Setting an Example

I love it when God talks to me because I get filled with a joy that is unexplained and my eyes well up with tears.  Don't you enjoy sitting with a friend that you can laugh and talk with about anything?  Jesus and I had a great conversation today.
I was traveling down a four lane highway and just ahead was a Florida Highway Patrol car sitting on the right side of the road. I automatically look down at my speedometer and tapping on my breaks without even noticing the speed I was traveling. It was an instant reaction. Do you ever have one of those moments?
The question  that came to my mind at that moment was "am I setting an example?" On the front doors of my van are magnet signs for 91.3 Hope FM. Within a few moments I was transported back to the night before when a gentleman from our Celebrate Recovery group was leading. I have witnessed this young man change from the inside out and it filled my heart with joy and eyes with tears to see him lead the group last night. Before we adjourned to our cars, he stopped me to ask if he did alright in leading and shared his enjoyment in doing so. I feel like a proud parent. I am truly proud of this young man and the u-turn he has made in his life. He even mentioned how he desires to start his own ministry. I want to share that a young woman has been working hard at getting her children back and did. She went above and beyond what the legal system asked her to do. She knows God loves her children more than she does, but also knows He is as close as a brother. I can't wait to hear how she is doing as she moved out of the area to care for her children in a better environment.
The Lord showed me within those few moments how I have led by example. I was once lost in my ways of the world, partying all the time, dependent on others, and more. Now I am leading others into the fullness of who they are in Christ. WOW!
I give praise and glory to God for pulling me out of my pits, allowing  me the opportunity to help others out of theirs and the courage to pass on the torch.

I want to encourage you today that if you are in a season of change, know that it won't last a lifetime. God has great plans for your life and you just might be going through it in order to help someone else. It is difficult to trust in what you cannot see, but when you push through the unknown everything is brought to light. It is then you look back and say "so that is why I had to go through the mud."

~Be encouraged your praise has meaning at all times

His Ways ARE NOT Our Ways!

I have begun writing my prayers in a notebook. It is quiet rewarding to see god actually them to fruition. Others, I have seen him place on hold or answer "no."

One lesson I have learned through this prayer book is God will answer prayers the way He sees fit, according to His word and not by my request alone. For instance, I have a great desire to please God with the work of my hands, but I was unkind to someone.  So picture this: you are sitting in your favorite meeting place with Jesus and praying for success of your work. Later that day this acquaintance walks in your path and you are unkind and rude in your thoughts, as well as your actions.

Do you see the unclean hands and heart you have? They may not see it, but God does. He will not give you anything you ask even if you  believe He will answer it and it would give glory to His name.
However, when you repent for having the character of Satan and ask for forgiveness of the one you are thinking those characteristics too, He is faithful and just to forgive you. Your prayers will then be answered. Again, not according to your ways, but His.

Are you praying for something and believing God will do it? Are you harboring a hurt or a characteristic of Satan?  May I suggest you take inventory of yourself and ask God to reveal any uncleanness in your heart?
When or if He reveals it to you, repent and make amends to that person unless it would harm you or others. Next, watch God answer that prayer you have petitioned Him about and have waited for an answer.  He will amaze you one way or another.  Last, put on the character of God and let His characteristics shines through you!

God tells us to leave our gift at the altar and if we have something against our brother to leave our gift there and go make amends. What I walked through His command just recently. Since then, a relationship has been restored, my daughter is seeking Christ, and I am at peace.

Girls, our bra straps get twisted and we may not recognize it until the middle of the day. Usually we may not feel it until a most inopportune time, it will bug us until we get it fixed, right? It's the same way with God working in our lives if we are holding onto something that is twisted and wrong. God loves us so much to help us get straight and be at peace, when we let him.

~Be encouraged, give God a chance to work in your life and change you from the inside out.
Marjorie