Sunday 7/14 ~ What if all the good people left?

On July 14, 2019July 14, 2019 By Inspirations By KatherynIn blessings, discouragement, Enemies, governments, healing, patience, persecution, victoryLeave a comment

The scripture for today, July 14 (7/14), is 2nd Chronicles 7:14 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

There is always a little bit of turmoil in all nations of the world. Of course, there is more in some. The average person cannot make their own nation call on God. But the average person can do this: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone ~ for kings and all those in authority” (I Timothy 2:1-2). Further, we should pray for them by name.

Even if you think some people in authority in your nation are against you, you must pray for them anyway. Then wait quietly for God to work things out. It may take Him a year, a decade or a lifetime to bring about your heart’s desire for your nation. But keep praying.

Your job, in the meantime, is to follow God’s ways yourself. Romans 13:1,3-4 says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established…For rulers hold no terror for those who do right….For he is God’s servant to do you good.”

Love the country you are in. No country is all good or all bad. Stay where you are. What if all the good people left your country? God put you where you are for a reason. Everyone has assignments from God. This is your assignment. You are only one, but you are one. Be an example of good. Seek God’s face. God will heal what needs healing in your land.

MICHEL: THE FOURTH WISE MAN, like ancestor Daniel, decides to stay in the pagan country of Babylon, now part of Parthia. Being a minority Jew, he is not taken seriously. Through the whole book as he and the other wise men search the world for the meaning of the star. At last, they listen to him and find that, indeed, not only was a star born, but the Son of God was born to walk on earth as he had in Eden at the beginning. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this: https://amzn.to/2LrXpzh

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Wednesday 7/10 ~ It’s time to come on home

On July 10, 2019 By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, Daily, discouragement, Enemies, faith, Inspirational, patience, power, victoryLeave a comment

The scripture for today, July 10 (7/10), is Psalm 7:10 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

“My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.”

Ah, my Lord, I become so tired sometimes. That latest assignment you gave me has been so hard. Sometimes I complain knowing I should not because that would make me a Christian coward.

Is it okay if I am afraid sometimes? I am only one and am trying to keep my head above water along with others I am trying to pull out of the flood with me. I’m trying, Lord. I weep sometimes, but amidst my tears, I continually think, “What should my next step b?.”.

Sometimes I just stand still and let the turmoil go on around me while I close my eyes and sing a sweet song to you. That’s when I sense you are singing with me.

At other times I stand up to all the turmoil charging at me. You gave me your weapons: a smile, a touch, a gentle word.

Then there are those terrible times when I feel so beaten up, I think all is lost. Then I remember you are there. You are always there. And I know you are shielding me while I rest.

Then we start all over again, you and I, Lord. Another assignment. Another. And another. Until at last you reach out your arms to me and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. It’s time to come on home.”

365 GOLDEN BIBLE THOUGHTS: GOD’S HEART TO YOURS. Whether your quiet-for-a-moment time is morning, noon, or evening, this book 1 in the TOUCHING GOD SERIES will help guide your thoughts. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this: https://amzn.to/32hUQEV

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Friday, 7/5 ~ Your ardent concern

On July 5, 2019 By Inspirations By KatherynIn discouragement, emptiness, Enemies, healing, Loss, problems, weaknessLeave a comment

The scripture for today, July 5 (7/5), is 2nd Corinthians 7:5ff as found in the New Testament of the Bible.

“For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn ~ conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me so that my joy was greater than ever.”

Oh how much we need each other.

Sometimes in life, we go into our own Macedonia where we have no rest and are full of fear. Our Macedonia may be religious or political or medical; or it may be at work, out on the street, or at home.

At such times we need a Titus to help us, to encourage us. Our Titus may be a relative, a neighbor, a friend, or even a stranger.

Have you been a Titus to anyone lately? Look around. Be a Titus to someone today. You are so very needed.

TITUS: THE ARISTOCRAT grows up privileged, his father is the city magistrate and Titus becomes an arbitrator and lawyer. He can make the most bitter of enemies think they love each other. So, when Paul meets and converts him, Paul sends him to churches with problems where he uses his expertise to soothe them. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this: https://amzn.to/32bExti

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Friday 6/28 ~ It’s okay to smile again

On June 28, 2019June 28, 2019 By Inspirations By KatherynIn blessings, ego, Enemies, forgiveness, Inspirational, patience1 Comment

The scripture for today, June 28 (6/28), is Luke 6:28f as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

There was a book published several years ago entitled, Hurt People Hurt People. Have you been hurt? Perhaps by an insult, a neglect, an illness, losing your job? Have you turned bitter? Do you lash out at everyone, or a group of people or a particular someone?

One method of lashing out is when someone tries to console someone who has lost a loved one in death by saying, “I know how you feel.” Then the hurt person lashes out at the other person and says, “You DON’T know how I feel! How dare you pretend that you do!”

That is a hurt person trying to hurt someone else. It’s as though they are bragging, “My hurt is so amazingly great, any effort on your part to understand is puny and not worthy of the greatness of my hurt.”

How do you react to your pain? Do you run people off?

Stop letting that old hurt punish you. Stop putting your life on hold and living in the moment over and over for eternity. Stop being the victim and the aggressor both. You’re killing yourself ~ your mind, your spirit, your soul.

It is okay to smile again. Try it in private. Then in public. It is okay to let it go and hand it over to God. It is okay, when you feel cursed, to not curse back. It is a blessing to bless.

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Thursday, June 13 ~ Go in the strength you have

On June 13, 2019 By Inspirations By KatherynIn #Handicaps, attitude, discouragement, Enemies, family, Inspirational, power, problems, victory, weakness1 Comment

The scripture for today, June 13 (6/13), is Judges 6:13f as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

” ‘But sir,’ Gideon replied, ‘if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about? .But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us in the hand of Midian [enemies].’ The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have.’ “

How dynamic! When you feel trapped, God says, “Go.” When you feel paralyzed, God says, “Go.” When you feel hopeless, God says, “Go.”

Sometimes you spend your time concentrating on your problem rather than a possible solution. Or you try to find someone else to solve your problem for you. Or you feel so helpless, you sit huddled in a dark corner and ask God to take care of your problem for you. When Captain Gideon did this, God replied, “You’ve still got strengths. Use them.”

Yes, you have to wait for God’s final solution, but he does not expect you to sit idly by while he does all the work. “But how?” you ask. You are not a rock or tree or grain of sand. You are not an elephant or tiger or worm. You are a human being made in God’s image. God breathed life into you and gave you special gifts and talents.

Don’t sit idly by while bad things happen around you. Everyone has God-given strengths. Look deep within your heart. It’s there. Then go forth in the strength you have.

MEFIBOSET: CRIPPLED PRINCE. Preachers and teachers portray him as “poor little boy.” But he was NOT. He got out in the world, met people, got married, had children and grandchildren. Though the grandson of a king and heir apparent to the throne he was denied, he went out in the strength he had. GREAT READING FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE HANDICAPPED and for FATHER’S DAY. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this: https://amzn.to/2HVKRNs

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Friday 6/7 ~ May the hardened see God in me

On June 7, 2019 By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, ego, Enemies, love, patience, victoryLeave a comment

The scripture for today, June 7 (6/7), is Ephesians 6:7 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“Serve whole-heartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”

God had just previously said that you were to obey your earthly master (boss). But, as hard as you try, sometimes what you may be told to do is very hard to do, especially if your boss is rude, or someone was promoted ahead of you, or you feel like s/he is being a “slave driver.”

At times like those, do what is asked of you anyway, knowing you are really doing it for God. The next verse says, “because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”

What you do as an employee in a difficult situation does not go unnoticed. God sees and God will reward you.

Thank you, God enthroned above the earth. You have given me the privilege of showing to the world the superiority of your way in breaking down barriers and building up lives. Your way enters the curious minds of even the most hardened hearts and makes them wonder if you are right after all. Your way rises up from my heart and soars to hills, the mountains, the moon, the stars, the very cosmos. May the hardened see you in me.

LUKE: SLAVE AND PHYSICIAN is treated like a son by Theopholis, Tribune in Caesar’s army. When Luke is grown, Theopholis sends him on missions far away, but he always returned “home”. A bond of love is formed between them and Theopholis adopts Luke. Then, when Paul converts Luke and later his master, Theopholis set Luke free. And that is when he writes two of the most dynamic parts of the Bible. A unique FATHER’S DAY GIFT. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this: https://amzn.to/2IrYT8z

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Saturday 7/1 ~ Without the tantrum

On June 1, 2019 By Inspirations By KatherynIn #friendships, ego, Enemies, family, healing, humility, love, patience1 Comment

The scripture for today, June 1 (6/1) , is Psalm 6:1 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

“O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.”

This is not only a good request to God, but it is a good request to each other ~ family and friends alike. When you disagree with someone, do you “back it up” with loud yelling or throwing or hitting things? Do you believe that your point cannot be understood and will not be accepted without a “tantrum”?

This scripture indicates that it is indeed possible to rebuke someone without the tantrum. In fact, it is more effective. When you calmly tell someone you disagree with them, it does not raise their blood pressure and put them on the defensive. With tantrums, they may react like you want on the outside, but you drive them farther from you on the inside.

Calm rebuke does not mean you don’t mean it; it means you are convinced enough, your point of view does not need reinforcement. In that case, the other person is likely to be convinced too.

Today, practice saying calmly what you normally back up with a tantrum. Practice in front of the mirror. Practice when driving. Practice when cooking or mowing the lawn or combing your hair. Then, next time you disagree with someone close to you, you will ready. Ready to not rebuke in your anger.

Be friendly at VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL. Instead of a general craft, end each class time with something from the APPLIED CHRISTIANITY: A HANDBOOK OF 500 GOOD WORKS ~ A drawing for a sick person, money for diapers for a new baby, a song to the baby class, etc. Something for all ages. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this: https://amzn.to/2Mmvzpm

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Wednesday 5/29 ~ Everlasting Arms

On May 29, 2019 By Inspirations By KatherynIn church, death, Enemies, eternity, governments, Inspirational, persecution, truth1 Comment

The scripture for today, May 29 (5/29), is Acts 5:29 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“Peter and the other apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’ “

There are many countries in the world today where a person is tortured, imprisoned and/or killed for believing in Jesus Christ or owning a Bible. These believers must stay in the background and try to remain relatively unnoticed in order to survive. But their faith continues unabated, even amidst their fears. Because of brave Christians like these, the church has survived persecution for 2000 years.

Even if they’re not killed, they are by-passed for promotion at work or fired, they are harassed when out shopping, they are threatened in public transportation, they are turned down for a good education, and they must tolerate derision just walking down the street or waiting at a bus stop. But their faith continues unabated, even amidst their fears and tears.

Such events are usually covered up by their governments and news media, and the good people of those countries never know it is happening.

How grateful we must be to those who live life being rejected by others. Let us daily hold up these brave souls in our prayers ~ those who obey God rather than men.

In eternity, God will deal with the persecutors. In eternity, it will be to God the persecuted will turn to, not men. And there, God will hold them in his everlasting arms.

STEPHEN: UNLIKELY MARTYR was not brave as a youth. In fact, he was a coward. Walk with him over the next ten years as he grows into one of the bravest men you will ever meet. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this: https://amzn.to/2wtVwIA

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Tuesday 5/28 ~ Just like him

On May 28, 2019 By Inspirations By KatherynIn ego, Enemies, judging, truth1 Comment

The scripture for today, May 28 (5/28), is Luke 5:28 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“And Levi got up, left everything and followed him [Jesus].”

This Matthew Levi was a tax collector, who, in those days, was allowed to set his own tax rates so he could pay the Romans their share and pocket the rest of it for himself. Why would such a man follow Jesus, a man who apparently didn’t have much money? He had to trust Jesus and believe that he was truly a friend.

And why would Jesus ask him? Jesus was certainly taking a chance since the uppity leaders of society and their religion openly declared Jesus a bad person for associating with “sinners and tax collectors”. Jesus, in turn, had to trust and believe in Levi.

A lot of Christians brag that their only friends are those who worship with them. They don’t really trust anyone else, so don’t really want to be anyone else’s friend. That is good, but how are they supposed to bring anyone to Jesus? Jesus went out to “seek and save the lost.”

And sometimes there is a visitor at worship who isn’t dressed right ~ perhaps with uncombed hair, or smell from no shower, or makeup put on too heavy, or clothes not in style, or maybe even dressed too richly. Are we ashamed to be seen with them? Jesus wouldn’t have been. He was color blind, style blind, class blind.

Today, reach out and make friends with someone you have been staying away from. Jesus did. And thereby, you will be like him.

TITUS: THE ARISTOCRAT was given the best of everything. His father was the supreme judge of the city of Antioch. He became a successful lawyer. One day he met the apostle, Paul, and his life changed. Eventually, he gave up everything to travel into “barbarian” lands to tell people about Jesus. TO BUY NOW, click the book cover or paste this: https://amzn.to/2NsVRSL

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Saturday 5/25 ~ Love everybody? What an intriguing thought!

On May 25, 2019 By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, ego, Enemies, healing, humility, Inspirational, judging, patience, praise, victory1 Comment

The scripture for today, May 25 (5/25), is Galatians 5:25f as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

When someone is better than you in doing something, do you pick fights with them as punishment, or spread gossip about them in order to get others to quit respecting them?

Perhaps you don’t do this all the time. But what about times when there is something you feel you are really good at, but another person not as talented gets the honor? That’s when it’s hard to “keep in step with the Spirit.”

Whenever you envy someone, deep down you consider that person your enemy. Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45a).

To many, loving our enemy is the most difficult command in the Bible. Perhaps one way to love your “enemy” is to realize that Jesus loved his enemies. Every time you sin, you become one of his enemies. But Jesus keeps right on loving you, even when you don’t want to stop doing whatever you shouldn’t.

Jesus demonstrates the love of the Son of God. And here he says, if you love your enemies, you are demonstrating what the children of God do. And that is far more important than honor that goes to those you envy. Leaving behind conceit makes it much easier to love everyone. Love everyone? What an intriguing thought.

A lot of people thought they were better than MEFIBOSET. Even though he was the crown prince after King Saul and his father, Jonathan, Crown Prince the first, He was the CRIPPLED PRINCE. Come on, now! His brains we not in his feet! He had many enemies afraid he would take over as king. But he just smiled at them. He smiled! Read about this son of King David’s best friend and let him teach you how to love your enemies. To BUY NOW, click a picture or paste this: https://amzn.to/2QtFPKQ

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