"They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted."
Isaiah 62:12
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There is still a remnant, of God's Holy people, who believe in His Word, Who serve Him with all their hearts, and who go about doing good ... even during the most trying of times.
These are those who will be blessed ...who will be rewarded, after all is said and done!
They do not allow their faith to waiver, and they do not allow anyone to yank them from the path of faith, or contaminate it, remaining strong, steadfast, gazing straight ahead, their eyes fixed upon their Savior!
Often, they are those who are betrayed, scorned, mocked, plundered by unbelievers!
But, nevertheless, their God is with them and they shall emerge victorious, shining as bright as any star in Heaven, because they believe!
"So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him.
Abram was seventy five years old when he set out from Haran."
Genesis 12:4
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Sometimes, God places difficult challenges, situations, or people in front of us, to test our faith, to see if we will use it, in order to grow, to move on, to the next level of spiritual anointing.
God's plans are mysterious!
We never know what the purpose is for trials and challenges, but if we are depending upon Him, trusting in His promises, we know that there's a better end, than the beginning.
Only God knows the final outcome, and, often, He shares a portion with us.
But, each day, we journey on, making our way, acknowledging Him for His love, His mercy, and His grace, to see us through.
We can look at the life of Abraham, who left his home, at the age of seventy-five, and gain strength from His obedience.
Abraham was headed for blessing, and so are we, if we will go, as He commands.
"All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written:
"Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."
Clearly, no one is justified before God by the law, because "The righteous will live by faith."
Galatians 3:10-11
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Under the grace, and washed by the blood of Christ Jesus, we are able to receive peace and eternal life, by accepting Him as Lord and Savior.
There is no work for us to do. We just simply stop trying to seek His approval, of who we have been, and enter into agreement with Christ, that we are willing to become that which He wishes us to be.
Becoming that which He wishes us to be, is wrought by a journey of faith, trusting in Him to lead us each day, along the path which leads from the sinful nature, into righteousness.
Every transition of the soul begins in the heart of man, making a choice, a changing of the heart.
We, as once children of disobedience, make the decision that it's time to grow up, to take heed of God's commands, so that we may leave the cursed life of Adam, and move into the blessed life of Abraham.
We depart from the family of death, and walk into the family of life!
"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning ..."
Lamentations 3:22-23
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Any person is great, who makes others' concerns, larger, more important than their own ... those who are willing to sacrifice, with compassion and generosity.
We all know many of those special ones, who are able to manage caring in a most gracious way.
But, there are limits to what only one person should do, and care has to be given in some situations, so that caregivers are not taken advantage of.
There are only twenty-four hours in a day, and those hours can fly by quickly, for those who are answering the demands of others.
Caregivers, helpers, usually have family members to take care of, as well.
We should honor the caregivers in our lives ... those who serve others selflessly.
They are truly angels of blessings, and are few and far between!
"But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand."
Matthew 7:26
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In these days and times we are living in, many are shaking their heads and wondering what is happening in this world.
The neighborhoods are almost unrecognizable, where we once grew up and played and ran. The youth of this generation is not the same, as the youth of our days.
Children have grown up too quickly ... and have grown accustomed to instant food, instant service, and instant gratification.
There seems to be a lack of patience, in general.
A large part of our society is lost, have never trained their ears to the Word of God, and so, they don't understand people of faith ... those who live by faith and not by sight.
They don't understand how one can remain hopeful, and expectant, whenever the situations we face speaks otherwise.
They fail to comprehend that by living by the Word of God, divine favor is granted upon His people ... that we need not live in strife, worry, anxiety, or confusion ... all tools of the enemy!
A Christian gives his or her heart to God, and is able to trust completely in His power, to intervene in situations, which bring relief to those believing.
Perhaps, some of those who are lost, have never experienced a true manifestation of God in their lives and just give up hope and faith ... unbelieving anything, and are all too willing to just continue meandering along the path, without a purpose or a direction.
If a person isn't schooled in the Word of God ... has never taken the time to dwell in His Presence, it's difficult for them to fathom that He is loving, kind, generous, and eager to enter a full relationship with them.
If God's Word isn't taken seriously, many are unaware of His laws, which govern everything concerning us, as His children ... and we are all His children, even if many wish to deny that fact!
He loves us now and has always loved us, everlastingly!
God doesn't enjoy seeing His children, in the world, far away from Him, doing their own thing, without regard for Him.
There is a distance there, a gap, and it leaves a void for something more, in the hearts of men.
He wishes to be included in our lives, in our relationships, and in every matter which concerns us, as the Center of all decisions!
Feeding ourselves upon the Word of God, feeds our faith, and nurtures it, so that we may grow in the Spirit, which is the very thing He intended for us.
God is the only One Who can offer us divine peace, while we are tumbling in turmoil.
He is the Only One Who can heal and restore, when physical reports and diagnostic tests paint a grim and hopeless picture of one's future, as well as future capabilities.
If we can train ourselves to believe, and release our faith to God, He will always honor that faith, and will move with it.
An act of faith in the spirit, always produces a move of some kind, in the physical.
All the youth of our nation, as well as the nations of the world, should be exposed, daily, to the Word of God, and it should begin at home!
If they are living in homes where God is not mentioned, is not honored, they're being set up for confusion, chaos, and destruction in the world ... sent out to fend for themselves, in the enemy's clutches of wolves and lions, and the world is full of them, ready to pounce and devour them.
Any child, regardless of age, is able to repent, to seek and find God's unconditional love, wherever they may be, and in any situation that seems bleak, hopeless!
He is willing to listen, as we cry out to Him, and He is ready to deliver, if a child is calling out to Him, when in distress.
Encourage the children who are around you, even the backsliders who have lost their way, and restore hope in our fallen world, one life at a time!
We can all make a difference in somebody's life ... and we have been called, to do so!
By the hand of God, our world can improve, and the greatest stride is often sparked by a small kindle in the candle of the heart, of someone who has good intentions, and compassion for their fellow man.
We are all in a battle for the salvation of the world, and, together, we can conquer!
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"If it is serving, let him serve ... if it is teaching, let him teach ... if it is encouraging, let him encourage ... if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously."
Romans 12:7-9
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Have a Blessed Sabbath! God Bless You ... and may He increase Himself in you, in your pathway, each day this week!
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Any thoughts or comments, should be addressed to: SLPEnt1@aol.com
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Ministry of the Bleeding Heart Outreach PO Box 1587 Theodore, Alabama 36590