Tag Archive | Jesus

Pickles to Promises

Apr29

Do you know why the Bible has survived for so many years? It’s simple, really. Unlike so much “literature”, the Bible is a living document, an agreement or testament to God’s faithfulness; of His love for the people He created.  Think of it this way.  If you enter into a covenant of marriage with another, that is a sealed statement and cannot be broken outside of a divorce court.  The covenant God made with His people has not yet been ‘fulfilled’ or and until such a time, it cannot be broken.

On November 11, 1620, the colonists entered into an agreement* with God, dedicating this continent to Him.  Men have said we are not a Christian country, and, while it’s true that many have denied and even cursed God, as long as there is one living, breathing Christian in this land, God WILL honor this covenant.  According to His holy word, He has to!  Numbers 23:19a states,“God is not a man, that he should lie;”

Have you read the scriptures?  They are all true. All of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob belong to Christ and if you are in Christ, if you have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, all of these promises are yours also.  READ the scriptures carefully. If you have difficulty with the King James Version, and many people do, select the New King James or the New International Version. The Message is excellent for understanding the heart of the words.

I got into a financial pickle a while back and I chose the way of the Lord. I reminded God that His word says that He will supply everything I need; read it in Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Rather than whining or fussing, I just “prayed His Word”.  In Hebrews 4:16  He also tells us to BOLDLY approach Him “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

No, money didn’t float down from the sky; that would interfere with the economy of the day. And, no, I didn’t win the lottery (I understand you have to buy a ticket for a chance to win).  What happened was that He used people who were able to help me, and through them, He did supply all my needs.  Through Him we were all blessed.  The pickles were put back into the jar, my needs were met and I have four new tires on my car!

Then, the special touches, the little extras, the lagniappe began to arrive. After my needs were met, it seemed as though God wanted to make sure that I knew He cared about me in the little things too!  I got a birthday discount and went out to lunch with a friend at a cost of next to nothing. I got a gift certificate from my favorite Quilting Store (whoopee!!!).  Just a few days ago, I met a friend “for coffee” and when I handed my rewards card to the cashier, she said that I was eligible for a free birthday pastry and a free beverage, so that “coffee” cost me nothing!

Coincidence? I don’t think so. I know the Word of God is alive and well today and I believe that God is just waiting to bless us with His love and His presence. I believe that His presence is full of His presents!

Do you have some ‘pickles’ of your own? God will see to your needs too! Run to Him.

All scriptures are King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

© 2014 Cat Brennan

*to read the full context of the document, go to this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayflower_Compact

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SMOKE and MIRRORs

Feb18

It seems to me that God is on a mission to improve me.  Me, Catherine. It’s true!  Because God created me, He loves me just the way I am. However, He loves me too much to leave me the way I am.  I’m a willing subject; I’m not going kicking and scratching (at least not yet).  I’m not even holding on tightly to my pan of Applesauce Bars, the likes of which I can devour in two days!  Or Christie’s Chocolate Sheet Cake that might last maybe three days.  I’ve even avoided the two delicious, glazed original Krispy Kreme™ donuts when the *hot* light is on.

He and I have begun some new and exciting challenges in the beginning of the year 2014. I’ve discovered that not only does He listen to my innermost thoughts and my vocal prayers, He acts on them, in His perfect time.

I’ve never made any New Year’s resolutions, at least none that I recall.  I never saw the point. In my experience, no one I knew kept them, so why bother lying to myself?  If you make New Year’s resolutions, that’s great!  However, I’ve found myself doing some things differently.

God has an almost ‘magical’  way of listening to my prayers, then acting on them and implementing His Plan oh-so-gently.  These changes are not about vanity; they are all for my good, and include better and healthier eating choices and habits, goal setting and better time management. No! that’s a stretch. Delete “better”.. and simply write, Time Management.

I mentioned vanity.  I don’t believe there is anything wrong with wanting to look good, feel good and be happy.  These are innate behaviors among human beings. But there comes a point when the ridiculous just takes over.

Ecclesiastes 1:1-3 “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?” The Message™ Bible refers to vanity as “Smoke! All smoke”. Another calls it futility!

How about Smoke and Mirrors? Now there’s a mouthful! Deception? Fraudulent? Misrepresentation? Dishonesty? These may be strong words, but are they true?  Think about the ads you see on television for: wrinkle reducer, bust augmentation, hair color, lift up, push out, squish in, rearrange, shave this, cut that. Smoke and mirrors. Vanity of vanities .. all is Vanity.  Thus spoke Solomon and he was counted the wisest of all. 

I once knew a woman who got up early every morning before her husband to put on her makeup and fix her hair. He never ever saw her without her being perfectly groomed; she wouldn’t allow it.  I’ll be the first to acknowledge that I put my ‘best foot forward’ when meeting someone new or going out.  But, REALLY???  Not letting your husband see the real you? (No, the marriage didn’t last).

How does all of this relate in today’s world?  What can we do? I don’t think it’s all that difficult. Jesus taught, and we read in the book of Matthew 6:31-34  “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

 Paul spoke well of this, also, in Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Here is the reality of a life in Christ. When all is said and done, John said is all too well in Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Take out my name, Catherine, and replace it with yours.  Put YOUR name above in the scriptures and let God show you His perfect way. Please remember that His perfect way is from PURE love and NOT condemnation.  If you ever feel condemnation, run to the nearest exit! do not pass go! That is NOT the voice of God.

Smoke and Mirrors?  Or a life IN Christ? You decide.

 

© 2014 Cat Brennan

All scripture quoted is from the King James Version, unless otherwise noted.