For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Their future is eternal destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and all they think about is this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3 :18-20
We are in a war, Webster’s definition of war is open armed conflict as between nations, any active hostility or struggle.
We all know that we are in a war, right? And we know why, right? I think many times we can be so involved in our own personal struggles, that we lose sight of the bigger picture, that we are part of the big picture, not only for our family, friends, nation, but the world! And that’s what the enemy wants, us to focus on ourselves so we are ineffective in the war that we are all in, the war for Our Lord, Jesus, to bring people to the knowledge of Our Christ! We should know the power that we walk and live in. We are in this war whether we like it or not, because we belong to Christ.
How we praise God, the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms, because we belong to Christ. Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:3-4
We are in this battle because we belong to Christ. If you read further in the scriptures of Ephesians 1:4-14, you will read that God’s secret plan has been revealed to us, to bring everything together under the authority of Christ, everything! It is all about Christ, it is all about Our God, it is about His will being done, not ours. The enemy wants to keep us confused so that we don’t know who we are. As in any war, there are soldiers, and we are soldiers of Our Lord. We are called to be good soldiers (2 Timothy 2:1-10), to endure suffering and not to get tied up with affairs of this life. When you are in a battle you can’t think about your personal life affairs. You have to follow rules like a good soldier. You have to be trained up physically and mentally. Make sure that you are in place that is feeding you knowledge to train you up to be a good soldier. To know who you are and whose side you are on. What is even more amazing is that we already know the outcome of this war-we Win!! So as you are going through your training, make sure that you put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), and stand firm, knowing that we are victorious! Focus on God and not ourselves, and not on earthly things. Isn’t it amazing how many places it talks about that we are to focus on heavenly things. It is not about getting that new house, new car, more money, or all the other things that we want to focus on in our lives here on earth. Yet how many churches are preaching about prosperity, calling forth abundance to live a wonderful life here on earth. I believe there is to be balance, because we are to be living witnesses for Our Lord, and it is all to glorify Him. Make sure that you are storing up treasures for heaven and not here on earth. We are in this world, but we are not of this world. Be full of joy knowing that we have knowledge of who we are, we are transformed into his image, and He lives in us, and we have the full armor of Our God that we can put on us, most important we know how this is all going to come out-we win the battle, so where ever you are at-Stand Firm!! (I wrote this over 14 years ago and felt it was still applicable today)
Fitness Tip:
Osteoporosis is a bone disorder characterized by porous, brittle bones. It is a thinning of the bones which is prevalent in more and more women today. Getting an early start in prevention will keep your bones strong and healthy. The most important element in prevention and care is You. We live in an age where we are bombarded with busyness and little time to take care of ourselves day to day, much less to invest into the future. Very crucial to make time and incorporate into your lifestyle for prevention of osteoporosis: exercise-strengthens bones (make sure it is a “weight-bearing” activity, one that forces your body to bear its weight, walking is an excellent weight-bearing exercise), take your calcium, and eat healthy.
(Testimonials from 2000!)
John 13:34
I will give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
This summer has definitely been a time of adventure and travel! In barely a month, I’ve been to Mexico three times, to Texas once and the summer has barely started! Did I fail to mention that we also moved into a new home. Whew! Talk about a whirlwind of events.
The highlight over all my adventures and travels has been the love that has been showered over me by all the people I have had the pleasure of coming across. The first encounter was with a wonderful lady cleaning the area around our new home. I just sensed God’s love through her, and amazingly, she shared that she knew that I was a fellow Christian because she saw God’s love in me. We had such a time of connection.
On the plane going to Dallas, Texas, I met a beautiful flight attendant named, Joannie, whom our Lord guided me to give her 2 tapes (Joyce Meyers teachings) which I was clinging on to. What a joy it was to see how this blessed her, and the love that radiated from her to me was priceless.
I was met at Dallas airport by my good and loyal friend of 30 years plus, Susan, whom I had not seen for at least 20 years. I could write a book about our friendship. How we started school together, (me barely speaking English), and how we ended up our senior year together. Time passes, but here we were, a few more lines on our faces, a few more memories behind us, chattering up a storm, bringing each other up to date to where our Lord had brought us. The love that flowed from her to me was beautiful. We continued on our journey together as she drove me from Dallas to Copperas Cove, Texas where our families lived (a 4 hour journey). A reunion of parents, hugs and laughter filled the air.
Needless to say, the love that was showered on me by my parents was without measure! The cup of love definitely was flowing over. The Lord’s love and comfort shined from my parents. It was a joy to still experience that unconditional love that comes from a Mom and Dad who accepts you any way you are. Love does cover a multitude of sins.
There is so much to share about how God’s love shines through so many different people.
On our excursions to Mexico, we have had the privilege of being exposed to so much love (pure and simple) from the people there. This is another book in itself, but I had to insert this here to give God glory and honor. Rocky Point was always a place of fun and recreation for my family and I, but recently, the Lord took the veil off our eyes and we have been filled with love for the people there. We see the beauty in their simplicity, and we are thankful for the love and graciousness they have shown us.
As the summer progresses and time seems to move faster and faster, I’m more aware of how precious love is. How awesome our Lord is that as we give out love, we receive back so much more abundantly! I’m sure that we all have our own love stories, and I pray that we continue to sow those seeds of love towards each other. If you don’t have many love stories, please take a look at where you’re at and start exactly there. Love on your neighbor, co-worker, spouse, child, shopping clerk, mailman, a stranger passing by…But most important love yourself and Our God!
I John4:7,8
Beloved, let us love one another ; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
New testimonials to come…so much to share!!
Blessings,
Pat