it. This is a great partnership. He is always there waiting for us to talk to Him.

WHO STANDS GUARD OVER YOUR PEACE?

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (KJV)

Can you imagine God's peace? How great it is? He is not moved like the winds.

Sometimes I think we forget how big our God is. He is big. He is bigger than anything we can imagine. Why do we have a hard time with that? Because we can't comprehend it.Perhaps we need to take that on faith.I mean the verse tells us right up front, God's peace passes all understanding. 

The one thing we can know is He says He will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. What that means is, because we belong to Christ Jesus, God's peace will stand guard over all our thoughts and feelings. You see His peace is big enough to do this,  far better than we could.

We need God's peace. You can turn on the news or pick up a paper and see their are things going on all over the world that would block our peace. If we let them,  these things could keep our hearts and minds in turmoil and fear. 

We need to remember, we can have peace even in the middle of these things. Why? Because God is standing guard over our thoughts and feelings. And He is bigger than these problems we see.

"Oh Lord, I lift up the people who are in such turmoil in their minds and who have lost their peace. My desire is that you come into their hearts, souls, and minds so that they too can have peace that passes all understanding." Amen.

debbiemcdaniel.com

WORDS

                                                  
   I saw these words and wondered how many people know how important their words are.
   Our words can pierce a heart in an instant or they can be a soothing balm for someone who is hurting.
   But did you know your words have even more power? I think Jesus said it best in ...Mark 11:23. "For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be though removed , and be thou cast into the sea and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
    Perhaps we would be wise to listen to the words that we speak out of our mouths. What are we saying and how are they affecting us?

DREAM YOUR DREAMS

When I think of dreams, I think of the movie, Field of Dreams. And I hear those words, "If you build it they will come."

God gives us dreams. Some of us don't hear Him so those dreams are never brought into being.

Some of us hear Him but we are afraid to even try, therefore those dreams don't come into reality either. But leaves us sad and empty and sometimes bitter.

Then some of us hear Him and we heed His calling. We go out and begin putting things into motion to bring about the dream He has given us.

When we do that, we need to listen closely every day to hear his leading, nudging us in the direction to go and being confident that He will open the doors that are necessary to bring everything into fruition...after all He gave us the dream. So this gives us the assurance to know we are doing His will.

It takes courage to build the dream you are given, it takes patience, and it re-quires you to be humble and dependent upon Him daily. Each day will have periods of ups and downs. There will be times we are tired, there will be times we will get frustrated and there will even be times we will question when things seem hard or not falling into place.

The days we are tired, perhaps we tried to carry it on our own. The days we are frustrated maybe it was because we tried to make things happen.  Those times we begin to question because things seem hard maybe it's because we tried to run ahead of God instead of being patient for Him to move and open the doors.

Through all of this we will find our path if laid out by God, we just have to take His hand and let Him lead us on this path. He has a plan, and will reveal it to us one step at a time. Trust in Him.

We have to get His words down into our very being. Luke 1:37 says it best.

"For with God nothing shall be impossible." (KJV)

I am also reminded of God's word in Hebrews 6:15. "And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise."

We will do well to remember His words.

FROM HATRED TO LOVE?

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.James 2:1 (KJV)

In other words, do not practice your faith in Jesus Christ with an attitude of prejudice.

There is so much going on with the killings of black people and police officers and it has riled up everyone in not just that city but across the country.

Christ was not prejudiced. How can we justify our being prejudice? 

The anger that is blowing across this land is toxic and is causing deaths that could have been prevented.

How do we as a people fix this? How do we as a people come together, and make things better?

Yes, there are bad things happening, but there are also good things happening. We must find a way to come together to help each other. 

If you hate a man, then you hate yourself. If you hurt a man, then you hurt yourself.

It takes all of us to find a reason to respect each other. Can we lay down our hatred and come together asking God for His guidance to create an atmosphere of respect?

Don't we know, we all have the same color of blood? We all have the desire to be liked, loved, we all feel pain and hurt. The color of our skin is not the real issue, the real issue is the hatred in our hearts. The anger in our souls.

We don't have to agree with each other on issues, but we must respect the right of each to have an opinion. To shove your opinion down someones throat is in reality a sin against yourself. Why? Because you took your God given right to your opinion and forced it on someone else, it strips you of your understanding of being made in the image of God.

Differences of opinion exist, our positions as human beings are to find ways to come together as God intended to live and glorify Him. What can we do today to move toward understanding and peace in our nation?

WHAT DO GRACE, FAITH , GOD AND SANTA CLAUS HAVE IN COMMON

Sometimes we forget that God's grace is given to us freely. We don't have to buy it––even if we wanted to buy it we couldn't. It's a gift. A gift that was given to us by God because He loves us. It's free and unmerited favor of God given to us.

He says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

Faith is belief. Belief in God, belief in His word. The opposite of doubt. Even our measure of faith is given to us by God. 

www.textword.org

Don't make things complex. Just let go and trust Him. When we were children it was easy for us to believe. We believed in the "tooth fairy, Santa Claus (I still don't want to give up that one), and the Bunny Rabbit" to mention a few. 

You see children aren't complex. We believe our parents. Have you ever taken one of your toys, when you were little, to your parent and ask them to fix it when it broke? If they told you they would, then you believed them. You didn't stand there questioning them, "Now are you sure you will do this for me? Do you think I am worthy of you fixing this for me?"  No, we believed them. 

This is the relationship God wants with us. He has given us the faith, it is up to us to put it into action.

So what do grace, faith, God and Santa Claus have in common for a child?

They believe.

Lord, help my unbelief.Amen

AROUND THE WORLD IN AMERICA

The other night I was looking for a particular verse in Ephesians and happen to see this verse and quite frankly, it stopped me in my tracks.  "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."  Ephesians 2:10 KJV  I mean, since God created every one of us, how could there be so much hatred of other people? Yes, there are many different colors and many nationalities, but all created by one God.  

Look at these children, if we hate their parents, how can they be taught love thy neighbor, love others?

I heard a minister sometime ago say that if you cut down in our skin we all bled the same color. So my thoughts ran in the direction of the question why? Why do people hate other people because of their color and where they came from?

Stop and think, in each one of us, He created talents and skills to help each other, to lift each other up and to share the wonders that He so graciously created.

I thought of a time in our history where we hated other nationalities who came to our shores and we looked down on them, because they weren't like us. Now today those people are generations of Americans.

Since we are all made by the one God, does it make you want to understand where the hatred comes from?

Was that passed down from generation to generation? Think back, did you hear your parents, grandparents, and others in your family put down other people due to color of skin and where they came from?

Growing up, I never heard my parents, grandparents or others in my family utter anything unkind about anyone. In fact, my grandfather taught all of us, "If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all".

There are good people and there are not so good people. There skin color has nothing to do with whether they are good or bad. Yet, we seem to have a tendency to lump them all in one pile.

If you stop and think about those words, that we are God's workmanship, does it stand to reason then there should not be this hatred among us for others.

In truth, we do more harm to ourselves than we do to them if hatred is bubbling around in our minds and heart. For with these thoughts and feelings there can't be true joy; some physicians say hatred creates toxins in our bodies that make us sick.

Maybe we should ask God to open our eyes, to see others as He sees them, to love others as He loves them. To give us compassion and understanding, to remove hatred from our very beings.

Wouldn't you rather live in a world of love than hate?

GOD BLESS AMERICA

"God Bless America" was first introduced November 10, 1938 by Kate Smith. Irving Berlin wrote the song in 1910 as an American patriotic song and revised it in 1938 for Kate Smith. This became her signature song.

To remind us of our great country click on the link. This is the original "First Broadcast" of the radio performance of God Bless America. The first time it was heard in our country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1rKQReqJZg

If you read the lyrics, it takes the form of a prayer. The intro lyrics "as we raise our voices, in a solemn prayer..." and then "stand beside her and guide her through the night..." We have sung the song many times, but if you really read the lyrics you will understand asking God to Bless America.

Our flag is a beautiful sight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8h60mNoXYU

We need God to bless our nation. We have allowed our diversities to turn into hatred. America is a great nation, it is a free nation. We can not remain a great nation if we hate people in our own country. The freedom we all enjoy was fought and died for generations ago and it is still being fought for today. Our ancestors passed on to us this free nation, it is our responsibility to keep the nation free and pass it to our children and generations to come.

With freedom comes responsibility. God's word says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14  Let us take His words to heart. Turn to Him, seek His face and let Him heal our nation.

He promised  if we do this he would bless our nation. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance." Psalm 33:12

This Fourth of July, let's remember what God said, to humble ourselves and pray and seek His face so that our nation will be blessed.

God bless America.

ALL HOPE WAS GONE

A man’s courage can sustain his broken body, but when courage dies, what hope is left?Proverbs 18:14

When a man loses all hope, that must be the deadliest feeling of all. Too many times those feelings cause the person to end their lives. I don't believe they just woke up one morning and decided to do that, I believe those feelings built each day until finally their hope was all gone, they were in the bottom of the pit and the darkness overwhelmed them. There are many examples––Robin Williams for one. I'm not talking about the people who overdosed accidentally, I'm talking about the ones that deliberately took their own lives.

Over the weekend, a friend's nephew ended his life. He had finally come to that point, that evidently, all of his hope was gone, there was none left. So he ended it. His depression grew into the darkest and deepest hole and he couldn't see that things could get better.

In his final moments, when the light of all hope was gone, did he believe death was going to make things better. We'll never know.

When I think of his family standing at his grave my heart aches for them. There questions may never be answered and they will have to come to terms with a devastating tragedy.

God's words in Proverbs 18:14 bring forth great wisdom for us.  "...when courage dies, what hope is left?" 

If anyone suffers with depression for more than two weeks, then seek counseling with a Christian counselor. Don't try to handle this on your on.

"God, help us not to let hope die in us. Help us to put our hope in you. Be with this family and help them through the days ahead, comfort their grief. Help all of those who are suffering with depression to seek out help. Amen"

SEEDS IN ME?

Seeds! Most of us go to the grocery stores to buy our food already grown. But years ago, seeds were bought, seeds for fruit trees and vegetables planted in rows of gardens, tended and harvested for people to have food on their tables. There were no grocery stores like we have.

For a list of herb seeds click:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herblist.html

God said in Genesis 1:29, "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. For a list of fruit trees click: http://www.orangepippintrees.eu/search.aspx

We are like that. God is working in us, planting his love in our hearts; pruning us so we will bear good fruit and touch the lives of others. Watering us so we will grow. Are you growing?

BECOME HIS LITTLE CHILD?

God says, "Unless you become as a little child you shall not enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 18:3

Sometimes, it is hard when you are an adult, to understand that verse. What does God mean, become as a little child.

Something happens when we become adults. The ability to trust and believe seems to disappear. We have been exposed to the world and in that world there are people with hidden agendas, who are not trust worthy. Let's face it, we have encountered by the time we are twenty years of age, people who tell us one thing and do another. People who promise to be there, but leave. It's no wonder it's hard to be as a little child in our hearts.

When we are children our world consist of our parents. We are surrounded by people who love us and take care of us; people we can trust and depend on. When our toy is broken we go to daddy and hand it to him and ask him to fix it, we know he will. It is a safe haven.

When we need or want something we tell our parents and they provide it.

That's what it is with God. A safe haven. Becoming as a little child means we trust and believe in and on him knowing he will provide for us, protect us and help us in our daily lives.

My prayer for today is:

Lord, help me become as a little child in believing your word, trusting in you so that I may receive your blessings and be able to enter your kingdom. Amen

Know Refuge Behind His Shield?

www.medievalchronicles.com

We all have times in our lives when we need a shield put in front of us.

God is our help and our shield.

I have a secure feeling knowing that my God is my refuge and he also is my shield. He shields me from things to protect me when I need protection. It gives me a peace knowing this.

In Psalm 18:30 it says, " As for God his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him."

I don't doubt that God's word is flawless. His words are true. Yet there are times I have to remind myself that my trust should be put in Him and that I should walk by His words.

In our world today, with all the violence we would do well to remember that He is our refuge. He shield is in front of us, His children.

Perhaps in the morning we could pray this prayer.

Oh Lord my God, I know your way is perfect, that you are leading me today and that your words you say are flawless. You are my shield today and I will take refuge in you. Amen

WINGS LIKE EAGLES

Eagles are beautiful birds, majestic in their appearance. They are large and powerfully built. Longer with broad wings and faster in flight than most birds.The bald eagle is noted for having flown with the heaviest load verified to be carried by any flying bird.

Knowing this about the eagle it somehow gave a deeper meaning to the section in the verse of Isaiah 40:31 where it says..."they shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles..."

By waiting upon God for direction and His instruction it gives us the time to renew ourselves physically––reading and meditating on His word renews our spiritual strength. Then we can mount up with wings AS eagles.

Like eagles, we will then be able to soar.

God Bless.