Over the past few weeks, I have been inquiring to a few people what are the three things they are most thankful for in their life right now. I asked this question, because it is something I myself have been pondering, likewise I am curious and it is a great conversation starter. Perhaps this was all some inner self “see how far you have come” in honor of my 29^th birthday (which is now passed, so you all rest as I won’t be mentioning it in another blog for a while – ha), but I have firmly planted my feet on the following, which as my diddy so complimentarily put it two weeks ago, “I am just amazed, as I watch you talk, you are not the girl I raised. You have changed so much, I am more than proud of you” (all be thanks to the glory of God for that change).

#1 : SALVATION

Of course this may seem on the surface as a total suck up response, but I truly do mean it. I believe that what is written here is true, I believe that there is, but one way to heaven and I believe that with out God your life is pretty much worthless (in the capacity of ‘will it count for anything after this age is done’, but yes are beings are of worth, lest Jesus wouldn't have died for us .. just for clarification). So yes, because of this, it is the #1 thing I am grateful for. Without my salvation, well to be honest, I surely believe I would be dead right now.

# 2: FAMILY and FRIENDS

You have heard me say it before, “by blood or by water” (if not then I'm going to venture to say you have not yet read the book), which just simply speaks on how God can bring people into our lives, that while not may be related by blood, still are as close as if you were carried around in the womb together (or likewise if they had given birth/fathered you). The relationships for family/friends can be a lifetime, a prolonged journey or just for a season, but with these encounters we are molded into who we are. They are the people who continuously hope for your well being, hold you up in prayer, and supply a much needed shoulder to cry on in times of trouble.

# 3 : LOVING LIKE JESUS

If you do not know God, you do not know true love, as it is written in 1 John 4:8. Likewise, if you do not know how to love like Jesus, you do not know how Jesus loves you. Over the past two years of my life, I have experienced first-hand how Jesus loves us and I cannot imagine my life being any different now. Through the outreach of myself to others, I have realized how He has reached out to me, how to not be so apt to try to reach for perfection (as it totally doesn’t exists), nor to throw myself in a whirlwind to due a fall (sin) or to cast myself apart from people, because I have some (unjustified) thought that I am “too weird”. Likewise, as it has been shown to me quite recently, through learning to love like Jesus, I actually came upon what may be my own love language (serving/acts of service/serving together). Which admittedly comes as both as a little shock and very welcomed revelation. Perhaps other people have seen this in me all along, and it just took some extra steps toward expressing God’s love wholeheartedly to everyone, without regard for appearance, past failures or current circumstance (etc) for me to embrace it myself.

May you each examine take a moment to examine the things that you are most grateful for. Reflect on the things that God has given to you, think about where you are and where you have come from, rejoice that one day (should you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior) you will be able to bask in His radiance and live out eternity in peace and harmony with “all creation”. 

For those that know me personally or even have taken a gander at this blog, they know that I have a heart for helping the homeless with a soft spot for those who are sexually exploited. One thing, many people may not know, as it has never been discussed at the “round table”, but more so remained silent with my prayers if for persecuted Christians.

We, in the US (and a few other places), have the liberty of true freedom of religious expression. While although in America this is turning to being able to express all other beliefs except Christianity … however, I digress as there are other lands in which to speak out Christ, to own a Bible, etc. is punishable by death, lifelong imprisonment, etc. We know nothing of this here (in the states).

Yet though thanks to the Voice Of The Martyrs we are able to stay somewhat abreast of the happenings in other parts of the world (as well as I am sure other organizations), and with their efforts reach the people in these countries, to provide help and support, as well as, continue to spread the message of truth, that is Jesus Christ.  To read the stories of these men and women who have been tortured, imprisoned and just well, disregarded for their faith is humbling and inspiring.

On 11/11/12 an effort is being put forth called International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, would you all please take part in it and urge others to join?  

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” John 15:18-20 NIV

Please note other organizations are holding IDOP on 11/4/12 – but honestly, it should be a part of every believers prayer, every day! 

“The battlefield is in the mind”, commonly heard quoted from Charles Stanley and Joyce Meyer.

It has come to my realization that there are only two main categories of people, but then we all get jumbled back together again. What are those two main categories? That would be those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior and those who haven’t. Sure when one turns their life over to Christ things about them change (or should), but likewise aren’t there nonbelievers who are kind, compassionate, extremely thoughtful of others and seek to do good? Sure. For as it is noted in Romans “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” and though you may try to be perfect in your daily thoughts and actions, at sometime you will fall again. However, the act of imperfection is not that the topic at hand; it is rather the mental trick that is used against us when we fall that is.  

What would that trick be? I am reminded of the phrase that Luna Lovegood spoke to Harry Potter about Voldemort in The Order of The Phoenix , “Well if I were You-Know-Who, I'd want you to feel cut off from everyone else. Because if it's just you alone you're not as much of a threat.”

Simple stated it is that nagging notion that when we think, do or feel something “bad”/imperfect that we are an isolated – weird failure, that no one will understand, and henceforth are alone in this life.

#1 As children of God, once you have accepted Jesus as your personal savior, the Spirit of God (for reals) comes and resides in Your being. Henceforth, right off the bat, you are not alone. You can ALWAYS talk to God (and He understands you more than you understand yourself, trust).

#2 There is an estimated 7 billion people in the world, you mean to tell me that you are the only person who has ever thought this thought, done this action or felt this feeling? Highly not likely (ok let’s just say impossible really), so know that you are not alone on a large human-network scale.

#3 Everyone should (and if you don’t then feel free to reach out to me) have someone they can speak to, in a safe, nonjudgmental fashion. No, not everyone is going to agree, but that is where common respect comes in – sometimes people just need to be heard and not talked to.

So rebuke the lie, YOU ARE NOT ALONE regardless of WHAT you are going through (as this lie doesn’t just extend to behavioral fallings).  

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the truths You have given us and the wisdom You allow us to reach, in Your time on Your accord. May we not get caught up in past, current or future failings, but ever remembering that forgiveness is REAL and that we are NEVER alone. May we be not a stumbling-block for others, but lead, guide and uplift them towards/to You, for we wish no one to be forever “lost” and suffer damnation. Strengthen us dear Lord, as trying times are ahead of us all. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ we pray ><>

SiC <3