THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY

Although I speak with foreign languages and the most angelic voice, but do not show love to my neighbors or strangers, I am like a noisy percussion instrument (1 Corinthians 12:10 and Romans 12:6). And although I have been given insight into the future and spiritual matters and exercise faith, so that nothing is impossible for me (Matthew 17:20), but do not love my friends, I am worthless. And although I give to the homeless and fast for just causes but do not love my family, I am wasting my time and my money.

Love takes lots of mistreatment and is selfless; love does not envy what others have or is competitive; love does not show off, is not focused on self, does not behave in an obnoxious manner, is not self-willed, does not get irritated easily, does not entertain wicked thoughts; does not find sin funny, but enjoys talking or listening to what is worthy of praise;

Love handles all situations, believes the best of all people, hopes for the best, perseveres in all circumstances.

Love always wins; but predictions of the future will stop; those with the gift of foreign languages shall one day forget them; mass religious awakenings and revivals will end.

For we only have partial knowledge and understanding of spiritual matters. But when Jesus Christ returns, every subject that now confuses the mind or causes debate will be fully understood (Is there a God?, How the world was formed?, Is the concept of sin real?, Is there life after death?, Is there life in other worlds?)

When I was a child, I spoke as a child should speak, I had the understanding of a child, I had no interest in adult matters: but when I became a [woman], I let go of childish ways.

For now the eyes of our understanding is dim (Ephesians 4:18); but at His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8), we shall see Jesus for who He really is (God, a Prophet or just a good man): now I only understand some of life; but then I shall understand matters completely just like God now knows everything about me (Psalm 139:1-3).

But as for now, faith, hope and love keeps us going, love being the more powerful virtue of the three.

7 GIFTS OF GOD ON MY BIRTHDAY

Thanks be to God for another day of life. By the Grace of God, today is my 35th year on the earth. I am learning that every day with Jesus is truly sweeter than the day before. The trials still come like a flood because we are born in sin and shaped in iniquity, and we have to live with, work with, shop with and commute next to people in the same human condition.

What do I want for my birthday today? I am thankful that I have all that I need.

Below are 7 gifts God has given to me and how they have sustained me thus far in my life.

His grace is sufficient in times of weakness. Jesus the living water quenches my thirst for righteousness when I go to Him and He fills me. I see the good or fruit of my labor each day in my family, my friends and those I know casually. The Holy Spirit has kept me from much trouble and danger (when I let Him). The cross of Calvary stands as a reminder of the eternal life Jesus Christ purchased to redeem me from sin. By faith, each day I believe and claim the promises of God’s word on my behalf (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, Psalms 138:8, Isaiah 49:25, Isaiah 59:19, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:2 and many more). He keeps me pure in body when time, fasting, distance or circumstances prevent me from rendering due benevolence to my husband.

Wherefore he saith, when He ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men [and women]” (Ephesians 4:8).

7 Gifts of God:

Grace (Ephesians 4:7)

Living Water (John 4:10)

To Enjoy the Good of our Labor (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

The Holy Spirit (Acts 8:20)

Eternal Life (Romans 6:23)

Faith (Roman 12: 3-8)

Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7)

I love you all with the love that I've received from the Father. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.

LOVE LETTER FROM GOD

Love Letter From GOD
My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty GOD

Compiler Unknown

IN THE FACE OF SEVERE ILLNESS

How can we remain hopeful in light of no known cure?

We know without a shadow of a doubt that God could heal Coby instantly if He chose to do so. We do not doubt God's ability to cure her nor will we question His choice should He choose not to.

We have come to learn that in this school of hard knocks called life that we will not always understand why certain things happen to us. If we have not brought the calamity upon ourselves by our disregard of moral or natural laws, then we must conclude that God has the big picture in mind and is using the trial for the good of it's recipient and/or for the onlooking world.

While we have this perspective and trust God implicitly, it does not take away the heart ache and pain.--Christian Berdahl, The Shepherd's Call News, Vol. 9, Issue 1. (2010).

MY PREVIOUS FACEBOOK POSTS

Reminded of the sins from your past? Here is a promise to each living soul, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)

"Practice makes Better" - "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth (practices) righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous" (1 John 3:7).

Of all the people whose lives have intersected with mine, I pray that the effect was uplifting to us both..., if not, thank God for "do overs."

"And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life... and this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent" (1 John 2:25 and John 17:3).

Where are you getting your information about yourself? God says, "I have called you by name" (See Isiah 45:3).

"Progress is only worth talking about if it is put into practice daily"

Personal Computer; $500
DSL Service: $60
Email Account: $0
Connecting and reconnecting with friends on Facebook: Priceless

"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small" (Proverbs 24:10)

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

It’s the most wonderful time of year for many. From gifts, to feasting, to carols and hymns, to decorations, there is something for everyone to enjoy this time of year. People are a little nicer, the air is a little crisper, and an overall exciting buzz is in the air.

This time of year is also a perfect opportunity to share with those who have never been told that each of us, as wonderfully made as we are, were sinners, but that God sent His Son, Immanuel (God with Us) to redeem us from the penalty of sin (death). We can choose to have a new life in Jesus Christ. Old things can pass away and all things can become new in our lives. Many have not heard these truths and search in vain for the peace that only God can give.

Christians, Jews and African Americans have this time of year carved out for different celebrations.

If you are into history, the following site has the History of Christmas covering time periods before (B.C.) and after (A.D.) Christ, Christmas Traditions by Country, Santa Claus History, Christmas Origins and Trivia and lastly, Christmas Books.

http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/

The History of Chanukah
http://www.beingjewish.com/yomtov/chanukah/history.html

The History of Kwanzaa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

In the midst of traditions and tall tales, there is a Truth that will set men and women, boys and girls free. Today is the day of salvation.

SEARCHING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

After talking about what we should not worry about, Jesus in Matthew 6:33, says "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

This portion of the Sermon on the Mount is summarized by the statement seek ye first the kingdom of God. The disciples who have pledged their allegiance to the King must continue seeking the kingdom and its righteousness. The present imperative form of the Greek verb indicates a continual or constant seeking.

The contrast between the spiritual and the material is emphasized. The believer is to seek first the righteousness that is characteristic of God's kingdom and then all these things (material things) shall be added unto him. When our priority is spiritual, God will take care of the material, for where God guides, He provides.

We need not even worry about tomorrow, for sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (v. 34). This meas that each day has its own troubles and challenges to be responsibly handled, without worrying about the hypothetical problems that could arise tomorrow.

Edited commentary from the King James Study Bible, pg. 1424, 1988, Nelson Publishing.