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Monday, May 16, 2011

Satan or Jesus? Who are you a slave to?

Romans 6:12-18 (New Living Translation)
"Do not let sin control the way you live;[a] do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living."

Paul,in writing the book of Romans, asked the most important question to the believer and that is,"Do we keep on sinning because we have been set free from the law? Do we keep on sinning to allow God's grace to abound? Paul's answer, "Absolutely not!"(Romans 6:2)

Many Christians take advantage of the sacrifice that was made for them on the cross. Using it as a "golden ticket" to live as they please. To me, it's like slapping Jesus in the face when we deliberately sin. Many use the excuse that God died for all people and for all sin, therefore they can live however they please. But that is a lie from the Devil himself. Reread the verses above. When we choose to live in sin, we are a tool for satan! Did you get that? Let me say it again...when we choose to live in sin we are a tool for satan! I didn't come up with it, God did.

The opposite of being a tool for satan is being a tool for God!(vs.13)I desire to be used by God for His glory, for His Kingdom! I fail at times but the Holy Spirit is alive and well in me, therefore; I feel the conviction from my Lord when I am sinning or about to...what a freedom that brings! The kind of freedom that shows me a better way. A freedom that says to my heart, "the temporary joy is not worth the pain that will follow this sin." or "The sin your are about to do will affect more people than you can imagine."

I don't know about you all but I will not be satan's tool! After all, we were created for God's purpose and for His glory!

Lord God, please help us to be familiar with the schemes of the devil that we may avoid his traps. May we stay on the path that You planned for us from the beginning of time and enjoy the freedom that comes with following Your narrow path. We need your help for we are weak, but we know that we have victory as long as we follow You! Fill us with the Holy Spirit and guide us as we live in this evil world. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Happy Mother's Day Mom, I love you!


Dear Mom,
I just wanted to write this Mother's Day letter to tell you how much I love you and how much I miss seeing your face. I miss hearing your laugh. I miss seeing your beautiful brown eyes, that always had a sparkle. Mom, I just miss you. I wish I could call you up when I am having a rough day or just want to chat.
It's strange to me that this Mother's Day seems to be very hard since you went home to be with the Lord. It's been a little over 2 years now and I have my days where I just need your touch or words of comfort. I often think of the things you have missed, like Stephone graduating from high school, the kid's birthdays and such. Trea is graduating this month and you will miss that too. It saddens me to know you are not apart of the celebration physically, but joy comes to my heart knowing you are having the time of your eternal life, in heaven with our sweet Jesus!
I talk about you often with the kids. Asking them what they remember about you...we laugh and cry as we recall special memories we have shared....like you searching for that unique rock, always looking for a 4 leaf clover, and making flower bracelets for the girls. You recognized God's creation as something to be treasured.
Stephone and Trea remember going fishing with you and Papa during the summer. Keanna remembers you singing to her as you rocked her to sleep and she said,"Shhh grandma, I trying to sleep." I reminded her of the time she wanted to go live with you and she packed her suitcase when she was only 2 years old. Kobe remembers you playing Mario and another video game on the Nintendo and watching cartoons with you on Saturday mornings or the Tool Time show with Tim Allen.
When I was little, I remember your long brown hair...and I remember you telling me everything was going to be alright when bad things happened.
When you were in the hospital during the last week of your life, you told me you were sorry for any wrong you had done and asked me to forgive you. I told you that I forgave you and how much I loved you. Then you held me in your arms and told me how proud you were of me and how much you loved me.
Mom, I am proud of you! I love you so very much and I want to thank you for all the sacrifices you made for our family. We didn't have much growing up but one thing we did have was your love! That can never be replaced or taken away!
I thank God for you and allowing me to be your daughter. I know you are having the BEST Mother's Day because you are in the Lord's presence, free from all of lives trials and tribulations and for that I am grateful!
This Mother's day I honor you, my mom!
Proverbs 31:25&28
"Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come....
"Her children rise up and call her blessed"