What is Holding you Back from God

That is exactly  what I asked a cousin of mine  who  to my knowledge still refuses to seek God..she has  several degrees that she worked very hard for    under  difficult circumstances..   She worked  several jobs without a car   while getting her degrees from UVA and Duke.   She is a brilliant business woman  who travels  worldwide,  in  circles of the rich and famous.   It isn't unusual to see her  in Milan or  cruising around the Turks and Caicos Islands.  She lives  a footloose and care free life style  on a  South Carolina Beach and  parties often with other  people  from her  exclusive, gated community.  And sometimes she calls me...  still cousinly and loving  each other,,  but I do ask her  about  what  she expects out of life, and the end of life,  she  knows  I am a Christian..  This is her answer,  "Oh, I'm OK,,  I understand you need that  crutch, that's  alright for you,  but I don't need it..  I  make out just fine! "
So I wonder.. what does she mean..  ''My crutch?? Is it something I lean on  in a troubled world.  I know I'm not as smart as she is...  I'm certainly not as well healed as she is.   I can say I am about 10 years older than she is    and  I'll be 69 on Monday... these 10 years flew by. I know something I do have that she does not..  I have hope,  assurance, faith, freedom from fear of the here after, real joy  based on something inside of me,  not  some  artificial  something I seek after  day after day..  You see  I found the perfect  filler for my void...

I have heard pastors  say, and in essence this is true..  every human being is born with  a vacuum, or hole ..  some call it a God -shaped hole,  that yearns to be filled.. So  once  we reach the age of accountability  and  we are on our own,  we  unconsciously   seek  that  perfect  thing that will  fill that  ravenous, ever seeking  vacuum.. 

Now, if you know  anything    about the world,  there is  a god of this world, satan is his name, and his primary purpose is to  entrap as many unsuspecting  humans as he can.  He  definitely  does not want  anyone to  find the perfect  filler....  so the world  continues to offer  things that are  contrary to God..drugs, alcohol, sex, perversion, pornography, for others it is  pride,  greed, power, self sufficiency, and self seeking gratification.  You could probably name  other  distractions the world uses to  keep us  from  seeking  God,, but  little do  people understand  that whatever  is used to fill that  deep desire within becomes  a  god to them.  It is idolatry. .. for example, video games  and computers  can be  idols, because they steal  a person's time  that  God had  planned for  us to spend   with HIM .
 The God of the Universe  hates idolatry ,, He is a jealous God..  After all, He created us,  He loves us with an everlasting love and He  is worthy of  our whole heart and adoration.  When  we choose these other  much baser,  ungodly, or selfish  life styles  instead of seeking HIM,  then we are  actually falling right in line with the god of this world, God's adversary, the devil,  and his scheme to prevent us from choosing what God wants for us.

You see  there are only two choices..   One that  leads you to God, and one that  leads you astray and away from  God.  Perhaps you do not understand why you exist in the first place..   King David was inspired  by the Holy Spirit  when he wrote " "I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me." in Psalms 57:2.  This is key in understanding God's purpose for your life. God has numbered your days and will fulfill every purpose He has for you".  He purposes for every one whom He has created to  worship HIM alone.   To worship and glorify HIM.  Thereto, He sets  our  path   before us   to accomplish what He has planned for us!  When people chose their own way  they are  out of the Will of God   and unfortuantaely,  out from the  covering He had planned to hedge around His own..

GOd's own Spirit will reach out to  every human  and  draw them  at some time in their lives..  He offers every one of us  opportunities to  choose HIM,    and be saved  from our sins  and  come into communion with HIM..  But after a time , he will  give people over to their  sin nature, and  if they refuse to choose to  come to him,   over time their heart will be hardened .  If you  are   not a child of God's    and  have  read  this post,  don't you think it might be time to  examine your heart.. If you  have even an inkling of a sense that  you  need   to turn to  your Maker,  do not hesitate..  that is GOd's Spirit quickening you,  God is a gentleman,  He  never forces Himself on anyone,,  It pleases HIM for us to come to HIM  out of our desire   and need for HIM.

 I am praying that someone will indeed  at this moment decide to turn to God and say, "Here I am, a sinner,  I have lived a life unto myself and not given you  much thought,  but   I am tired..  Life has been a disappointment to me..  I have tried to fill  that hole mentioned above with  all kinds of things that I thought would make me happy  or even deaden my pain,,    and it does for  a little time...  until it  becomes an addiction and takes over my life and consumes me.   I am so tired.  Life seems hard and unfulfilled.. I had dreams,  but they have all gone awry. Nothing satisfies.. so I give in, Lord,  I do believe that you are  who they say you are... You are the Son of God,  that  you, Jesus, did come to die for me... and,  that  you were crucified  and died and was buried and on the third day, you  arose from the dead.  You ascended into to  heaven  and sit at the  right hand of God, the Father.   Save me, Lord and  make me new.  Redeem me with your  life giving blood and  restore me, Father, and I  do repent from my wayward life..  Help me to  lay aside  my  sinful  ways and  turn to you, into your marvelous light! Lead me  into  the new paths you  have purposed for me  that  my days  will  reflect your goodness and  I can breathe free from the  shackles of sin that have   bound me  into  the shell of a person I have become. Thank you , Lord for your love and provision to   save my soul and   bring into your  fold,  In Jesus name, Amen

If you prayed that prayer, it would be  great if you   left me a comment  that I might pray  specifically for you.    I would recommend that you find a   church  where you can begin  your new life of wholeness in Christ  and fine  a group  of other believers with whom you  can  grow in the knowledge of  who  you  really are in the sight of our loving Father!

Thankful Thursday

As I share my   blessings  I am, also,  counting  them as part of the 1000 Gifts    theme from Ann Voskamp!
   

           To return to Rebecca Jo's page.. click here!!!

923.  I am  thankful  for the cooling rains we have had this week..  and my rose garden  is  enjoying them, as well.

924.I am thankful for the positive turn  I  am enjoying in my life these days..  One never knows  how  their  daily life can  alter  from one month to another..  I cannot  actually  say  much about it yet,  but  the changes I am experiencing  are  bringing me joy,  spiritual challenge, and  peace!  Thank you, Lord,  for leading us through this season!  

925. I am thankful  for the marvelous music God has brought into my life...  I  first heard  the  glorious  praise music at a prayer meeting in a lady's home and I was completely enraptured by it.  Once I found out the pianist' name I promptly  ordered  3  of his Cd's. You  can hear  Terry Macalmon  below.


926. I am   so thankful  for  my  great friends...  we have such a good time together,  and  amazingly, we are all going through  the above changes together  which  is a blessing..  Last night we  met for pizza and  shared  how we were all faring through   and  what  our expectations were... 

927. I am really  thankful as well,  that this cold and cough that I have been dealing with over the last 3 weeks  is finally  subsiding...I  can see the light at the end of the tunnel!! 
                 

Wednesday Medley- 4th of July

Hosted by Terri!

INDEPENDENCE DAY – July 4

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Each year on July 4th, the United States celebrates Independence Day. This federal holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. 

For nearly 250 years, the country has been celebrating a day in history that inspires us still today. On July 4th, speeches and ceremonies are held across the nation. Across the country, people crowd cities for parades and festivals. Streets are decked out in red, white and blue bunting and flags.

While families and friends gather for some of the most mouthwatering food – large picnics and barbecues, local fairs provide a taste of culture and mom’s home cooking, too. With so many converging on their hometowns, family and school reunions take place.

Fire Works

Before the day is over, many communities hold spectacular fireworks displays re-enact moments of victory. Patriotic music accompanies the performance while spectators view the show from blankets strewn along capital lawns or from boats floating in bays. Whether out National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” or “God Bless America,” many will sing along. In some locations, music will be played by a live orchestra or band, while in other areas it’s pre-recorded. Some of the most popular on the playlist are “America the Beautiful,” “My Country, Tis of Thee,” “This Land Is Your Land,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “God Bless the U.S.A.,” “Yankee Doodle” and “Dixie.”

In some parts of the country, people will shoot their own fireworks. Children delight in the bright colors and sparklers. They roast marshmallows and make s’mores.

HOW TO OBSERVE INDEPENDENCE DAY

At noon, a “Salute to the Union” is fired, each July 4th, by any capable military base. This is a salute of one gun for each state in the United States. 

In 2009, New York City hosted the largest fireworks display in the country. 

Held since 1785, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island is the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States. .

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Everything above this line is from the line is from the National Calendar website.

1.  Please share a favorite July 4th memory with us.Back in the 70's  We'd  leave work,   pack up  to  go to  the country to visit my parents on the fourth.  Lots of other   family would be there too,  because my grand parents lived next door...   That small community   loved to  put on  a grand  parade  and   Mom and  Dad were Lions, and    and we re responsible  for putting the  float in the parade.
The  1976  Bicentennial parade    was especially   fun  because we put on a  a great float  about the Founding of the country.

Betsy Ross was my cousin, Jenny!

Then once we had adopted  our daughter it was fun to focus on her  as she had  received her citizenship!

2.  How do you plan to spend tomorrow?  If you are working, will you celebrate later?Since we are both retired  we  will celebrate quietly..  We   have some  friend gatherings  throughout the week ,but our fourth will be a quiet  contem-plation... Which is fine to me...

3.  Is there a favorite food always reserved for your 4th of July celebration?..  Now since it is just us..  We go for simple..  I love a great  grilled hot dog..    so I'll make  some home made chili and  enjoy  a  light  and tasty  repast! Our neighborhood puts off a lot of  fireworks so    we  will enjoy  those!!!

4.  In Florida, you can buy all kinds of fireworks, including some that fly high and burst into pretty cascades.  Are fireworks legal in your state/community and does anyone you know put on a display for your neighborhood?  Our neighbors do...  I don't know the law,  but everyone seems to like them!

5.  Do you have a favorite movie that you always watch sometime during the 4th of July?

Not really... 

6.  Share something from your week, please.

Sunday the church I've been attending  began a new  series of study  On Thinking Outside of the Church..  Pastor challenged us to  get on Mission  to  pray for  someone  we know  to  respond to the gospel..  whether it is a friend, neighbor, or  family member.. I do have two cousins  for which I have been praying for some time...   rather  hard nuts to crack, both of them..  but this system of prayer we are  implementing   is  a helpful tool.  I spoke to pastor about    the circumstances of one of  my  dear family members and he  said  if we understood the immense power we have at our disposal, in prayer,  we wouldn't  lead  such hopeless lives, and I do  believe that, as well.  Precious pastor said he would pray for  my cousin, too..  

I have, also, been challenged  really by the Holy Spirit to  begin the new series of posts on Road to Salvation you  probably have noticed.. I have  many  people who  visit my blog every day, but never   leave  a comment...  I am  hoping that if anyone of them    does not know the Lord,  perhaps something I share will  hit home for them!!! I have had  a couple  speak out and    tell me they appreciated the  posts.  It is always a joy to  make a new acquaintance  here in blogland!

Know the Redeemer

Online you can find many references about WHO Jesus is!

50 Names and Titles of Jesus:

Our Great Shepherd

1. Almighty One – “…who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Rev. 1:8  (He is eternal)

2. Alpha and Omega – “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Rev. 22:13

3. Advocate – “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1

(He sits in heaven interceding for His followers before God)

4. Author and Perfecter of Our Faith – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:2

5. Authority – “Jesus said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matt. 28:18

6. Bread of Life – “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35

7. Beloved Son of God – “And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matt. 3:17

8. Bridegroom – “And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matt. 9:15

9. Chief Cornerstone – “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.” Ps. 118:22

10. Deliverer – “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thess.1:10  (  Yes,  God's wrath is  building and will become manifest sooner than you think!)

11. Faithful and True – “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” Rev.19:11 (Jesus will be the great Judge of Heaven, all who denied Him will be Judged on the  LAST DAY.)

12. Good Shepherd - “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

13. Great High Priest – “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” Heb. 4:14

14. Head of the Church – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” Eph. 1:22

15. Holy Servant – “…and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." Acts 4:29-30

16. I Am – “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58

17. Immanuel – “…She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel, which means 'God with us.’” Is. 7:14

18. Indescribable Gift – “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15

19. Judge – “…he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.” Acts 10:42

20. King of Kings – “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” Rev. 17:14  and the children of God say, "Amen!"

21. Lamb of God – “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

22. Light of the World – "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

23. Lion of the Tribe of Judah – “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Rev. 5:5

24. Lord of All – “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 2:9-11

25. Mediator – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 2:5

26. Messiah – “We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ).” John 1:41

27. Mighty One – “Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” Is. 60:16

28. One Who Sets Free – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

29. Our Hope – “…Christ Jesus our hope.” 1 Tim. 1:1

30. Peace – “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” Eph. 2:14

31. Prophet – “And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Mark 6:4

32. Redeemer – “And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” Job 19:25

33. Risen Lord – “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:3-4

34. Rock – “For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” 1 Cor. 10:4

35. Sacrifice for Our Sins – “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

36. Savior – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

37. Son of Man – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10

38. Son of the Most High – “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.” Luke 1:32

39. Supreme Creator Over All – “By Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.…” 1 Cor. 1:16-17

40. Resurrection and the Life – “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25

41. The Door – “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9

42. The Way – “Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

43. The Word – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

44. True Vine - "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1

45. Truth – “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

46. Victorious One – “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Rev. 3:21

47. – 50. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Is. 9:6

All this…and so much more.    He alone is worthy.

A Crosswalk  Blogpost by Debbie McDaniel

Floating Myths Regarding Christianity

There are several myths floating around about what it means to be a Christian.I  am taking  some of this from an article I found online...  
1.. That  it is political..many Christians do follow a certain political agenda and  make decisions based on their faith  on what  Jesus would do.,and  ultimately,  it is  really about following God..  Some Christians due to  situations in their   families  or life  get caught up in   manipulating their beliefs into something that conforms to something in society, thinking  what  is ok in society  should be ok with God..   But anything that goes against God and His Word  is    simply ungodly.  Therefore,  abortion is  plain wrong.  It should never ever be used as a form of  birth control.  Not in this modern  age of  many  sources of birth control!   Christianity is about  God and His Son, Jesus, who ultimately is God. 

God exists in three persons- God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit..  three individual   persons in ONE-  which is the   Holy Trinity!

  God   lives in heaven,  Jesus  lived in heaven,  then came down to be born of  a woman, and  His Father, the Spirit of GOD,  lived for 33 years on earth  doing ministry  and teaching  to demonstrate  who God is, His love, His mercy, His Goodness,  His mighty works in miracles. Then to perform GOd's will  He suffered and died in providing a spotless sacrifice for sinful man; He died on the cross , and  became a propitiation  (atonement)a covering  for  every sin man has ever committed.. one  sacrifice for All time!  For those who believe.  He arose after three days and returned to the where he lives today  at the right hand of the Father in heaven's throne room!  And  the Holy Spirit..    that  marvelous part of the Godhead that actually comes to live in the heart of  the saved, the redeemed..  the very moment of their  salvation...  Therefore, God is with us  who a re saved, every moment.  We are never alone!

2.That it is Anti-science   or illogical..  which has been proven time again again to not be true.  Ravi Zacharias    is a great apologetic  teacher...  He is one of the most  intellectual  expositors I have ever heard.  I  would ask  anyone who needs more  understanding about logistics and science to  seek out  Ravi's YouTube videos.. starting here..https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMOEj6lneZWgrp-r8KqXIQ

3.It is  always fun and happy.  Not at all.   The article I read  reminded me  it is full of joy...   Joy  of the Lord in your heart,  the joy of  your salvation and the hope it  provides  not only for now,  but especially in the life  that comes beyond. Absolutely,  but day to day life can be hard.. Because we are called to love others more than ourselves, and  sometimes,  many times that is very hard.  That love  we share with others  requires, grace, forgiveness, patience, and often times energy...  But  that is when  we lean on God's Spirit within us for the  help we need to  accomplish  God's Love for others, another  word for this can be service...  getting out of our comfort zone to do something  for  someone or many who need  our help very desperately. Yes, it can be  demanding,  but it is also  extremely rewarding  not only    for us personally,  but also  because you know that  through the peace you receive in it  you have pleased the Father..  That means so much than can even be expressed here.  

4. It can solve all your problems.. or  I then have to be perfect! NO way.  Christianity is not  a magic cure.. or  a get out of jail free card.   Once I became  a Christian  my sins  were forgiven,  but  I am still a sinner..  I make mistakes,  and I  confess my sins  to God  continually.  I fail to love everyone like I should..  I am struggling right now with a lack  of  forgiveness I have    with a church leader  who over time has  let me down in myriad ways, with whom I have never in 10 years felt  a  real  friendly  relationship with. Because of hurt feelings I  have a real problem   serving with him,.  but I have been working on  this in counselling  with another church leader for  a while and am meeting with him soon to try to  find resolutions and  restoration..so  problems do not disappear..  in fact,  God allows trouble to come on us  as a means of testing  our faith..  and seeing if we are  dealing with them as  is  prescribed in His  Word.  That is one way in which we know our  faith and  relationship with God is real! It is hard..  but, again,  passing a test  brings  glory  to our  inner  self and  there is nothing  quite like  knowing  we have passed  a test  that was prescribed  by our heavenly Father!  And in   passing some tests  we  receive a heavenly reward once we get to heaven... But no,  a Christian is not allowed to just sweep trouble under a rug.  It  has to be dealt with and He will help us conquer  and  be victorious! 

5.  It causes prosperity..  There are many  prosperity  preachers out there getting rich on  the  untruths they spew from their pulpits...   Becoming a Christian doesn’t guarantee financial, relational, physical, intellectual, emotional or professional gain.  If that is what you are looking  for,  keep looking  because Christianity is not  that at all. 

Following Jesus means embracing the hardships of humanity and struggling, empathizing, supporting and helping those who are sick, weak, poor, diseased, abandoned and forsaken. In many ways being a Christian causes more problems than it solves—but the hope and promises of Jesus strengthen us for the journey.When the disciples decided to follow Jesus, instead of making their lives easier and more comfortable, most were persecuted and eventually killed because of their beliefs..  Thankfully,  we live in a country    that doesnt  persecute  believers unto death... yet..   persecution for believers is building... Christians  are losing  their rights    and   their voice in the marketplace and  in many areas of society. But  one should never allow that to stop  them from seeking  Jesus as Savior..   Even as Stephen, a follower  of Jesus, was being stoned..  He looked up and could see right into heaven  and in  a moment  he was seated in heavenly places..  that is  the hope of every Christian, because,  the longer we follow the Lord we realize we are just passing through  here on earth,  but our  citizenship is in heaven...   and oh, the glories that  we were realize  a second after  we take our last breath!