Matters of the Heart

As God called Samuel to go and anoint a king to follow Saul he said to Samuel,
"Do not look at his appearance. For God sees not as man sees, for a man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

How wonderful God sees past our skin, sizes and all imperfections. He doesn't care about any of that. He cares about our heart which involves our feelings, our will, our understanding, our intellect and our wisdom.

Appearance is such an obsession in our culture. We look up to the Hollywood crowd, athletes, politicians and well-known people in our communities. Eating disorders are wide spread and are causing health issues.

What peace that we could have if we looked up to God only and strive to keep our hearts pleasing to Him.

ROLL, TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!

We have been waiting for snow for several days and the "big day" has arrived. We received only a few flurries. I feel bad for the children because the weathermen get us all excited and then it is a flop. That seems to be the norm in my area - they are wrong more than they are right. We should get some benefit from this cold. Yesterday when the sun was out it was bearable but today it has just been all gloom. Our area is not use to this so it is hard to handle. I guess when the summer gets here we will all be saying it is too hot.
The children were in anticipation of this like it was Santa coming so that was a let down for them. They even announced yesterday afternoon that our schools would be closed today because of the snow storm.

However, we have a bigger excitement in this area for this evening. Our Crimson Tide is playing for the College Football Championship. A large portion of the state of Alabama will be glued to the TV. Roll Tide Roll!!!!!

As I look out my window this morning on a day that is not going to get above freezing I see two birds playing in a tree. They are so carefree and seem to be having so much fun. They don't know that we have about five more days of below freezing weather with possible snow in a couple of days. This kind of cold is unusual for us and it is hard to get motivated.
While watching these birds I immediately thought of the verses in Luke chapter 12 where Jesus tells us to consider the ravens and the lilies and how God knows their needs and He will provide. He knows our needs and we should not be anxious or worry because He will provide for us too. Seek first His kingdom.
As my birds fly around today they are totally leaving it all in God's hands. It can be hard for us to "totally" leave our lives in His hands. We try to figure out our own ways and plans.
It is a growing process to leave it all to Him. We have to keep focused on His ways and not be so wrapped up in the ways of the world. I have found that if I start the morning with prayer and Bible study that my day runs smoother. Obstacles come but there is a peace throughout the day. God will keep in perfect peace those whose mind stays on Him. (Isaiah 26:3)

God's Wisdom

Request and receive God's wisdom. Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and unwavering.
Selfish ambition in you heart is against wisdom from above.
Let a gentle spirit be known to all. Be anxious for nothing - in everything by prayer with thanksgiving bring your request before God and His peace which is above our comprehension will guard your hearts and minds . Think on things that are true, pure, lovely, of good repute and all things worthy of praise.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you resist wrong thoughts. He is our helper and will always be with us, teach us all things and bring to our remembrance what Jesus has said.
Remember the deeds of the Lord. Remember His wonders of old and meditate on His works. He is the One who works wonders today.
Incline your heart to His testimonies and turn away your eyes from looking at vanity. Ask Him to revive you in His ways, establish His word in you to produce reverence of Him.
James 1:5, 3:17; Philippians 4:5-8; John 3:14-16, 14:16,26; Psalms 77:11-14, 119:36-38

Draw Near to God

New insights from my Bible study "Me, Myself and Lies" by Jennifer Rothschild
Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Satan attacks us with wrong and negative ideas and we should keep our focus on Jesus to stay strong. The weapons for our warfare with the dark one is divinely powerful. Do not conforn to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind through God's word and prayer. God is at work in us and gives power, love and discipline. He is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Jesus said "Come to me all who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest."
Go to Him in all things. Praise God and give Him glory because He created all things and because of His will they exist. That includes each one of us. God draws near to all who call on Him in truth.
2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:13; Matthew 11:28-29; Psalm 145:18

Cell Phones

Most of us have heard in the past of problems with radiation in cell phones. I guess we think someone corrects the problem as new phones are designed. One of my favorite sites EWG.org (Enviromental Working Group) has done 10 months of research and have found that there is still a concern over radiation in cell phones. They tested 1000 phones so chances are yours will be listed. You can go to the above mentioned site and to see the research. They list the 10 best and the 10 worst. You can also look up your phone and see how it rates.

Peace In Your Heart

Time really flies. I have just returned from Dallas where I was visiting family. I certainly enjoy going there.
I have been doing a Bible study called "Me, Myself and Lies" by Jennifer Rothschild.
It is an easy study on how to keep our thoughts in check and keep focused in the right direction. In the first week I learned that it doesn't have to be well with your circumstances to be well with your soul. Don't confuse your identity with your struggles. When mistakes and problems come, learn from them but don't dwell on self-blame. We are God's creation and He doesn't make mistakes! You may have experienced in times of turmoil that you will feel a peace in your heart. God will do that for you. "Thy will keep in perfect peace whose mind is on Thee" from Isaiah 26:3 is a daily thought in my mind.
God has wondrous thoughts toward us and His thoughts to me are precious. He has searched me and knows me. He is familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, He knows it completely. (isn't that amazing)
Meditate on His wonders, statues, precepts and word. Set your mind on things above and not things of the earth.
He will hear my voice. His consolation will bring delight to my soul.
Let God hear from you. Honor Him in who we are.
Psalm 40:5; Psalm 55:17; Psalm 94:9, 19; Psalm 119; Psalm 139:1-4,17;
Colossians 3:2