I'm Sorry

Has there ever been a time in your life that you were sorry for what you did or didn't do?  I found there are many words for sorry such as regretful, shameful, disgraceful, heartbroken, and remorseful. I am sure there are many ways to say "I'm sorry." Sometimes, saying I am sorry or "I apologize" isn't enough is it?
Just to say "I'm sorry for __________" (you fill in the blank) doesn't appear to change the situation or emotion from the one person or thing you are apologizing  to or for.
I was such people pleaser that it didn't matter what I thought or did, if it didn't match up to others standards, I would apologize and do things "their" way.  Now, I've come to know that my reactions and responses towards other people is something that I need to pay more attention to. I didn't say I need to conform to their way of thinking, but I need to be more mindful of what they are going through before I speak.  I need to be quick to listen and slow to speak as it is written.
Did you know the Lord was sorry or regretful at one time. He sure was. It is written that the LORD
saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.

The Lord was regretful and then He did something about it. This is the creator of the Universe, who would have thought he would be "sorry" for creating mankind?  He didn't say he made a mistake and I'm sorry. God was regretting that the people he created was turning themselves away from Him and following the sins of the flesh.
Wait a minute.....
Isn't that what is happening today? WOW! The saying must be true "history repeats itself." The only thing is that the next time that the earth is destroyed it will be better for some and worst for most.
Some people may read this and say "yep He is a big God with a stick, ready to beat you over the head with it."
This isn't true and this isn't what I am saying.
I want you to recognize and take responsibility for your actions. No one makes you and me do the things we do or say what we say to others.  It is out of our own mouths and heart what others receive.
Once you and I recognize our part of the problem, we should repent from it. This is where we give a heartfelt apology to the one we have wronged.  Along with repenting we should renounce our partnering with the father of lies, Satan and get away from  his presence in our situation.  Then remove Satan from your presence, just as Jesus recognized Satan in Peter. Jesus told Satan to get behind Him. Then God said to replace Satan by being mindful of the things of God.  Once you disengage the lies of the devil and press into the words of God, believe these words, and you can rejoice in the benefit package that God offers you.
When someone comes to your door with a gift of flowers, money, or even a package, would you be quick to send the person away or would you accept the gift?
You see, God is that person at your door with a gift; a free gift. A gift of salvation.

I would love to talk more with you, so connect with me.

~ Marjorie

The Sand or Rock?

Have you heard the saying "if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything?" I often thought it was a saying to laugh at. Looking back at my life, I found I was living that quote. I didn't care what I did, who I had to walk on to get what I wanted, I let others walk on me, and worse, it seemed the world was against me. The truth is that the world was what I was listening to that got me into the messes I got into.
I see young people today, I talk to them too, that hear what you have to say, but don't care to hear it. Just when you think they are listening, their choices they make say they aren't listening and they don't care.  I use to say "If I had only listened to my mom and dad, I wouldn't be where I am now." Yet, I know, if I listened to them and did what they wanted me to do, I wouldn't have had the lessons in life I've had.  Would it have saved me from my folly?
Life is full of experiences and we can either stand for something solid like a rock and let the waters around be rough or we can stand in the sand and let the sand swallow us whole.
Prayer works, the smallest of faith will get you out of the sand you are sinking in and placing your trust in the rock (Jesus Christ) will help you to stand firm. It takes a step and suggestion of choosing to commit all your life and will to Christ's care and control.
Matthew tells us "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." (NIV) Humble yourself before God, lay your burdens down and let him lift you up. For once in your life, trust in what you cannot see. For once in your life, pray for help and know the Lord hears, He forgives, and He loves you in the sinking sand. I encourage you to start now, this moment, to believe in what you cannot see.
Your life doesn't have to be like cherries, full of pits. Your life will have a few lemons, but make it into lemonade. You have a choice and ONLY you can make the difference between sinking in the sand or standing on the rock. You choose. Whatever you decide is alright with me, but I'm praying for the rock.
Replace your name before the parenthesis and make this about you.
For God so loved the world (you) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever (you) believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world (you) to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)
It is personal because wants a personal relationship with you.
You see when I read these two verse's I read them like this: For God so loved Marjorie that He gave His one and only Son, that if Marjorie believes in His Son Jesus that I will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son to Marjorie for her to be condemned but for her to be saved through Jesus
So again, if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.
What is your choice are you making; sinking sand or the rock?

May God's word richly dwell in you today
 ~ Marjorie