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

As a young mother I got all sorts of advice about what my child should and should not see happen in my life, but  what amazes me is that he latched on to my worship.  I call my son church baby because he has been clapping and jumping and singing in church since he began to stand.   Today he preaches to the tv, couch, and most anyone who will listen. He tells us, "Jesus loves everybody!"  I thank God that  my son doesn't struggle with lifting his hands and saying "praise Jesus!"  Unfortunately it wasn't something that I did on purpose.  I should have thought about that and been more intentional about showing my son about worship, but I wasn't.  It was the grace of God.  More than anything I want my child to embrace salvation through Jesus Christ to the glory of God.   My child is only three, but I want him to know who Jesus is and what his life, death, and resurrection mean for his life.  I want my son to know ...

Recently the first ever Ohio casino opened, that is where I am from, but I kind of feel sad about that.  I never understood gambling. I would have to put my faith in a card, in a pair of dice, or in a quarter.  Dice and cards have no loyalty, and I would be placing my hope in things that can't care for me.  Their masters are their owners which puts the gambler at an even greater disadvantage. I am not going to pretend to understand it, but I know that others say that it is for fun's sake. Friends there are other risks that can be taken than this one, and they yield more of a reward . I place my bet on the God of the universe who loves me and wants to see me prosper.   As easy as it is for some people to place their faith in a pair of dice, a card, or a quarter  it should not be difficult for me to keep my bet on God.  There are times, however, that I reach out to pull back m...

  Most simply put God says,"If you love me keep my commandments."  To God love and obedience are the same, but how can that be?   My conclusion is that God wants us to believe him with all that we are and all that we have completely in word and deed.  God is saying "give my wisdom a chance; trust in me and have faith."   God wants our trust, and trust,which is the launching point for faith,  is one of those factors that can make or break a relationship.   In order to enter any relationship I have to believe that the other person can be trusted to know me closely.  To love someone is to deeply invest myself emtionally, spiritually, mentally, and possibly financially in another person in a way that shows my belief that they are worthy, committing to give a higher level of clearance to them and  taking a leap of faith that they can be trusted to handle my ...

Early this morning as I was doing my morning devotion God showed me a disturbing and yet profound vision of myself.  He showed me what my soul looked like without his covering.  My soul looked like a woman tattered by sin, bleeding with a knife of sin in my stomach.  I felt her pain.  I tried to remove the knife, but I was afraid because I knew that the bleeding would get worse.  The knife was twisting inside of her causing my soul immeasurable pain.  It was aweful, but then I looked around and was in a hospital.  This man took my hand and lifted me onto an operation table.  I felt my soul being soothed by his presence.  Then I saw him get on another table next to me.  He kept holding my hand and as he was transfusing blood to me my body was restored.  Christ layed down so that we could all get up, and because he is God he got up holding all power in his hands.  Jesus saved my life and his blood has healed me from sin and death...

When I was little I used to think, "daddy is the best"  When I was a teen a thought, "daddy it isn't fair" Three years ago I thought, "Who is this man I call daddy?" Today I think, "sometimes you make me angry and sometimes you make me cry, but you love me enough to support me and be a wonderful grandfather."  I am sure at times you have thought "who is this girl I call daughter?"  I am sure at times I have made you angry or even made you cry, but I am a woman who needs you more than I ever thought I would.  You are still my number one example of how God the father loves me, and even when you don't get it right God's got me covered and you too because God IS the best.  I love you daddy. Happy Father's Day

This last year(or 3) has been really difficult for me.  I mean physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually my life has wiped me out.  I spent more time crying than laughing and spent more time reflecting than rejoicing.   Never the less I can see now why God doesn't worry.  His plans for me were perfect, but while I was frustrated I missed out on the peace that God wanted for me.   I bless the Lord because the last two months I looked up and saw God's signature on my life.  He has marked me for his and he is making beautiful artistry of my life.  He is profound in how he has placed me exactly where I need to be to the point where he reminded me of what I said I was going to do with my life when I went to college.  God requested that I let go of all of my securities including my job and someone that I loved and then a year later he place me in a position to meet peopl...