Out With the Old and In With the New Year?

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Ah, and what about my New Year’s resolutions. Seems I haven’t really thought about any. I decided no sense in imposing any restrictions I may not adhere to and disappoint myself. Thought I’d start anew. My New Year’s resolution is just that I won’t make any resolutions, fair enough!

Then I started thinking how will I be challenging myself for the better? I realized that making resolutions wasn’t what I should rely on to better myself, most are broken. So I am taking 2016, one day at a time. Should I stumble, I will pick myself up and pick up where I left off. Just as God gives me grace and looks to me to learn from my mistakes, so shall I give myself grace, forgive myself for stumbling on this journey called life and start again.

Ephesians 4:22-23 NIV 

“22. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires: 23. to be made new in the attitude of your mind.”

I believe the key to change is in our attitudes. Everyone knows that a bad attitude only gets you bad. Misery loves company and welcomes defeat, it’s expected. My plan is to look for the good in every situation I find myself in. To think and pray before I speak, and when I do speak, God gives me the words to express what I am feeling without appearing to find fault in what I see yet, giving those concerned food for thought.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV

“29.Do not let any unwholesome 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.”

 

As this New Year progresses, and moves ahead, I hope to find the words to speak that will be wholesome and beneficial. Words that will be heard by those who listen. Should my words fall to deaf ears, I will remind myself that all I can speak is the truth in what I see and feel or have concern for, the rest I shall leave to God to work his miracles as he sees fit.

As I continue with my street ministry, I ask that God continues to guide me where he needs me to be. I pray that through Jesus Christ, those who are lost on the street will find their way to you God. Let me be the vessel you need to bring the message of hope you need me to share. Work your blessings into all who choose to help those in need. Give them the encouragement they need to be out here and doing what you have moved them to do.

God, I ask that you guide me into this New Year with a better attitude. I ask that you change the attitude of my mind, help me speak words that are wholesome, helpful and beneficial to those who choose to listen. Bring forth those who have hesitated to serve others that they may find the courage to do as you are moving them to do. I will trust in you God to work the miracles you see fit into my life and the life of others that will cross my path this coming year. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

I encourage you to do the same. Find a church near you and visit. Grow with like-minded people who want to serve God.

God bless and keep you safe from hurt, harm or danger, and have a very blessed Happy New Year,

MIN. Joanne Ives

A Marvelous Christmas Gift

 

Ephesians:2:8-9 NIV

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Pretty powerful if you think that just because you do good deeds you’re a shoe in with God. Did I just say that during the season of giving. Pretty discouraging words.

But here’s the deal. Many major corporations not all, rich folks, billionaires think that gi b ing a one time chunk of change to a cause or do it seasonally, well that should pkease everyone, besides it gives them bragging rights. Everybody praises them and it’s good for business. Please

don’t get me wrong there is a message here to make your giving even more special.

We need to remember that the only way to be saved is through God’s wonderful, marvelous Christmas gift of all, His onky Son who died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. It is through Christ alone that we can find salvation and our way to God. Let me take this one step further.

When I finally came to truly understand the purpose, the meaning, acceptance of my Savior, wow, oh, wow God started working in me ( He still is.) For it is through God’s many blessings and His mercy that I have grown in my relationship with Christ. DDaily prayers and talks with God brings me renewed faith and trust in Him.  But most importantly God continues to move me to do what he has called me to do at this time in my life. For all that we do, we should give glory to God, for it is through Him and only Him who has blessed us with all that we have.

Letting go and letting God guide me in all that I do has led me to peace within me and with all who are and have been in my life. As you seek God in everything, compassion and the willingness to show God’s love to others flows through you. In everything that you do, do it for the glory of God. Personal accolades or needing to be thanked for what you have done won’t be needed so much when you know your work is for God.

I struggle sometimes with a need to be acknowledged for the work I am doing but then I remind myself that I am doing a great work and only God needs to know that it is all for Him.

God I want to thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon this ministry for the homeless.  I thank you for the words of encouragement you give when I am at a loss for words. I thank you for the message you guide me with so that I may best represent you at our Church Without Walls. God I ask that you bless our street family, you know their needs. Keep them safe from hurt, harm or danger.

God I pray that if anyone has a need that we find peace in your Son, Jesus Christ. May we accept him as our personal Savior who died on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins. May they believe in this. God forgive us of our sins both seen and unseen. In your Son, Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

If you have asked Jesus Christ into your heart, I recommend seeking a local church home. Be blessed.

MIN.Joanne Ives

 

 

You Are Not Alone!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Though it’s supposed to be a time for giving thanks and a time of joy, this is also the time when seasonal depression seems to hit home for many. It’s supposed to be a time for family, love, getting together, sharing laughter, food, being thankful, and football games. After Thanksgiving comes the beginning of the holiday season. For most, this is a time of joy for families.

Unfortunately for some, it is also time for seasonal depression, a reminder of lost ones, a feeling of loneliness, an awkward feeling of being an outsider looking into someone else’s happiness only to be reminded how alone they are in this world. This time of year has by far the highest suicide rate.

It is to those individuals, who are feeling alone, that I dedicate this blog to. To those who are feeling hopeless, feeling without direction, or not good enough to feel worthy. Those who feel forgotten, abandoned by family members, unworthy of being loved because of things you may have said and done or not said and done.

When I first got divorced, the holidays became a time of hardship, loneliness, and it was compounded with a feeling of failure, it was very easy for me to feel sorry for myself. Alone during the holidays, I had absolutely no desire to hear about how great my friends’ holidays were or what wonderful plans they had. My parents have passed away, my family a thousand miles away, and I unable to travel due to financial reasons. I was going to be alone and I certainly didn’t want to hear them complain about how they had to entertain their families, or have to put up with a crazy brother or mother-in-law. I felt very alone, sad and all I wanted to do was crawl back into bed and forget about the holidays. Boy, it was far easier to hide away in my room then fake being happy in front of friends or co-workers.

But let me tell you what has changed in my life. During that time of feeling sorry for myself, I felt I had let my boys down. I was divorced. Now what? I didn’t feel I belonged at any church, especially when I’d hear the sermons about how divorce was wrong. So you can imagine, all I could think of was how bad a person I was for divorcing. I had no church to go to since I was feeling unworthy of God ever loving me because I want to get remarried someday. Totally bummed out about how I felt about myself, I was expected to cheerfully get through the holidays. In the famous words of Ebenezer Scrooge, “Bah humbug!” along with a few other choice words that came to mind.

That was 13 years ago, fast forward to today. Since then, I asked God for forgiveness of my sins, every day I grow in my relationship with God. Because I have grown in my relationship with God, I no longer feel alone. I am thankful for His mercy, His abundant grace, and that He loves me. But on my journey into a closer relationship with God, many times I failed to be the example God has wanted me to be. Each time I stumbled, I would beat myself up, sometimes give up because I felt I was not good enough for anyone but most of all God. But through it all, I found myself reaching out to God asking for forgiveness then starting all over again. Realizing that God loves me more than the mistakes I have made and through the blood of Jesus Christ, I am forgiven for my sins both seen and unseen. Jesus is my Savior!

We go through seasons in our lives that make or break us. It may be the loss of a family member, divorce or financial ruin. Whatever the season, God is there to get us through. Most likely to help us grow into a better person, maybe there is a lesson to be learned. As we go through life’s challenges and we find ourselves doing them alone it is a time many feel despair. And we have to remember.

Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV

“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and all your soul.”

The more I seek guidance in God’s word and in prayer the easier my life has become. The more I trust God, the more my life is relieved from everyday stress. He has placed me in very uncomfortable places, some I put myself in and others have me thinking, God are you kidding me? But I see life’s challenges as God’s way of thumping me on the head as He waited lovingly for me to acknowledge Him. Trials I have been through in my life I now see as life lessons teaching me to be strong in my beliefs, and dependent on my God. You are not alone, you are loved, and you are worthy. “seek the Lord your God…..with all your heart and all your soul” He is there waiting to love you back, waiting for you to put your trust in Him. Waiting for you to let go and let God.

Psalm 14:2 NIV

“The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.”

God is looking down at everyone and waits for us to seek him. He delights in those who trust in Him. He wants us all to understand his power, and love for us. So he waits for us to reach up to Him. YOU ARE LOVED! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! All you have to do is invite Jesus into your life.

Acts 17:27 NIV

“God did this so men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each of us.”

God has a purpose for us, He made us in his own image, as children of God. We belong to Him and He loves us like a father. Though you may feel alone you are never alone. Give it to God, talk to him, and ask him to guide you in ways that are pleasing to him. You will begin to see a change in your attitude and way of life. God is love and when we love we want to do things that are pleasing to others. That’s when God is at His best. When you begin to trust God in all that you do, you will begin the see the work he is doing in your life and the purpose and love God has planned for you.

Heavenly Father, I ask that you guide me in ways that are pleasing to you. Help me to recognize the importance of my relationship to you. Help me to remember that when I am feeling alone and saddled with feelings of unworthiness, anxiety, or hopelessness, you are there. I am not alone. Keep me safe from hurt, harm or danger. I ask forgiveness of my sins both known and unknown. Help me understand so I seek you in all that I say and do. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

BE BLESS,

MIN. Joanne Ives

Jesus Fed the Multitudes Plus One

Matthew 14:13 – 21 NIV

“When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the village and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.”

This past Sunday morning I woke up to wet, rainy, dreary day. I started to prepare the hot lunch I was bringing to our street corner to share with the homeless in Atlanta. Brother Jimmy and Sister Hollie were at home getting their things ready too. God had been gracious enough to bless me with enough to prepare pork chops, mixed vegetables stuffing and gravy. Brother Jimmy brought a huge pot of noodles and sauce, Sister Hollie brought breakfast.

When I arrived, it was drizzly and colder than usual, we served hot coffee, cereal and other breakfast foods and fellowshipped as our group of regulars and new individuals showed up. Brother Jimmy then called for everyone to gather for our Sunday message. Brother Jimmy shared about brotherly love, I shared about God’s mercy and grace and reminded everyone to seek Jesus as their shelter from whatever storm they may be going through, to let Jesus be their guiding light. We prayed and did a worship song. We asked someone to bless the food we were about to eat, and proceeded to set up for lunch.

As we served, it became clear that everyone was cold and hungry, in fact, we weren’t sure if we were going to run out. Brother Jimmy and I looked at each other at one point hoping we have enough. We made it through, everyone that was there, was fed. We thanked God because there was absolutely nothing left, including all to go snacks.

So we had packed everything away and Brother Jimmy had left, and Sister Hollie and I were still lingering. I was putting the last of my things in the trunk of my car when along came Legend. Legend was towering over me , he said “hello” I responded by asking him how he was doing, then proceeded to tell him he was late. I hated that he had missed out on a hot meal. He responded saying he tried to get here but it was so hard for him to get going in the cold and rain. So I asked him if he was doing ok and he told me he was hungry and cold. I was able to give him a long sleeve shirt, a t-shirt and socks but that’s not important, I was more concerned I didn’t have food to give him. So I silently talked to God thinking I wish I had something to give him. No sooner said, not even 5 minutes later, out of nowhere comes this stranger, he walks by and says, “ I’ve got 3 lunch bags here if anyone needs it.” The timing couldn’t have been more appropriate. This surely reminded me about Jesus feeding the multitudes and on Sunday he served one more. So in case you were wondering, GOD PROVIDES” Let’s face it, GOD IS GREAT ISN’T HE.

Be Blessed,

Joanne

How Easy It Is

Matthew 11:28 NIV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

How easy it is to become weary in this world. News stories of violence, and destruction overtaking our television. Jobs lost, overwhelming catastrophic illnesses resulting in homelessness, drug addiction. How easy it is to be overwhelmed in today’s world.How easy it is to become weary and burdened with such things especially if we are  part of those statistics. Stress takes over, and we become vulnerable. Our health may dictate our livelihood, struck down by something we have no control over. How easy it is to wonder where God is during these troubled, burden filled times.

But God’s there, by your side, every step of the way waiting for you to lift up your face, and start a conversation with Him.It doesn’t have to be a chant, repeated sounds, some holy sounding hmmm, gee, how do sound did I word it out right kind of prayer.God simply wants you to start a conversation with Him.It’s okay to tell it like it is. And if you are lacking words…..HE KNOWS!

In Matthew 11:28, we are told to come to Him. When you’re weary, at your darkest moment, He’s waiting for you. Your life may be filled with burdens you feel no one could ever understand, after all, this is not where you thought you’d end up right?You see your life crumbling in front of you. Reach out……. HE KNOWS!  He will give you rest.

The point here is to remember that God yearns to be here for us! In your happiest times, praise Him! In your lowest of times find something to praise God for, I’m so blessed that God allows me to work as I fight cancer within. HE KNOWS what I need. When I am weariest, that’s when I reach out because He gives me rest.

God, Heavenly Father, Maker of the Universe, I pray that anyone out there  feeling overwhelmed by there circumstances, frightened of who they have become, may they reach out to you Heavenly Father. May they know the  unending grace and mercy in your hands. Father I pray they seek you out, start a conversation with you and come to know the power you have to lift their burdens, and weariness away. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

Be Blessed,

 

 

Joanne

 

 

 

Mary’s Boy, Jesus Christ

Luke 1:29-32 NIV

“Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her,  “Do not be afraid, Mary;you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. “

 

It was in a small town, probably the same as any old town in that area, where a young woman was chosen to bear the son of God. She wasn’t rich, neither was her carpenter husband. I imagine they made a humble living. As Joseph helped Mary raise a young man by the name of Jesus, I can’t help wonder what must have been going on in both Mary and Joseph’s head when Jesus would go into synagogues and stir the pot so to speak as he brought the new word of God, sometimes challenging the high priests, questioning their laws. As parents chosen by God,  they knew who Jesus was. They understood God’s plan for him, but you just know as a parent myself, I do believe I’d seriously worry about my boy. And so…

Luke 2:39-52 NIV
“When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Well how do you respond to those statements as a parent. Here your son takes off you can’t find him for 3 days, umm I do believe I’d be more than anxious. But Jesus, calmly reminds them why he is here on earth, who he is here to serve, his heavenly father, God! Imagine the stories Mary told her neighbors and friends about Jesus’ childhood and the memories she must have had. Talking about her boy in temples listening, and leaving the priests in awe at how much wisdom this young man had. I imagine Mary beaming with pride as she told her friends what was happening. Joseph died at an early age leaving Mary to continue to be Jesus’ only earthly parental support. We don’t really get an inside scoop of Mary’s life in her younger days raising Jesus. It truly is left to our imagination,or as I like to call the mysteries of the bible, other than the few times she is mentioned. But when she is mentioned it’s at very critical moments.

Now let’s move forward.

 

John 19:25  NIV

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”

John 19:30 NIV

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, It is finished. With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

As a mom, I can’t imagine ever wanting to be a witness to my son’s death in any way shape or form, let alone being persecuted and crucified. The bible doesn’t speak on Mary’s  disposition as she watched her son being nailed to the cross, whipped, ridiculed, and finally while standing at the cross  witnessing Jesus’ final moments as the soldier pierces Jesus’ side and it is finished. I know that when I have seen reenactments of Jesus’ suffering whether it was in “The Passion of the Christ”  or  “Jesus Christ Superstar” seeing Jesus being whipped, and crowned with a crown of thorns, has and will always be disturbing to me in fact moving me to tears. As a mother, I can only imagine the anguish Mary must have felt. The bible left me wondering how she reacted. The only conclusion I came to was Mary’s trust in God and knowing that Jesus will be sitting at the right hand of his father.  Having the knowledge that Jesus will rise again in three days may have helped. Mary was  told and heard from her own son that all that would must come pass in order for God’s will to be done. After the third day, Jesus rose from the grave, was resurrected, and ascended up to heaven to sit at the right hand of his father so that all who believe will receive eternal life. Mercy and grace abound.

 

Acts 1:14 NIV

“they all joined together constantly in prayer,  along with the women  and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”

After the disciples had witnessed Jesus’ ascension up into heaven, they gathered together with other disciples, women including Mary mother of Jesus, and they prayed. This is the last time you hear about Mary. It is never mentioned in the bible just how Mary died, or how she lived her life from that moment on. All we know is that Jesus asked one of his disciples to care for his mother. I ‘ve often woneered what became of Mary and the joy she must have found when she finally went to heaven and found Jesus. Makes me smile, and gives me hope that someday I’ll see my family again in heaven.

God Bless,

Joanne

 

Prayer

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BE BLESSED THIS EASTER SEASON. REMEMBER GOD GAVE US HIS ONLY SON SO HE COULD RESCUE ALL OF US

What Does Being Rich Really Mean?

What Does Being Rich Really Mean?

I know what you’re thinking, another  financial blog? Have I lost my mind? Not at all. But consider what I am about to tell you, and you will see what being rich in so many areas of your life really means.
Deuteronomy 15:11 NIV
“11.There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.”
You can choose to make excuses for why people are poor, excuses for not donating, and excuses for why you’re miserable, blame others for your situation, whine, complain, blame the government, but it won’t change your life, or attitude about it unless you change your mentality.
There’s a guy standing on the corner, with a sign that says, “Need Help, Need Work”. He’s not asking for a hand out he’s praying for a job. When you’re homeless it’s hard to get a job without an address to verify. Compound that with nowhere to live and good luck getting a job. So what do you do?
Many of us have seen that situation many times on a street corner and made the usual excuse. I’m broke can’t help him right now, I have no job to offer him, he probably does this for a living, what a bum he needs to get out of this area, sound familiar?
Psalms 72:12 NIV
“12.For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.”
When someone suffers God sees the hardship, though we pray for help for our own situations or situations of others to get better we sometimes give up. God hears every prayer.
When Christ lives inside of us, it is so much easier to be rich without being rich. You wonder how that can be. I’m a person of simple means myself. So how is it or how can I ever be rich when I don’t have access to millions? Then I start thinking about Jesus. Let’s face it Jesus was no multimillionaire yet he wanted for nothing. He traveled on a very limited budget. Nowhere in the bible does it mention a 4 star resort with luxury accommodations for Jesus or his disciples. Jesus relied on the kindness of strangers. He trusted that God His father would provide for him. He went from town to town, house to house, on land and sea by the kindness of strangers who believed in Him. Strangers fed, clothed and gave Jesus a place to stay wherever He went. In turn, Jesus fed multitudes, ate with sinners, and performed miracles. He did so out of love for his brothers and sisters. Jesus is love, the light of the world. He showed His love through many acts. He taught His disciples that loving your brothers and sisters was the greatest of all commands. So if we have Christ living in us, we have love living in us. It is Christ’s love for all that should move us to help our fellow man. God reaches us through His son Jesus Christ. As our relationships grow with Christ, so should our love for others.

Matthew 26:11
“11. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always love me”
Jesus reminds his disciples that there will always be poor among us. In Deuteronomy God says the same and commands us to be openhanded toward our brothers and sisters who are needy. If we are to be Christ like we are called to help. But God loves a cheerful giver. He doesn’t want us to go into hardship and begrudge him because we feel forced to give…. NO No NO!!!. I don’t have a million to give away, but I can give my time. I don’t have big bucks, but I can give a little I have left over and more. Being rich doesn’t have to mean you by a building for someone, it means taking the time to do more, to help others, it can be prayer, or volunteering to serve at church or services helping others. Instead of throwing goods out, donate them to a worthy cause.
If you see a stranger on the corner, take time to listen, I have started to carry an extra backpack in the trunk of my car with a few survival things inside of it to give to a homeless person should I see one on the corner. It’s not much, but it may be a little he/she needs to get by for that day. I just want them to know God hears them and loves them.
It is said that you never know when you might be entertaining/caring for a child of God. Truth is we are all children of God. He loves us all unconditionally. So remember that, giving doesn’t hurt when you have Christ in your heart. I am thankful to God for a home, job, food, clothes, my basic needs are met. God is good and I am grateful. I’m blessed. Remember that when you see a homeless person, you will realize just how rich you are without really being rich. Praying it opens your heart to help him/her out.
God Bless,
Joanne

Love Your Neighbor, Friend, and Enemy?

AT WORK TOO?

              Ever wish you were on an extended paid vacation while things blew over at work? You’ve applied yourself and it seems no matter how hard you try you can’t please your co-worker. You pray each morning for the right words, the actions that are pleasing to God before you lose your mind and just might smack your coworker upside the head if he/she yells and belittles you one more time. It’s not easy to love your neighbor when circumstances make it hard. When you are trying your best, hurtful words begin to damage your soul. You wonder about who you are or could it be you are the problem and you’re just not seeing it? You begin to second guess yourself and start to believe something is wrong with your own self. So you search your soul, review the day’s events, revisit the moment it went downhill. You ask your coworkers if what you are doing warrants being mistreated only to find out they’ve been going to bat for you behind your back because they don’t like what they see. Phew! God help me! Help me understand why someone would feel it necessary to blame others instead of being accountable for themselves. How am I supposed to “love thy neighbor” (coworker) through this. Jesus said on several occasions that we should love our brothers and sisters. We should love our enemies that is a challenge in itself. Who wants to love someone who’s hateful?

Matthew 22: 35-40 NIV

“One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:”Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

          God made us in his image. So in each and every one of us there is a piece of our God inside of us. Though I am not perfect, God chooses to love me just the way I am. Though I know I am a sinner, God loved me enough to forgive me of my sins because he loves me. Jesus said love God with all your heart, soul, mind. That’s probably the easiest thing to do loving God, Jesus! Jesus represents all that is good in my life, He loved me enough to give His life for me so I want to do what is pleasing to Him and God. I carry Jesus in my heart, Jesus is love and though it may be hard to love someone who is hurtful, Jesus calls us to love. So I pray.

Psalm 70:1-5 NIV

“Hasten, O God, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me. May those who seek my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted!” Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.”

God in heaven, I ask that you fill my heart with compassion, understanding and love. I pray that you guide me in a way that is pleasing to you God. Guide me to better understand, the reasons for my neighbor (coworker) feeling it necessary to mistreat me. Help me to become a better person so that I may reflect Jesus in me. Help me to have a forgiving heart. God I pray that you find a way to my neighbor’s (coworker’s) heart so that he/she recognizes the hurtful things that have been said and becomes accountable. If I am destined to be somewhere else, I pray you open the door I need to walk through that will glorify you God and all that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

GOD BLESS,

JOANNE