Preparing for Cold Weather

Fall is my favorite time of year. It’s a welcome break from scorching summer days. The crisp air invites us outdoors, and milder temperatures can offer some relief on utility bills. Ragweed may still linger, but there is much to enjoy as the seasons change.

It is also a season of preparation. We take advantage of summer clearance sales, bring out warmer clothes, and stock our shelves with canned vegetables, fruit jelly, and preserves. Ants gather food, and many birds head south. Creation reminds us to prepare for what lies ahead.

                         Your Faith Will Win Every Time

                                                                                              picture by Attentie Attentie

We have all experienced seasons when our faith has been tested. We are living in challenging and uncertain times, but it is up to each of us to hold on to our faith and refuse to let go. Our faith can grow stronger when we choose to believe, trust, and stand firmly on the Word of God.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith does not depend upon what our natural eyes can see. Faith is developed in the spirit and manifested in the natural. It believes God before the evidence appears. When God has spoken a promise, we must trust Him, believe His Word, and remain steadfast until what He has spoken comes to pass.

                                     Feeling Invisible? God Sees You

Have you ever felt invisible?

Have you ever felt like no one notices you? Like your voice isn't heard, your presence isn't acknowledged, or your efforts go unnoticed?

If we're honest, most of us have felt that way at one time or another. For some, those feelings seem to come more often than for others.

The Keys to the Supernatural Power of God

Have you ever misplaced your keys? Until you find them, access is denied. The door may be right in front of you, but without the key, you remain on the outside looking in.

Keys represent access, authority, and opportunity. They unlock what is already available but inaccessible without the proper means of entry.

Today, technology has advanced beyond traditional keys. Many of us use keyless entry to unlock our homes and vehicles with the simple touch of a button. The door was always there, but the proper access opened it instantly. If you don’t have the correct series of numbers to open the door or crank your car, access is denied.

 Dominion and Authority 

From the very beginning of creation, God established humanity with purpose, responsibility, and authority. Before sin entered the world, He entrusted Adam and Eve with the privilege of stewarding His creation.

Genesis 1:26-28 declares:

"Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over  all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth…. ”

God gave Adam and Eve dominion in the Garden of Eden—not to rule independently of Him, but to serve as His representatives and stewards on the earth. They were commissioned to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it, and exercise wise dominion over all creation (Genesis 1:28). Their authority was a sacred trust, calling them to faithfully manage and care for everything God had placed under their stewardship in accordance with His will and purpose.

The Soul: Our Precious Inner Life

Our soul is one of God's most precious creations. It is the seat of our mind, will, emotions, personality, and desires. While our bodies connect us to the physical world and our spirits enable us to commune with God, our souls reflect how we think, choose, love, hope, and respond to life's experiences.

                                                                                 photo by Tim Mossholder

The Repentant Heart

                                                                                                                      photo by Mark-Tulin

                   Roses Have Thorns

I’ve often wondered about how something so beautiful can cause you pain. If you look at the rose you will see the beauty that it gives and then when you move further down on the stem you will see thorns. You have to handle them very carefully to prevent being pricked by the thorns.

Roses presents in various colors, red, yellow, white, pink and orange. Ironically some of these are the colors of the rainbow. They can be sprayed to represent other colors as well. I love the blue and purple ones too. The best time to plant roses is in November. They go through blossoming stages. Roses usually begin their first bloom cycle after the last winter frost. The bloom cycle of most modern roses are approximately 6-8 weeks. They look their best when they are in full bloom. I love it when there are a combination of pink, blue, white, purple and yellow roses in a vase. They offer a very elegant center piece and emit a pleasant fresh fragrance as well.

I have personally experienced the sweet aroma of a floral fragrance during praise and worship service. It’s a sweet fragrance that enters the room and you immediately know that it’s the presence of the Lord, especially when there are no flowers nearby in the room. We welcome the presence of the Lord especially when He comes into the room through a sweet smelling savor. It is so welcoming and exciting to experience this firsthand and so pleasant I would welcome it any day, all day.

                      I Surrender All    

Photo by Jackson Simmer

Have you ever come to a place in your life where you have exhausted all possibilities in your strength? You’ve come to the end of yourself, your capabilities, your abilities and the usual way you manage things. It’s a good thing to recognize that you are not in control but realize that God is sovereign and He knows what best for you and me.

There was a popular television sitcom called “Father Knows Best.” It was so good that it lasted for six years and was also featured on the radio. The father’s name was Jim, who was played by Robert Young; his wife Margaret, played by Jane Wyatt. They had one son and two daughters. Jim was the go to person who had the answer to all of their life’s problems and dilemmas. No matter what happened they would always circle back for his take on the situation. This was mentioned to give a greater perspective on who has the answer to all of our problems, worries and fears. We should not rely on man to solve our problems, but the answer is in Jesus Christ. Our first line of defense should always be God. He is the Father, who knows best. He encourages us to seek Him first and to not lean on our own understanding. He wants our thoughts to become His thoughts, because His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.

                    Prayer for Change

photo by Pedro Lima

Father, we come boldly before the throne of grace with a heart of thanksgiving. Thank You for forgiving us, providing for us, healing us and protecting us.

Please forgive us of our debts, transgressions and iniquities. Forgive us for the sins of our fathers. Because the sins of our fathers visits the 3^rd and 4^th generations we acknowledge that we have sinned and come short of Your glory  sometimes unaware. Purify our bloodline. Thank you that all our generational traumas has been broken and destroyed in the name of Jesus. We thank you for the blessings that flow to the 10^th generation. We are joint heirs of Jesus Christ and we will flourish, thrive and enjoy Your many blessings. We are Your people, called by Your name, humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, seek Your face, then You will hear from heaven, forgive us of our sins and heal our land.

                                                                       Peace Be Still

 Photo by Aaron Burden 

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the phrase "peace be still" serves as a comforting reminder to seek tranquility amidst the storm. This powerful expression invites us to pause, reflect, and cultivate a sense of calm in our daily lives.

Life troubled experiences, situations, problems and dilemmas try to wear us out. Don’t fret or fear, just know that our help has already been provided. Look unto God, who cares deeply for all of us. He has already made concessions for current and future events. He has already provided a way of escape.

                      Discipline

Photo by Joel Muniz

Discipline is an interesting topic. It is the root word for discipleship and disciples. It is so important for all of these root words, because it leads to an extraordinary posture. Disciplined people are usually wise, knowledgeable and peaceful. It is defined as a form of training by following certain guidelines that render positive results if followed and negative consequences if not adhered to.

Photo by age-barros

The Second Half

photo by:Priscilla Du Preez CA

Ponder, Pray, Pursue

There are times in life when we need to ponder before we make our next move. Pondering takes place in our mind. It means to think about, ‘reflect on, to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply.’ It’s not an easy task to do, specifically when we have to make some very difficult decisions.

                                                  Confidence

                                     Photo by sydney Rae 

Confidence is important in so many ways. We need confidence in everything we do. It is especially important in our family life, career, finances and relationships. We have to believe in ourselves and we hope others will believe in us too. Even if they don’t we still have to be true to who we are and confident in ourselves.

                         Soar Like Eagles

                                              Photo by Richard Lee

Wouldn’t it be great to have the ability to see 2 miles down the road? Believe it or not this is what an eagle experiences. Eagles are equipped with extremely sharp vision. Humans aim to have 20/20 vision, but according to research an eagle has 20/5 vision, which is so much better than humans.

photo by Timo Wagner