DOES BEING A CHRISTIAN GUARANTEE A PERFECT LIFE?

Posted on September 10, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

I have moments when I get depressed and anxious.  At times I ask God, why are certain things happening to me?  Why are there still problems, sickness, confusion, fears?   Why do I try to measure up to someone else – why must we suffer?   Why – why – why?

Looking at the events in the world it seems that Satan is winning.  Everything is spinning out of control.  We’re at a point in history when many have given up on our government. We think there is no hope.  Pills are dispensed to give us a better outlook on life and to help us cope.

When you’re a Christian your supposed to believe that God has a purpose for your suffering.  Satan uses these words on us daily, to make us feel unworthy, lacking faith, not having complete trust. Some days I just want to  throw in the towel.  I often feel that my faith is crumbling – that I’m not praying enough – that God isn’t listening anymore.

The truth is that God is doing some of His greatest work when He allows us to go through trials.  He is molding us into stronger individuals – increasing our mettle – building our character.  Those are inspiring words, but our human nature tells us that if God loves us, He should be blessing our lives not cursing them.

We tend to play the blame game too often and sometimes put the blame on God Himself.  If we were to get what we truly deserve, we would all be spending eternity in hell.

I have seen so much good come from the adversities in my life.  I can’t help but believe that there is a purpose for all things – even the bad stuff.  Instead of complaining, let’s thank God for the problems that plague us daily, because through them, He is showing His enduring love for us.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

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TEN REASONS TO CELEBRATE GRANDPARENTS

Posted on September 7, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

GrandparentsDay2-1

Today is National Grandparent’s Day.  There isn’t nearly as much hullabaloo as occurs on Mother’s or Father’s Day, but grandparents can play an important role in your child’s life.  I have compiled a list of ten reasons why :

  • They love your children unconditionally.
  • They give  their love first, their wisdom second and stuff third.
  • They have time to spend with them which they didn’t have when you were growing up.
  • They listen to them.
  • They believe your children are the most amazing thing you’ve ever done.
  • They teach, share and have confidence in them.
  • They pray for your children.
  • They believe that your children will accomplish great things.
  • They give every last ounce of energy they have to spend time with them.
  • They enjoy their company.

It’s a great blessing to be a grandparent.  You get to see your children through your grandchildren.  You  see many of the things you missed because you were too busy, too involved in creating the perfect life for them or just plain too tired.  God gives us that second chance just like He gives us a second chance to live in eternity with Him.

My granddaughter said it best on a handmade Christmas card she gave me a couple years ago.  “You’re the best grandma – on my mother’s side.”  She has always been an equal opportunity grandchild.

So to all you grandparents out there – enjoy this day.  It’s your second chance to be a parent for a little while again.  The best part of it is you can always return them at the end of the day.

Posted in aging, Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, goals, Inspiration, Life, Optimism, parenting, Religion, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

HAS AMERICA CHANGED SINCE 9/11?

Posted on September 6, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Psalm-10-17-18

We’re coming up on the 13th anniversary of one of the most horrific attacks on America within her borders.  To many of us it was a day we will never forget.  To some of us – it’s just a sad memory.  To those who were not yet born, it’s just a day in history.  To most Americans it was a day that brought us together briefly as a nation.

That horrible tragedy was a wake-up call for our nation.  We thought we were invincible – that our borders were secure – that we were the most powerful nation in the world.  We were wrong.  Something happened on that day that goes much deeper than the loss of many lives and the never ending sorrow for those they left behind.

I remember driving in my car that day with a feeling of insecurity.  The freedom that had always abounded in my country was suddenly snatched away.  I became suspicious.  I feared that this was just the beginning.  I began to look at people differently.  My level of trust waned.

Here it is – only 13 years later – and our nation’s patriotism has once again gone stagnant.  We don’t always trust our own government.  We look at people who are different than us with suspicion in the back of our minds.  We have become even more self-indulgent as a nation than we were before.  We live in an anything goes society with respect to morality.  We have been told to accept every kind of behavior without question or we are guilty of profiling or being politically incorrect.

One memory of that day still lingers in my mind.  We had a special service at our church that night to pray for those lost and for our country.  A new patriotic fervor rose from the ashes of destruction and people showed their best sides again.

Unfortunately that fervor has drifted away in just a few short years.  Terrorism is still a threat – not only in the United States – but to the entire world.  We need to be re-inspired as we approach this day.  Our country is full of good people who care about her.  We are a nation founded on hope and God’s values.  We cannot let the evil of this world win.  Our God is much greater than anything the devil has to throw at us.  Let’s never forget that He is in control.

 

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OUR TIME OF GRACE

Posted on September 5, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

So Charleston nov 1 2011 015-001

If Jesus defeated the devil, why is he still allowed to walk the earth?  This is a question that many folks ask of us Christians.  It’s a question we Christians often ask too, especially when we see the way our world has been turned upside down in every way and our own disappointments and failures seem to mount up daily.

We see that demon at work in every area of life and he almost seems to be gaining more and more control. Is it possible?  Is he winning?  Has he broken free of the chains God encased him in when His own Son died on the cross for our redemption and rose from death to  give us freedom.

We look at the evil erupting through radical Islam and a holy war which seems hell-bent on destroying everyone who doesn’t believe as they do. We see violence erupting in our streets on a daily basis.  We see young children experimenting with mind altering drugs to cope with the stresses they should never have to face.  We see the elderly praying for their lives to end so they can enjoy the benefits of heaven.  We see corruption all around us – in government, business, the workplace, even in our churches.  We seem to be exposed to inconceivable acts of inhumanity even within the walls surrounding families today.

WHY?  Why does God allow Satan to do his dirty work?

James 4:6-7 talks about how we have been given the opportunity to decide for ourselves.  God is not a great puppet master, controlling us from heaven.  He created us with logical minds; with the ability to choose; with free wills.  He wants us to be the decision makers.  I believe that God gives us this time to do just that.  It’s our time of grace – our time of decision – our time to share with others.

Satan has been defeated!  He will never be able to control those who put their faith in Jesus.  Christ gained the victory over him, but not all of us will enjoy the benefits of this amazing work.  If we choose to live by His commandments, trust in His promises and give ourselves fully to Him, we are guaranteed a place in heaven.  If we choose to go our own way and follow the evil offered by this world and the father of lies, we can count on eternity in hell.  It’s as simple as that.

 

 

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NOTE TO TWEENS, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS

Posted on September 2, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

self-esteem-activities

I’ve spent many years instructing young people and even though our world has drastically changed over the years – the basic fears, hopes, dreams and self-esteem of our kids hasn’t.

When you go from child to teen you’re entering a totally new world – one that expects you to  look a certain way; wear clothes that fit the mold; feel a specific way.  In addition, you have so many changes going on in your physical self.  Your body is going through a  metamorphous.  Your face breaks out – your voice changes – your body is growing- your emotions are on a constant roller coaster ride – you try to fit in and follow peer pressure.  To top that off, you’re living in a world filled with violence, inhumanity, wars, hatred and confusion and the push for success is immense.

You’re told to act your age, but you still enjoy doing childish things. Your parents want you to make decisions you aren’t prepared to make.  You begin to question the world – your friends – your parents – your religion.

This is the time in your life that you need something to trust in – someone to depend on – someone to take care of  you.

God has created you for a purpose.  You weren’t an accident.  God doesn’t make mistakes.  You’re His creation and you’re a masterpiece.  Take a look at what you are in His eyes.  He loves you with a love you will never experience in this world.  He wants you to come to Him when you are lost, hopeless, desperate.  He’ll never give up on you.  If you make mistakes, He’s always waiting to forgive you. He doesn’t want you to worry.  He loves everything about you – even your faults.

Invite Him to sit in your desk with you.  Make Him your BFF as you walk this new path.  With Him, all things are possible – especially YOU!

 

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, Inspiration, parenting, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

ANOTHER DAY OFF?

Posted on September 1, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

funny-labor-day-quotes-pictures4

With almost 10% of the work force unemployed in our country, Labor Day is just another day off for many.  We are a nation founded on hard work.  Most of us enjoy working hard and gain great satisfaction from the jobs we do.  Some of us even have to work on Labor Day if we are in the retail business.

Labor was instituted by God when He placed man in the Garden of Eden.  He gave Adam charge over all the animals and plants and gave him the job of caring for them.  It wasn’t until mankind succumbed to Satan’s lies that work became difficult and sweat producing.

Work is a good thing.  It’s especially good when you’ve gone many months without a paycheck.

As we enjoy this Labor Day let us thank God for giving us the ability to work – for providing jobs that will help others – for keeping us healthy enough to continue doing the work we need to do to survive- for looking after us, even when we don’t have a job – for giving us fulfillment in the work we do – and for giving us the most amazing commission ever … spreading the good news of His great love for us.

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WHERE CAN WE GO TO HIDE?

Posted on August 29, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

fortress

The face of the world is becoming more and more hideous with time.  It seems that lately the news is filled with injustice towards humanity –  beheadings of children and mutilations of others.  A day doesn’t  go by when the headlines aren’t full of hatred and war.  Our own city streets are filled with stories of gang related crimes, domestic violence and crimes of passion.  It just makes us want to run away and hide.

Our children have to fear for their lives as they go to school – the middle aged pray that they will have their jobs tomorrow – the elderly hope they will be able to last as long as their shrinking incomes.  College graduates pray for jobs that will pay off their student loans.  Teens face a whole new type of bullying on the internet.  Stress, depression and angst are commonly used terms.   There’s a pill to handle just about any ailment and yet we are a people who often lose hope.

We can’t hide from the evils of the world.  They will always be with us, but we have a place where we can receive comfort and refuge.   God has promised to be with us in all adversity.   We can trust His promise even when things are crumbling down around us.  His protection will never fail.  It is like a perfect suit of armor which cannot be penetrated.

Help me, Lord, to always come to you with confidence in your everlasting faithfulness.  I know that you are the only sure thing in this life and the next.  Your love endures forever and I will always trust in your promise of a perfect life to come.  Amen!

 

 

 

 

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WAKE UP!

Posted on August 28, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

For some reason I overslept this morning.  Over sleeping for me is anything later than 6AM.  Now my computer is acting weird and trying to write a new post seems to be out of the question.  I also have a 10 o’clock date with my granddaughter and who knows what auto correct might do to my words.  In other words, I’m a bit frazzled this morning!

We watched the old movie, “City Slickers” last night and it still cracks me up every time Jack Palance sings, “Tumbling Tumbleweed.”  There are so many funny lines in that movie, but good old Jack had some good advice for the struggling “almost” 40 something Billy Crystal.  He said that there was really only one thing important in life and that it was up to Billy to figure it out.

What’s important in your life?  Have you figured it out yet?  I reckon I know what it is.  It’s time to wake up!

I guess there’s more than one way to look at that answer, but it applies in all areas of our lives.  We can’t sleep through this veil of tears.  We have to be aware of the work that needs to be done in a sin sick world.  We must truly WAKE UP!

Have a good day!  Gotta go – I’ve got a date!

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, Family, Life, parenting, Religion, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

words

Posted on August 27, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

At first I took a pencil in my hand and etched words onto a lined tablet.
Penmanship was still alive and cursive script soon covered linen pages.
As time passed by, my fingers learned to fly across a manual typewriter.
I then began a long relationship with electricity and white out.
In later years I met a word processor who quickly took its place.
An oversized hard drive and screen was next until I met my laptop.
I’ve come full circle. My words are now tediously typed with stylus on tablet.
The tools change, but the words have just become more embellished.

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WALLS

Posted on August 27, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

walls

Walls are intended to keep something enclosed and safe.  They can also be used as a barricade against an enemy.  The muscles of the abdominal wall are designed to protect our internal organs. Walls separate one room from another creating privacy or another living space.

In ancient times walls were built to determine boundaries- to set up a defense against the enemy – to keep the bad guys out and the good ones in.  We still have boundaries, but most of the time they are just lines on a map.

We build walls around ourselves to keep things out, but in so doing we are also limiting ourselves.  There is safety in being walled in, but some of our freedom is being eaten away when we build them so that no one can get in and we aren’t able to get out.

God places His protection around us each day – like an invisible barrier against evil.  He also allows the walls to be broken down from time to time.  He gives us the ability to think for ourselves – He endows us with the capacity to make the right choices – He gives us a free will – He doesn’t hold us back when it comes to sharing His love with others.

Our sure defense is our heavenly Father, but He doesn’t want us to hide behind a wall.  He wants us to be brave and courageous when it comes to talking about what He has done for us.

Let’s break down the walls of selfishness – abuse – ignorance – fear – loneliness – hate – sadness, and all the other negatives – always knowing that God will be with us in the battle.  Turn those walls into a path instead.  Open the door and spread the love.

 

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Thank you, Lord!

Posted on August 24, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Thank you, Lord, for giving me breath and life and for your gift of the Holy Spirit which has been working within me since my baptism. Each day you provide all that I need for my physical and spiritual needs. You hug me with your mighty arms and protect me from the evil one. You have a plan for my life even in my old age.

Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus. He lived a perfect life, showing by example how we should lead a servant’s life – always putting others before ourselves. My gratitude overflows because He took my place on the cross. He died so I might live and He conquered death by returning to life proving to me that I will also share eternity with Him.

Lord, thank you also for the trials I face each day. Thanks for planting confidence in my heart so I can overcome them. I have never suffered starvation or abuse, but I pray for those who have, so they may find peace through you – especially for those who are dying defending your name.

God, I have no gift to lay at your feet, but you treasure me more than gold. I cannot save myself, but you love me so much that you made my salvation possible. All I can do is give you my heart forever ad trust completely in you for my strength, my hope, my daily bread, my salvation. I know it is in the best possible hands! Amen.

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I’M CONFUSED – WAIT, MAYBE I’M NOT!

Posted on August 22, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

 

confusion

We have so many things in our lives which cause confusion.  We try to decide which college to attend – who to marry – how many children to have – where to live – what our goals are.  Everything can become a challenge to our mental state at times. 

I believe that confusion creates solutions and that most of our problems can be solved in one way or another.  We may never move mountains, but we can re-distribute a pile of dirt.  We might not achieve great monetary success in life, but we have many opportunities to succeed.  The world will never be at complete peace, but we can do something personally to create peace in someone’s mind or bring the comfort of God’s promises to those whose minds are at unrest. 

Confusion will spawn imagination – imagination thrives on creativity.  I am a creative person and I’m also married to one.  It usually takes my mind a while to catch up to his entrepreneurial ideas, but I have learned to trust his thinking, even when I don’t get it.

When we become overwhelmed by confusion, we need to turn that befuddlement over to the One who created the earth, the universe and all that’s in it.  He can make sense out of chaos.  He has all the answers.  He will set us on the right course. 

Right now it may seem that you are facing complete disorientation.  When the storm is over, you will see God’s hand in it.  You will someday realize that all of this had a purpose for the final outcome.  God knows what He’s doing.

 “I’m not confused, I’m just well mixed.”  Robert Frost

 

 

Posted in aging, Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, goals, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, Optimism, parenting, reflections, Religion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

DELIVER US FROM EVIL

Posted on August 20, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

trouble

Someone once wisely said, “Relying on the government to protect your privacy is like asking a peeping Tom to install your window blinds.”  Every day we hear about how our privacy is being invaded.  The internet, the IRS and identity theft are all tools whereby the bad guys can get into our lives and disrupt them.

These insidious and frightening acts of invasion are creeping into our lives and can affect the most unsuspecting of us.  A whole new industry is opening up to protect against these blatant assaults, but how do we truly arm ourselves from the dangers of this world?

Dear Heavenly Father, you deliver me from evil every hour of every day.  I can’t get up or lay down without your loving arms wrapped around me.  You fend off the arrows of the evil one – you watch so I don’t stumble and fall – you guide my steps onto the right path – you provide me with the armor of your salvation.  Help me to cope with the dangers of this world and give me confidence that you are in control of al things.  Thank you for the security of your watchful eyes and the strength and power of your love for me.  Amen.

 

 

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IMAGINE

Posted on August 19, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Have you ever looked at clouds and watched “them come to life right before your eyes? It’s something most of us do as children, but can still enjoy as we grow older.

Last night as we were driving home, I had the experience of checking out God’s great expanse of the twilight sky.  We were outside the city limits and you don’t always get a glimpse of a sky where I live.  I could see a storm developing and passing through the white thunder clouds above.  The lightening skipped through these enormous, darkening cotton balls, exposing their radiance in its wake.

There before my eyes – images of flying elephants – Pinocchio with his long nose and silly hat – an alligator which quickly transformed into a fish and again into a snake.  I could’ve sworn I saw Walter Mtthau and Bob Ross up there too, but that’s a whole different story.

Sometimes when we get older our imaginations take a vacation. We lose some of those childlike conceptions of the world around us. I suppose it’s because we don’t always exercise that God given talent.

 I hope I never completely lose track of my ability to imagine or pretend. It is the beginning of all creativity and a necessary part of who we are.

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.”

Dr. Seuss

 

 

 

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MY CONFIDENCE

Posted on August 18, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

 

If you knew me well, you would soon come to see that I don’t have a lot of confidence.  I sometimes lose heart when things get tough –  I often try to handle things myself with little success –  I don’t like to chances  – I need someone to lean on.

Fortunately I have been blessed with a loving spouse and a family and friends I can count on. Even if I didn’t have those things in my life I do have someone who will walk me through any kind of trouble, fears, anxiety, as well as to rejoice in my successes and hopes fulfilled.

Each day we are called upon to take chances.  We get married and start a family without really knowing the obstacles we might face.  We make investments in real estate, our education, a business and the stock market without any guarantees. When we face old age, we might even take some foolish risks to empty our bucket list.

When Joshua began his military career, God gave him some good advice.  He told him to be strong and courageous – that He would be with Joshua in the battle even as He is with us in all that we do.

Does this mean we should take chances without hesitation?  God wants us to walk in His path – not our own.  When we give our lives over to Him, He has promised to stand with us in all that we do in His name.  Our job is to put our confidence in His guidance.  We are to use our brains to figure out the options, but leave the final decision to Him.  When He gives us the answers we need, we will know it and will give us peace in our decisions.

So where does your confidence come from? 

Lord, I often feel helpless in a world so full of trouble, but you have shown me time and again that I’m never alone.  I thank you for the blessings you have given me – especially the confidence to trust in you.  I constantly need your reassurance and you generously give it to me.  I praise your Holy Name!  Amen.

 

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HOW TO OBTAIN WISDOM

Posted on August 17, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

 

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It seems that man is always searching for wisdom.  We try hard to obtain it – we struggle with obstacles that get in the way of it – we always fall short of achieving it.  The first human beings fell victim to the wiles of the devil when he suggested that they would become as wise as God if they ate from the forbidden tree.  That demon really knows how to put the right spin on the temptations he lays before us.  The fact that Eve gave into that desire and then convinced her husband to do the same, put the entire population into the throes of sin. 

We can never be equal with God – we can’t understand all that He does – we have no grasp on his amazing power and glory – we don’t rely on Him the way we should. 

Job in all his suffering, still hung on to the hope that God was in control of his circumstances and He would deliver Him in one way or another.  He trusted God’s almighty power.  He was in complete awe of that strength.  Through God, he was relieved of all his misery and sorrow at just the right time.  Through God he was restored to good health and prospered even more – not because of anything he did – but because God is awesome and He loves His children.  He will never allow them to suffer more than they can handle.

I don’t think I’d be able to hang in there as long as Job did – especially with friends like his – but I know that I am a redeemed child of God and that no matter what happens in this life, I have the hope of a future in eternity in a new body.

Wisdom doesn’t come through college degrees.  It doesn’t come from years of learning more and more through experience.  Wisdom comes from God, but first we must put our compete trust in His promises.

Job 28:28 “The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

Dear Lord, you are the Master of the universe – you alone are almighty, omnipotent and omnipresent.  Without you, I have no value, but you have redeemed me with the ultimate price – your only Son.  I praise and thank you for presence in my life.  Amen!

 

 

 

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I’M NOT DEAD YET!

Posted on August 16, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

283310_II Cor 4 16-17 ~Sweet to the Soul 61_758412361_n

I’m of an age where most of my friends and myself are slowly falling apart.  We lack the energy we had when we were only 20 years younger.  Our faces show new lines and wrinkles each day.  Our skin is losing its elasticity – our joints and teeth are being replaced –  our organs are being tuned up and our get up and go has got up and left.  I thought going through middle age was tough.  Getting old is not for the faint of heart. 

The wonderful fact is that if we are grounded in God, and believe that Jesus died to pay for our sins and rose again to a perfect body – we too have that to look forward to.  Our life doesn’t end in death – it’s just the beginning.

These latter years gives us the time to exercise and build up our spiritual bodies.  We can spend quiet moments reading God’s Word.  We can share our faith with others.  We can learn to depend on Him to give us inner strength in the remaining days of life.  Though our outer shell is slowly dying, our inner strength (the part that really counts) is getting pumped up to capacity.

Old age doesn’t have to mean death and an end to things.  We still have time left to do God’s will.  It’s a time of grace which has been given us by our Creator to share this good news with others.  I still have a lot of living to do on this earth, but if I should die tomorrow, I am confident that I have eternal life waiting for me – and a new body. Woo hoo!

 

 

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Funny Friday

Posted on August 15, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

This has been a week of disturbing news. It’s time for a little humor. I believe a good belly laugh can do wonders for a sagging spirit. We can’t let all this gloom and doom drag us down.

My life has been a series of funny events. Last week my husband and I participated in an enrichment camp for kids. The children ranged in age from 6-11. While some of them were waiting backstage to go on, one of them came running to my director’s chair and said,”The boy who is supposed to be my husband was picking his nose, I slapped his hand because it was gross. I thought I better tell you in case he says something.”

I really had to chuckle – not only because of the incident, but that she was basically telling on herself and covering all her bases? Children are one of the best sources of humor

I’d love to hear one funny thing that’s happened to you. We all could use a good laugh.

Posted in Encouragemet, Family, Life, Optimism, parenting, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

TEN REASONS WHY I BELIEVE IN GOD

Posted on August 15, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

acts-412

Our world is full of skeptics.  We tend to question everything.  One of the first words out of our mouths is “why?”   We want proof.  We want evidence.  We insist on facts.  Faith is for sissys – right?

We learn by asking questions.  Accepting everything could easily lead to a path  to nowhere.  Here’s a list of reasons why I believe in God – I’m leaving out the part about faith, because that isn’t clear evidence – it’s something that grows within us when God’s Spirit comes into our heart.  Most skeptics don’t want any part of it anyway.

  • Placement of the Earth in the Universe. – Our planet is placed just the right distance from the sun and moon to allow for the gravitational pull necessary for us to stay grounded.
  • Everything in this world is perfectly designed. Each thing is made up of geometric shapes and patterns that couldn’t have just happened.  They had to have been thought out by a perfect architect.
  • The intricacies of the human body. Each individual is comprised of different DNA. Each cell is important.  No two people have the same fingerprint.  The design of each of the systems within the body has a purpose. 
  • Water & Oxygen – These elements were designed to sustain life. Nothing can survive without them.  They had to be put here for that reason.
  • Uniform laws of Nature – All living things were born with abilities for survival – whether they are animals, fish, birds or human beings.
  • Knowing the difference between right and wrong – Even the atheist has that knowledge. I believe it’s born into every one of us.  It’s in us as a natural mechanical device to steer us in the right direction.
  • The human brain – has around 100 billion neurons with about a quadrillion connections. The amount of memory able to be stored in that organ is way beyond any computer.
  • Archaelogy – Every day new discoveries in this area are proving events and catastrophes that occurred in the Bible, including the Great Flood.
  • History – All throughout history man has been in search of a higher being. The true God of the Bible has continued to exist for centuries.
  • Jesus – Is God made manifest in human form. He is living proof that God exists because He is God.

This is just a partial list, but I think it’s a good conversation starter to have with anyone who doesn’t believe in God.   I also believe that the Bible is our communication line with God. The answers are all there.

TEN REASONS WHY BELIEVE IN GOD

The world is full of skeptics.  We tend to question everything.  When we’re children one of the first words out of our mouths is “why?”  That question continues throughout our lives.  We want proof.  We want evidence.  We insist on facts.  Faith is for sissys – right?

 

It’s good to question things.  That’s how we learn.  If we go through life accepting everything we could easily walk onto a path that leads to nowhere.  Here’s a list of reasons why I believe in God – I’m leaving out the part about faith, because that isn’t clear evidence – it’s something that grows within you when God’s Spirit comes into your heart.  Most skeptics don’t want any part of it anyway.

 

  • Placement of the Earth in the Universe. – Our planet is placed just the right distance from the sun and moon to allow for the gravitational pull necessary for us to stay grounded.
  • Everything in this world is perfectly designed. Each thing is made up of geometric shapes and patterns that couldn’t have just happened.  They had to have been thought out by a perfect architect.
  • The intricacies of the human body. Each individual is comprised of different DNA. Each cell is important.  The design of each of the systems within the body has a purpose.
  • Water & Oxygen – These elements were designed to sustain life. Nothing can survive without them.  They had to be put here for that reason.
  • Uniform laws of Nature – All living things were born with abilities for survival – whether they are animals, fish, birds or human beings.
  • Knowing the difference between right and wrong – Even the atheist has that knowledge. I believe it’s born into every one of us in our conscience.  God put it there as a natural mechanical device to remind us of our dependence on Him and our ability to live with others.
  • The human brain – has around 100 billion neurons with about a quadrillion connections. The amount of memory able to be stored in that organ is way beyond any computer.
  • Archaelogy – Every day new discoveries in this area are proving events and catastrophes that occurred in the Bible, including the Great Flood.
  • History – All throughout history man has been in search of a higher being. The true God of the Bible has continued to exist for centuries.
  • Jesus – Is God made manifest in human form. He is living proof that God exists because He is God.

This is just a partial list, but I think it’s a good conversation starter to have with anyone who doesn’t believe in God.  I also believe that the Bible is our open line of communication with our Creator.  The answers are all there.

Dear God, I know that there are many who need you in their lives.  I might come off as sanctimonious sometimes.  Help me to stay grounded in my faith and in your Word.  Use me in any way to reach others with your truth.

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, reflections, Religion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS PEACE?

Posted on August 14, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

peace

It seems each day brings more and more news of wars and terrorism.  Even in the safety of our  homes we are exposed to an evil world of hatred and anger.  It’s pretty hard to find any peace of mind when everything around you is anything but free from turmoil.

It can be difficult to walk through life with perfect peace, but wars and rumors of wars aren’t new.  They’ve been around ever since humanity fell into sin. People aren’t always satisfied with their own boundaries – many seek power by overtaking others and obtaining land – in some cases the call for a holy war becomes anything but holy.  People are destroyed, nations fall, calamity ensues and rationality takes a back seat.

So where do we go for peace when all of this is waging around us?  God tells us to come to Him.  He invites us to the security of His arms.  He cuddles us in His soft wings and let’s us know that we will be OK as long as we trust in Him.  Sounds too easy, doesn’t it?  Some might even say it’s foolish to believe in anything that isn’t right in front of your face.

As human beings we want to control things.  We don’t want to depend on someone else.  It seems useless to trust in something you can’t see, but that is exactly what faith is – believing something without any logical proof.  We may not be able to see God, but we have evidence of His existence in creation –  in the dawn of each day – in each birth that takes place – in the weather – in His Holy Word

We will never experience perfect peace in this world., but we can have a taste of it when we become acquainted with the Prince of Peace.

 

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Inspiration, Life, reflections, Religion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments