It Is In Your Hands

I sat in earshot of my father talking to a young man as he revealed some trouble he had encountered. The nature of the trouble was seemingly repeated by the young man and this baffled my father. In his wisdom my father spoke very simple but true and powerful words- You know you can change anytime you want. He humbly answered....Yes Sir.
Often times in life, we make the poor choices repeatedly, forming bad habits and and begin to believe that is just who we are- that is just what we do. Even in counseling, we know, there is a large population of people that quit smoking, drinking and using illegal drugs just because they choose to. They never see a counselor, attend any meetings or take any medication assistance....they simply choose to change.

The Bible tells of a man possessed by a legion of demons. Jesus saw the man's desire to change. After an encounter with Jesus, the man was then seen clothed and in his right mind.
Mark 5:1-5
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.² When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. ³ This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. ⁴ For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. ⁵ Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
No matter how grim it seems, you can change. No matter what it is, you can change. Negative attitude, addiction, lying, cheating, stealing, immorality....you can change.
Rember the words of the wise...You know you can change any time you want.

Love Y'all to life!!!

DOUBLE DOUBLE VISION VISION

A few weeks ago I went to an optometrist after about three years of not having vison insurance coverage. I wasn't surprised to be told that I would require glasses because I was wearing glasses for computer use and night. What did surprise me was the revelation that I would need transition lenses or BIFOCALS!!! What a clear sign that I was getting older! I wasn't really overjoyed about it and no frames that I tried on seemed to be able to brighten the fact that I had to wear bifocals. The first day I wore my new glasses to class, I was amazed and how crisp and sharp the powerpoints displayed on the screen. I kept taking my glasses off and putting them back on to see the overwhelming difference. I THOUGHT I COULD SEE FINE!!! On the ride home, I continued to check my vision on road signs and objects in the distance. Still amazed by how poor my vision was and I had no idea.

Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see

While walking in darkness, you don't see or feel that what you are doing is wrong. You can't see how blind you really are. It isn't until you find your way to the marvelous light that you realize that your thoughts, actions and deeds were wretched. It is only the presence of the light that exposes darkness. Looking back it is still amazing how right and justified I thought I was in my sin. Thank God for deliverance, grace and mercy! These are gifts that are available to all.
Love y'all to life!!!

Forgive.....

I frequently pass an area that often reminds me of a bad thing I did well over a decade ago. I was so haunted by my mistakes that every time I pass that area, I would whisper... Lord, Please forgive me. This action continued for several days until one day I heard a response.....I have already forgiven you, now forgive yourself. So often the enemy uses the past to keep us in bondage. We only need to understand that God casts our sins into the sea of forgetfulness for His own sake.

Luke 22:60-62
 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

God knows what we will do before we do it. He is still faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He knows our end from the beginning. There should be freedom in repentance. So accept forgiveness and forgive yourself.
Love Y'all!!!

What Will You Do?

There are going to be times in everyone's life that we face some kind of hurt or pain. We may lose a loved one, have a broken heart, be used or abused. There may be times when you are the subject of unsolicited attacks just because of who you are. Sometimes it can feel as though the enemy just has his sights set on you and you only. The pain whether physical or emotional seems that it is too much to bear.

How you  respond is your choice.
1Kings 19: 3-5   Elijah was afraid when he got her message, and he ran to the town of Beersheba in Judah. He left his servant there, then walked another whole day into the desert. Finally, he came to a large bush and sat down in its shade. He begged the Lord, “I’ve had enough. Just let me die! I’m no better off than my ancestors.” Then he lay down in the shade and fell asleep.

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

When you are faced with adversity, will you lay down and wish to die or will you continue to trust in God to see you through?
Will you turn to do evil for evil or will you trust God to vindicate and see you through?
Will you self medicate or will you trust God to comfort and see you through?

Love Y'all

Let It Go...

We have all experienced hurt and pain at the hands of others. It doesn't really matter if we invited these people into our lives or they entered through 3rd party connections. Hurt and pain is still hurt and pain. There is a great deal of disappointment when our choices result in a hurtful situation. Imagine the confusion when the hurt is inflicted by family or someone indirectly connected. That's the hurt that you just don't see coming and find it even more difficult to rationalize the cause.

Then they took him and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. 

As prime minister. Joseph had all power and authority to make his brothers pay for their betrayal. It was up to him to determine if they would eat or perish in the famine. God had elevated him in spite of their actions. Although initially infuriated. Joseph chose to let it go and restore the family. Don't let hurtful actions of others make you and keep you bitter.  Refusing to forgive  keeps you in the pit. God will bless in forgiveness.  He will elevate you above your hurt.
Let it go and heal...
Love Y'all!!!