Faith Builder

I have been sick all week. Several days I could not even read a book it was that bad, and for me, reading is what I do when made to wait something out.

I had such an open week on my calendar and was so excited to get far in my homeschooling and reduce some of the mom-stress. God had other plans. God often has plans for us that we don't expect or even want.

I am recovering, but God used my down time to really boost my weakened faith. I watched Christian TV this week more than ever and most every topic I heard was about BELIEVING GOD and FAITH. Now that the week is over and I am on the upside of the sickness I am grateful Grateful for the sickness.

I am grateful for the scriptures I kept hearing, the encouraging words, and the correction that I needed in my attitude about GOD. He is amazing and for me to doubt Him for one second is to really deny who I already know Him to be. I have things written in journals of His goodness and faithfulness, but sometimes I don't look at those reminders. I always have the cross as the greatest reminder of His love.

That alone is enough, Lord, forgive me for not trusting You and wavering in my faith. And thank you for putting me on my back this week so I could look up and see You.

"Peter and John: Uneducated and Untrained"

Feeling "unheard" or "unqualified" because your lack of formal biblical education? Today's society has put enormous weight in a piece of paper called a degree.

Think about this:

1. I could learn all I need about how to be a great speaker and communicator by reading a public speaking textbook or two, but that would not make me a great speaker.
2. I could read all the books on the body and how it works, but that would not make me a great surgeon.
3. I could read and study all the piano books & learn about notes, but that would not make me a great pianist.

Education has it's place and a good one. I am always trying to learn more and am even considering going back to school to get my Masters. But that alone won't qualify me for anything.

Jesus qualifies us. Those used by God are always those close to God.

Listen to Acts 4:13..."Now as they(priests and Sadducees) observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus."

Peter and John were uneducated and untrained. However, Jesus himself trained them and they were now full of the Holy Spirit. They were having such a profound impact on the people of Jerusalem. The truth is, Jesus qualified them and that was enough. Having been with Jesus meant something great.

Don't think you need a degree to be used greatly by God in the Christian world. If God wants you to get educated in some way, great, do it. If God is moving you on the work of the ministry and is not leading you down the path of formal education by man, trust Him. He is a great teacher, the best actually. We can be confident as we study His most Holy Word that He will reveal truth to us through the Holy Spirit, and that is something you can't pay for at any college.

Freedom From Tempting Internet Pornography

I have been asked to post this by someone at Covenant Eyes. It is a video which shows how common place internet pornography is and how to help. For many just having it there at your fingertips is all it takes to fall. Godly people do sin even in this area.

Remember what the Bible says in Galatians 6:1 "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."

Key here is YOU ARE NOT IMMUNE TO ANY FORM of sin and thinking you are above internet porn is a foolish thing to do. With how readily available it is, I just want to gently get the message out there: get your fences up now so no intruder will come in. GET A FILTER and have accountability.

If you have adolescents you are a fool if you don't have it. You may think your kids would not look, but kids teach each other and have a way to hide it from you, don't be ignornant. They can innocently come upon it too. It is addicting. Watch the video please and forward this to all your friends, parents you know, women, and men. Please.

Rejoicing in Times of Trouble

As a business owner, hard economic times are not what I covet. We are feeling the hit of the economy and have been since those stinking gas prices went up in the summer. Though they are down, our industry is still trying to catch up and times are hard.

Some days it is so hard I wonder if we will need to close. It is that bad & money is that scarce, but...

I am always reminded that even IF my business closes, even if a child would die, even if my husband should hurt my feelings, even if I have my dreams shattered...

God is Good.
God is Faithful.
God is Merciful.
God is Eternal.
God is...(you fill in the blank).


God is still worthy of the highest praise no matter what He allows me to feel or go through. He is on the throne and because of that I can trust Him even if it doesn't make sense.

That is how I feel today!