House Rules... ♥

Be True to Your Heart And Your Dreams Will Come True!

Be True to Your Heart

And Your Dreams Will Come True!

written by Debra Ruegg-Jenkins

Stay true to all your beliefs and goals.

Stand tall.

Through all life's setbacks and disappointments,

your dreams will come true.

When no one else is with you,

and no one seems to care,

just whisper to yourself,

"I am the controller of my destiny.

It's up to me what comes to pass,

and if I keep my thoughts positive and strong,

my dreams will come true."

When what seem to be impossible obstacles

stand in your way, just think of all the times

you got through yesterday.

There is a place for you in this world.

Stay on your chosen path.

All the power is within you;

be true to what is in your heart.

Be honest within yourself;

if you are, then you cannot fail.

Your dreams will come true.

Inspiration To Touch Your Soul... ♥

Don't Give Up! Your Dreams May Be Closer Than You Think!

Don't Give Up!

Your Dreams May Be Closer

Than You Think!

written by Vicki Silvers

There may be times when you feel

as if you have taken a million steps towards

your dreams, and acted on your plans, only to find

yourself in the same place that you began from.

At times like this, you must not give up.

You must continue on. Though you may feel

lost, bewildered, and alone, continue to believe

in yourself. Do not allow discouragement and

doubt to blur your vision and wash away

your dreams. Visualize your way beyond the

detours, standstills, and obstacles.

You will realize your dreams. You have

worked hard and taken so many productive

steps in a positive direction that you are bound

to succeed. Whatever the hurt of the moment

may be, it will pass. Tomorrow is always a

new dawn. Today, you must pause, rest, catch

your breath, and then look ahead. Each step

will bring you closer to your dreams. The

rainbows and the love that you deserve are in

sight. Happiness is just around the next turn.

Words of Wisdom For You To Take In On This Beautiful Sunday... ♥

You Are The Apple of God's Eye... ♥

The Apple of His Eye

[source: Moytura]

A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"

Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air."

Well," he continued, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson.

No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless.

But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him.

Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us, "as the apple of His eye."

You Will Always Be God's Precious Little Child

Just know that God is keeping you
safe in the palm of His hands

This is how God see's you, His precious little child

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.
(Jeremiah 1:5)

Lord seeth not as man seeth;
for man looketh on the outward appearance
but the Lord looketh on the HEART.
(1 Samuel 16:7)

Psalm 23 (KJV) Memorize This Prayer ♥

Pslam 23 (KJV)

[source: Biblegateway]

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever and ever. In Jesus mighty name. AMEN!

Surviving Dark Valleys

Surviving Dark Valleys

written by Pastor C. Matthew Recker

[source: Heritage Baptist Church NYC]

Stress Relief from Psalm 23

This Psalm summarizes a year in the life of a sheep. The sheep starts the year in the low country in the lush green fields and cool waters. As the weather gets warm in the summer, the Shepherd leads the sheep through the valley to higher ground away from the stifling heat into the cooler mountain regions. The sheep move slowly, feeding as they go, working their way up the mountains behind the receding snow. As autumn approaches, snow appears on the highest ridges and the shepherd leads his sheep back down to lower elevations. Toward the end of the year they are driven back to the ranch headquarters.

The last half of this Psalm describes the journey up into the mountain away from the familiar grazing ground for the sheep. It illustrates the intimate contact the sheep have with the shepherd as they are under his personal care day and night, 24-7!

There is an old parable that says “All Sunshine and no rain makes a desert.” What that means is life is a mixture of pain and pleasure, of victory and defeat, success and failure, of sunshine and rain, and of mountain tops and valleys.

Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

In the Scripture, valleys are places of difficulty, of darkness, of disappointment, of defeat, of depression.

Now, valleys are an inevitable part of life. Count on it. Face it. The problem is, they are unpredictable. You usually do not want them and do not expect them. Valleys are like flat tires; you do not plan them. They come suddenly. Valleys and Baskin Robbins are alike: they come in 31 flavors. Trials and difficulties come all of a sudden. Listen, all of us face valleys. If you are in a valley, it does not mean you are a bad person, or more sinful than someone else. It does mean you are a person. No one is exempt from the problems of life. You will have tragedy, loss, your loved ones will die. You will get sick. You might have a bill you cannot pay. Valleys are temporary. You go through the valley. I guarantee you that the valley will pass, for this life is short.

2 Corinthians 4:17; For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

Let me tell you another thing about valleys: You need the valley.

1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.

What is God’s purpose for you in this world? Is His chief purpose for you to be comfortable? Is His chief purpose for you to have everything you need. No, His chief goal for you is that you give him glory. The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. One of the ways you glorify God is to go through the valleys with him. Now, how do you survive those dark valleys.

1. REMEMBER: Valleys Lead to Higher Ground

The valley you are going through can lead you to higher ground. Every problem has a purpose. Faith is built in the valley. God wants to build your character. He is more interested in your holiness than your happiness; He is more interested in your character than your comfort. God wants you to grow and mature. That is impossible without valleys.

The only way TO the mountaintop is THROUGH the valley.

I am saying that every mountain has a valley, and the only way to the top of the mountain is through the valley. Remember the same Shepherd who restores our soul and leads us in the path of righteousness is now leading the sheep through the valley of the shadow of death. This is not death, but it makes the sheep feel like he is going to die. It is a place of gloomy darkness. Here is menacing fear. This is pervading pressure. This is continual confusion. But is it also a place that will lead to the mountaintop.

The valley will build your faith.

When we first came to NYC, Debbie and I were helping a church in Park Slope that needed a pastor. I felt sure this church would call us to be their pastor, but as time went on, they did not make any decision. I was in the valley as this church put off making a decision to vote on us as their pastor. I was really crushed and disappointed. Yet, as I look back, I am so thankful, for the Lord led us to establish a church in Brooklyn, and then Queens. I would not exchange those experiences for anything in the world. God led me in the right way, although I did not see it in the middle of the valley.

2. REFUSE: To Panic

He says, I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He does not RUN through the valley. He is refusing to panic. He is walking. He say, I will fear no evil. This indicates a choice. Do you know that fear is a choice. I will not be afraid.

If you are in fear this morning, you are choosing to be afraid. If you are discouraged, you are choosing to be discouraged. You are choosing to look at the negative things.

Many people today suffer with a problem of panic attacks. They get into a certain situation and just become a ball of fear. They panic. They avoid those places where they have these panic attacks. Fear becomes a paralyzing foe. This has happened to me.

When I was a student at Clemson, in History class, I had to write essay questions, and I just began shaking. I knew the answers, but my hands just started shaking. I asked the teacher if I could go to a private room and right the answers. He allowed me to do it. I was not a Christian, and it was things like this that made me realize I needed a Shepherd.

Also, refuse to panic because Shadows cannot hurt you. It is the shadow of death. It is not death. It is the shadow of death. Someday, a shadow is going to fall over your life, and you will be tempted to fear. You will want to panic.

Remember: shadows are always bigger than the reality. A little, harmless object can cast an ominous shadow in a child’s room.

Shadows cannot hurt you. Shadows are image without substance. If you are run over by a shadow, it cannot hurt you.

There is no shadow without a light somewhere. When you are in the valley, you might think you are all alone. If there is a shadow, it means the light of God’s presence is there.

Turn away from the shadow, and look at the light, and the shadow will fall behind you. Jesus is the light of the world. When you are in the valley of the shadow of death. Look to Jesus! If you look at the world, you will be distressed, if you look within you will be depressed, but if you look at Jesus, you will be at rest. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

3. REALIZE God is With You

How do you refuse to panic? You focus on God’s presence and not your problems; you do not focus on your circumstances, but on Christ.

Verse four is a changing point in this Psalm. Up this this point, He is talking about God (v.1-3). The Lord is my Shepherd. He maketh me to lied down… He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in paths of righteousness… He is talking about God. In the midst of the valley, He now talks to God. Thou art with me, he says. Your rod and staff they comfort me. YOU are my God in the valley. God does not lead us to the valley and forsake us. He is with us in the valley.

The Sheep now finds refreshment from God Himself in the valley.

Why does God allow valleys? We look God face to face in the valley.

If we are prone to wander from God in the green pasture, we are looking to be as close as possible to the Shepherd in the valley. If we are prone to forget about God when we are sipping from the cool waters, we only thirst for God Himself when we are in the place of unsurety.

We become more intimate with God in the times of darkness. The ultimate becomes the Intimate in the valley! It is in the valley that we find refreshment not from the green pastures and the still waters, but from God Himself. In the valley we are not talking ABOUT God, we want to talk TO God. The religion becomes a relationship in the valley. God becomes real in the valley. We enjoy the mountain top, but We never enjoy God’s presence more than when we are in the valley.

Up to this point, the Shepherd is given praise for providing good things and nice surroundings. Our God does this for us. He does not want us to begin trusting the circumstances of life to provide us with joy and strength. God wants us to trust HIM.

In the valleys of life we find refreshment from God Himself.

As a believer, you will never go through the valley alone. God has promised to never leave you or forsake you. There is nothing to fear, for Jesus is near.

My life’s verse is Acts 18:10. God promises His presence to Paul.

4. RELY on God’s Protective Care

“Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

The valley is an unfamiliar place. The valley is not home. Predators roam in the valley; coyotes, bears, wolves, or cougars. The Presence of the Shepherd and His rod and staff bring great comfort.

The rod speaks of God’s Protection for the sheep. It is a club, about two feet long with a hard knot at the end of it This rod could be thrown like a bullet at any enemy. The rod is the weapon of power and defense for the shepherd. In the wild west, a cowboy would call his gun his rod, for eventually a gun took the place of the rod. They could throw it with speed and accuracy. It was an extension of the shepherd’s right arm. He uses the rod to beat away snakes, or to drive off coyotes, wolves, or stray dogs. The Shepherd is our defender and protector.

The staff tells us of God’s Care and guidance for us. The staff is a long stick with a hook at the end. The Shepherd uses the staff to guide the sheep, to examine the sheep, to lift them up when they fall, to sometimes draw the newborn lambs close to their mothers.

What is Our Heavenly Shepherd’s rod and staff for us? His Word and His Spirit. His Word is our defense against temptation. His Spirit indwells us to guide us and give us His comfort. His Word and His Spirit, they are my comfort.

John 14:16; And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.

John 14:26; But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

If you are going through a valley, there is hope in Jesus Christ. He can give you peace as you trust him. Christians have problems; financial, family, physical problems. In the valley, what will you focus upon? The shadow of death, or the Lord of light?

There is no shadow without a light somewhere. When you are in the valley, you might think you are all alone. If there is a shadow, it means the light of God’s presence is there.

Turn away from the shadow, and look at the light, and the shadow will fall behind you. Jesus is the light of the world. When you are in the valley of the shadow of death. Look to Jesus! If you look at the world, you will be distressed, if you look within you will be depressed, but if you look at Jesus, you will be at rest. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

While both believers and unbelievers pass through similar valleys of life; the difference for the Christian is not the absence of the shadow, but the presence of the Shepherd. Thou art with me.

What valley are you going through? Loneliness. Fear. Pain. Financial. Relationship. The valley is temporary. The Lord will help you walk through the valley. There is a mountain God is seeking to lead you to. Look to Him in your valley.

Pray this: O God, I need you in my valley. I am confused, discouraged, tired, and fighting fear, but I thank you that you are with me. AMEN! ♥

REMEMBER: Valleys Lead to Higher Ground

1. REFUSE: To Panic
2. REALIZE God is With You
3. RELY on God’s Protective Care

Mountaintops or Valleys: Which Do You Prefer?

Mountaintops or Valleys: Which Do You Prefer?

written by Judy Sylvia, the Growth Coach

[source: My Article Archive]

Mountaintop experiences sound much more appealing of course! Who wouldn’t want to be living on top of the mountain having successfully maneuvered and climbed to reach that destination, that moment, where you can scream it from the mountaintop “I did it…I arrived…I made it”. Releasing a big “Yes”. What exclamation, what passion, what celebration. A triumphant moment to be treasured and memorialized for certain!

But let’s not discard the treasures we learn in the valleys. For it is in the valleys that the fruit is grown. It is in the valleys that growth occurs. We gain wisdom, develop roots and learn to live tenaciously. Winston Churchill says it best “Mountaintops inspire leaders but valleys mature them”.

Did you ever meet a leader who seemed to climb that mountain effortlessly and almost instantaneously? You blinked and all of a sudden there they were standing on that mountain. Success made easy. They started sharing their 5 Steps to Mountaintop success and people flocked around them to learn their secrets. They enjoyed their position of leadership, success and fame. But somewhere along the way they missed the lessons learned in the valleys and at the first sign of storms, they crumbled. They hadn’t the strength to stand firm. They hadn’t the endurance to keep pressing on and before you knew it they were cast into the unknowns. Time passes and their name fades from our memories.

Right now, many of us may find ourselves smack in the midst of our own valleys. Let’s not despair…let’s embrace the invaluable lessons we need to learn from the valleys:

Lesson #1: The ground is fertile in the valley. Typically when we are in the valley, we are more “fertile”. We are open to receive instruction, wisdom and seek advice. When we are on the mountaintops, we don’t feel the need for any input. Take this time to improve your skills and talents, seek out those that could mentor or help you. Look at those in business that you admire and go talk with them. Be open to lessons you can glean during this time.

Lesson #2: The fruit grows richer in the valley. The result of the valley experience does mature us. We see the “fruit” of increased strength and stamina. We see the “fruit” of courage and commitment. We see the “fruit” of persistent determination and tenacity. We have faced some of our greatest challenges and we have survived. The fruit grows sweeter and so nutritious.

Lesson #3: There is only one way to go – up! We may have descended to the valley, camped out at the valley but we are not staying. There is only one way to go and that is up! We look for new opportunities. We look for ways to utilize our current resources. We take what we have learned with what we have in our hand and we set out on the journey. Knowing full well that we will be breathing that cool fresh air and savoring those incredible views once again. Yes, the valleys bring much reward, just a different view!

Mountaintops Inspire Leaders But Valleys Mature Them

Mountaintops Inspire Leaders But Valleys Mature Them

written by Scott Heintzelman

[source: The Exurburant Accountant]

One of my favorite men of history is Winston Churchill and he had numerous great quotes including the title of this blog post - "Mountaintops inspire leaders but valleys mature them."

I recently received Phil Clemens “April Thought for the Month” and thought his words coupled with some wonderful quotes from Winston Churchill may be valuable to share with others at this time. I know many organizations are still feeling the impact of the recession and feel like they are in the “Valley.” I hope this short post will inspire you to press on.

When you are on the top of the mountain you have a great view and in business – it means you are at the top of your game. You can dream about the impossible dream and soar among the stars – you can be greatly inspired. But, rarely when things are going well do we really grow; in fact, that is when you sit back and say – “I deserve this.”

Growth happens down in the valley. Down where the going is rough; were you have no spectacular view and where there are many obstacles. Valleys test your stamina. The rough going makes you shed all the extra things that weigh you down. You must concentrate on what is right in front of you and “slug it out.” Valleys both mature you and harden you for what is ahead.

I don’t know about you – but I like the mountaintop. In reality I know the mountaintop is only great because of what I have accomplished in the valley. If I spend all of my days on the mountaintop, it soon loses its luster. What was once breathtaking becomes ordinary. I have nothing to compare it with. The valley isn’t fun – but it helps make the mountaintop so much more inspiring.

Where are you today? Are you on the mountaintop? Enjoy it, because it won’t last. Don’t get comfortable or you may end up taking a hard fall which could actually be fatal. If you are in the valley – keep pressing on. Don’t become weary. Look and see if something is bogging you down and deal with it. Always keep moving forward – even if it is only an inch at a time. The valley will build your character and character is what will propel you to the mountaintop.

When you are in the valley remember something else Churchill said – “Never, Never, Never, Never give up.” Sometimes the valley experience can “eat you up” – but keep on keeping on – the mountaintop awaits you.

WooHoo! Perfect Stranger Movie Is On TBN At 8pm PST Tonight

The video above is a 10 minute clip of the movie for you to preview.

I'm so happy someone posted the full length movie for you to enjoy in case you missed tonight or are out of the US! :)

 

Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN)

Happy Saturday Everybody! :) Boy Did It Feel Good To Do Absolutely NOTHING Today And Just Rest...♥

This will be me most of the weekend. ;) I hope you find time to get some rest too. Love you... ♥

I LOVE To Singa - Owl Jolson :)

CLASSIC Cartoon from my childhood.
Be of GOOD CHEER! Have a GREAT day. Enjoy! :)

Treasure Your Uniqueness! That's what makes you WONDERFUL... ♥
There is no other like you and that is a beautiful thing. ;)

You must first learn to love, respect and value yourself,

before you can expect to love, respect and value others.
Consequently, you will attract the same sentiment in return.

It starts from the inside out.

Be TRUE to your self... ♥

"Experience the plan God has for your life

by stepping out in faith and boldness…

one step at a time."

~ by Joyce Meyer ♥

"Each new step, each new adventure,

brings new richness, a new dawn,

and a new world around you."

~ by OSHO ♥

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.

But the really great make you feel

that you, too, can become great.”

~ by Mark Twain ♥

"At the centre of your being you have the answer;

you know who you are

and you know what you want."

~ by Lao Tsu ♥

"Each of us is meant to have a character all our own,
to be what no other can exactly be,
and do what no other can exactly do."
~ by William Ellery Channing ♥

“You have reached the pinnacle of success

as soon as you become uninterested

in money, compliments, or publicity.”

~ by Thomas Wolfe ♥

15 Awesome Quotes by Charles H. Spurgeon ♥

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (19 June 1834 – 31 January 1892) was a large British Particular Baptist preacher who remains highly influential among Christians of different denominations, among whom he is still known as the "Prince of Preachers". He was a strong figure in the Reformed Baptist tradition, defending the Church in agreement with the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith understanding, and opposing the liberal and pragmatic theological tendencies in the Church of his day.

On June 5, 1862, Spurgeon challenged the Church of England when he preached against baptismal regeneration. However, Spurgeon taught across denominational lines as well. It was during this period at the new Tabernacle that Spurgeon found a friend in James Hudson Taylor, the founder of the inter-denominational China Inland Mission. Spurgeon supported the work of the mission financially and directed many missionary candidates to apply for service with Taylor. He also aided in the work of cross-cultural evangelism by promoting "The Wordless Book", a teaching tool that he described in a message given on January 11, 1866, regarding Psalm 51:7: "Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." The book has been and is still used to teach illiterate people and people of other cultures and languages – young and old – around the globe about the Gospel message.

Following the example of George Müller, Spurgeon founded the Stockwell Orphanage, which opened for boys in 1867 and for girls in 1879, and which continued in London until it was bombed in the Second World War. The orphanage became Spurgeon's Child Care which still exists today. On the death of missionary David Livingstone in 1873, a discolored and much-used copy of one of Spurgeon's printed sermons, "Accidents, Not Punishments," was found among his few possessions much later, along with the handwritten comment at the top of the first page: "Very good, D.L." He had carried it with him throughout his travels in Africa. It was returned to Spurgeon and treasured by him. [source: wikipedia]

15 Awesome Quotes by Charles H. Spurgeon

1. A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.
   
   
2. It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
   
   
3. Many men owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties.
   
   
4. Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.
   
   
5. I would go to the deeps a hundred times to cheer a downcast spirit. It is good for me to have been afflicted, that I might know how to speak a word in season to one that is weary.
   
   
6. None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves.
   
   
7. No one knows who is listening, say nothing you would not wish put in the newspapers.
   
   
8. Sincerity makes the very least person to be of more value than the most talented hypocrite.
   
   
9. The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.
   
   
10. You might not always get what you want, but you always get what you expect.
    
    
11. Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of.
    
    
12. Economy is half the battle of life. It is not so hard to earn money as to spend it well.
    
    
13. If we cannot believe God when circumstances seem to be against us, we do not believe Him at all.
    
    
14. A little faith will bring your soul to heaven; a great faith will bring heaven to your soul.
    
    
15. Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend.

BONUS

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.

BONUS BONUS

You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.

Martin Luther - Comment On Faith ♥ Re-Post From 5/22/11

Wow, this is an AMAZING message! I was led to this message through a link provided by the webpage I posted in my last message. If you do not know who Martin Luther is please click here to read about him. Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 - February 18, 1546) was a Christian theologian and Augustinian monk whose teachings inspired the Protestant Reformation and deeply influenced the doctrines of Protestant and other Christian traditions.

Click here to be directed to the website where I have taken this message below. As I am typing this message I am realizing this is exactly how I live; with a BOLD trust in God's grace. Thank you God for leading me to this message so that others can better understand what it means to TRUST You.

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FAITH

Faith is not what some people think it is. Their human dream is a delusion. Because they observe that faith is not followed by good works, or a better life, they fall into error, even though they speak and hear much about faith. "Faith is not enough" they say, "You must do good works, you must be pious to be saved." They think that, when you hear the gospel, you start working, creating by your own strength a thankful heart which says, "I believe." That is what they think true faith is. But because this is a human idea, a dream, the heart never learns anything from it, so it does nothing and reform doesn't come from this 'faith' either.

Instead faith is God's work in us, that changes us and gives new birth from God (John 1:13). It kills the old Adam and makes us completely different people. It changes our hearts, our spirits, our thoughts, and all of our powers. It brings the Holy Spirit with it. Yes, it is a living, creative, active and powerful thing, this faith. Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn't stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing. Anyone who does not do good works in this manner is an unbeliever. He stumbles around and looks for faith and good works, even though he does not know what faith or good works are. Yet he gossips and chatters about faith and good works with many words.

Faith is a living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God's grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. Because of it, you freely, willingly and joyfully do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of things, love and praise the God who has shown you such grace. Thus, it is just as impossible to separate faith and works as it is to separate heart and LIGHT from fire!

Therefore, watch out for your own false ideas and guard against good-for-nothing gossips, who think they're smart enough to define faith, and works, but really are the greatest of fools. Ask God to work faith in you, or you will remain forever without faith, no matter what you wish, say or do.

What Is The Meaning Of Faith? Re-Post From 5/22/11

I was outside enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee and watching the sun come out this morning. I began thinking about all the chaos in the world and how so many people are spiritually in distress. Pictures began flashing before me as if I was watching a slide show of events and circumstances. Then suddenly one bird starting singing a beautiful song. That music coming from that one bird made me feel such peace. That was God's way of reminding me to have faith and just trust Him. I came back into the house and was going to start typing my message. But something caused me to do a search of 'The meaning of Faith' on the internet. I was led to this GREAT description written by Chris Zach Hidalgo on October 2, 1997. Chris breaks it down in such a way that anyone curious about this subject can take HOLD of its meaning.

I have taken the following from his webpage titled, Definition of faith: A comprehensive meaning/denotation of what faith/faithfullness really means. Click on the link to read the entire message. I only typed half. Enjoy and be of good cheer for God is with you always!

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What is faith? An ancient history books states that faith is: "Being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see."

A line from 'Miracle on 34th Street' says: "Faith is believing in things that common sense tells you not to."

We all have "faith"

FAITH, I believe, is something we all have, but to varying degrees. Do you have faith to believe that there can be an all powerfull creator, or do you put your faith in science? Or do you believe in a combination of several things and/or ideas?

Do you have the faith to believe in yourself? Do you have the faith to believe in your significant other, a family member or a friend?
 

I believe we all do. The question is "how much faith do we allow to become reality in our life?"
 

Consider This

Faith stagnates unless you expose yourself. Faith is not a noun, it's a verb. Action is a critical part of faith. Faith is in action when you make yourself vulnerable -- practicing what you believe. Faith is similar to a guidance system that NASA uses regularly.

When the space shuttle is on the launch pad, the guidance system is not activated because it is not needed. BUT, when it breaks free from the launch pad, then the guidance system kicks in. Everyone involved has to believe the guidance system will successfully guide the shuttle to the end of the mission. They have faith in the guidance system.
 

We have to rely on faith when all else tells us we're crazy... when there's no evidence what-so-ever... and when everything points to something else.
 

When you practice faith, you can count on others thinking you are out of your mind. Many times you will be ridiculed for your faith (in religion, science, others, etc.).
 

An Understanding

Simply put, the definition of faith -- is nothing more than an understanding, a belief, a thought about something, someone, some situation that cannot be proven.

Inherently, faith allows for no tangible evidence to be made available -- that you know of -- which would back up or support your claim, idea, theory or thought. It is simply an overwhelming undestanding that, to you, is convincing.

Other words to consider: Trust, reliance, assurance, conviction, devotion, loyalty, faithfulness, commitment, dedication, observance.

Right Now, If You Believe, God Will Work A Miracle For YOU! ♥

"Faith is to believe what you do not see;

the reward of this faith is to see what you believe."

~ by Saint Augustine ♥

Right Now Medley
~by Judy Jacobs

Right NOW

If you believe

God will work a miracle for you.

Right NOW

If you believe

God will work a miracle for you.

He’ll take your feet out of the miry clay

On the rock to stay

He’ll turn your life around

He’ll place you up on higher ground.

I know that God will work a miracle for you

If you believe, that’s just what he’ll do.

He opened the sea for the Israelites

With gideon’s 300, the battle he did fight

The walls of Jericho, he did pull down

After 7 days of marching around

He took the heat out of the flames, for the Hebrew 3

And I believe God will do the same for me.

Right NOW

If you believe

God will work a miracle for you.

Right NOW

If you believe

God will work a miracle for you.

He’ll take your feet out of the miry clay

On the rock to stay

He’ll turn your life around

He’ll place you up on higher ground.

Have faith, in God

Just have faith in God

Trust in him and never doubt

I know the Lord will work it all out

If you’ll just have faith in God.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for

The evidence of things not seen

Just and upon his promise

Believe in your heart and you shall receive.

Have faith, in God

Just have faith in God

Trust in him and never doubt

I know the Lord will work it all out

If you’ll just have faith in God.

Not by might, not by power

But by my Spirit saith the Lord

Not by might, not by power

But by my Spirit saith the Lord

Not by might, not by power

But by my Spirit saith the Lord

It is a supernatural power, of the Holy ghost.

God Said He Would Turn It Around... ♥

God Said He Would Turn It Around
~ by Judy Jacobs

God said He would turn it around

God said He would turn it around

What that devil meant for evil

God will make it good

Turn around, Turn around, Turn around

x2

I know it may be midnight

But Joy is soon to come

I know it may be midnight

But Joy is soon to come

I know it feels like midnight

But Joy is soon to come

God said He would turn it around

God said He would turn it around

What that devil meant for evil

God will make it good

Turn around, Turn around, Turn around

x2

Give him all the praise

For God is in control

God said He would turn it around

God said He would turn it around

What that devil meant for evil

God will make it good

Turn around, Turn around, Turn around

x2

He will give you beauty for ashes

Joy for your pain

Priase for your sadness

As you remember his name

Mourning into dancing

Sorrow into Joy

Every day will be sweeter than the day before
x2

God said He would turn it around

God said He would turn it around

What that devil meant for evil

God will make it good

Turn around, Turn around, Turn around

x2

Jesus (Yahshua) IS The Living Breathing WORD Of God; The Holy Spirit Comes To Live INSIDE Of YOU Is The Breath Of God; God IS HOLY

John 1

(King James Version)

1 In the beginning WAS THE WORD, and the Word WAS WITH God, and the Word WAS God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was LIFE; and the LIFE was the LIGHT of men.

5 And the LIGHT SHINETH in darkness; and the darkness comprehended IT NOT.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the LIGHT, that all men through him might believe.

8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that LIGHT.

9 That was the TRUE LIGHT, which lighteth EVERY man that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him NOT.

11 He came unto his own, and HIS OWN received him NOT.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he POWER to become the sons of God, even to them that BELIEVE on his name:

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, BUT OF God.

14 And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten son of the Father,) full of GRACE and TRUTH.

15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

17 For the LAW was given by Moses, but GRACE and TRUTH CAME by Jesus Christ.

18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.