His Money? I'm Suppose to do What?

 

Many people believe in God, but have a problem with tithing. IIf you look around the church you will see some sitting in the pews pull out a $5 or a $10, some will pull out a $1 bill. 

I am very grateful for these people because that tells me they are willing to give an offering to God. They recognize His word which they were probably taught when they were little.

When my sister and I were little girls, every Sunday morning he would have us hold out our hands and he would say, "This dime is for you to tithe to the Lord. (That would go in our right hand.) In this hand, (meaning the left) he would put another dime. This is the dime you will pay yourself. And the eight dimes left you will use for things you want to do this week."

He explained periodically that if we obey God's word and tithe he would always provide our needs.

This was every Sunday. As we grew older the amounts became a little larger until one day we were grown. 

For a few years I forgot some of the things he said, and that was one of them. But one day, after I was reading my Bible, I read the verse in Malachi 3:10. This verse in the King James Version of the Bible says, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

The Hebrew word for tithe is ma'aser, which literally translates to "a tenth part" or "ten percent".

Deuteronomy 14:22: "Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year." 

By tithing, we do several things. One, we obey God. Two, we put our focus on God. Three, we trust God to do as His word says.

What did He say He would do if we tithe? He would open the windows of heaven for us, and pour out a blessing, that there would not be room enough to receive it.

This isn't just matieral gifts such as money, providing our needs, but it gives us inner peace and favor from God.

I have been doing this for years now. I can tell you my grandfather was right, so is God's word.

It wasn't easy at first. Most of my months I didn't have much left over. But I started giving as much as I could at first, gradually I was able to give more until eventually I was giving 10 % off the top, that means gross. Then I would give my self 10% and put it in savings, somehow God provided what I needed each month.

Bless be to the Glory of God!

Have You Given Up Hope?

Hang On To Hope

 How many times in your life have you wanted to give up? You feel you have reached the end of your rope? You've tried all you know to do, and nothng has changed. Ever felt like that?

In Luke 18:1 it says "And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint..."

What Jesus is saying is always pray, don't give up, don't lose heart. By our praying we are depending on God. And that is important. Our focus is on Him as opposed to the situation. When we keep our focus on the situation we so easily can lose hope. But when you have your focus on God you don't lose hope, because you know in your heart, that God is bigger than any problem you are facing. And you know He loves you unconditionally. He will work things out for His glory and for your good. You can count on God, always.

Don't get tired of praying. Stand firm. What scriptures can you find in the Bible that speak about your situation? Write them down, repeat them. Bring them to God's attention. Stand firmly on what His word says, regardless on what is happening around you.

Many times in my life, I felt things were bad, and wasn't sure I could get through some of the situations. My hope was getting weak. Especially at night, somehow in the night things always seem worse. But in the morning they would look better, because I kept repeating His words concerning my situation, trust in Him.

I can remember plenty of times walking in my room, praying and lifting my hands to God and telling Him I believe in His words, regardless of what I see or hear or feel. Then I would thank Him for loving me and being with me. Then I would just start praising God and all His glory. Praising Him regardless of what is going on, always helps me because it feels as if the burden has lifted and clouds have parted and I see and feel His grace.

Remember, He ays for us to cast our cares over on Him because He cares for us. In His perfect time and in His perfect way He works things out that I have concern over. I trust Him with my all.

You can too!

To find more information concerning this you will find it in the following book:

How To Get Your Prayers Answered!

 How Do We Get Our Prayers Answered?

Isn't that the question we ask ourselves? When we pray, we ask God for answers to what is going on in our lives and beg him to fix them. Guess what! That is the wrong way. I have found when using this method I might as well be blowing in the wind.

Would you go up to a stranger and beg them to fix your problem? Maybe, if it were a dire set of consequences. But I have something great to tell you.

God wants to answer your prayers. He loves you more than you can imagine. But as Jesus taught us when He was on earth, you must ask in line with God's will. Do you even know what God's will is?

Here is a secret for you! His will is in His book, The Bible. Regardless as to what your problem is, His book, The Bible, tells you what His will is in that situation. So, all you must do then is align your will with His.

For example: His will for your health? To be healthy, whole, and healed. That has always been His will. Think about when Jesus was on earth, anyone, and I mean any person, who ask Him to heal them He did. Why? Because that is God's will.

Matthew 8:16-17: He healed all who were sick, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases." 

Here is another scripture: Jeremiah 30:17: "For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord." 

You will find, throughout the Old and New Testament, God's will is for us to be healed.

Get rid of your doubt! Determine to believe His word, regardless of what you see, hear, or feel.

Take a hold of His word, put it down into your heart, and know that you know that you know His will is for you to be healed.

So, whatever your problem, search the scripture for one pertaining to the problem and see what His will says. Then pray, using His words, that it be done for you according to His word.

Amen

Give Thanks To God For His Blessings!

Thanks to God for all His Blessings

It occurs to me I don't give God the praise and thanks I should every day. There is not a day that goes by He is not with me, watching over me, providing for me, protecting me, and my loved ones.

I have come to realize it isn't God who fails me, it is me who fails God. He deserves my praise and thanks every day, throughout the day.

Celebrating Thanksgiving I need to remember it is God above all that deserves my praise and thanks for all of His many blessings throughout today and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

God Is Working For Us

God Is Working For Us

 

God says he causes all things which means good things and bad things to work together for good to those who love God. This means for those of us who love God. So, if you do not love God then this does not apply to you. These are not my words these are God's words. However, if you decide to come to know God and give your heart to him and love him with all your being then this promise becomes yours too.

Who is “those God called according to his purpose” referring to? They are those who love God. He called us to be His children; he has a plan for us, and he has a purpose for us both in heaven and here on earth.

Romans 8:28 is a promise to us his children. God is always in ultimate control. There is no one higher than God, and no one can thwart his plans for us or for the world.

We can rest assured in his words that while we may not see it, he is working in all situations to bring about good for us.

Prayer:

Lord God, my heart is full of love for you. You are my Heavenly Father, you are my God Almighty, you are my Creator. Nothing can pry me from your hands. I thank you and praise you that you are working in all things that pertain to me and my life and situations. I know you are in control and pray you will help me to relax and praise you in all things, knowing you are working everything out for your glory, and for my good, both here on earth and in heaven. Amen.

Do You Plow Right In?

 Some of us plow right in to our work each morning. We don't stop, to think, that we aren't centerered or focused yet. 

What do I mean? Well, when you start your day rushing to get dressed, get to work, and start your projects you are flying by the seat of your pants, so to speak.

But when you rise early in the morning, and sit down with the one person who can open doors for you throughout the day, you will become centered and focused. 

You see, God wants you to succeed. So by praying before you begin your work day you will probably have a better than average good day. By that you have brought to Him your concerns for the day, told Him of your projects that are weighing on your mind, and explaining to Him the help you feel you need. 

What does this do? It brings your focus to your God. Who loves you more than you can imagine. Who is in your corner waiting and willing to help you in all your endeavors. He wants to help you and will share with you things that will help you throughout your workday and will open doors for you. In partnership with God you will find your day flowing a great deal smoother than if you were on your own.

Commit your work to Him, ask Him to help you and then put your trust in Him to do just that. Also, ask God to establish your thoughts throughout the day bringing them in alignment with His will.

Father, we thank you for loving us so much that you are willing to help us each day with our thoughts, our plans, our work, and opening doors for us throughout the day when needed. Bless your Holy name. Amen.

The Ultimate Control

His Is The Ultimate Control

" And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding," Daniel 2:21

If we ever doubted God has ultimate control over everything, this verse reassures us He does. He has control over the seasons, changes time, removes kings (leaders), set up kings (leaders). He also gives wisdom to the wise, knowledge to them that know understanding. In other words, those that are discerning. His plans will ultimately prevail.

Lord, our God, you word assures us you have ultimate control, divine authority above all men. I pray you will have mercy on us today. Lord, we see the outside of men, and we judge them on what they say and what they do, especially if we do not agree with them. As wise as we think we are, obviously we do not have the priviledge to see their hearts like you do. So, we are asking you to remove the leaders in our country, in every area, that are not doing what you want them to do to help and protect our country and its people. Establish leaders who have the heart of God, so they will do what is right in your sight and for the people of our country. Give them the knowledge and wisdom to listen to your direction and leading.Have mercy on us.  Save our nation Lord. In Jesus name, Amen

Let God Be With Us In Our Grief

 

God says in Psalm 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Sometimes we may wonder if God knows how much we are grieving? I can assure you He does.

When I am in grief, due to the loss of a loved one, I remember Lazarus dying, and Jesus weeping.

He was grieving for His friend. The Lord has not only sympathy, but compassion for what we are going through. He has restorative healing balm for our grief. 

We may forget when we are in the middle of grief that God is the one who will heal us for our pain. He will restore us.  He heals the broken hearted.

In Psalm 147:3 God will bind up our wounds. He is gental and caring, like a loving mother with her child's pain. The difference between a loving mother and a loving God is He can heal our suffering.

Prayer: Lord God, we trust you during our time of grief. Wrap me in your loving arms and hold me through my grief. I know you will wipe away my tears and walk with me through the night and bring me into the morning.

Our hearts go out to Charlie Kirk's wife and children, family and friends. 

Do We Remember To Bless The Lord Always?

Let us remember who our God is and give thanks for who He is. For all He does for us, now and forever.

Lord I praise you for all you are and all you do. For your mercy, grace, love, compassion, strength, and understanding.

You are magnificent in your Glory!

Nothing compares to your love for us, your children.

Help us to praise you all the days and nights of our lives.

Amen

Can You Be Thankful?

 

Bless the Lord

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Psalms 103:1-2

Yes, we are to extol, glorify, and praise the Lord. We do so when we say, “Bless the Lord.” You will notice, David is telling his soul to “bless the Lord.” We are to bless the Lord with everything in us. Bless His holy name. We also are not to forget all His benefits.

What are those benefits? Psalms 103:3-5 says, “He forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”

As you can see, we have plenty to be thankful for, plenty to praise the Lord for and bless His holy name. When we fully grasp what our benefits are, how can we not be thankful? He forgives us of our sins, heals our diseases, redeems our lives from destruction, crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies, satisfies our mouth with good things and renews our youth like the eagle’s. Those are amazing benefits.

Every day, should we not be thankful and praise Him for these benefits and for what He continues to do for us?

Each day upon rising, we could start our day by saying to God, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalms 103:1-2)

Doing this adds a bonus blessing: our day starts focused on Him. This helps us, throughout the day, to walk with Him. It also reminds us of our wonderful position in the Lord. We are His children.

 Prayer: Oh, gracious God, let praise and thankfulness be on my lips daily for these benefits you have given me. Write them on my heart so my focus stays on you each day. Amen

Excerpt from my book, Listen Close. 

Comments: email sreicert48@gmail.com

Do Not Be Afraid

 Do Not Be Afraid

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help the; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41: 10

Sometimes we humans make things complex, but God has simplified faith for us. We must choose to use our faith and believe His word and act upon it or not to believe it. That is our choice.

Why did God tell us to fear not? Because He is with us. Imagine, God is with you and me. Why? So, we will not be fearful. That seems clear and simple, doesn’t it? Fear not, because I your God am with you.

But He did not stop there. He went on to say, “Be not dismayed.” What does that word dismayed mean? It means disappointed, unhappy. A feeling of alarm, fear, or serious disappointment. God does not want us to let our courage breakdown. Why? Because He is our God. We do not need to be in stress, or lose courage, He says, “I am your God.” And let me tell you He is a big God. There is nothing impossible for Him. He can do anything.

Have you ever been fearful. . . I mean downright scared. I remember when I was a kid, we had a two-story house, and the sun was setting. I had to go downstairs to get something for my mother. Now this is during the time when we did not have air conditioning, so we kept the windows up and even our doors unlocked. There was still just enough light outside with the setting sun that I did not need to turn on a lamp.

As I walked past the windows I saw out of the corner of my eye, something move. I looked, and there was a man standing at the window. He said something, but it scared me so much, I took off running upstairs, screaming, and yelling for help. (Remember I was a kid.)

Well, they checked it out, but of course he was gone. (I guess I scared him with my screaming and yelling.) I remember that to this day, and I am eighty years old. When I walk by a window I automatically look at the window. Silly? Maybe. But what happened that day is etched in my memory.

As a child, I was not thinking God’s words, “Fear not.” My adrenalin was pumping faster than my legs were running. God had given me faith, but I did not stop and use my faith. I let fear take over and rule my thoughts, emotions, and my heart.

Do we still do that today?

Prayer:

Lord, I confess there are times when I do not obey you, and I allow fear to rule in my heart and mind. Forgive me. Help me. Help me to stand strong in my faith and rebuke fear when it raises its ugly head. Help me to remember that fear comes from the enemy to steal the peace you have given me. Amen

 

This is from an excerpt in my book Listen Close.

Want A Quiet and Peaceable Life?

 

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4

When I read these verses, I realized that God was giving us instructions as well as urging us. Exhort means urging, strongly encouraging. What is God urging us to do?

He said, “First of all,” I want to stop here a minute. God’s words “first of all” should say to us that what He is about to ask us to do is important. We are to do it first. So, what do we do first? We are to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men.

Supplication means we are making a request and bringing a petition to God earnestly and humbly for all men–for kings, those in authority (yes, even those we do not like and those in different political camps).

Prayer means entreat, implore, request. To me it is talking to God and asking God to have mercy upon all men, kings, and those in authority. Request God to help them make wise decisions for their land and its people.

Intercession means intervening on behalf of another. We can intercede for others by praying for their needs will be met, both physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial.

Giving thanks means thanking God. Once we have prayed for all men, kings, and those in authority, we need to thank God for answering our prayers for them. They need God too. By thanking God, we let Him know we expect Him to answer our prayers, and we are grateful that He does.

Why does He tell us to do this? It is for our own good. God truly wants all of us to live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Therefore, instead of bashing the political leaders, kings, and all men, we do not care for, we need to obey God (be obedient) and pray for them. Remember God is the one who can change things and people…through prayer. Our doing this will be pleasing to God. Remember, He wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.

Question: Would we rather spend our time doing what God said, so we will have peaceable lives, or would we rather spend our time spewing anger, hate, and criticizing others? Which do you think offers us peace?

I happened to listen to a late-night talk show about three years ago, (I don’t normally watch these things) and did not find their bashing people to be funny, nor find humor at the expense of another human being. Immediately, 1 Timorthy 2:1-4 came to my mind. 

Prayer: 

Lord, help each of us come to you in prayer and thanksgiving each day and intercede for all men, kings, and men in authority everywhere regardless of whether we like and agree with them or not. We pray for them to come to know you, to come into the knowledge of truth, and to have wisdom to lead so that we can have a quiet an peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Help us to realize our responsibility as a child of God to pray and interced for others, not just the ones we love and like, but also for those we do not like. Amen

(excerpt of this post taken from my book Between Me and You.)

Listen For God's Voice

 Andrew Murray said, "Nothing so effectually hinders hearing God’s voice as opening the heart too much to other voices. A heart too deeply interested in the news, the literature, and the society of this world cannot hear the divine voice. It needs stillness, retirement, and concentration to give God the heed He claims."

Oh Lord God, I ask for you to help me and my family to be still and hear your voice telling us where you want us to go and we trust you to get us there at the right time. In Jesus name. Amen

Getting and Giving!

 

This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. I think this reflects the broader theme of obedience and devotion plus the rewards of faithfully serving our God. This is what Hezekiah instilled in the people. And it works.
Hezekiah was blessed by God and prospered.


It worked then, it works now. It is important that we wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to God and obey His commandments.


I read somewhere that sacrificial giving is of God's people. But it goes deeper than giving our money, time and talents. It goes down to the core of our sacrificing the necessary things in our own lives so we can draw close to God. Once the people drew close to God they could serve others better. This means we could too. It isn't all about us getting, it is truly about us giving.


Blessings!

A Brief Rest

 God said, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

God is so gracious to us. He knows when we need rest. Several weeks ago, I had

retina surgery and rested my eye. It is healing and I am doing well. During this time

I followed the Lord's words and rested.

Looking forward to being back within a few days.




God blessings to all!

Change In Life

Philip Doddridge wrote "Blest are the humble souls that wait with sweet submission to His will; harmonious all their passions move, and in the midst of storms are still."

Sometimes we get very discouraged with ourselves. We try working on the faults we see and it gets us frustrated when we don't see change. Be patient with yourself as you would with others. Just ask God to help you each day change the things that you can change and trust Him to change the things He can change.

Change in life is inevitable, but making sure those changes are from God takes prayer and seeking His will for your life. 

When change comes that is not of God, it is wise to again, go to prayer and seek His will in the situation and His guidance.

Maya Angelou said, "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it."

Blessings!

Will Not Taste Death

Jesus told his disciples that some of those standing there would not taste death before they saw the kingdom of God come in its power.

There are many differing explanations. But it is mostly attributed to the coming of the Holy Spirit being breathed on those in the Upper Room. Some say it was referring to the Transfiguration. 

I have heard and read other descriptions but I think the two above have more credenence. 

But if you remember, in Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, and Luke 9:28-36, it talks about the Transfiguration. Three disciples, Peter, James, and John, saw Jesus in a special glory. 2 Peter 1:16-18 also refers to it on the mountaintop. Jesus shone with a great bright light and Moses and Elijah appear and Jesus speaks with them.

So Peter, James and John saw Jesus standing in His Glory.

The description about the Holy Spirit being breathed shows great power coming from God to be on and in those who would be about the work of Jesus, spreading the gospel.

The important thing I think for me, is to know that Christ was and is the Son of God, and He is going to return and His Kingdom will be established forever.

Blessings!

Can You Be A Special Messenger?

 

Paul, was a special messenger. An Apostle. Jesus Christ chose Paul personally to represent Him for the faith of God’s chosen ones. Jesus wanted Paul to lead and encourage them to recognize and pursue the knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness. Who better to represent Him than a man who persecuted Him and His followers in the beginning and who had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ himself on the road to Damascas. He could speak with conviction and truth.

The Lord wanted them to have hope and a divine guarantee of eternal life, the life which God, who is ever truthful and without deceit, promised before the ages of time began.

This is what God has given us. Truth. A divine guarantee of eternal life with Him. The Lord has loved us so much that He wants us to have hope, yes, but also to have that guarantee of eternal life with Him.

We can be like Paul, and share this news with those who do not know it. 

Don't forget Jesus gave us instructions, he said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (AMP)

Blessings

Making The Right Choice

"Every act of irreverence for life, every act which neglects life, which is indifferent to and wastes life, is a step towards the love of death. This choice man must make at every minute. Never were the consequences of the wrong choice as total and as irreversible as they are today. Never was the warning of the Bible so urgent: 'I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life, that you and your children may live.'" Erich Fromm


What we seem to forget is that God loves us. He sent His son to die on the cross for all of us. He created us. But remember it is up to us to accept what He did for us and receive it so we can become His children. If we reject it, then we are not His children.


I accepted Christ along time ago, about 72 years ago. I made a choice because I love the Lord. And I know He loves me. My children made the choice to choose Him because they love Him. We are grateful, yes, but we also accept the responsibility that comes with the fact that we are His children – praying for those who have not accepted. Spend some time each day talking to the Lord and praying for those you know who need the Lord.


Blessings!

Were You In The Locked Room?

 

Jesus said, "Peace be unto you."

Imagine you were with the disciples in the Upper Room; the doors are locked. Everyone is afraid of the Jewish leaders coming after them.

Not only were they fearful, for their lives, but they lost their rock, Jesus. The man they leaned on, and depended on. He was with them for over 3 years, teaching them. Their friend. They could always count on Him. They ate with Him, played, slept, and prayed with Him. Now He was gone.

Their whole world had been turned upside down. They didn't know what to do. They were in the upper room, the last place they had been with Jesus.

What is it like for you sitting there with the disciples?

Then suddenly, a man appeared in the room. They aren't sure who He is and they are wondering how he got in the locked room.

The man says, "Peace be unto you." When he said this, he held out His hands and shewed them His side. It was Jesus.

Can you imagine how thrilled the disciples were to see Him. Their joy knew no bounds. There world was turning right-side up again.

You are with them in the room, how do you feel? The man who was cruicified, dead and buried is here with you again.Truly He is the Son of God.

Blessings!