Be thankful! Contentment pt 1

Have you ever found yourself asking, "how can I give thanks in...this illness, this trial, this death, this...in all things"? I have! You find yourself saying or most likely thinking "I'm not thankful because...this hurts, it's hard, it's not fair, doesn't make sense, it's not my fault".  God never said it would always be easy, fair or make sense. He did say not to give up, not to fear, but to take heart for he has overcome the world. Sounds like this should be easy but the truth is I, personally, have trouble with this sometimes!  Looking into myself I can say that at times I've refused to be thankful because of fear, pride, anger, hurt and confusion.  I have learned though that being thankful is an attitude! Well, attitude is something I'm good at it just needed a little tweaking! We are called to be renewed in the attitude of our minds and that our attitudes should be same as that of Christ Jesus.  Philippians 2: 6-8 gives an example of this.  Here are a few key words from those verses that can shape our thankfulness-not equal with God, servant, human, man, humble, and obedient. Here's why we can feel safe in being thankful; because we know  that in 1 Corinthians 15:57 it says But thanks be to God! (Why?) He gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Jesus!

I love what 1John 5:3-5 says-This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God OVERCOMES the world. This is the VICTORY that has OVERCOME the world, EVEN our FAITH. Who is it that OVERCOMES the world? Only he who believes (me & you) that Jesus is the son of God. We have something the world doesn't have: the ability and the means to be thankful, victorious over-comers In The Lord! Psalm 60:12 says With God we will GAIN the VICTORY! We know with all assurance that He sings over us and leads in a triumphal, victory parade in Christ and thanks be to God, through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.  2 Corinthians 2:14. And it is with great confidence that we can offer an attitude of thanks because we know that even though we are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not ashamed; struck down, but not destroyed! Yes, thank you Jesus that because as the psalmist said "I believed; therefore I have spoken.  With that same spirit of FAITH I also believe and therefore speak, because I know that the one who raised The Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence.  All this is for your benefit, (why?) so that the GRACE  that is reaching more and more people may cause (what?) THANKSGIVING to overflow to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 4:8, 13-18. I love that! 

Thanks-an expression of gratitude, an acknowledgement of services or favours given!

Be thankful in ALL things, even the small things! Like the paperclip you needed or the penny found! Look for the positive!  An ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE! GET YOURS ON! 

Thank you Jesus that we have a hope and confidence IN YOU! I have an attitude and I'm not sorry for it!

Christians what your battle cry? Come on, shout it out! Let me hear it the comments! 

The Lord Bless you and Keep you!

SG © 7/1/2014

To judge or not to judge? That is the question!

We are all going to be judged one day by God, the one and only true judge who knows each of our hearts and the motive behind our deeds, good or bad. Romans 2:5-11, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Matthew 12:36, 1 Corinthians 4:5.
We all judge or have judged. I pray for his mercy! Is it righteous or does it show favoritism? James 2:1-3 Have we heard the whole story? Proverbs 18:13
We are all going to be judged by someone at some point and time. Like it or not. Is the judgement merciful or with the same measure you want to be judged with? James 2:13, Romans 2:1-4, Matthew 7:2 Have you first judged yourself and removed your own plank? Matthew 7:3-5
The Bible gives scripture that both supports judging and when not to judge and standards to judge by! Romans 2:1-3, Romans 14, James 4:11-12, John 7:24 and so many more!

I guess my question is this...which scriptures or parts of scriptures do we believe? Most assuredly the one that say don't judge! But do we understand why it says don't? I hear and see all the time,"judge not lest you be judged" (out of context), don't be judging, stop judging, look in the mirror, check yourself first, who are you to judge, y'all need to just love!  Do you know what love is? Just asking! But what about scripture that says to judge or as we like to hear it said, discern, because that sounds less threatening? There definitions are very much the same; judging or discerning good or evil.  Do we believe those as well? Do we practice it? Not too much really! The world has told us to stop, therefore, we have. The world, satan, would have us to not judge because it creates confusion, deception, tolerance, and essentially a comfortable place to sin.   God's been turned into an "it's all good" kinda God! Not so! He is a jealous God and commands obedience!  And, he is not a God of confusion, but of peace.  It's a vicious cycle, but the cycle can be broken if we choose to believe all the scriptures! Be careful to read all the scripture not just 1 verse as you may be missing out on important instructions. Practice righteousness and humility and turn from self-righteousness and arrogance.

So where does this leave us in a world full of human judgement? Here's my thoughts:
You can agree or disagree, either way is fine! It's my thought pattern that helps to keep me humble in his word and growing, not without fault.
If I am being judged then I must ask myself a few questions.
Is it referring to my past? If so, have I overcome it, repented of it, been forgiven? If so, then I can say thanks for the reminder of just how wonderful God's grace and forgiveness is! I can rejoice in praise for it is with his strength I have overcome! I do not labor in the past but strain forward to the goal, the reward, the prize.  If I have not overcome it or am still living in it then again I can choose to be thankful.  I can choose to say thank you for bringing that to my attention.  I do need forgiveness, I do need his strength so that I can become more like Jesus! Hallelujah because in this satan and sin in my life can be defeated!
Is it about my present state? Is it true? If so, again, thank you Lord for sending this messenger of truth to open my eyes to this part of me that still needs healing, or this sin that I need to turn from and repent of, this habit that keeps others from seeing you in me, or whatever the case may be. Ex. 2 Samuel 12:13-14 David suffered the consequence of his sin even tho he repented when his sin was brought before him by Nathan. His sin caused the enemies of The Lord to show utter contempt toward God.  We too suffer the consequences but I am thankful to have the error of my way corrected.  See Psalm 32 & 51.  If, however, the judgement is not true then I have full confidence in God and I can pray for wisdom and understanding. I know that these kinds of words come from possibly jealousy, or a bitter heart, and satan using otherwise good people as his tool of disparity and discouragement.  Once again I am faced with a choice.  I hope that I remember to smile and give thanks for my God, my redeemer, my deliverer who has set me free!  I can rejoice in prayer, lifting the messenger up with words of encouragement before my God who loves me!
If it is a vicious judgement about my future I must consider if this judgement is based upon human opinion or the scripture.  If it is scriptural, I consider it, believe it and give it to Jesus, the King of Kings knowing full well that he has a plan and only he knows the outcome.  I have been the given the knowledge and understanding that his ways are to prosper me, to give me hope and a future and never to harm me!  If, on the other hand, it is merely human opinion then it is what it is and I will choose to speak truth into their ears about God's promises! Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises 2 Peter 3:9, and in 2 Peter 1:3-21 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Continue to read for yourselves.  See 1 Timothy 4

See being judged doesn't have to be a bad thing! Being judged can bring us growth and maturity in Christ and sometimes may actually save a brother from the error of his way and save him from death, James 5:19. We have no need however to pick each other apart because when we do we set ourselves for the same judgement and we put ourselves above the law that commands to love God and our neighbors; therefore giving us justification by a set of standards that are not God's, James 4. Check your judgement against God's word.  Is it good or evil? Love what is good and hate what is evil! Consider Colossians 2:16.  I have considered and understand that I have been guilty of judging without realizing I was judging, but in this I ask God's guidance, revelation and forgiveness.  It's so easy to judge and not even mean to be or realizing that you are. However, christians without judgement how will we follow the command to restore those who have fallen away? Galatians 6:1,2  Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Judging the world is not ours to do. But of Christians?  Yes! In 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 we are told who not to associate with and Paul wasn't talking about the world otherwise we would have to leave the world.  He says anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral, greedy, an idolator, slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler.  With such do not even eat! Imagine that! In case you think these are just works from a man read 1 Corinthians 14:37. I could go on but I will stop here for now.  Jesus says those that reject his words will be judged by his words.
I, personally, feel judged when something within me is being called out(sin,shame, guilt, pride,etc)  and I don't want to confront it. So let your judgement be sound and not with hypocrisy, by appearance or condemnation or for justification, but with love and gentleness and righteousness as one who speaks the words of God, 1 Peter 4:8-11..above all love each other deeply.  Its time for judgement and it begins right here with us who are christians. 1 Peter 4:17-19.  Choose wisely!
I will leave you with this from Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

From the heart,
Stephanie G. © 9/27/14

The Ministry of Marriage

"Marriage may be the toughest ministry you ever undertake".  Do you know why simple steps and praying harder won't overcome your marital issues?  They only work on a superficial level.  

To spiritually benefit from marriage, we have to be honest.  We have to look at our disappointments, own up to our ugly attitudes and confront our selfishness.  We have to work hard sometimes. The Bible gives us many scriptures on how to live and how to treat others.  Did you know that those same scriptures that we apply to others also applies to our spouses?  They are your significant OTHER! They are not just your spouse, but God's creation. 1Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to EVERYONE! Even your spouse.  Go read 1Peter 3-apply this whole chapter to your marriage. What about Colossians 3:9-25? Check it out! Or how about Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome(injurious to physical, mental, or moral health; unhealthy) talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building OTHERS up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Vs 31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, & anger, brawling & slander along with every form of malice.  Be kind & compassionate to one another, forgiving each OTHER, just as in Christ God forgave you. Add to these Galatians 5:22 & 1 Corinthians 13-that's what love really is.  Did you know that in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 it says to respect those who work hard among you.  I wonder if we can also apply this concept to our marriages.  Our attitude in marriage should reflect the attitudes listed in Matthew 5:1-11, the Be-attitudes. There are plenty of Don't Be-attitudes too! Check out Philippians 2:3-11. Never consider yourself better than OTHERS! Not even your spouse! Yea it happens! How many times have you raged about how stupid they are? Really? Why? Because you're so much smarter? Been there! Do nothing out of selfish ambition & conceit! What if we applied Proverbs 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his or her own opinions.  Surely we don't do this!  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we may comfort those (OTHERS), in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Is your marriage in trouble? Divorce is not the answer, it's the easy way out! God created you to be holy and if you've chosen to be married, there's no better way to improve yourself. 1 Corinthians 7:27a Are you married? Do not seek divorce. Before you give up and walk away pray asking, "O Lord,  search me and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See O Lord if there is ANY offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Create in me a new heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me!" In Jesus name!

Don't give up on this ministry called marriage!

Faithfully learning to be holy!

Stephanie Goode

An article I wrote for thymemagazine.com

                                 What it means to know God as my Father!

What does it mean to KNOW God as my Father?  As it has been said and sung, "to KNOW Him is to LOVE Him"!  How do we get to know Him?  We must first experience Him!

O Father!  My life is a mess!  My marriage, a shamble!  My life unbalanced, my heart, shut off!  My heart like broken glass is full of sharp, painful shard!  What do I do God?  It's so still, so quite.  I can't hear you!  Aren't you listening?  I need you!  I stumble forward, slowly drifting.  Angry!  Father, are you not speaking?  "I am, but you're not obeying!"  Fine!  then leave me alone!  Just give me what I want!  Sadness...my Father's heart is broken, torn.  He loosens the reigns, he knows he can't force his will, can't make my choices.  My Father watches in agony with eyes of love and compassion as I create an even bigger mess.  He knows he will have to clean up my mess, but he never complains, he just keeps gently calling, calling my name.  He keeps instructing, "that's far enough, turn around."  I glare at him with disdain and toss my head with a haughty laugh!  How I must have hurt him, but he continues on with me, fighting demons I know nothing about!  Anticipating my return.  He knows it will be hard though, for I have so much pride, such a stiff-neck!  My Father though, he never stops getting in the way!  Providing a way, a way back home!  He laid the paths before me.  Oh, but I was the smart one! After all, I'd watched all kinds of movies like CSI!  Ha, I was good at hiding, running, escaping the flame!  I won't get caught!  At least that's what I thought!

The time had finally come, my Father had had enough!  Again, he put a roadblock before me, a sign saying, "daughter, come home!"  With arrogance, a dead heart and a wild spirit I relented.  I was not repentant, no not yet, but oh my Father, how he rejoiced in just that one step!  He's not worried for he has great faith in me!  He know's my heart and he knows how to fix it!  Isn't that truly what every daughter wants?  Oh, daddy, please just fix it!  Time slowly continues on...

My God, my Father, always by my side, always with a plan.

Rebellious, black sheep gone astray; testing you, pushing the limit.
Do you still love me?  If you do then you would...but you said, "because I love you, I won't!"...  My soul so weary, worn out!  My heart broken into a million teeny, tiny, beautiful, stained glass pieces.  Rejection, abandonment, used, scarred and tainted, all blanketed with my sin!  Unconditional love, forgiveness, and acceptance, offered and rejected.  Your Father heart heard my desperate, confused cry; you wept for me, with me, as a Father does.  My God, My Father, I'm knocking on deaths door!  I want it, I need it!  If you loved me you would..."Because I love you, I won't!"...  To my every plea for death, you answered, "My grace is sufficient for YOU!"  I can see your big hand reaching down for me into the ravishing pits of sorrow, but I cannot reach it, not even the tip of your finger!  You answered me, " just be still, I'll stretch further!  I won't let you fall!"  I love you Father, but can you still love me?  I'm afraid! Send me a way out, a different way, my way!  "I want to"  you reply, "but not that way, I know what's best!  You must trust me!  Haven't I proven myself yet?  I will do it again because I love you, I forgive you!  I will carry you, I will get you through this mess!  You will sing again, you will dance, you will twirl, you will run, you will be successful in my purpose because I love you!  I love you with my very life!"  Trust? No!  God you know that was stolen from me long ago!  I can't!  If you loved me you would..."Because I love you, I won't!...Take my hand, I'll lead you home!  Come to me!  Let me comfort you!  I feel your pain!  You have nothing to fear, I am here and I will never leave you!  The road will be hard!"  My Father, he's so honest!  "You will turn back to me many times and many times I will forgive you."

His grace reaches me!  My Father, God, has never broken a promise!  My plans are not His plans nor are my thoughts greater than His!  "To know, know, know you, is to love, love, love you...and I do, yes I do!"

Stephanie Goode © May 20 2014

I am so laughing at tomorrow!

Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

This verse came to me the other day while I was driving and it was as if I had just read it for the first time.  An understanding came to me.  She can laugh at the days to come?  I've often wondered, "how"?  Well, the answer stared me in the face as I realized I was becoming that verse.  Now, no, I don't laugh at everything, but more and more I find myself not worried about what is ahead and how, when and where!  Why?  Because, God is in control and he knows what's best and would never harm me!  For me it's taken years to actually believe that, completely!  I still doubt, I still struggle because I'm human, but because my faith has increased through trials I've learned that it's easier to let it go and trust in His plan.

Why can she, the proverbial woman, laugh at the days to come?

Because she knows who holds tomorrow, she knows He has a plan
and that no weapon formed against her can stand.

She knows in whom she has believed
and in Him she has put her trust.

She laughs for she has hope because she knows
He is able to do far more than she could ever imagine!

She holds dear those things which He has promised,
to never leave her nor forsake her.

She knows that He fights for her,
that He sings love songs over her.

She laughs at wanting poverty
for she knows He provides for all her needs.

She knows to whom she belongs,
that she is His most treasured possession.

She can laugh because her strength comes from The Lord
and in His love there is no fear.

She walks in dignity with her Father, the King of Kings,
for He has taught her that laughter is good medicine,
health to her bones.

She can laugh because she knows
that joy comes in the morning.

The days ahead do not scare her
because she knows He is faithful. He is just.

She laughs in the face of adversity for what can
man do to her that He does not see?
For her soul belongs to Him!

She can laugh for she has cinched her waist with truth
and put on the breastplate of righteousness.

She laughs for she carries a sword that divides even bone and marrow.
Her feet are steady like a deer.

She presents a shield of faith, full of fiery arrows.
She laughs for her mind is set on Him,
He protects her with His helmet of Salvation.

She laughs, she does not worry about tomorrow
for tomorrow will have its day.

But for today, she lounges in the garden of His laughter,
and sleeps in the lap of His safety.

For she knows who holds tomorrow,
and she knows He holds her hand.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord  is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock,
in whom I find protection.  He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

I am starting to understand this and it gives me great hope for each day!

Stephanie Goode © June 17, 2014

Is it ok?

Ok, something I've been pondering on for a few days...movies!  I love them! Most of us do, but are they ok for Christians?  Here's why I ask: movies contain a lot of things that the Bible speaks against and yet we fill our minds and hearts with them.
Here's a few things to consider:

Murder-Exodus 20:13, Matthew 15:19
Sex- Premarital, outside of marriage, all kinds of sex and sexuality, seduction-Ephesians 5:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 5:9-12
Language-Cursing, foul, degrading, crude, God's name in vain or irreverence-Exodus 20:7, Leviticus 9:12, Colossians 3:8
Revenge, hatred-1John 3:9, Leviticus 19:18, 1John 2:9, Proverbs 10:12
Drunkenness-Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 23:21
Disrespect towards each other, towards elders and parents, dishonor-Exodus 20:12, 1Peter 2:17, Romans 12:9-10, Ephesians 6:2
Lying, deceit, slander, gossip-Exodus 20: 16, Leviticus 19:11 & 16,Psalm 34:13, Titus 3:2, Proverbs 16:28, Galatians 6:7
Stealing and cheating-Exodus 20:15,Matthew 19:18
Adultery, fornication, infidelity, swapping partners, lust-Exodus 20:14, Matthew 5:28, Proverbs 6:25, Colossians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:5, 1 John 2:15-17,Hebrews 13:4, Proverbs 6:32-35
Divorce & remarriage-Malachi 2:13-17, Matthew 19:3-9, 1 Corinthians 7:10, 27, 1 Corinthians 7:39, Luke 16:18
Worshipping other gods, including satan, cults, witchcraft, idols(even money)-Exodus 20:3-4, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, 2 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Timothy 6:3-5
Homosexuality-1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Romans 1:25-27, Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13, 1 Timothy 1:9-11, Genesis 2:18-25, 19:1-29, Psalm 81:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
Jealousy, covetousness-Exodus 20:17, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Galatians 5:19-20, Proverbs 27:4, 1 Samuel 18:8-11, Genesis 4-Jealousy caused murder, Deuteronomy 4:24, 1 Corinthians 3:3

Galatians 5:19-21, Romans Chapter 1 & 13-

This sounds an awful lot like the Ten Commandments right, Exodus 20?!  Well we aren't acting in these ways! Aren't we? Are we being stumbling blocks and false leaders? I say yes, guilty! I can say personally that watching some of these things have affected my life and my thinking.  It certainly gave me unrealistic expectations in my marriage.  Has it become the ruler to measure our lives by? It has become that way rather than the Bible being our measuring stick.  Now I'm not saying there aren't some good qualities in movies as well.
Sure, I've seen for instance:

Kindness-Galatians 5:22-26
Love-Romans 13:9- the whole Bible!
Forgiveness
Mercy
Grace
Hospitality
Giving
Worshipping God
Serving others
Laughter
Happiness
Truth
Respect and honor

I kind of feel it not necessary to list all the scripture for this list because these are the one's we know.  We prefer to focus on these.  Its the list above that we choose to ignore! I hope you will not just read over this, but as a true follower of God and truth seek out each verse and allow God to lead you through his infallible word. You decide with God in fervent prayer what is true about what we allow into our lives and I will do the same.  These kind of changes once we've become accustomed and conditioned to them are not easy to change.  It takes a great love for The Lord and His commands and obedience!

Now here's my question about the second list...In Christian or Bible based movies, there are still actors and actresses who are married to other people and yet in the movies because they play a specific role they are kissing another person.  Or even wholesome movies that speak real life situations into existence such as rape, infidelity, etc and of course they have to act these parts out.  Is this wrong for Christians  to watch?  Is it wrong for Christians to act out these roles? I don't know, I'm asking!  My immediate reaction is Yes!  But then that means I'm in the wrong.  If God were to reveal to me that yes these things are wrong and I should not be watching any of them and then convict me to not watch movies I will be honest and say that that would be a really hard thing for me to be obedient in.  I mean what life do we have without them?  Would we spend more time in our Bibles or with our family? Books can bring us all the same things movies do, so again, we need to be careful what we fill our  hearts and minds with.  What do y'all think about this?  I'm asking not accusing or judging!

Point to remember: Psalm 11:8 The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.  May we pray for each other as I know that as Christians we desire as it says in Hebrews 13:18 to live honorably in every way.

SG © 6/10/14

"Crumby Drops"

                                                             "Crumby Drops"

Do you see your cup as half full or half empty?
Depends on where I'm at in life.
Does your bread basket have half a loaf or none?
Depends on what life throws at me.
Maybe you've been told that the glass seems half empty because you're not grateful for what you do have! Maybe, maybe not.  Maybe you just don't know what to do with the other half.
Have you ever felt like a drop is all that's left in your cup?
I have!
Have you ever looked in your basket only to find a crumb?
I have!
Do you have that one thing in your life that seems to be just a drop or just a crumb that you cannot surrender?
I do!
So what do we do?
We take that half empty glass, give thanks, quench our thirst with what's left and allow God to refill it with fresh water!
We take that half a loaf, give thanks and offer what's left to God so that he can give the increase!
What about that drop or that crumb?  That struggle?
We take that "crumby drop" and in full surrender we offer it to Lord!
But what if my faith is weak?  What if I'm not sure I can do what I "think" I know he wants me to do? What if a part of me doesn't want to? What if I want to hold onto that crumby drop because the future is way to scary without it?  What if I don't think I'm strong enough?
We take "what drop of crumby if" we have and we wrap it up with trust, whisper over it a prayer that sounds like this, "Jesus"!
He will take that one drop and turn it into an everlasting well and he will cause that one crumb to soften and rise!  His grace will deliver us and his mercy will renew us!

Doesn't that sound wonderful?  Yes, Yes, Yes!  But the truth is, it may be that hardest, most dry drop of crumbs we've ever swallowed!  The longest half a cup we've ever drank and the shortest half a loaf we've ever offered!
But take courage, He has overcome the world and He can surely deliver you!

Are you like me and sometimes feel like Moses, "Lord, send someone else" or like Jonah, "anywhere but there" or like the rich man, "I'll give up anything, but that"?  With the faith of a mustard seed...man shall not live by bread, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God, the living water.

Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles...Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! Psalm 55:2, 6

Can we pray for each other's "crumby drops"?  Let's do!
I'll meet you on the other side of obedience!

Stephanie Goode © May 24, 2014