Because of Jesus

Because of Jesus, my debt has been paid.

Because of Jesus, I have hope, peace, joy, strength and His overwhelming love.

Because of Jesus, I have my identity and security.

Because of Jesus, I am free and forgiven.

Because of Jesus, I am not anxious or afraid.

Because of Jesus, I am able to love and be loved.

Because of Jesus, I am a confident child of a King.

Because of Jesus, I am bold and I am strong.

Because of Jesus, I can bravely face tomorrow no matter what may come.

Because of Jesus, I am never alone.

Because of Jesus, I have a song in my heart and a word of encouragement to share daily.

Because of Jesus, eternal life in heaven awaits me.

I am so thankful for what He has done for me and will forever praise Him.

Regrets, I’ve had a Few.

Have you ever done or said something

that you wish you hadn’t? Or have you ever

not done or not said something, that later you

wish you would have? I know I have had both of

these scenarios.

I have had many regrets throughout my life

but one that haunts me more than others;

occurred with a total stranger.

I want to tell you about the time that I didn't say or do anything. I went to get

my car washed and as it went through the process; I sat on a bench in the front of

the building to wait. I sat in a chair and next to it was a bench that could seat four.

While I waited; I decided to memorize scriptures that I had written in an index card

binder. I really struggled with remembering verses, so I was challenging myself to

take every free moment to work on my project.

A young man in his teens, dressed in all black with a spiked dog collar around his neck

and a large silver chain hanging on his jeans came and sat right next to me. He could have sat

any where on that bench but he chose not too.

I glanced up at him and returned to my beloved task. Out of the blue; I heard a small voice

that said, “Talk to him.” I ignored the voice. Again I heard, “Talk to him.” Concentrating on the Word that I was repeatedly reading, I heard the voice a third time. “TALK to HIM!” I asked the Lord, "What am I going to say to him? He doesn’t want to talk to me. And Lord, he is so close to me; he could just read these scriptures himself.” Well, with that, the young man got up and walked away from me.

As I watched him walk away, I felt sick to my stomach. I knew, I had missed an opportunity to

share the Word that I was trying so desperately to memorize. But when I saw the three 10“ white numbers “ 666” imprinted on the back of his shirt, I started to cry.

My car was clean. My heart was dirty and broken. My spirit man was burdened. I was disobedient and rebellious to God. I knew it was Him speaking, but I just didn’t feel like doing

what He wanted me to do. That was the very last time; I ignored God’s voice.

I started to pray for that young man, and continued to pray for him for many years. I often wonder if God sent someone else to talk to him. I hoped and prayed that He did.

I did learn a valuable lesson that day though. I have never missed an opportunity since then to talk to people about the Lord; whether I know it is of God or just my own impression.

Regrets, yes, I have had a few. Most of them I have forgotten. This one however, I will never forget. I share this story often to encourage others, to listen for God's still small voice and then to respond obediently. Each time I share this message; I pray for that young man. I pray that He came to know the Lord and His overwhelming love.

Preach the word; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not,

{whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome}...

2 Tim.4:2 Amplified

It is Good

The heavens declare the glory of

God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalms 19:1 NKJV

God made the heavens, the seas, the earth, and everything and everyone in it. He said, “It is good". And it is so, so good. He is undoubtedly the most famous artist ever. He created what others only copy. Nature is one of God’s many blessing to humanity.

He is so worthy to be praised and should be praised daily!

We live in paradise right here on earth, yet sometimes we fail to see or appreciate the awesome beauty surrounding us. I am in awe of the wonders of nature and so enjoy seeing God in each picturesque scene. His color palette is out of this world. I sometimes wonder how many shades of green He has created. God enjoys showing off with His talents.

Romans 1:19-20 says, that we can know God,

His power and HIs divine nature in the things that He has made.

(paraphrased)

Do you know Him? Do you recognize Him in creation?

Do you enjoy the beauty that your eyes are blessed to see each day?

When was the last time you thanked Him for the gift of sight?

If we don’t praise Him, the heavens and earth will praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them will praise Him. Praise God today for He is so, so good!

I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;

I will tell of all Your marvelous works.

Psalm 9:1 NKJV

We were placed on this planet to nurture it, enjoy it, and to praise God and share His story. God is known through what He has created. If the people you meet don’t know Him; show Him to them, in creation.

I challenge you to take time this week to:

1. Enjoy creation.

2. Spend time watching the clouds.

3. Meditate in a beautiful out door setting.

4. Relax at a park and take time to breathe, smile, and smell the roses.

5. Praise God for all His many blessings and listen for His voice.