Journal of Faith: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling Philippians 2:12

I was reading Joshua and came across a scripture that encouraged me to write more and do things to remind myself of the wonderful things that God has done in my life. In Joshua chapter 4 God parts the Jordan river to show the people of Israel that he is with Joshua just like he was with Moses, and he tells Joshua to get 12 stones out of the dry Jordan for a memorial.  God made sure that the people would have a talking point whenever future generations saw these 12 stones. For me, my writings are my stones. I often write my prayers, and when I forget to be grateful, I go back into my journal or pull up  this blog and I am reminded of the goodness of God. So many of my answered prayers were the result of my heart poured out to God in my prayer journal. It's strange that we are so quick to forget what God has done for us. We are no different than the children of Israel complaining about bread from heaven, and longing for the days of slavery.  We can take God for granted. ...

     One thing that I have learned from my many, many...many mishaps, is that God is always there.  Every time the LORD intervenes on my behalf, he reminds me of how precious I am to him.  We are like the children who play carelessly and scrape our knees in the yard.  God comes and scoops us up, brushes us off, and dresses our wounds.  I wouldn't trade these moments for anything. I am not by any means the hero of my life story.  I have made risky decisions that could have ended my life, and I have missed opportunities that could have made me an international success.  The hero of my story is the LORD.  I have made so many mistakes and unwise decisions that it is a miracle that I am alive today. I have had many scraped knees in my life literally and figuratively.  Each time it was because I made a miscalculation of my abilities, my environment, or both. Thank God that he is faithful and patient with me.  Every scar is a...

I am like many Christians who wonder constantly if they are doing the right things in life.  Am I doing what God would have me do? Am I fulfilling the will of God for my life?  It is amazing how we can miss some of the most obvious answers when we become consumed by our own questions.  Today I was reading my daily scriptures, and I came across Isaiah 1:17 which says, "Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." (KJV) I've read this scripture before, but I never paid attention to what was right in front of me.  This scripture defines the meaning of what it is to "do well".  Here is the criteria: 1. seek judgment-  When there are multiple versions of a story or there is an issue that you can't resolve on your own, it makes sense to look for someone with more discernment than you to deliberate on the matter.  You look for wisdom.  2. relieve the oppressed - When I think abo...

My grandfather was born on valentine's day, it is so appropriate because he emanates love from every fiber of his being.  This past weekend his church celebrated him for his life of service in the kingdom of God. He has been pastoring  for a long time, and is currently the associate pastor at his church.  I was blessed to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the grandchildren, and fellowship with so many others whose lives have been touched by him.  When I think of my grandfather and the legacy that he has built I think of Psalm 91.  The Lord has truly satisfied my family with long life (his two younger sisters are also still living at 90 and I believe 88). As I celebrate my grandfather today, I also celebrate the truth of God's word.  Happy Birthday Pop Pop!!! Psalm 91 King James Version (KJV) 91  He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2  I will say of the Lord , He is m...

God didn't ask any of our permission before he decided to love us.  While we cursed him with our mouths and our lives, he loved us.  While we asserted ourselves over others unfairly, and made them feel like nothing, he loved us.  When we spewed hate across the nations and fear for anyone called other, he loved us.  When we called him fake and ran about worshipping other Gods, he loved us.  When we made fun of his people and persecuted them just for being different, he loved us.  For all of those who think that it is impossible to receive God's grace because you aren't "good enough" remember that God knows your worth already because he created you, and he valued you worthy of the Life of his only begotten son Jesus.  Nothing you have ever said, done, or thought has separated you from his love.  Whether or not you spend your life and eternity in his presence is up to you, but you don't get a choice whether or not he loves.  HE LOVES YOU....

Today I saw a question on social media as to whether or not a single ministry worker should be sat down if they get pregnant.  There were so many opinions, and it caused me to reflect on my experience. I had sex while I was single, this was the sin not the pregnancy, and I figured that God and I had talked about this so it was over.  I didn't tell anyone, but when I found out I was pregnant it made my sin apparent.  Without hesitation, I sat down. Here was my response to the question "should the church sit a person down who got pregnant out of wedlock." Having a child is a life changing event whether in marriage or out of it. I believe that being sat down isn't a punishment if done correctly, but a time to reflect and deal with your new situation. As someone who went through it, I believe that it was an advantage for me to be sat down because I had to deal with what my life was looking like. No one shamed me, and I got wonderful support and love. B...

7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8  Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10  But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11  Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13  Hold fast the ...