Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts

We are faithful


Chronic illness can make us feel that we are incapable of many things. That can be true of physical things which for most of us who are ill or disabled, are now incapable of doing. But all is not lost as there are still things which are eternal that we can do. 

We are told to pray without ceasing and prayer is something we can manage to do. Albeit in a different way to the "normals'" prayers, our disjointed or mumbled prayers are still as powerful and effective.

Just because we are sitting in our recliners, or in our bed, or sitting on a shower chair, in our wheelchair or resting on the seat of our walker- the fervent prayers we offer will reach the Ears of Him Who we serve. 

We must never let the lies of the evil one cause us to doubt ourselves and then have us not pray at all. We are never wasting our life when we pray. God does not class prayers according to the pray-ers' surroundings. 

Goodness knows, we have heard of soldiers praying in the trenches under fire and imminent death. No, our prayers are of equal importance to God. Our prayers will drive the enemy away and cause him to tremble, because he knows wherever we pray is holy ground. Satan doesn't care about where or even how they are prayed. He hates the fact that we still pray. 

Faithfulness is something chronic illness can't take away from us. No matter how hard the enemy tries to convince us that we are wasting our lives, we know he is just using wily and cunning ways to get us to stop praying and therefore serving God. 

The prayers of the chronically ill are precious to the LORD, for He knows the battles we face just to be "normal". But we are more than "normal" as we come against illness and serve Him regardless. 

Chronic illness will try to wipe us out physically, emotionally and spiritually if it can: but one thing we sufferers are is not only resilient: we are faithful. 


© Glenys Robyn Hicks 


Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Even if not our neighbours.


 
So today Chris and I were listening to some worship music. We had such a feeling of peace after what could be described as a very stressful week.

We talked about how God has been so good and faithful to us and reminisced on how over the years, He has blessed us.

We spoke about keeping on in faith and overcoming illness and the imminence of the Blessed Hope or Rapture.

We talked of how we were meant to be together and how God was our Matchmaker.

Sharing stories of how our faith had taken shape when we were children, with Chris aware that Christ was in Christopher, his name. He later learned that it meant Bearer of Christ.

I shared how being called Glenys and finding out it meant holy, clean and good also shaped my faith.

The presence of the Holy Spirit was very strong, and we gave into it with singing loudly and passionately, with tears...

When the music stopped, we both realised how loud we were and how awful we must have sounded.

We had a laugh, but then I shared with Chris how as a child, I had asked the LORD to make me a singer to worship Him. I prayed that prayer for many years.... my voice was at most, pleasant, not great.

Finally, when I was an adult, praying that prayer again, I felt the LORD tell me that us just making a joyful noise to Him was enough. Our praise pleased and delighted Him just the same.

Telling this to Chris made us laugh because we thought our praise must have really, really delighted Him, even if not our neighbours...


© Glenys Robyn Hicks



"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: Make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise" -Psalm 98:4


For such a time as this!


 

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried out to my God...

The Lord is close to everyone who calls out to him, to all who call out to him sincerely. The Lord will rescue me from every evil action and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. Whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you — in God, whose word I praise. 

I trust in God; I won’t be afraid. What can mere flesh do to me? God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won't be afraid. It’s far better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust any human.  And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever.  

God didn't give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled. Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you. This is why we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper, and I won’t be afraid. What can people do to me?

Those who know your name trust you because you have not abandoned any who seek you, Lord.  In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul...  

He heard my voice from His temple and my cry came before Him even to His ears
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you."
"I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" 

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." 

"Don't fear, because I am with you; don't be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand"

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth."  

"The  LORD  is  my strength and my  shield;  My  heart trusted in Him,  and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." Psalm 28:7 

A compilation of scriptures for such a time as this!

Sleeping like a baby

 


Recently I have been overwhelmed with problems that can only be helped by praying. The most recent trial came this week with my youngest (adult) child suffering from the aftereffects of breast surgery.

This particular surgery has been repeated three times and each time the sac of her cyst was not removed properly and reoccurred. Followed by a golden staph infection. Followed by antibiotics. Followed by lots of pain.

So a week after this last surgery, the dressing was particularly stained with infection again. This necessitated another visit to her general practitioner to be treated.

This turned out to be the straw that broke this mother's back and I had a panic attack, believing she could perhaps lose her breast or contract septicaemia.. (her bandage certainly looked purilent enough)

I took myself to bed early and spoke to the LORD about my fears for my daughter. Once again, I felt that peace that enveloped me like a cloak of warmth. I experienced that before when the same daughter was fighting for her life with leukaemia. 

In the middle of committing my girl into God's care, I fell asleep next to my little cat Xena who was purring against me and trying to comfort her mum.  I had a restful night despite feeling initial panic.

We prayed for her this morning before her doctor appointment. The results were wonderful. The wound had healed well. No infection. Just some residual ooze after the wound was initially closed.

Antibiotics were prescribed to be absolutely sure that it not become infected. We are so glad that this time there's a happier outcome than the 2 previous surgeries.

Once again, the LORD is true to His Word and was there for me as I came to Him in a panic. He gave me perfect peace even as the waves of fear rose up threatening to drown me.

Feeling the peace that passes all understanding, I was able to give it all to God and sleep like a baby. 


© Glenys Robyn Hicks



And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7


His promise still stands.



Recently I have had one trial after another... and some mornings I wake up in so much pain that I often consider staying in bed. I simply cannot face another day.

There is much going on behind the scenes with my family which I am not at liberty to talk about and it is the sort of stuff that I can do nothing about, or help. Except pray.

On days like that, I start the day with morning prayer with Chris. We start by thanking Him for another day of life, and we ask for His Strength and blessing on us as we travel through the day.

Most times with Chris being quite ill himself, we mention that we don't understand how people get on without God. And we thank Him afresh for His faithfulness to us even as we shakily stand and shuffle together through each hour.

Often we remind each other that God is faithful and is the same today as He was yesterday, and will be tomorrow.

And as we pray before closing our eyes, we once again are grateful that we have managed to do at least that which was most needful, and we thank Him for that.

We manage to drift off to sleep, secure in the knowledge that God will be there waiting to help us as we painfully wake up to another morning...

The only reason I've made it this far is God.

His grace carried me. 

His plan sustains me.

His promise still stands.


 © Glenys Robyn Hicks


Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you. Isaiah 46:4

It's been six years!

 


It's been six years since I wrote this post and it is still as relevant today as it was then. So I have decided to repost it. The LORDS' coming is closer than it was then and the urgency is even stronger...

I have been grappling with writing what's on my heart lately. As a deep thinker, I ponder daily on what I feel God wants me to write about in this blog. I try to encourage and edify, but I know that sometimes what I speak of upsets some people.

As I looked at myself in the mirror today, I saw a woman whose life is spent mostly on studying the Word of God, praying and blogging in between bouts of chronic illness. It's all I can do now.

Writing's been a passion of mine for the last 30 years after three separate pastors at different services prophesied over me, saying that God has appointed me to be a spokesperson- actually the word was "mouthpiece" for Him throughout the world.

I really took this to heart and started writing Christian personalised verse and self published a book of poetry called "In Spirit And In Truth". It sold at various Christian bookstores, but somehow this didn't seem the way that I was meant to go...

With the advent of the internet, I started blogging and that and writing for various Christian magazines have become my form of service to God. As the blogs and articles circulated, I realised that that was where the "throughout the world" part of the prophecies were coming from...

Apart from obeying God by writing, I realised that I burn with the desire to see the lost being saved and that I do indeed love people. Christian or not. Coloured or not. 

As I combed my hair, I realised that I must write more of Christ and His offer of salvation than focus on our many illnesses and the Corona Virus. Times are short.

I know some who read may take offence, but please recall that I do so out of love and nothing personal to gain. I want you to be saved from the imminent wrath of God for people who prefer to live in their sin than to repent and serve God.

This world is getting darker and very soon Jesus will be taking the Church- His Bride, to be with Him. This is known as the Rapture and only believers will go. 

My prayer is that you will go with us and not be left on this earth which is going to be hell on earth. I need to say it, before it's too late. 

I don't want you to be offended, but saved. God doesn't want anyone to go to Hell, and neither do I. Times are short as I said and we have millenia of prophecies that have come true  to uphold this.

One must be saved or born-again to get to Heaven. Jesus is the only way and that choice must be made personally and voluntarily. Either we accept Jesus and go to Heaven, or we go to Hell.

I have written this post for those who as yet aren't born again, because if I didn't warn you, I couldn't live with myself.


© Glenys Robyn Hicks


He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

We are blessed, not lucky

 


With the blessing of each new day comes a chance to experience a deeper faith and love from God.

When all can look gloomy today, there is every chance that tomorrow will be brighter. We must always remember that or we will sink into the Pit of Despair.

Just recently I have posted about how difficult life has been lately but in all that, God has shown Himself faithful and good to me in many ways. Ways that are personal and intimate between He and I...

Such is the relationship between us that I can see God's Hand in everything. Things meant for my ill have turned out, through Him to be totally turned around and a blessing..

The blessings started out small at my lowest point. God sent my little Kingfisher into my backgarden. Only I would have seen him, and I recognised His love glance immediately.

Then He brought a little ginger cat into our life. Very affectionate and homeless. And an answer to my prayer to be a "cat lady" in my old age. 

I have had my prayers answered with our 3 pregnant grandchildren's pregnancy problems being sorted and we are eagerly expecting new babies in the next few months.

Family who have been ill with serious health issues have had major improvements.

Our rented house, which was for sale has been sold to an investor and we can stay- longterm. The settlement is tomorrow and today the for sale sign was removed!  

In fact, yesterday the new Property Manager came to do the final pre-settlement inspection and she was impressed with how clean and well kept our home is! 

She also said that with the new laws here in  Australia regarding investments property acquisitions, it was not really worth investing now and she added that we were very lucky to have the sale go to an investor.

I agreed but really I don't believe in luck. Once we are born again, everything we do comes under the watchful Eye of the LORD. He does not bestow luck on us nor is our fortune- good or bad, by chance or the universe. 

It is not controlled by how the stars are aligned or if you crossed your fingers or wished upon a star. It is by God's grace and favour that we are blessed- and even that which we don't see as a blessing is permitted by Him in order for us to grow closer to Him and seek Him. 

Jodar the mythical god of luck has no power, and God Himself will not share His glory with another. Blessings are from the only true God.  We are blessed, not lucky


© Glenys Robyn Hicks 


 "The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.” -Proverbs 16:33



It is well with my soul.



The only reason I've made it this far is God.

His grace carried me. 

His plan sustains me.

His promise still stands.


Lately I have been feeling every day of 73. With new health issues unfolding and chronic pain and fatigue, I feel like my body is slowly closing down.

With my family history of dying around or before 75, I can well imagine that I will not really make it to old bones.

As I told my doctor last week, it is well with my soul. I am just unhappy that the carrier is breaking down so rapidly.

I am not depressed. Ageing and pain and death are a part of life and I am not afraid of dying. I am more afraid of the manner in which I will die than the actual act of dying...

The reason I am not afraid of death is that God is in control of the number of days allotted to me and the manner in which I will go to Him.

Over the last 73 years, since early childhood, I have been aware that He loves me and carries me.

His grace has been my stay and song during a life of pain of every sort, from a wretched childhood to a hellishly violent first marriage of 25 years. Culminating in my body falling apart after I met and married Chris. My rock and soulmate for the last 30 years.

Some days I am not well enough to sit and talk with you, due to pain and brain fog from fibromyalgia and pain killers. But I want to tell you that the joy of the LORD is my strength.

He keeps me from the Pit of Despair and I find there's always something to be grateful for. And I am.

I have learned to give myself grace as I navigate and walk the path of the chronically ill.

God's plan for my life as a Christian, wife and now great-grandmother still brings me purpose and joy.

Having faced death a few times already, I am at peace in the knowledge that God's promise to carry me even to the time of grey hairs is as real now as it was when I first became born again 46 years ago.

Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you. Isaiah 46:4

If I go in the Rapture or rise to meet Christ from my grave, it is of no consequence to me. I know to Whom I am going. My body will be resurrected and my soul with Jesus.

As I said to my doctor, "It is well with my soul!"


 © Glenys Robyn Hicks


Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.. 2 Corinthians 4:16 

We have to live through the bad times



Every day is precious no matter how much you ache or hurt. Life has to be lived rather than endured.

Realising how short life really is should encourage us to live it with courage, taking hard times as a challenge.

Not every day will be sunshine and roses, but those days will help us appreciate the days that are.

Remember too, we have to live through the bad times to get to the good.



© Glenys Robyn Hicks 



“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

Why I don't read salacious books




There has been a lot of publication of p*rnography for women, such as the trilogy "50 Shades of Grey". It seems every woman was immersed in  it and most had bought all three books.  Even my daughter, who is not an avid reader, had it on her iPhone.

Everyone seemed to be reading this trash. However, I didn't be read  them.  What I have gleaned from comments and hearsay is that it was basically "Mummy p*rn"  A tale of  demeaning sex and sado-masochism.  But most of the young mothers I know were digesting every filthy word of it and jokes abounded that by book three, most husbands would be very happy men with an excess of sexual favours in all kinds of manner!

Why won't I read it? you ask.  I won't read it because I value my God and my marriage too much, and  I have self-respect. As a married woman, I owe it to Chris to keep my thoughts and impulses for him alone.  I would hate to be intimate with him and be imagining Christian (or any other man).... Jesus Himself has warned us against this, saying that to look lustfully at someone not your spouse, is adultery in the heart.  He meant this for women as well...

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:28

As in cyber sex, and sexy chat room relationships, reading pr*rn stirs the carnal side and weakens the intimacy and trust in the marriage union and pervades into our relationship with Christ. Sadly, many Christian women are getting caught up in this sin. And it is not only the married but the single woman. Goodness knows, remaining sexually pure and unstained in this world is hard enough without igniting flames that should not be kindled until marriage..and then again only to be kindled in marriage..

I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake [my] love, till he please. Songs 2:7

Anything that lures ones' mind away from God or ones' spouse creates an opportunity for sinful behaviour.  The formula for sin begins in one's thought life...A thought = a decision =  an action = sin.  I know if Chris was thinking lustfully about another woman, that it would upset me.  He wouldn't do it to me. Likewise, I won't do it to him.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1:15 

As a born-again Christian who is redeemed and cleansed by the Blood of Christ, I have too much self-respect- or really, I should say respect of Christ living in me, that I refuse to dwell on sinful things. We are a holy people and have been called to be separate from the world.  

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,  2 Corninthians 6:17

I do not want to waste my energies on thinking about licentiousness. Being human means that occasionally one may have a sinful thought- we won't be perfect until we meet the LORD, but that doesn't mean that we should dwell on rubbish. I prefer to dwell on things of Christ.  However, should we dwell on things not worthy of our Saviour,  then we are instructed to train our thoughts away and bring them in line with God and His Word.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  2 Corinthians 10:5

It is my hope that any Sisters here will bypass those types of books and any other distractions that take us away from our most important raison d'etre.  Our life is to keep ourselves spiritually pure as we await our Saviour.   So many world events point to His coming soon. We have to stay strong.  In faith. In purity. In Spirit. In prayer.  For we are the Bride of Christ.

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Just as you hopefully would keep yourself pure for your husband, how much more so do we need to keep ourselves pure for Him?  We must guard our hearts carefully at all times,  for out of our heart, comes our life.  

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:24

Don't let the world tell you that reading "Mummy p*rn" is not sin: it is. Our standard for living is not the world's, but God's.   And before you take offence at my words, please know that I too must bring my thoughts into the captivity of Christ.  I don't feed my spirit on garbage. Therefore I won't read 50 Shades of grey or see the movie.

What manner of people ought we to be then?

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:  (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)  Ephesians 5:3-9

As the Bride of  Christ, when the Bridegroom comes, I don't want Him to find me being wanton, licentious and lewd. I want to be holy and pure for Him.  He deserves that.  

There may be fifty shades of grey, but there is only one shade of white. I choose white!

And that is why I don't read salacious books! (this post was originally posted March 2019)


© Glenys Robyn Hicks


Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.  Revelation 3:4


Love in action

 



I have been reflecting on the amount of grandmothers who have a large role in bringing up their grandchild or grandchildren, or who even have custody of them. 

Some of my childhood memories include playing with my father's work mate's children. This friend was a widower and he was left with two young children to bring up. He was helped by his mother, Mrs B.

Mrs B was a senior woman of about 75 years. She wore her grey hair in a tight bun and sported black lace up shoes that gave her appearance a rather severe look, especially with her long black skirt and white blouse that did up right to her neck. She wore no jewelry and I guess you could say she was a plain person.

At the time she took on her motherless grandchildren and moved in with them, she was enjoying a wonderful life as a companion/assistant to a woman of wealth. She was widely traveled and lived in a large prestigious house. Yet, she gave it all up to raise her son's children with him.

Even as a young child, I was impressed by this woman and thought how great was this lady's heart and love that she gave up a truly salubrious life for them.

It is only as a senior great-grandmother myself, and on reading that God classes this devotion as a mitzvah and is especially dear to His heart, I realise that this self sacrifice is so precious to God and to the grandchildren being cared for.

This to my mind exemplifies the sacrificial life of His Son Jesus, Who was perfect in love and sinless. Such kindness is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

To all grandmothers who care for their grandchildren, know that your sacrificial love is indeed pleasing to God. It's more than being kind: it's love in action.



© Glenys Robyn Hicks



I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. -2 Timothy 1:5

Whatsoever things


 

As I got older, I became morose and sad.  My good years were behind me.  Chronic illness overtook my life and I resented it so much.  It turned inward and made me sink into a depression.  

I overcame this by deciding to accept my limitations and to love myself enough to rest, eat well and be grateful for the very fact that I was still alive.  

I didn't want to stay in the Pit of Despair, so I gave all my anger and sadness to the LORD.  I decided to look at whatsoever things were lovely, and to count my blessings.. 

This helped me recover spiritually and emotionally. I didn't realise how much my self talk and negativity had brought me down.

If you want to fly, you have to release your burdens so they don't weigh you down,  so tell the LORD about it, for it is He Who will release you and help you fly.


© Glenys Robyn Hicks


Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Make the right choices!

                             


In this world of instant gratification and self indulgence, we often look for a quick fix for weighty matters. We can't be bothered attending to character flaws that impede our Christian walk, and we often wish that there was someone else or some other way to handle it or make the problem go away. But there are some things that are ours and ours alone to deal with.

Salvation: Responding to Gods' invitation to accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour is a very personal thing. Nobody can do it for you. You can't be saved by relying on your church attendance or your parents' or spouses' profession of faith. Salvation is strictly between you and God. It is by its very deeply personal connection between you and Gods' Holy Spirit, that you are saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

Responsibility for your own actions: The original finger-pointing and blame shifting happened in the Garden of Eden. Eve blamed the serpent, claiming that he beguiled her and she ate the fruit, and after eating of that same fruit, Adam shifted the blame to Eve, claiming that she shouldn't have shared it with him. We are experts at avoiding responsibility for our own actions. But taking responsibility for our own actions is critical in coming to a place of repentance. When I shall say to the righteous, [that] he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. Ezekiel 33:13

Repentance: Being convicted of an offence or sin before the LORD is often something that is personally painful. No one else can make us repent, it is again a deeply personal matter of the heart.There can be no repentance if one does not take responsibility for our actions that gave occasion for us to sin. Only we can repent of our own sins. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

Obedience to God: We are required to obey God. One can obey Him but with an impure heart. Others can force us to tow the line, and we can give lip service to God, and fool man. But this outward obedience doesn't fool God. True obedience comes from a servants' heart, a clean heart that longs for the closeness that obedience brings in our relationship between Him and us. And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart. 2 Chronicles 25:2

Faith: Likewise faith is something one either has or hasn't got. No one can bestow faith on us. It is a very personal thing, again a matter of heart that only we can have or pray for, for even so faith is a gift from God.. But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Feeding on the Word: Whilst it is true that one can be forced to endure bible studies and gospel readings, if ones' heart is not in it, it will not bear fruit. We have to be prepared to listen... and learn. So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

Attitude to life: No one can form the attitude we choose to take in life. We can be persuaded or forced to comply to a set way of thinking, but ultimately we take charge of how we respond to life and its joys or stresses. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45

Control of thoughts and emotions: Whilst people can encourage us to display certain emotions, we are the ones who must learn to master them. With all the above coming into play in our lives, control of thoughts and emotions are critical. Thoughts and emotions vie side by side in importance for one controls the other. For through these thoughts and emotions, attitudes are produced and if entertained, they become actions. For good or bad. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:5

We must get over the finger pointing and crying that "the devil made me do it!" and take responsibility for our own life. Accountability is both a pain and pleasure but something that we all are before the LORD. You are responsible for yourself and no one else. Let's run the race well and be responsible for ourselves!. Ourselves are ours alone to deal with! Make the right choices! 


© Glenys Robyn Hicks


So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.  Psalm 90:12

No more tears in Heaven

 


So today I realised that one of my step-children had unfriended me on Face Book. It was quite a surprise as I thought we got on fairly well.

I thought about it a lot today because as anyone will tell you, rejection is a bitter pill to swallow.

As it so happened, I had a chance to ask my step-child's spouse for a reason and the response was that the step-child was offended by all the "God stuff" I post.

Well, this is not the first time I have been rejected by my family because of my Christian witness, but nevertheless, it still smarted...

My response was to share about my own child's rejection of me and following estrangement.  I mentioned that same as I had told that person,  it is my wall and my right to post that which is meaningful to me...

As I said to Chris tonight, Jesus did tell us that we would suffer for His sake, and even lose family over our walk with Him. Furthermore, He told us that if our first priority was not following Him and we gave in to the rejectors by not following Him, then we were not worthy of Him. I can never reject Jesus.

Today, as these thoughts and feelings swirled around in my head, I was once again comforted by the Holy Spirit Who reminded me that these trials will be nothing in comparison to the joys we will have in Heaven with Christ.

I will continue to love and pray for those who reject me and I will get over it and move forward. But I have to confess that I do look forward to being with Jesus...

It is said who will have the last laugh... it's not funny that they are lost and I won't be laughing.

I am so glad we won't remember those we loved who are lost.  There will be no more tears in Heaven...

© Glenys Robyn Hicks


He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me- Matthew 10:37