Procrastination!

Bible Verse of the Day:

Proverbs 13:4  the sluggard (lazy) craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

What are you putting off?

When will your "One Day" Come!?!

There are so many Bible verses concerning procrastination ( counterproductive deferment of actions or tasks to a later time). Delaying what you know to do, only makes it harder.  Stop putting off  apologies, forgiveness, dreams, task, corrections, enjoying life, good health, saving, giving, bad habits, a relationship with God because of uncertainty, excuses and /or distractions.  The trick of the enemy is to make us think we have  so much time to accomplish something or that there is no hurry!  A trick that I fall for quite often, that brings a lot of guilt ...knowing that I have something I need to do.  Below Ecclesiastes tells us that  there are specific times for certain task and the accomplishment of doing what God has called us to do, when we are to do is very rewarding!


Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 states:
 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up.
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
5 A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.
6 A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace.
9 What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? 10 I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves. 11 He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; 13 moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor, it is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him.


I pray you hear this call to action and stop delaying your blessing!  May we trust God to provide us with strength and take away fear and lack of confident.  Let us be motivated by our gifts and talents and the desire of are hearts, knowing that the three are no mistake.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen


I apologize for my procrastination, concerning my blog!  Love, Ashlee

Why the Bible?

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:16

Someone asked me why do I read  the bible? Simple: I tried it and it works!  I have yet to experience a moment when the Bible has not proven to be true...but have regreted taken its truth for granted!


When I needed and need to know:
What is my purpose?
What do I look for in a mate?
How can I be a good friend?
What is success and how do I achieve it?
How can I change?
What really matters in life?
How can I live so that I do not look back with regret?
How can I handle the unfair circumstances and bad events of life victoriously?

I got an answer!  Now, whether or not I did what it said, its guidance still proved true!

 

Why read and study the Bible:

• It is totally reliable and without error.
• It can be tested!
• It's relevant - God doesn't change and neither does the nature of mankind. "there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
• It is satisfying! "Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
• It helps you distinguish the truth.
• Understand how much he loves you!
• Prepared you!
• Saves you!
• Informs you!
• Changes you!
• Helps us see beyond the attractive "bait" to the painful "hook" in sinful temptations, so that we can learn from others' mistakes rather than making them ourselves. Experience is a great teacher, but when it comes to learning from sin, it is a terribly hard teacher.
• It's vital!

I pray that you find God through His word and taste and see how good He is! 

sidenote:  Would you bite into food, chew it and then spit it out before you swallowed it?  ...missing out on all the nutrients!  Well that is what happens when you hear / read God's word and failt to apply it!

Turn Off

I learned that if you truly show God's love you leave a person feeling better not worst!

...Love one another earnestly, for love covers a multitude of sin. 1Peter 4:8

God's love is not painful, not judgmental but patient, kind, longsuffering, sees no wrong...  If during the time you are telling someone about God, they begin to feel less than you!  STOP!!!  We are all saved by grace!  don't forget that you need God just as much as the next person!  Long story short, please don't turn someone off of God, in your attempt to bring them to God!...if that happens, then it is safe to assume you were not operating in the love of God.

Get Your Help!!!

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

 Mark 2:17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

Would you not go to rehab because the people there needed help? Don't let hypocrites keep you from God!

There are hypocrites and more in and out of the church!  Nonetheless, I rather share the company of someone with a problem trying to change than with someone with a problem who doesn't care about changing it! 

God has the answers...He's waiting for you to ask the questions!

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves,God has a positive answer for it.

When you say - "It's impossible"

God says - "All things are possible" (Luke 18:27)

When you say - "I'm too tired"

God says - "I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28-30)

When you say - "Nobody really loves me"

God says - "I love you" (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

When you say - "I can't go on"

God says - "My grace is sufficient" (2 Cor. 12:9)

When you say - "I can't figure things out"

God says - "I will direct your steps" (Prov. 3:5-6)

When you say - "I can't do it"

God says - "You can do all things" (Phil. 4:13)

When you say - "It's not worth it"

God says - "It will be worth it" (Rom. 8:28)

Whenyou say - "I'm not able"

God says - "I am able" (2 Cor. 9:8)

When you say - "I can't forgive myself"

God says - "I forgive you" (1 John 1:9 & Rom. 8:1)

When you say - "I can't manage"

God says - "I will supply all your needs" (Phil. 4:19)

When you say - "I'm afraid"

God says - "I have not given you a spirit of fear" (2 Tim. 1:7)

When you say - "I'm worried and frustrated"

God says - "Cast all your cares on Me" (1 Peter 5:7)

When you say - "I don't have enough faith"

God says - "I've given everyone a measure of faith" (Rom. 12:3)

wheyou say - "I'm not smart enough"

God says - "I give you wisdom" (1 Cor. 1:30)

When you say - "I feel all alone"

God says - "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Heb. 13:5)

http://www.angelfire.com/mt/theriverofgod/answer.html

Relationship 101

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

Amos 3:3 How can the two walk together, except they agree?



Last night, three conversations left me asking, “How do two people end up sharing the rest of their life together?” Upon reviewing one of the conversations, the word ‘goal’ stuck out to me. Two people sharing common interest also share common goals and those goals cause them to agree and be on one accord. Considering, all the successful relationships that I know of personally and through media, the principle of agreement equalling a successful relationship is the principle.

Once you accept God’s will (goal) for your life, it is amazing how your relationship with Him becomes much smoother. You are no longer working against Him but aligning with Him.


When it comes to having a relationship with another person, we are always being told to make sure that you have an understanding with the person you are with. That is some very sound advice. It’s much easier getting along with someone that you share common interest and goals with. It is hard for a man or woman that desires a family to be with someone who doesn’t want kids. (I just thought about how Brad Pitt left Jen because she didn't want kids and now he is continue to go strong with Angelina Jolie - the principle works) It is even harder being someone who desires to please God , trying to maintain a relationship with someone where God is not a priority in their life.

I recently read an article about the black church keeping black women single because they were looking for men in the church who share their passion for God and left not finding them. My response is that if they simply wanted a husband they could go outside the church and find one. However, I do believe there would be many issues waiting for them. (Side note: the woman who brought up this argument hadn’t attended church since she was 6,  had limited research and was misinformed about the many mega churches who currently have more males than females.) Nonetheless, there is a reason why there are so many verses discussing one’s selection of companionship whether it’s a friendship, church family or someone you desire to marry.  In addition, I think it is no mistake that these verses are centered on similar interest and goals.


Now let me make myself clear, common interest and goals don’t bring total peace in a relationship. Even two people who want children might disagree on how to raise them. Nonetheless, a compromise is obtained easier when the goal is the same. In this example, I am sure both parents eventually would be willing to try the other’s disciplinary tactic if it ensured a well behaved child.

If you would have asked me what my mother and father had in common before my epiphany I would have had very few words. However, in the 18 years that I can recall from their 27 year marriage, that have always shared the same goals. I can truthfully say that at every family meeting and new year goal setting sit down the two of them always agreed on the direction the family would go. Now, their action plan to get there during the 364 days following would make you think they were on two different pages, but together they have one college grad, two college students, and a 16 year old in high school.They never got a call from the cops, had an issue with drugs and all of us show a commitment to God.  Their COMMITMENT to their goals have been proven by their results.

Common goals, certainly is not unique to the powerful couple, Barack and Michelle Obama, that many have come to adore.

But getting back to the most important relationship that you can have…God wants you to be happy, successful, stress free, in good health and more! If you desire those same things I think you found the friend you’ve been looking for. 


God is my #1 Priority, following is my family and friends, then comes my music, my health and goal to live comfortably.   Not only could someone who doesn't share these interests and goals not make me happy, but I would have to accept that I cannot make them happy too! 
 
I will definitly come back to this topic after I study the word of God, relating to relationships some more.
 
I pray that you will seek God first and trust that the rest will be added!  In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Quality Supplier

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work... 2 Corinthians 9:8


Every time and I mean EVERY TIME God has blessed me, I was left asking   Why has God been so good to me and thought this is better than I could have ever dreamed! 


So, whenever I found myself with something or someone and those two responses don't apply I have to assume they are not a gifts from God. 


I am always amazed by the limits I / we put on God.  He's good enough to get you a house , job or car but can't bring you a mate, provide a solution or be the cure.  GOD WANTS TO SATISFY YOU!  Meaning,  He wants you to lack no good thing!  He doesn't want you to go hungry, be lonely or in need of true happiness, joy and peace. 


We hinder ourselves by acting in a way that God doesn't want to help us and know what is best for us.


I challenge you to ask yourself concerning things and people in your life:  Does this satisfy me?  Does this person or thing meet my expectations and more?  If the answer is NO, then God has something / someone better for you!  Trust Him to supply! 

Trust in God's Promise!

BIBLE VERSE OF THE  DAY!!!

What if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?..let God be true and every man a liar... Rom3:3-4


 Doubters and haters have NO effect!
It's hard enough trusting God when things aren't going smoothly and what you see, provides no evidence to what you were told is to come.  Facing doubters and  haters who either don't know the promise over your life or don't care, makes a confession of faith even harder.  However, don't let them or the situation sway you to unbelief.  God has the final say, He determines the end from the beginning! He's proven this to you once and will show you that He is God once again.   He will never leave nor forsake you! 


I pray your strength in the Lord!

One Day Stand!

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

...the Lord is with you when you with Him...2 Chronicles 15:2 

Don't give up the benefits of a relationship for a one day stand!  Simply, attending church on Sunday, may fool people, but it truly does you a disservice.  God wants to bless you, but He is faithful to those that are faithful to Him.  Don't let the sermon be forgotten but meditate on it and let it penetrate your heart.  The benefits of a relationship with God are endless...

He Really Really Likes You!

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

What is man that You (God) are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him? Psalm8:4

You  would  be surprised by how much God cares for you, desiring to give you all the time and attention you need or  could ever want! I pray that you will love because you are loved so much!

You Knew Better!

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

To you that knoweth to do good and doesn't, to you that is a sin James 4:17

Not doing, what you 'knew' you were suppose to, only leaves you to blame...not your mom, dad, sister, brother, friend, etc.

If left up to me or you...

The thought that you don't need God, comes from a foolish mind!

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

"Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall"

- 1Corin10:12.

Psalm 118:8- "It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in man," or in ourselves

Long story short, for the past years, we have had the opportunities to witness our strengths and weaknesses.  So it is fair to say that we know are abilities and limitations.   Understanding, what you can and cannot accomplish, I beg you to put your trust in God.  I love the phrase, "If left up to me..."  If I was to finish it today, I would say,... I probably would have stayed in bed and not text my daily bible verse or even wrote this blog. I'm just being honest.  Nonetheless, I'm glad today and many yesterdays wasn't according to my will but God's will.  His final say, grace, mercy and strength has given me numerous of victories.  Making, me so glad I left it up to Him!!!

I pray that your faith in God grows and I trust as you are faithful to Him, He will be faithful to you.

Love, Ashlee

Uncertainty

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

ARE YOU UNCERTAIN OR REFUSE TO ACCEPT THE TRUTH?

Should I leave / go?

Am I wrong / right?

Do I continue / stop?

Do I have a problem?

Is this real love?

Did I pass / fail?

Is this a test / trial?

Did you pray? read His word? seek guidance?

Someone once told me "to say you don't know, means you don't desire to find out or you wish there was a different truth..."

I have had quite a few moments of uncertainty, and a few of these time I consider the worst times of my life. Nonetheless I have come to learn that 1) If you can't pray about it let it / him / her go!  2) The bible truly covers everything...you're in there (it just may not be the story ending you like) 3) Many times when you are uncertain about something or someone you had a reason to be 4) If it / he/ she causes you to sin then it isn't God (i.e. If you didn't study it is very likely you failed, sex w/ no protection leaves a big chance your pregnant, that person brings you down you should probably leave them alone, etc)

Hosea 4:6 states My people are destroyed  for (fail because)  lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge

Failure to understand and accept a situation can and will destroy you.

Ignorance is no excuse Ephesians 4:18 states They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.

The Bible is a great read, it covers everything from romance, inspiration, comfort, drama, comedy,
action, etc.  He didn't leave anything or anyone out. 

Intoxicated

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Bishop Earl Jenkins writes: A drunk man doesn't get that way by just talking about alcohol, or looking at advertise-ments for liquor. No, he gets drunk by drinking! And the more he drinks the more the alcohol controls him. We say he's "under the influence."


Another power takes over which transforms him into someone he was not before. One minute he's nice and quiet, the next he's loud and boisterous. He may even think he's Pavarotti and start to sing. When a police officer stops him and tells him to walk a straight line he can't do it. Why? Because something else is running the show.


And what alcohol is to your...

For the rest of this Daily Devotional check out: http://www.streamingfaith.com/index.php/prayer/devotionals/intoxicated/

Let Him Take It from Here!

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9


Great understanding for the ones who don't know what to do and who are:

Tired? Stressed? Worried? Fed up? On the verge of giving up?

There are some things, that it doesn't matter what you do to change the situation or solve the problem, it just doesn't seem to get better.  Have you prayed? Applied His Word?  If yes, now trust God to be who He said and do what He said He would do.   He loves the challenge and opportunity...now give Him the chance!

God's Intentions

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Based on how we act and think, you would assume God is trying to hinder us...but truth be told he wants to help!!!

Correction

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth correction is foolish - Proverb 12:1
I love a compliment and some positive attention, but truth be told if I refuse to hear and ignore good guidance my compliments and positive attention are sure to fade out.  A COMPLIMENT CAN MAKE YOUR DAY BUT GOOD GUIDANCE CAN BETTER YOUR LIFE!
 
It's natural to be defensive, especially when you feel you are being interrogated.  Nonetheless, your 'I know it all attitude' may cause you to miss out on something or put you in something, where later  you'll be  praying for your deliverance.  Don't be foolish, take heed to instruction.  Especially God's instruction and trust the intent of those that love you. 
 
Think about all the times your parents knew best...well, your Heavenly Father knows so much more!

The Frustration of Knowing What To Do and Not Doing It!

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

Romans 7:18-19 For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.


If this doesn't sound familiar, nothing does. Too many times I have found myself doing the very thing I hoped, prayed and tried not to do. I mean I practiced over and over in my mind how I would handle the given situation. However, when met with the temptation or trial I gave in and have failed many times. To add to me messing up, most of the time the temptation or trial was not even new to me. You ever looked in the mirror and shake your head, thinking 'What was I thinking' or 'You knew better.' That may not be true for you but I've been there....too many times. It's a frustrating feeling.


So what do we do?


In a previous post I stated, "WHAT EVER YOU DO OR ARE DOING, NEVER STOP PRAYING." Perfection cannot be obtained but that is not a reason not to aim for it. Romans 7:14-25 is an incredible read. In the bible verses above, Paul shares our struggles. Nonetheless, he doesn't just accept the captivity of sin,  by throwing his hands up. He takes blame for his action, feels sorry for his actions and  had good intentions from the very beginning.


These few things is what sets a Christian who sins apart from a nonbeliever that sins. A nonbeliever doesn't feel sin is wrong so they feel no need to do what is right... conviction is proof of a changing heart and mind...which is proof of God's grace of your salvation. Remember to:



- Pray
- Always aim to please God
- When you mess up take the blame
- Have conviction (comes from hearing, reading and understanding God's Word)


Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death 2 Corinthians 7:10

LORD HELP ME PRAYER

Lord help me to not be moved by what I see, hear, smell, touch or taste; not moved by reason but moved by Your Spirit and Your Word. Let me know Your Voice, and  hear Your Voice and refuse to follow strangers according to John 10:27. I ask You to lead me in paths of righteousness for Your Name's Sake. I Bless You, Praise You, Worship You, and pray all that I am is for You, that Your perfect will be done through me. I ask You to release my warring and ministering angels to minister and war on my behalf. Help me to bear the cross You have prepared for me and help those in my family. I ask that the Holy Spirit speak to my heart through Your Word. I ask that You prepare me with reverence and worship, and with humility through Your Holy Spirit. I ask that You take out of me, add to me or do to me; anything You want. I ask that the Word I read would be engrafted into me and become part of me; spirit, mind, will and emotions. I declare by Your power; You are helping and causing me to be bold, dauntless, fearless, confident, intrepid, valiant, steadfast, faithful, true and loyal for Your Name's Sake. I ask for your help. Ask You to help me not to be the accuser of the brethren but to teach others in gentleness, to be a help in season, to edify, to exhort and comfort others. I ask for Love and Grace for others and Grace from You Lord. I ask for help that Your Love and Grace in me: flow and be administered to others by Your Spirit in me, to manifest Your Presence in and through me. I release all things into Your hands and pray my commitment to You, trusting You. I ask for help, that You give me the Word that You want me to give to others. Lord forgive me and help me to follow Your direction. I ask that You would send those that would receive the gift of salvation to me, that I may witness to them. Let them ask and receive, Father! I ask that You give me a clear mind and thoughts toward You, clear will toward You, and clear of all emotional clutter. (This is all about You. Hearing You is easier than thinking!) I ask that You cause me to hear You louder and clearer, and rest in You. I ask You to release Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, with long-suffering, and self-control to flow over and in and throughout my life.I ask You Father for a clear, sharp, and healthy mind and body in You. Heavenly Father, I ask for Your perfect Will being worked out through my life and the lives of those that my life touch; as You direct me. I ask You for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to comprehend and receive what the Holy Spirit has to say. I ask to speak and to do Your perfect will in this life; for You, for me, and for my family.I ask You to guard me and my family with many angels and that they manifest as needed. I ask You to make me alert, awake, sharp and attentive in Your thoughts and ways. I ask that I may prosper in what I put my hands to do for You. I ask you to renew my youth like the eagles. I ask for hearts like Yours and growth and maturity to walk in it to the fullest with You; in Jesus' Name. Amen!

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—

You cannot make Good decisions based on bad information...

Check out T. D. Jakes's sermon "Decision " below

T D JAKES - Decisions part 1

TD Jakes - Decisions - Part 2

TAKE YOUR WAY OUT

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation (or trial) has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted (or tried) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation (or trial) will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.


Before I discuss the topic 'Take Your Way Out' I want to comment on the other part of this verse.


First and foremost, understand your trials are not unique! Someone has had the same issue and guess what!?! ...they got through it!


Secondly, God will not put you in situations that you can bear but ...YOU CAN! You can enjoy a man or woman intimately, to a certain degree and still be saved and pleasing in the sight of God.  However, that text you decided to send or the decision to go to his / her place at night puts yourself in a compromising position that God did not intend for you to be in. Why?  Well, one reason could be is His foresight and knowledge that you cannot handle that situation.

But as for the third point, know that even when we put our self in pressured situations, God is faithful and will provide away for escape.  For example, your phone dies, car has no gas and / or you have something else that requires your attention.  However, if you decide to charge your phone, get gas, disregard other decoys...understand, you have just now ignored and missed your escape route.

Scenario 1:

Suppose you are trapped on the second floor of a burning building, and there is no way out except to jump from a window. You are foolish if you don't take this way of escape. The leaping experience might be very painful, but a broken leg is nothing compared to being burned alive!  The promise of the way of escape is not a promise that the way out will be easy to follow. Taking the way of escape to avoid spiritual failure may involve hurt, as pointed out in the illustration of the burning building. But the hurt of "broken bones" may leave the life preserved for further service and glory for Christ. Consider the case of the Christian girl who, because of the explicit teaching of Scripture in 2 Corinthians 6:14, purposes in her heart not to marry the nice non-Christian guy who proposes to her. She will experience hurt and pain as she severs the relationship, but her life will be spared from future spiritual loss. Her decision to say "no" may not be easy, but there will be the way of escape to enable her to endure. It may come as an opportunity to change locations. It may come through meeting new Christian friends. The way of escape may be provided just by seeing or hearing of the unfortunate results that come from an "unequal yoke" in the life of an acquaintance. The way out may even be provided by a renewed conviction of the authority of God's Word, as she yields herself more to the control of the Holy Spirit.

Scenario 2:

To take the way of escape may seem at times to be a sign of weakness or defeat, but this is not necessarily true. The Christian couple, for example, seeking godly counsel because of problems in their relationship are not showing signs of defeat any more than the person running to the ranger for help in escaping the lion. It is not a sign of "weakness" for a couple to "escape" from a threatening situation by running to the safety and security of a Christian counselor. This is very often the way of escape that God provides. In fact, for us not to seek the aid of a mature Christian counselor who "knows the woods" may result in our being "mauled by the lion". Remember that "the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

Scenario 3:

The way of escape will sometimes involve turning away from the "pleasure ship" and committing oneself to the hardships of the lifeboat. Think of the Christian college student who realizes that he is being pressured into a pattern of life that is just one big selfish pleasure trip. It takes more than a little commitment to separate from this lifestyle and get involved with the Christian fellowship group on campus, or the small Bible church in the community. These "lifeboats" are not always the most inviting or glamorous, but they are the ways of escape that God provides and promises will be there. This application is certainly appropriate to more Christians than just the college students. Many growing Christians find themselves being drawn into the pleasures of this world. This world system is a sinking ship. (See 1 John 2:17.) Why risk spiritual shipwreck while the way of escape is still available? Putting the Lord first in our way of living is not only obedience, but it may very well be the way of escape from spiritual ruin.

Excerpts from www.growingchristians.org

I pray we take heed to what God is trying to show us and keep us from.  Love, Ashlee

HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET!

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY!!!

John 8:
1-2 Jesus went across to Mount Olives, but he was soon back in the Temple again. Swarms of people came to him. He sat down and taught them. 3-6The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, "Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?" They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him.6-8Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, "The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone." Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt. 9-10Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up and spoke to her. "Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?" 11"No one, Master." "Neither do I," said Jesus. "Go on your way. From now on, don't sin."

How quickly we forget our past, faults and what we are currently doing, and get caught up in the moment and condemn others. 
Sadly, I will confess I do this a lot.  If you knew me, you know I am the last person who should be sitting in the Judge's seat.  Yesterday, with the intent to help someone out, I had to acknowledge that my delivery of my help was not from a loving heart; by the end of the conversation.  It amazes me how we find ourselves withholding the same mercy we feel we should be entitled to at all times for any situation.

Judging is WRONG and is this is probably a no brainer, to the many that find them self judging.  We you condemn someone, you make your life the standard.  However, there is only one standard, that we are to live according to and that is God's. 

To God a sin is a sin.  There is not a different scaled weight to each sin, as we would like to believe.  Anything opposite of God's law is wrong.

Before I finish this blog, I encourage you to read John 8:2-11 once again and really spend some time on verse 11.  We all sin and fall short of the glory of God, but this is not a pass to continue in sin once we have been forgiven.  True appreciation of God's mercy and grace is to strive (sincerely strive!) to sin no more.  Because even though your neighbor cannot judge you...Judgement day is fast approach and the bible says you will have to answer for everything you have done.

I pray we begin to focus on self improvement and being pleasing in the sight of God.  Love, Ashlee