Show Me How to Love

Posted on October 6, 2016 by Tracy K

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PHOTO: Singers Rory Lee Feek and Joey Martin Feek arrive at the 48th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 7, 2013.

Today I asked God to show me how he loves. Today he showed me a video testimony about the love between two people, when I seen the love between Joey and Rory Feek. Then he showed me a forgiving love when a man forgave someone that had shot his wife and he asked prayers for his family. Then God showed me a compassionate love, when a man taught his son to show compassion to someone even though they might be slow to learn. Then God showed me a sacrificial love when he showed me what Christ did for us. John 3:16-16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

See God showed me how to love by example.  When I look at the love story of Joey and Rory Feek, it breaks my…

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Lessons of the Prodigal Son

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Tracy K

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Luke 15:11-32-Teaches us about a Father who had two sons. He divided his living among the two.  The younger takes the money and waste it with riotous living. The Other one stays home and continues to live with his Father.

One was considered the Prodigal Son.

  1.  He left home and lived the high life.
  2. He waste all his money and is left with nothing.
  3. He began to be in want; there is a famine in the land; he becomes hungry.
  4. He tries to make it on his own, without the help of the Father but has run out of money.
  5. First he serves the world and another man; he feeds his swine.
  6. Finally he realizes he cannot do it on his own; he needs his Fathers help.
  7. He came to himself and realizes that he had it good with his Father.
  8. He realizes he is living a life with nothing and even the servants of his Father has it better than him.
  9. He repents and turns to his Father for forgiveness.
  10. He is willing to work as a servant than as a son.

The Father

  1. He divides his living with his two sons.
  2. He misses his son, but allows him to leave home.
  3. He doesn’t go after the son but allows him to make mistakes.
  4. When he was a great way off; the Father ran to his son and kissed him.
  5. He welcomes his son with open arms, not judgment.
  6. He gives his son the best robe and a ring, and shoes for his feet.
  7. He kills the fatted calf and they celebrate the son’s return.

The older son that stays home

  1. He becomes angry because his Father celebrates his brothers return.
  2. He is jealous of his brother getting attention.
  3. He has pride in his heart and says that he is a better son because he stayed home and served him more than the other son.
  4. He thinks he deserves more than the first son because he never transgressed against the Father.
  5. He believes he should be greater because he served the Father longer.

Summary:  The Prodigal son left home and endured some trials and tribulations.  He suffered things such as hunger and hard labor. His father didn’t go after him but allowed him to make mistakes; the son returned a better son, because he realized how great he had it with the Father, he was wiser, thankful, and more humble; willing to be a servant, than a son. The other son thought he was a greater servant and son because he never made mistakes, but the Father loved them both.  Luke 15:24 says: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found.  Our Holy Father cares about each one of us, like this Father did.  He didn’t quit loving one son, because he made mistakes.  He rejoiced over his son’s return. He had compassion on his son; he saw his son coming back and welcomed him with open arms. Luke 15:7 says:  I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

 

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Prayer Changes Things

Posted on September 25, 2016 by Tracy K

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If you are a Child of God, then he hears your prayers. Don’t think something is too big or too small for God to take care of.  Recently I prayed for something. I really didn’t know if God would help me with it or not. In a way it was a small thing but to me it was much needed.  As the day went on, the prayer was answered and I was amazed.  It feels good to know that God hears you and he will answer even the smallest things, but he is able to handle so much more if we would only ask him to.

I have written about this before but it was a big miracle to me, and that is why I bring it up again.  One day my dad had fallen and broken his hip.  The next morning they performed surgery and when he awoke from surgery he couldn’t breathe well.  We assumed it had something to do with the anesthesia.  They eventually transferred him to a bigger hospital but it didn’t help.  He still couldn’t breathe good.  He eventually had to be put on a ventilator which did his breathing for him.  After a couple of months, his organs began to shut down.  He had to have dialysis, his lung compacity went way down.  Doctors gave us the bad news that he would not live too much longer.  They decided to move him out to the floor, so we could spend his last days with him.  At times he were a Bipap, which pushed air into him, so he could breathe.

Our whole family was praying for him.  We had asked prayer from several churches and other Christians we knew.  We were so tired.  We were working then going to the hospital until bedtime, and was barely able to rest much, or spend time with our families at home.  Then one day, we noticed his heart rate suddenly drop.  80, 70, 60, 50, 40.  That is when we went to the hospital hallway and screamed for help.  The nurses came in and said nothing was wrong, until we said, Look at him. They realized that he wasn’t breathing at all and his pulse was dropping.  They made us leave the room and pulled the crash cart in the room.  Suddenly they pulled him out in the hallway using a Ambu bag to breathe for him as they were doing CPR, on the way to the ICU unit.

The nurses asked my mother if they should let him die.  They had already given up on him.  The doctors had already given up on him.  We were all crying.  My mother said, I don’t know.  I suggested she wait until morning to make any decisions, and that she should put him back on the ventilator for the night.  That way she could pray about it; about letting him go.  We were so heart broken and grief stricken.  That is when the nurses ran out and told us that my dad had a large mucus plug blocking his airway and it came flying out when they  put the tube down his throat to intubate him. The nurse said, He’s going to be okay.   At that moment I knew he would be okay.  I knew God had answered our prayer.  See God was in control and he healed him.  And Dad was okay.  I know I will never forget that day, ever.

Another time God healed me from Pneumonia, after I had it for over two months.  I couldn’t breathe well at all.  I had the elders of the church pray over me and within a couple of days, I was healed.  God is able and he can heal.  He can answer any prayer.  He can help you with anything that you need, but he is waiting on you to ask him.

Some reasons to pray are:

  1. Pray about all your needs or troubles.

  2. Pray for fellowship with your Father.

  3. Pray to show  honor to God. Praise the Lord.

  4. Pray to God because you are thankful for what Christ did on the cross for you and for mankind.

  5. Pray for the needs of others.

  6. Pray for guidance- such as you need an answer to a question

  7. Pray for Leadership- you want God to direct your path

  8. Pray for Understanding- so you will understand the scriptures better.

  9. Pray for Peace in your life.

  10. Pray for healing

  11. 11. Pray for forgiveness

Related scriptures:

Acts 10;4-And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

Romans 15:30-Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

1 Timothy 5:5-Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day

1 Peter 3:12-For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

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Setting an Example

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Tracy K

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It is so hard to remain calm and not retaliate against those that come against you.  Over the last week, Satan has come at me at full speed.  I have been having so much trouble at work.  The environment has been difficult to bear; my coworkers seem angry most of the time.  As I sat in my morning meeting today, I looked around and hear nothing but harsh words at each other.  One person having an attitude at other and another raising their voice, and me sitting in the corner trying not to be noticed.  Why?  Because I have already been in the midst of the group, people having the harsh tone toward me, over something that had nothing to do with me.  So, I learned to sit quiet in the corner to avoid the conflict.

I have wordered for the last few weeks why I was at this job.  The job itself seems like a perfect opportunity:  great pay, great hours, easy job.  But nothing is ever what it seems.  Many people always thinks that life would be easier somewhere else.  The grass is greener on the other side.  To me a job is best when you enjoy working with your coworkers.  I question what is going on.  I have come to the conclusion that Satan is trying to ruin my Christian testimony.  Believe it or not, people are watching you.  They are observing your Christian walk, looking for you to mess up.  They are waiting for you to do something that you shouldn’t or say something you shoudn’t.

It is hard to remain calm but I know I must.  I know I need to set the example.  People are observing me and waiting for me to mess up.  I will not be a great witness for the Lord Jesus Christ, if I retaliate or smart off or yell back.  I know I must bear my cross daily.  That means I must stay humble and remain calm in the storm.  No matter what someone says to me or whatever comes against me, I must set the example of Jesus Christ.  Because he is my Lord and I want to show others how great a God I serve.  I do not want to let Satans’ evil forces prevail.  I want to win this spiritual battle, and not let my flesh win out.

We are all in a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 says:For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. How can we help lead others to Christ if we do not show them Christ through our actions.  Set an good example; show people Jesus Christ. Titus 2:7,8 says: In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Jesus set the example for us: 1 Peter 2:21,23 says: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

 

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Who is Jesus to You?

Posted on August 28, 2016 by Tracy K

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Once Jesus asked his disciples, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” And they said to him, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Then, he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13,16).

Jesus wanted to know more what his disciples thought of him and who they thought he was, more than what others thought. I ask you to ask yourself this same question.  Who is Jesus to you? Are you following Christ just because your family is?  Do you believe in Jesus because others do or because you think it is what someone expects you to do?

If you are following Christ just because your spouse or best friend is, then your faith is not where it needs to be.  You must believe on the Lord with all your heart and accept him into your life.  Just because your husband or mother believes in Jesus and will one day go to Heaven, doesn’t mean you will.  You must believe in Jesus Christ no matter what happens; no matter how much you are persecuted.  Because one day being a Christian will not be so acceptible as it is today.  One day many will hate you just for believing in Jesus.  Will your faith stand the test of time.  Is your faith founded upon the rock of Jesus Christ?

I watched the movie, ‘Gods not dead’ Part 2. It was about a teacher who got in trouble for answering a question about Jesus and sharing her faith.  It was based on true life situations about how others were persecuted for sharing their faith in Christ.  Don’t think that this will never happen to you, because it could.  Some have been sued over their faith.  Some have lost businesses and their jobs for standing for Jesus and for their faith in him.

What did Jesus say about himself?

Mark 14:61,62- Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

John 6:35-And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John 8:12-Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 10:9-I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 10:11-I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 11:25-Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John 14:6-Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 15:5-I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

See related post: https://poetrybydeborahann.wordpress.com/2016/08/27/who-the-lord-is-to-me-2/

 

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The Importance of the Blood

Posted on August 21, 2016 by Tracy K

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Most Christians know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, because God loved us and sent his son as a sacrifice for our sins, but some may not know the reason that we needed a Savior.  Yes we all sinned and Jesus came to die for our sins, but why was Christ able to die for our sins?  First of all, the Bible tells us that God told Moses and the children of Israel that they had to follow an ordinance. God reminded the Israelites that he brought them out of bondage and gave them the land of Canaan as their own land.  In order to free them from their Pharaoah (King), God caused plagues to come upon the land and they had to smear blood on the door post of their homes to protect them, in order to save them from judgement that he sent upon the land.  If they had the blood smeared on the door post, death would pass from them, and no harm would come to them.  So every year they continued to sacrifice a lamb without spot or blemish as an atonement for the soul. So Jesus was able to be the sacrifice because he was without blemish; he was without sin (1 Peter 1:19, Hebrews 4:14,15 and Hebrews 7:26). God said that without shedding of blood is no remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22.) His blood was able to cover the sins of many (Hebrews 9:28, Hebrews 10:10-12, 1 John 2:2).

Who has sinned? Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” But God loved us and sent his son to die for us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8-9). Jesus was God’s son and through him we can have eternal life. “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (John 20:31).” 1 John 5:11-13 says, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” ). Christ died on a cross for the world’s sins and arose from the grave after three days (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).

Scriptural Reference: 1 Peter 1:19- says that we are redeemed by “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

God said that without shedding of blood is no remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22.)

Hebrews 9:12-  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

 

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Watering Makes Us Humble

Posted on August 13, 2016 by Tracy K

As I read this post below, I see how true it is.  When we witness and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, it truly humbles us. First we should look to where we came from, how we were a lost soul needing salvation, just as that person who stands before us.  It was only through the grace of God that we were enlightened by the gospel of Jesus Christ and received our own salvation.  When we were younger, we may have heard a little about God and his precious son Jesus, but we too were blinded by the wiles of the devil.  A truly humble servant must realize their own faults first, then realize that we are not perfect creatures.  The only thing we can boast about is that we are saved by the grace of God. Not of works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost... Titus 3:5.

C.H. Spurgeon, comments in Morning and Evening: “He that watereth shall be watered also himself.”—Proverbs 11:25 We are here taught the great lesson, that to get, we must give; that to accumulate, we must scatter; that to make ourselves happy, we must make others happy; and that in order to become spiritually vigorous, we must […]

We are here taught the great lesson, that to get, we must give; that to accumulate, we must scatter; that to make ourselves happy, we must make others happy; and that in order to become spiritually vigorous, we must seek the spiritual good of others. In watering others, we are ourselves watered. How? Our efforts to be useful, bring out our powers for usefulness. We have latent talents and dormant faculties, which are brought to light by exercise. Our strength for labor is hidden even from ourselves, until we venture forth to fight the Lord’s battles, or to climb the mountains of difficulty. We do not know what tender sympathies we possess until we try to dry the widow’s tears, and soothe the orphan’s grief. We often find in attempting to teach others, that we gain instruction for ourselves. Oh, what gracious lessons some of us have learned at sick beds! We went to teach the Scriptures, we came away blushing that we knew so little of them. In our converse with poor saints, we are taught the way of God more perfectly for ourselves and get a deeper insight into divine truth. So that watering others makes us humble. We discover how much grace there is where we had not looked for it; and how much the poor saint may outstrip us in knowledge. Our own comfort is also increased by our working for others. We endeavour to cheer them, and the consolation gladdens our own heart. Like the two men in the snow; one chafed the other’s limbs to keep him from dying, and in so doing kept his own blood in circulation, and saved his own life. The poor widow of Sarepta gave from her scanty store a supply for the prophet’s wants, and from that day she never again knew what want was. Give then, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and running over.

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A Stranger Passing Through

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Tracy K

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Not to long ago I watched the Republican Convention and it saddened me greatly.  Many look to one leader to bring this country back to where it once was.  It is going to take much more than a person or leader, but it will take a nation leaning on God for this to happen.  This country (America) was once a nation under God.  The very fiber of its being began from Christian persecution. It wasn’t freedom from religion but freedom to worship and believe on the Lord above, without compromise. The Declaration of Independence states: “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

One thing that Melania Trump said in her speech was that we ought to love one another and show compassion for others. This couldn’t have been spoken any better.  Our country has been divided by people looking for something.  They should be looking to Jesus for answers, instead of a President for answers.  They should be loving others more than themselves. Our nation should be looking to the Father above for his guidance and direction.  Psalms 33:12 says: “Blessed is the Nation whose GOD is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.” This is the only way that America will become a great nation again.  Some think it is impossible but it could happen if people would turn back to God and repent.  I know that no matter what happens to this country, that my home is in Heaven.  I am looking for a peaceful country, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10).

Christians should be looking forward to seeing the country that God is preparing for us. Hebrews 11:16 says: But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews chapter 11 talks about the faith of God’s people.  They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  They were looking forward to going to their eternal home in the Heavens. 2 Peter 3:13 says, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

Revelation 21:1-4- And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Related Scriptures:

Hebrews 11:10-For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Hebrews 12:22-But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
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Let Thy Will be Done

Posted on July 17, 2016 by Tracy K

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Sometimes we pray for things that are not in our best interest.   We often question the Lord, “Why?”  We think the Lord doesn’t love us because he will not answer our prayer.  We need to pray, “Let thy will be done Oh Lord, not mine.”  God answers our prayers but it is not always the way we want him too.

God wants us to come to him for help with anything. We can pray when we are trying to make the right decisions about life, a new job, whether to buy a car, etc… Pray and ask God for his guidance. Don’t expect every answer to be what you want. Sometimes we might get an answer that we don’t like. Sometimes he chooses not to answer our request. He knows our heart and his unanswered prayer is really the answer. He doesn’t want to give us things that can harm us. He sees the future ahead. He knows when we shouldn’t do something.

I thank God for unanswered prayers.  I thank God that he kept me from making some huge mistakes in my life, that would have made me miserable, not happy.  At the time, I thought that something I prayed for would make me happy, but now I see it wouldn’t have.  I have learned over the years that God has always been there for me and had my back.  He has taken care of me in so many different ways.  Not only my health but my finances, my love interest and my career choices.

Learn to trust the Lord to take care of you.  Wait on the Lord, and he can renew something better in you, that you could never have dreamed of. At first we may feel heartbroken that things haven’t worked out like we wanted them to. But Psalm 27:14 says: Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

Matthew 6:9-13- After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

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Love from the Heart

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Tracy K
 
     A true love is not a head love but a love that comes from within, from the heart.
Love is seeing a stranger in need and giving that stranger food and a word of encouragement.  It is not loving only your family and friends, but loving thy neighbor.  This includes complete strangers.  Jesus said,  Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Mark 12:31).  It doesn’t matter if they are rich or poor.  It doesn’t matter if they are black, white, Indian or Hispanic.  Jesus went as far as to say, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44).  So that doesn’t leave any room not to love anyone does it.  We are to love despite what they say to us or what they do to us.
     Compassion is a form of love. We are to have compassion for others that are hurting and in need. Showing compassion means stopping and helping someone that might be injured. Showing compassion means giving a stranger food when they are hungry.  Many times the Bible tells us that Jesus showed people compassion. He had compassion for those that were hungry, those that had lost loved ones, and those that were alone. Luke 7:13 tells us Jesus had compassion for a woman who had lost her son, “And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.”
     Jesus tells a parable about showing compassion for others. Luke 10:30-37- And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
We should show compassion or love for others like Jesus did.
    Compassion is sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. To show compassion we must show kindness, love, mercy, tenderness, leniency, empathy, mercy, pity, and concern for others.
     Related Scripture:
     -Romans 2:29-But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
      – 1 John 3:16-18- Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
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