God's Grace

Grace of God
 Heavy rains remind us of challenges in life. Never ask for a lighter rain, Just pray to God for a better umbrella. That's Attitude! Life is not about finding the right person, but creating the right relationship. It's not how we care in the beginning, but how much we care till the very end. Some people throw stones in your path. It depends on what you make with them; a Wall or a Bridge? Always remember you are the architect of your own life. Search for a good heart, but don't search for a beautiful face, coz beautiful things are not always good, but good things are always beautiful. It's not important to hold all the good cards in life, but it's important how well you play the cards you hold. Often when we lose all hope & think this is the end, be silent for a Moment, remember God and pray. "It is often just a bend, not the end". One of the basic differences between God and humans is this: God gives, gives, and forgives. But the human gets, gets, gets, and forgets to do the same. Always Be Thankful . . . If you think it is your alarm clock that woke you up this morning, try putting it beside a non-living body and you will realize, that it is the Grace of God that awakened you. If you are grateful to God for your place in life and the abundance given you, please share this with all your friends. BY GODS GRACE ALONE We are here experiencing BEING, and have been given so many Intrinsic Gifts. Have Faith, and you will 'demonstrate' a happy & successful life. ~*~ The One GOD is always with us GOD'S BLESSINGS BE YOURS! ================================ This came across my email sent by a dearSister in Christ. Do not have information on who created it. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Rules for Life #2

This post is a continued article from the original post called:
7 Cardinal Rules for Life 
Rules for Life #1 (with bible references) 

Rules for Life #2:
What other people think of you (is none of your business)

I am taking the seven Cardinal Rules of Life and looking for scripture that supports the rule and giving my thoughts about it. Here are some verses that I have found that apply to rule #2:

• Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
• Luke 12:4-5 (NASB) I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!
• John 5:41 (NIV) I do not accept glory from human beings,
• John 5:44 (NIV) How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
• John 12:43 (NIV) ...for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
• 1 Corinthians 15:10a (NASB) Bus by the grace of God, I am what I am,...
• 1 Peter 2:15 (NASB) For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
• 1 Peter 3:17 (NASB) For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for what is wrong.
• 1 Peter 4:14a (NIV) If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of Glory and of God rests on you.
• Romans 12:18 (NASB) If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
• Luke 6:26 (NIV) Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
• Mark 12:14 (NIV) ...Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are, but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth
• Galatians 1:10 (NIV) Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

There are so many scriptures on pleasing men or gaining praise from others rather than from God. Our focus in life should be pleasing our maker. God is happy when we share the gospel (good news) with others. Pleasing Him is foremost above all else. We should not put our efforts into satisfying others; nor should we worry what others think about us. Seeking praises of men will trap us and get us off of our true purpose in life. Knowing God's love gives us confidence and helps us appreciate our uniqueness and individuality. You have quirks that annoy others? Become comfortable with being YOU. The more relaxed we can be with our own differences, the more comfortable we start to feel just being ourselves. Thank God for our differences and use them to His glory. God controls all and carries us through the fun times and the dark times. When we put our trust in Him, we can overcome the trials and tribulations that come our way. I love this saying, "God can't please everyone, what makes you think you can?"  Some people can fill our heads full of negative thoughts and pull us down if we let them. Allowing this self-doubt to creep in will torment us if we let it. Don't let others ruin your self-image. Our self-worth, and true acceptance comes from within...with God. Live your life by God's standards, not the world's! He is supreme!

I Am a Christian

When I say that "I am a Christian," I am not shouting that "I am clean living." I'm whispering "I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say "I am a Christian," I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumbled and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say "I am a Christian," I'm not holier than thou. I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!
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I took a snapshot of this poem in a nurse's office while waiting to see a doctor in Beaumont. I can't remember the name of the nurse, but appreciate that she allowed me to take the picture. She did not know the author, but hope you like it as much as I did.

A Thing of Beauty (Controversy)

There are two opposing views on the beauty of the Cross...one considers that it is NOT beauty, but ugly, horrifying death of torture and pain. The other view considers the crucifixion in another light and that's the thought of the cross after Jesus overcame death and was risen! It looks at the saving grace He provides for us. The first article (View 1) was read before our Lord's Supper Sunday. See what your view is:

View 1: Taken from Communion Meditations (blog by George)  "A Thing of Beauty"

View 2: Taken from Pastoral Meanderings (blog by Pastor Peters) "The Cross is Not Pretty"

Esther 4:13