Last night's small group was amazing!!!!!! I'm so blessed to be apart of this group. It is an absolute honor. We started our first week of study on the Holy Spirit. Our theme and highlights last night were centered around trust. After all if we are going to live extraordinary lives and allow the Holy Spirit (The Forgotten God) to work in us and through us we must trust Him. I'm seeing so much maturity and growth come out of this group. Spiritually they challenge me each week. My personal opinion is that if you are not in community you are missing out. Well back to our theme. All night our talk kept bringing us back to trust. Some further along than others. I was so blessed hearing the praise reports of the group for what God has been doing in their lives. I love it when you just get it. They got it! They really got it! So what did they get? Like Paul: they are learning the secret to being content yet to have a Spirit-filled life.(Phil 4:11) No matter what the circumstance, trial, problem, trouble, or issues you are facing you can always trust God no matter what. God's promises will never let you down. You can bank on God's promises. He will never fail you. So I hung out in Psalm 37 this morning for a while. It totally blessed my soul. Thanks Charles Stanley......

Psalm 37:1-10 ( I read the whole chapter it was so what I needed)

Throughout Scripture, we are admonished to trust in the Lord. When times are good, this doesn't seem like a difficult task. However, when trials arise, it is much more difficult to rely fully upon Him.

Yet it is always important for us to place our trust in the living God, especially when everything around us seems to be falling apart. That may well have been the situation that inspired the writing of Psalm 37.

Notice that in today's passage, the psalmist mentions several times that we should not fret (vv. 1, 7, 8). Distress over a situation is the opposite of trust, and fretting has ill effects. For one thing, it can take a toll on physical and emotional well being. Another problem is that feeding worry can lead to evildoing: by attempting to manage the situation quickly in our human way, we may miss God's best solution. A third consequence is that others may not enjoy our company, so we could lose our effective witness for the kingdom.

What, then, is the antidote for worry and stress during a difficult time? Absolute trust in Christ. Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." This means we are to lay all our burdens at His feet, believing that He is good, loving, and in control.

When trials arise, do you run toward the Lord? Or do you try to handle things yourself? He who created you can handle any difficulty and pain, even when it seems overwhelming. What He desires is your surrender and trust. It is in His arms that you will find rest for your soul.

Let me just say Jesus is Awesome!!!!! I was hanging out with a friend a few nights ago and we got into a big discussion on God's compassion for sinners and how do they know how to hear God's voice calling them. I got my answer a few days ago. It came in the second part of my blog. God is a comforter to all. He has so much compassion. He doesn't have a respect of person. He doesn't look at man's outer appearance. He looks at man's heart.
I met up with an old friend/co-worker a few nights ago. In the world's eye and friends around him would say that he has it going on and everything is going his way. He is successful and I put up the four fingers as to say "Quote"..... But as always you know I love just plain honesty. After fighting our way through a few smoke screens I manage to ask him a few questions. (1) Rate your relationship with God on a scale from 1 to 10. 10 being you are just head over hills in love with Him and you trust Him no matter what. (2) I ask him was Jesus no# 1 in his life. Now of course I'm asking myself these same questions and I do several times throughout the day. He confessed!!! He repented!!!! He gave his life to God that night!!!! We talked for hours upon hours. We just hung out and marveled at how Awesome Jesus is. He is The Comforter of Sinners as well as born again believers.........

John 8:1-11

We expect a loving heavenly Father to care for His children when they are hurt, persecuted, or misunderstood. But you might be surprised to realize that God comforts believers even when they have sinned.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save anyone who believes in Him (John 3:17). Consider His response to the woman whom the Pharisees dragged from an adulterous liaison and dropped at His feet. Her accusers wanted the offender stoned to death. But instead of taking up a rock, Jesus offered her forgiveness. The Lord did not defend her actions or completely erase all consequences of her choices. However, He did offer her compassion and an opportunity to turn her life around: "Go. From now on sin no more" (John 8:11).

God understands our human frailty. And even before we do wrong, He knows the poisonous harvest that we will reap from sin. We certainly want a lot of comfort when we are suffering from our own foolishness. A loving God does not abandon His children at their hour of great need—His Spirit wades into the mess we have made. He offers to guide us out of the pit, soothes our broken heart, and provides reassurance that He is always close by.

Sinning against the Lord makes us feel unworthy of His care and solace. Yet God's forgiveness is based on His great mercy rather than our conduct. If Jesus Christ sacrificed His life to save you from your sins, then He certainly will love and comfort you, no matter what.

I'm looking forward to wrapping the first week's study guide on the Holy Spirit tonight. I have already learned so much. More than just learning I believe my relationship with God has gotten more intimate.
I was talking to a friend last night and they sounded so down. That's the way our enemy wants us to react in tough times. Friends we don't have to walk around defeated. The battle has been won and we have absolute victory in Christ Jesus!!!!
We have Hope.......
1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Hope is both a strong belief and the anticipation that something good is going to happen. When our goals are not achieved, we may experience discouragement, which over time can turn into depression and even despair—the absence of hope.

How can we remain optimistic in the face of unmet expectations? First, we're to remember the reason for our confidence: our relationship with Jesus. At salvation, we were born into a living hope (v. 3)—God made us a "new creation," and we are no longer in bondage to the old sin nature (2 Cor. 5:17 niv). His Spirit lives within us. We have been made co-heirs with Christ, and our true home is in heaven with Him. Nothing can alter our familial connection with the Lord.

Second, to maintain a positive outlook, we must spend daily time in the Scriptures. Romans 15:4 says that the Bible was written to give us encouragement and hope. The Psalms can be especially helpful in difficult times because they express the feelings we have and also tell us about the comfort available from God.

Third, we rely on the Lord's faithfulness. Trusting in Him will never disappoint us because all of His promises are yes in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20).

Believers should not react to trials as the world does. We're to live by faith—"being sure of what we hope for " (Heb. 11:1 niv). When circumstances overwhelm you, shift your focus to the Lord. Read the Scriptures to find encouragement, and be reminded of what is yours in Christ (Eph. 1:3-8).

I had a small window of study time for my group studies last night. Looking forward to taking a break today and getting back into it. We are doing a study on the Holy Spirit the forgotten God. It is important that we realize who the Holy Spirit is. He is God. He was always present (Even in the creation of all things). My point again is not to get theological, but to tell you that this same God wants to come live in side your heart. He wants a personal relationship with you. What a gift!!!! Now what does it take to receive this precious gift? Faith......
I believe faith is given then developed. God gives us faith. Faith in the sight of a carnal world is not understood. Your friends that don't operate in faith will not understand some things you do and go through. I'm thankful for friends that not only understand but are walking by faith through tough times along side of me. It is only by grace that we are able to walk by faith and overcome. God is so amazing!!!!! So what is your next step? My friends are praying for me, because I honestly don't know what God is preparing me for. I just know and trust Him completely. Keep walking in the spirit by faith in God........

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance ; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise ; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Abraham is one of the people in the Old Testament who have had a great impact on my spiritual walk. In his life, I see the necessity of living by faith.

Separation is oftentimes a part of our development as Christians. Before we can take on something new, the Lord may ask us to let go of something we already have.

In Genesis 12:1-3, God told Abraham he was going on a journey that would require leaving his country, his people, and his father's household. Obedience meant saying goodbye to relationships and things dear to him. The only family that traveled with him were his wife and nephew; the life he knew in his homeland was left behind. But this godly man did not hesitate. His strong faith enabled him to say yes.

Moving ahead in the midst of uncertainty can be another aspect of following the Lord. Abraham was told to travel without knowing his destination. Try to imagine explaining to friends that you're moving away but have no idea where you are going. This lack of detail did not stop Abraham. Unwavering trust in his heavenly Father enabled him to answer the divine call wholeheartedly—even though specific details were lacking. Abraham was spiritually ready to answer affirmatively when God called.

Following God requires living by faith, which means: trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us (John 16:13) when we don't see how all the pieces fit together; believing that God always works for our good (Rom. 8:28) and His glory; and desiring to please our Father. Will you be ready when He calls?

It has been a while since my last blog. My work picked up and I had to step back from a few things. I have missed blogging. I had to start back today. Its been a tough and trying time for myself and some of my friends. Life has been hitting us from all angles, (But God)..... God has brought me through some tough times in life. My life right now is in rebuild. He's preparing me for what He is preparing me for. What I have learned is that when we are going through tough times we have to realize who God is. So who is God to you? Is He your source? Friends hold on to God's unchanging hand. His power, His might, His strength........ God is a comforter. He knows exactly what you need. Trust in Him, Surrender and give it all to Him. At church we are going through a series on the Holy Spirit the forgotten God. This falls right in line with what God is speaking into our lives. Open your ears and heart. Don't miss what He is saying. Draw nigh, and seek God while He can be found. In your darkest hour the Lord will show-up. God has a lot to say about comforting. Us comforting one another, but ultimately He is the Comforter....

2Corinthians 1:3-7
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation ; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer ; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.

Look up "comfort" in dictionary.com or another reference, and you will read a definition like this: "Something that promotes a state of ease or provides freedom from pain and anxiety." But God's Word has a different solution when consolation is needed: the indwelling Holy Spirit. In Greek, He is called parakletos, which means "he who stands at one's side; he who comes to one's aid." Believers don't have to seek outward remedies or distractions to ease their mind, because help is available within.

Even before the Spirit was sent to indwell believers (John 14:26; Eph. 3:16), Scripture identified God as the one who comforts His people (Isaiah 40:1; 49:13). The Lord personally provides consolation and reassurance because no one knows our hurts the way He does.

I like this anonymous quotation: "When we have gone into the furnace of affliction, His hand is on the thermostat and His eye is on the clock." God lets us pass through hardship to make us stronger believers, wiser servants, and more humble people. But He stays right by our side through the entire experience, sustaining us and limiting the intensity and duration of our distress. The Holy Spirit's reassuring whisper to our heart gives more comfort than the solace of family or the encouragement of friends.

People who fail to understand the true source of comfort try to escape their pain. They seek out pleasures, material wealth, or drugs and alcohol to soothe their heart. Only God can offer lasting relief from the crushing pressure of heartache. He even brings joy into periods of mourning.