tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14769423295578469512024-03-19T14:28:45.619-07:00Reaching Outwhere we touch others, through words of encouragement and testimonies of God's love.BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-54155413126425548232010-05-20T14:54:00.000-07:002010-05-20T14:54:23.020-07:00The Fourth Man in Your fire.<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDzyx9NK6JtdeW0UA7uDuFpaWU7RKlndHlxvlZKyLAhKXVg4qZv7JEKECOLR98wHbKo8FGJPZqe8VdrpoJqyXD3mIRPMIsotdi3y-XZgTA228gcE5I2gU0UICGFDlmRMu06nooldGiJw/s1600/fire+of+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDzyx9NK6JtdeW0UA7uDuFpaWU7RKlndHlxvlZKyLAhKXVg4qZv7JEKECOLR98wHbKo8FGJPZqe8VdrpoJqyXD3mIRPMIsotdi3y-XZgTA228gcE5I2gU0UICGFDlmRMu06nooldGiJw/s320/fire+of+love.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You had a long day at work. Countless emails to respond to, boss's on your neck for not hitting a deadline. The tube's jammed on the way home. The kids are having a fight when you finally get home. Hubby is crossed, his dinner is going to be late again, and you know he has this important meeting first thing tomorrow morning. You legs feel like lead. Still, you drag yourself to the kitchen, half awake, you mix something for the family and slam it on the dinning table. You haven't said a word because your mouth is too heavy. You are that tired. <br />
<br />
You hit the mattress with a vengeance, snoring even before you fall asleep. <br />
<br />
You did not turn off the cooker.<br />
<br />
It is midnight. <br />
You startle awake. Your throat hurts, your nose tweaks, your eyes water. <br />
You reach for the lamp, blinded by the sudden flood of light. <br />
Wait. Somethings not right. <br />
Your house is in flames. There is a fire.<br />
Quick, you scramble out of bed. Wake the hubby up, grab the kids. Your inner clock is ticking. You know time is not your friend on this one. <br />
You step out of the room, clucting your kids in your hands. But, it is too late.... the fire is all around you.<br />
The kids are beginning to scream. Your husband cannot move. He is consumed by shock. You can hear your heart pumping. You do not know what to do or who to turn to. Death looms.<br />
<br />
Wait. There is a fourth person in the fire. You do a quick head count. You, the kids, your hubby, ( the kids are counted as one). You are not seeing things. A man is walking through the fire. Your fire.<br />
His clothes are sparkling white. His brilliance subdues that of the fiery furnace. He is smiling.. <em>smiling</em>? <br />
<br />
He reaches out to you. You hesitate, wonder who He thinks He is. He may not be getting burnt because.. well because he is probably wearing some fire proof vest or something. But, there is NO WAY you are joining him.<br />
<br />
The flames are licking up everything in their path now. The kids are beginning to choke, their clothes snapping in two as the fire slices through. The man is still there. There is a certain calmness about him that amazes you.<br />
You decide to follow him. Better to try than not to know.<br />
<br />
You open your eyes. There is no more fire. No, there is. Only it hasn't harmed you, or your kids or your clothes. You look around the ring of flames. The fourth man is still there, holding you in an embrace that is engulfed with love.<br />
<br />
Who are you? You ask. <br />
He doesn't speak. Only shows you his hands.<br />
You gasp, realization hits you. <br />
Two, fleshy holes are carved right in the center of His palms. They are still oozing fresh blood. <br />
You realise He is Jesus. <br />
<br />
You realise His words are true. <br />
He will never leave you nor forsake you.<br />
You sigh with relief. <br />
All you have to do now is wait for the fire to be over. <br />
It is okay really, as long as you are not hurt.<br />
<br />
What is Your fire? Financial? Health? Death of a loved one? Sins you cannot let go off? You are not alone. You are NEVER alone. He is with you in that Fire. And He will bring you through it, unharmed.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>Isiah 43- 2: When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">Daniel 3 - 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Deut 31- 8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.</span> <br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #76a5af;">Husbands may fail, Kids may not even know what you are going through. Pastor;s may be too busy, your parents have their own problems too. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #76a5af;">There is one person who will NEVER fail. He will work through the FIRE with you. He will never come late.</span></em> <br />
<em><span style="color: #76a5af;">His name is Jesus. </span></em><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span> <br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Ciao,</span> <br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Bimbylads.</span> <br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span> BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-66578374922349481132010-05-03T09:23:00.000-07:002010-05-03T09:25:20.183-07:00Pressing OnPonder this....Can you travail for nine months to deliver a child, only to willingly lead that child astray? Maybe, but highly unlikely. Tell me, if your child or someone you loved very much asked you to show him the way to a certain place... would you not wholeheartedly do so? Now, if you gladly will, how much more will the God of Heaven and Earth do for you, his child? <br /><br />For your sake has he said in Psalm 32 v 8: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shouldest go: I will guide you with mine eye..... There’s a verse in Isaiah 49 15-16 which makes my heart beat with wonder: God says: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.<br /><br />That verse is telling us that, mothers actually MAY forget their children, but HE would NEVER forget us, because we are engraved….. Look at your palm for a second. Can you see those lines there; have you ever left those lines at home? I thought not!! That’s how we are in God’s hands. Like those lines… engraved and embedded in his palms. He takes us everywhere he goes because he cannot cut of his palms- we are a part of God!<br />So, if we a part of God, and the Creator of the whole universe said all of this concerning you; why are you not asking him for a direction? Why are you not seeking His face to shed His light on your ways so that you can begin to walk according to His plan for your life? Perhaps you have no idea as to how much God loves you. The master plan for your life is in His hands, and he is more than ready to talk you through that plan, step by step, so that you can fulfil your divine destiny.<br />Of what purpose will it be for one to walk on earth for at least seventy years only to find out that he had been walking in the totally wrong direction? Beloved, let today be a starting point. Unsure of where to begin? Pray earnestly: ask Your Father to reveal your hidden treasures and His divine purpose for your life.<br />Think about the gifts that God has deposited in your life- those gifts and talents are for the fulfilment of your divine destiny. Do you have a beautiful voice beneath that shy facade? Why don’t you boldly cast off the fear and begin to declare His praise before the congregation. <br /><br />Do not be put off by your past. That’s why it’s called a PAST because it has PASSED. Don't look back. No one has ever made progress by looking backwards.<br />Don’t think about what could have been. Press on towards your High calling. Hold that gaze unto Jesus and let him do the leading.<br /><br />Ephesians 1 v17: That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-35907268552712876892010-02-25T09:32:00.000-08:002010-02-25T09:36:40.529-08:00Offer the Right Sacrifice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwD37Ca4zDCRfbwKNCjXRZA54iIlPY4KX2jLFKv2uL79HHToZLwDOCcM2z5OjiFfRq9SjNLKrpqHPMQegXo4y-bRMyUPK9VPOiqBGLijkL-ihIjVbbDCCjccSaMoWn6gbDuMfk1t1BvM/s1600-h/offering+to+God.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442236315962493698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwD37Ca4zDCRfbwKNCjXRZA54iIlPY4KX2jLFKv2uL79HHToZLwDOCcM2z5OjiFfRq9SjNLKrpqHPMQegXo4y-bRMyUPK9VPOiqBGLijkL-ihIjVbbDCCjccSaMoWn6gbDuMfk1t1BvM/s400/offering+to+God.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />Heather frowned as she stuck her hands deep inside her hand bag, and rummaged for a few spare change to throw into the offering basket. She slid her weary eyes over to the usher; who held out the basket with an impatient curve on her lips. Why she always looks at me that way, wondered Heather. Does she think I don’t have the money to offer? </div><br /><div><br />Her frown deepened. More searching. The Usher tapped her foot. A few other members grunted. Finally, Heather smiled, as her hand brushed against a bunch of cold metal coins. Money, finally. She gripped the coins and peeped at it. In the palm of her hand was two pounds, twenty pence, exactly. A quick mental calculation later, Heather wrapped the twenty pence coin around her finger and thrust it deep into the offering basket, with a satisfied smug on her face. There, she said, relaxing to enjoy the rendition by the choir, I have paid my offering and that usher cannot say I didn’t. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Offer the right sacrifice. </div><br /><div><br />If you are going to bother at all with giving an offering unto God, consider the following:</div><br /><div><br />1) God does not need your money. He only advises you to give an offering to him so He can bless you. God is a giving God, and He set the perfect example by giving us His only begotten Son, Jesus as an offering of Sacrifice for our sakes. </div><br /><div><br />2) You are giving to God and not MAN: Regardless of what the world tells you, fight to come out of the school of thought of those that think their offerings are going straight into the Pastor’s pocket. And so, give to God an offering to God that He alone is worthy of. Don’t grudgingly give an offering because you don’t want the Pastor to profit from it.</div><br /><div align="left"><br />3) Give God the Best: It is what He deserves. The Book of Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament. Significant? You bet. After Malachi, God does not speak again for about 400 years until the new Testatment. In his message to Malachi, God expresses his disgust at the kind of offerings He was being given by the children of Israel. Malachi 1v 13:<br /><span style="color:#ff9900;"><em>And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick;<br />Thus you bring an offering!<br />Should I accept it from your hand?<br />Says the Lord.<br />But Cursed be the deceiver, who has in his flock a male,<br />And takes a vow, But Sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished.</em></span><br /><br />4) If your offering is stolen, sick or lame, it is an invitation to be cursed: don’t scowl at me!<br />I didn’t say it! Look at Malachi 1 v 14 again. Don’t be like Heather who gave a lame offering to God. Give an offering from a glad heart and that which is befitting for a King. For our God is a King.<br />5) Sacrifice is Not Just about Money: I am often amused at people who seem to believe that the sacrifice to God is only of financial value. Far from it. The Bible makes us understand that the following are also sacrifices to God which must be offered in a way that is pleasing an acceptable to Him:<br />· Your Body: Dress modestly at all times. Flee fornication and adultery.<br />· Your Praises: Let the Praises of God continually be in your mouth. It is a worthy sacrifice.<br />· A broken spirit and a contrite heart: Like David. Be quick to repent, and let your communication lines with God stay open by always confessing and forsaking your sins.<br />· Your gifts and talents: What has God deposited in your life for His glory? Use it for Him while you can. He’ll ask you when this journey is over why you didn’t.<br />· Your time in Church and in Prayer: Take an example from Jesus. He was always in the temple, and in the Place of prayer. Be a praying person. It is the only way in which we can speak to God.</div><br /><div align="left"><br />Sacrificing to God is an opportunity. It is a chance to let God know that you care, and will do anything it takes to please him. And hidden in that sacrifice is a huge door for great blessings. The moment you set your heart to please God that way, God will begin to move in your life in ways you have never expected. And so, the next time you are tempted to: dress immodestly, grumble at the blessings God has given you... </div><br /><div align="left"><br />The next time you harden your heart or ignore the chance to share your talent, or get to church deliberately and fashionably late... </div><br /><div><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;">Stop and Think. Offer the Right Sacrifice.<br /></span><br /></div>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-22824602068660154972009-12-03T15:53:00.000-08:002009-12-03T16:06:05.458-08:00Be Still<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKlsQuCOa2R4rVHXjK1iKNohcwtyq9KkLWsPzylfzYN57BynlQUx_U30C5vkKZLS0oGkXJItBEx0ftq3zF_XIqxGcRd_k4FXwf0r64sXbiFkp-pG7BOzi094uObgdZP4PcwwiVtXTA_4/s1600-h/prayerhandsopen.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411165284840202562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 364px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 332px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKlsQuCOa2R4rVHXjK1iKNohcwtyq9KkLWsPzylfzYN57BynlQUx_U30C5vkKZLS0oGkXJItBEx0ftq3zF_XIqxGcRd_k4FXwf0r64sXbiFkp-pG7BOzi094uObgdZP4PcwwiVtXTA_4/s400/prayerhandsopen.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffff00;">The First time I heard God speak, I froze.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">I had been hearing people say ...'God said this...', but I had never experienced it. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#33cc00;">I remember feeling sad and wondering what sin I had commited that made God silent to me.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#33cc00;">Then one day, I 'googled' it. I typed, " how to hear God's voice'. A number of suggestions were thrown around for me to digest, but I wasnt satisfied.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">And then, my mother in law sent me some books to read. Unbelievably, one of the books was titled, " How to hear God's voice."</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">With the excitement of a little child, I began to practise my Quiet time.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I would pray, sing and read HIS WORD, and then sit still.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">really still.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">I did it for the first day, I am not sure anything happened.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">Then by the third or so day, I heard HIS VOICE.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">The I AM.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">He spoke to me. Said He loved Me.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">I was soo ecstatic. I laughed with joy so deep in my heart.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">And guess what? so did HE. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">God laughed with me.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">He let me know that He had always been speaking.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">It wasnt because of my sins.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Only I had never had the time to sit and listen.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Afterall, He is our father. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Every father wants a relationship with his children.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Especially Jesus.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">And so, I want to encourage you to try it too.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">God speaks.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;">From Genesis to Revelation, God has been speaking.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">And from today, promise you will start to listen to the Awesome God</span>.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Jesus Reigns.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Be Still and Know that I am God. ( Psalm 46)</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span></div><br /><div>xxx</div><br /><div>bimbylads, a growing worshipper</div>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-15592847014331965842009-09-15T09:44:00.000-07:002009-09-15T09:51:58.137-07:00Hidden Treasure<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNSxwqRk1OzAAiB75Pg574bpxl1GYXGZoKp6UE6b2s4jjExjucJgCI9B1uxlc08I91LbTOk0bf2MCaq1T2Yjr4afMqEhY7UIOcqu0P76vTt0O-0N67i0Z3lwY_I-fBwrZqBPo3dF_9_A/s1600-h/hiddentreasure.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381737819901337138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNSxwqRk1OzAAiB75Pg574bpxl1GYXGZoKp6UE6b2s4jjExjucJgCI9B1uxlc08I91LbTOk0bf2MCaq1T2Yjr4afMqEhY7UIOcqu0P76vTt0O-0N67i0Z3lwY_I-fBwrZqBPo3dF_9_A/s400/hiddentreasure.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">B</span>efore Mary had Jesus, she must have been subject to a certain amount of agony. Imagine how she felt when she found herself pregnant, while still unmarried. If, in this day and age, there is stigma associated with such, I cannot begin to fathom how bad things were back then. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#999900;">I </span>am sure that Mary often questioned herself if she really heard from God, and what would become of her and her pregnancy. Joseph, Mary’s husband to be, was mystified! He hadn’t touched her yet, but she was pregnant...Talk about strange! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffcc00;">After</span> <span style="font-family:courier new;">the Lord has explained to Joseph the reason why Mary was found suddenly pregnant, one would assume that Mary and Joseph would have rested in peace. Far from it! Heavily pregnant with Jesus, Mary was made to travel many miles away to Bethlehem to have her baby. The idea of travelling with a massive tummy in an aeroplane is traumatizing enough, let alone on a donkey’s back. I bet they even had to stop on the way many times while the donkey regained its strength and sanity!</span></div><br /><div><br />So, they arrive in Bethlehem and suddenly, Mary is in labour. There is no electricity or warm water (<strong><span style="color:#cc6600;"><em>I’m sure that if Mary was a Nigerian woman like me, she would have protested- after all, she was carrying the KING of KINGS hello?!!). </em></span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#cc6600;"><em></em></span></strong></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Anyway, with no midwife, comfy hospital bed, or even a hot towel to dry her sweating brows, Mary and her husband endure the anguish to give birth to Jesus.... then they try to rest and make sense of all that’s happening to them... BUT! The Lord came to Joseph in a dream to warn them that Herod was on the move, seeking to destroy baby Jesus. Once again, Joseph is on the move. Mary, his wife has barely healed of the birthing experience and now they were on the move again. (Poor donkey just regained his senses too!)<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">Then fast forward two thousand years later! And here we are... enjoying the plentiful privileges love and amazing grace of Jesus. Mary endured for the few weeks to try to understand what kind of baby she would be having, and then she suffered the distress of his growing up... I am sure many of her friends gossiped about her and her ‘weird son’. Then her beloved child was killed in the most painful way that defies human understanding.... Mary carried a treasure that was hidden until she gave birth. The treasure, Jesus was hidden until he came out at the wedding of Cana! Suddenly, questions began to fly: “What manner of man is this?” they wondered. “Oh wow! Even the Winds and the seas obey him” they exclaimed. Jesus was truly an amazement. He still is! Hallelujah</span>.</div><br /><div><br /><span style="color:#999999;">His death gave birth to the most precious of all gifts: eternal life. Because he died, we all have access to God. We have an eternal life. We can actually look forward to something else apart from this world. Now, stop to think for a minute...What’s your hidden treasure? What has God deposited in that beautiful spirit of yours to glorify his kingdom?</span><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Are you walking in accordance to his plan for your life? What have you done for this Jesus in return? Have you shared his word with another? Or do you just let it slide... why don’t you be like Mary and Joseph today? Thankfully we don’t use donkeys anymore! They did everything humanly possible to protect their hidden treasure. They endured questions, assumptions and probable abuse, but they did not mind. Why, because they knew that their coal was being polished to become a beautiful diamond someday. If you don’t know your treasure, why don’t you go digging? Buried somewhere inside of every one of God’s children is a gold mine of gifts and talents, waiting to be discovered.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><br /></div></span><br /><div>So, if you have lost track of where you are and what you should be doing for Jesus in return, search deep within you. Look hard and you will find it. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong><em>Ask your Father to show you it. It’s there, trust me.<br /></em></strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"><em>bimbyladsxxx</em></span></div><br /><div>a growing worshipper </div>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-63852168588604344612009-07-25T06:10:00.000-07:002009-07-25T16:38:41.301-07:00Grace<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKv-j66xBlvKNYS8gZoGuDU7cCbf5g62LhZ_3t1iGbeYrb5CQz6A_0E7q7W0TAKwDADm-xSEBavl2VcfFMx0U9IoLtrRectYrTGOqWfWvhzQbX-tQbIzeYK3oyQOC7ewLnbxlfoFSIYU/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362386359620586850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 132px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKv-j66xBlvKNYS8gZoGuDU7cCbf5g62LhZ_3t1iGbeYrb5CQz6A_0E7q7W0TAKwDADm-xSEBavl2VcfFMx0U9IoLtrRectYrTGOqWfWvhzQbX-tQbIzeYK3oyQOC7ewLnbxlfoFSIYU/s320/images.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I dont know what to do.</div><br /><br /><div>Living right is so hard, Lord.</div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">How can I........</span> </div><br /><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">forgive</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#33cc00;">let go</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#009900;">give</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#009900;">love</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#009900;">obey</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#009900;">pray for</span></div><div><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">not judge</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">not condemn</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">not over react</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">not get angry</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#ffcc33;">not lust</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#ffcc33;">not covet</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#ffcc33;">not lie</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#ffcc33;">not cheat</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffcc33;"></span><br /></div><div>embrace</div><div>rejoice with</div><div>be kind........</div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">How can I</span> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>NOT SIN</strong></span> <span style="font-size:180%;">Lord??!</span></div><br /><br /><div>Why is it so hard?</div><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=65&chapter=4&verse=16&version=9&context=verse">Hebrews 4:16</a><strong><em>Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.</em></strong><br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=5&verse=15&version=9&context=verse">Romans 5:15</a><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"><em>But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the gr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3s2gFbQV16zo3alOCVtfO9YdGuVyvInvrWtrxls2MGcYfpuRIdBkcN9NN9TOr0wxgvCl78moeVd22X3iDvuB-guoMryjJGTz1Gwo7sqmHOS3poVSfic_ET6jRhuhTMc5wY8MXkK2gOg/s1600-h/grace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362387086864762658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 122px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 122px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3s2gFbQV16zo3alOCVtfO9YdGuVyvInvrWtrxls2MGcYfpuRIdBkcN9NN9TOr0wxgvCl78moeVd22X3iDvuB-guoMryjJGTz1Gwo7sqmHOS3poVSfic_ET6jRhuhTMc5wY8MXkK2gOg/s400/grace.jpg" border="0" /></a>ace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, <strong><span style="color:#990000;">Jesus Christ,</span></strong> hath abounded unto many.</em></span></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am running into you, Jesus. I need grace... I need help... I need to be broken.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Bimbylads...</div><br /><br /><div>A Growing Worshipper</div>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-6332317355372830482009-07-09T10:18:00.000-07:002009-07-09T10:20:41.810-07:00Long Overdue letterDear Father,<br /><br />Last night, I was forced to go through all the letters you'd sent to me over the past years. A long time ago, I had selected my favourite ones into a special box in my heart. I read with fondness, the ones you wrote in the rays of the Sun a just a few weeks ago. It brought tears to my eyes, that someone as awesome as you, my father, would use such a glorious and warm way to tell me that you love me. The one you whispered in the cool wind of last year made me sit to think and ponder your awesome greatness, but the best of all, was the one you spoke in the waves of the sea...<br />The endless stretch of the ocean is immeasurable. I couldn't even fully grasp why You would love me so much .I guess that just as I can never tell where the sea ends, I just may never know.But one thing bothered me. I know you try to tell me that you love me with the wonderful works of your creative hands... But I wondered why I never heard your voice. Then it struck me like a train hitting a deadly frozen, icy rock:<br />You have never stopped speaking, I just never heard you. How frustrated you must have been when you tried to wake me up to speak to you at five am yesterday morning? Or how disappointed you were when I rushed out of the house today, after reciting through Psalm 91, like I do one of my house chores. I always felt the gentle nudging of your Holy Spirit, but I am always so tired and busy, that I keep postponing the time I should spend with you. Yet, I realise that I have just about enough time to watch television or to surf the internet.My children, the four you lovingly gave me, have to go to school.<br />My husband works nights and I work days. My bills are overdue, I am even being threatened with court action if I don't pay up. Life's worries; so many of them have I used to side track you.But you didn't give up on me did you? You sent me dreams. Some were so disturbing that I would wake up drenched in my sweat. Scared I was under attack by my enemies, I was forced to run into you. A few prayer points later, and I felt better. Your protective hand was upon me and I was safe in your Name. But, with sadness so deeply entrenched in my soul, I realised that this is what I do all the time. I run to you only for protection. I don't care to know your likes or dislikes. I am not even sure of what your favourite colour is.<br />I am sure I cannot tell how you like your breakfast or what ticks you off? How can I claim to be your child when I don't even know you?But You know Me. You know and care about every single thing that happens to me. You numbered the hair on my head, and specially selected what should adorn my body.<br />You know my name... You picked my life.. .You selected my destiny and bestowed countless gifts upon me. You speak all the time, but I dont listen. Yet,You still want to know me so much that you speak to me even while I am asleep...even when you know I may never reply you. Oh! I dare to call you Father.So last night, I made a promise. I would speak to you like I should. In the intimacy that you so long for. I would try to return the gentle hugs you send into my spirit when I am down. I will sing for joy and dance to you every day. I will tell you more about my life... not only the parts I dont like much. I will write in my prayer request, that you draw me close, and for once, ignore the requests of wealth, comfort and peace that I repititiously bother you with. I would tell more people about You, give them a chance to know your special love and grace...With a heavy heart, I went back to my special box and read the letters you had written to me. And I want to say thank you.<br />Thank you for breathing life into me.<br />Thank you for loving me, despite my faults.<br />Thank you for sending your only Son, Jesus to die for me.<br />Thank you Jesus for not making excuses when Father asked you to come.<br />Thank you Father that You are You.<br />And for not saying happy fathers day to you last week, I am deeply sorry.<br />Happy fathers day Daddy, and I Love You.<br /><br />From one of your many special children on earth.<br /><br /><br />p.s: I wrote this article a week after fathers day..the facts are fictitious (<em> I dont have 4 kids yet and I am rich in Jesus name!)</em>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-36446002925427827802009-06-08T14:56:00.000-07:002009-06-08T15:05:20.036-07:00<span style="color:#ff9900;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqVTXK6sA6WkUhRBR2OXw_XwyBsGZ2EGkr3NPEQV6rsYmbc8PCEqrKJ4ss6ajdRoJ_smmmShcUwOwx9olyijmEneRkUaXaS4ShXjGjaaH8vOFpMcWiR6-9K2qCAxc0k42uOpC_OPTWcQ/s1600-h/hand+of+God.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345080191438231826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqVTXK6sA6WkUhRBR2OXw_XwyBsGZ2EGkr3NPEQV6rsYmbc8PCEqrKJ4ss6ajdRoJ_smmmShcUwOwx9olyijmEneRkUaXaS4ShXjGjaaH8vOFpMcWiR6-9K2qCAxc0k42uOpC_OPTWcQ/s320/hand+of+God.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><em><strong> Today</strong></em></span>, I scratched my hand while cleaning chicken. It was a tiny weenie scratch, but, It hurt, so I decided to wait till later to cook the chicken, besides, I was being lazy too. :-). But, I realise, that, even if I hadn't been lazy, I would not have achieved the task of cooking comfortably, simply because of the tiny scratch !. You need your hands to be able to achieve most of your day to day activities. Your hands contain the richest source of tactile feedback in your body, and have the greatest positioning capability of the body, and which is why the sense of touch is associated with the hands. Apart from that, your hands signify your labour. You can also use your hands to communicate with people, so for instance, you can wave someone down with your hands. You can also use your hands to gesticulate or prove a point. Some people cannot talk without using their hands! I can go on and on about the use of your hands, but, that's not where we are going today! <div></div><div><br />I want to talk briefly about the Hand of God. In my little knowledge of the Bible, I have discovered that each time I read a verse about the arm of God, I become comforted, and at ease. God's Hands are very important to Him too. Let me tell you seven things about my darling Father's hands, which NO OTHER Hand can do in our lives: </div><div><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Hand of God is mighty and powerful</span>: God's hand is not an ordinary hand. He has the whole world in his hands!, so imagine how big those hands are. The bible says in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=14&chapter=20&verse=6&version=9&context=verse">2 Chronicles 20:6</a>: And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? </div><div><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;">The Hand of God is a hand of strength:</span> When you are weak, and too tired to go on, rely in God's hands, he will give you the exact amount of strength you need: Ezra 7-8:And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.<br />It is from God's hands, that you get prosperous: We have no other sure means of getting prosperity. I can assure you that if your prosperity comes from another source, you cannot enjoy it. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=25&chapter=2&verse=24&version=9&context=verse">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a> says: There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. </div><div><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;">The Hand of God is a hand of destruction:</span> Woe betide any enemy that seeks to destroy a child of God, who is abiding in His hands. In fact, this one is so sure that God declares in Deuteronomy 33 v39, ( hey! confess this Word with me): See now that I, even I am he, and there is no god with me: I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of mine hand. I can imagine God saying this particular Word. He repeats the "I even I" for a reason. Its for us to know that <span style="color:#ff0000;">He is talking about HIMSELF, AND NO OTHER</span>!.. Is any situation troubling you? Why don't cast it into God's hands today and see if that thing can continue to harrass you!<br />In God's Hands, you are protected. He has engraved you in his palms ( hands), and far from the oppressor.</div><div><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;">God's hands are always outstretched to the sinner</span>: When you sin, and repent, he opens his arms, widely to receive you. From afar, he runs towards you to grab you in a lovingly tight embrace. Psalm 136 v 12 says that God's mercy endures forever with 'His outstretched and strong arms'! What great comfort we have knowing that we will not be condemned for our sins<br /></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">God's HAND is JESUS</span>: Yep! It is! God sent his son, Jesus to die for us. Jesus' death is God's hand of salvation, love, mercy and deliverance for us. It is the most potent example of the Love of a God who doesn't want his children to perish.<br />What great words! I mean I could go on and on about God's hands, I just wanted to outline a few facts about the Hand of God, and I pray that as you go about in your daily life, the Hand of the Almighty will encompass, favour and uphold you!.<br /><br />God bless,<br /><em><span style="color:#ff9900;">Bimbylads</span></em></div>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-84093687859609394102009-05-23T15:01:00.000-07:002009-05-23T16:45:35.566-07:00Just SeventeenAbigail blinked slowly, as the tears slid down her smooth face, like a silent stream on a newly tarred road. Her fingers trembled slightly as she read the words out aloud, partly because she needed to hear it to believe it, and partly because it felt like she was in a trance.<br />“There are options….” the man sitting directly in front of her was saying, but she wasn’t listening. The paper in her hand fluttered to the floor, but she did not notice. The large spacious room suddenly felt like a tiny carton, closing in and choking her. Her heart began to beat wildly as the vision in front of her blurred.<br />Suddenly, she was in church, singing. Thousands of people were being touched by her melodious voice; some fell unto the floor, while others simply wept.<br />Then, the testimonies began to flow. “I was healed by that song, Abigail” said the woman who always wore a red hat. “For a seventeen year old, you sing like an angel” said Kofi, the teacher. “I was depressed, until I heard you sing” said another. “You are destined for greatness” said the Pastor’s wife. Abigail was used to the compliments, for they came steadily. It was obvious, her voice was powerful, and it carried a certain anointing. She was already great at just seventeen... The man coughed suddenly, dragging her back to reality.<br />“Y-yes?” she managed to look at his face. His gaze was sympathetic, pitiful almost.<br />“Would you like a moment alone?” he asked, speaking slowly and carefully. He slid a box of tissues across the table. “I will be outside, if you need me” he added, patting her softly on her back.<br />She watched him leave the room, and almost laughed. Had he said there were options? What options?<br />Once again, the horrible feeling swept over her, first panic, then intense fear, followed by a sense of dread. She cast her mind back to the day she met him, and almost cursed. Pastor Josh was his name. He was a visiting pastor from the neighbouring town, and come to preach to the youth of their church. When he spoke, his baritone voice reverberated; travelling across the whole auditorium and captivating his audience. He stood tall, a magnificent six feet and four inches. His dark good looks were further accentuated by his bright smile. He was indeed a stunning man. And when, after he’d delivered his message, asked for her, she’d felt faint.<br />“I heard you sing- like an angel” his gaze tore through her soul as he spoke, and she was elated. He dropped his voice to a whisper “I come often to this area, and I would like your number”.<br /><em>Don’t give out your number</em>, something in her screamed, but she pushed the words back, far back.<br />A few days later he called. He liked her, wanted to see her.<br />‘But you are much older than I am- I am just seventeen” she said, holding her breath in case he decided not to come.<br />“Wasn’t Abraham much older than Sarah?” he teased, and her heart melted.<br />He came once, then twice, then weekly. “Flee fornication”, warned the voice. Again, she countered it. I can think of that afterwards.<br />Her concerned mother observed the change in her, “You don’t attend choir practice anymore, Abigail”. “Where do you sneak off to?” quizzed Dad. She lied once, then twice, and soon, the lies became endless. Mum stopped asking, and Dad pretended not to notice. But their eyes said it all- disappointment and sorrow.<br />Then one day, she fell pregnant. She ran to him, hysterical. “It’s easy”, he said smoothly. “Get rid of it”. She felt like she’d been slapped. “b-but you are a pastor, a youth pastor”, she spluttered, shocked. “For all have sinned...” he replied, “get rid of it and then, we will get married”<br />“<em>Thou shall not kill”...</em> There it was again, the alarm.<br />She tried to reach him several times, to tell him that she had done it.<br />She left numerous messages, but he never called her back. Until one day, she heard that he had died.<br />That was why he never called her back.<br />And now, her test results were out.<br />“<em>The wages of sin is death</em>” said the voice, only this time; it was a still, small voice.<br />She forced herself out of the doctor’s office, without a backward glance at the paper she’d left on the floor.<br />Abigail was HIV positive....<em> at just seventeen............</em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><br /><em>Flee Fornication: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=59&chapter=4&verse=3&version=9&context=verse">1 Thessalonians 4:3</a>: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication</em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><br /><em>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX</em><br /><br />Need a friend in Jesus? Not sure of whether you will make heaven? Lost along the way?Why not invite him into your life with these words:<br /><span style="color:#ff9966;">Lord Jesus, I ask that you come into my life and take hold of it. I confess my sins before you and repent of them. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live above sin. Write my name in the book of life. I enter into your kingdom of life and peace, in Jesus name.<br /></span>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-71335486168612514172009-05-12T05:17:00.000-07:002009-05-12T05:22:34.872-07:00Can't is not a Word.....<em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;"> In</span></em> the dictionary of the Almighty, can't is not a word. If anything, the Lord is a skilled and highly experienced God in turning the impossibility into breakthroughs.<br />Imagine a job offer, asking for over a million years experience for a certain job.... Do you think it will be possible to find an applicant for that job? That's a tiny fraction as to how wonderfully powerful the Lord is. He is the only one that can make that thing, which the world says you CANT do, to be the exact opposite.<br /><br />A testimony about myself, which I'd like to share with you; a few years ago, I was studying for my Masters degree. Towards the end of the Masters degree, the Lord blessed me with a very good job that I could not resist. However,, the job was based, many miles away from my university, which meant, that I had to relocate. This in itself posed a big problem. I was in the middle of writing my dissertation. My supervisor expected that I visit him, at least one a week to go over my dissertation, and by being away from the vicinity of the university, this would have been impossible. Reluctantly, I decided to take a huge risk and go for the job opportunity. My plan was that, one way or the other, I'd find time to travel down to get my dissertation checked by my supervisor.<br /><br />As time flew by and the demands of the job increased, I realised that I was unable to even look at the dissertation, let alone visit my university. In fact, by the time I contacted my supervisor, two weeks to submission date, he had left the country on vacation!<br />I was faced with two options: settle for a post graduate diploma, or forget about the course and the thousands of pounds my mother had paid. The word : CANT reared its ugly head! I just couldn't write a dissertation in two weeks! So, I did what I could do best, I prayed. And as I did, I got encouraged, and began to write my dissertation myself. Night and day, I wrote as the Holy Spirit led. I had asked the Holy spirit to be my supervisor, and that's exactly what he did. To cut a long story short, I not only passed my dissertation, I was also given an award for the best performing student of that year. Here is someone who at two weeks before submission date, was considering giving up...Certainly not my doing, but God's awesome power. He alone makes the impossible, possible. In the bible, which is the greatest authority we have in Christ Jesus, the book of Luke 1 v 37 tells us that. <span style="color:#ff9900;"><strong>With God, all things are possible.</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;"><br /></span>Note the word <strong>ALL</strong>. There is nothing hard for Him. He created the Heavens and the earth.<br />Do you know that, there is no situation that Jesus cannot address? Do you know that there is Nothing facing you now that the Lord has not dealt with in the past? You just need to key into that awesomeness. The Lord can heal any kind of disease. He is the manufacturer and as such, would have the spare parts needed! He created the whole universe and can give you untold riches in His glory. <br />You just have to:<br /><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong><em>-Meditate on God's word daily</em></strong></span> : This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.(Joshua 1:5-9).<br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#ff6666;">-0Be strong and unshaken</span></strong></em>- Do not let fear overcome you. In fact, God hates fear because it drives away faith. It is the exact opposite of faith. Do you know that fear means: <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">False Evidence Appearing Real?.</span></strong> When you want to fear, channel that energy into the word of God. Believe He can! And encourage yourself: <em><span style="color:#ff9900;"><strong>Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest (Joshua 1:5-9).<br /></strong></span></em><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff6666;">-Pray aggressively</span></em></strong> : the greatest weapon of a believer is prayer. Pray until something happens<br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff6666;">Finally, don't give up.</span></em></strong> The Lord will never come late. He will never fail or disappoint, just keep pressing.<br /><br />However, for the above steps to work for you, you have to have a relationship with Jesus. You have to believe in your heart that he is. Jesus offers for you and me, a chance to have a wonderful relationship with God, and for eternal life. Why don't you say this prayers, if you want to have that wonderful opportunity to be able to tap into God's awesomeness and greatness?:<br />Lord Jesus, I ask that you come into my life and take hold of it. I confess my sins before you and repent of them. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live above sin. Write my name in the book of life. I enter into your kingdom of life and peace, in Jesus name.<br /><br />If you said the above prayer, congratulations, you have made the single most important decision in your life. Why don't you look for a bible believing church to worship and grow in your faith. The Lord will surely take you by the hand and lead you through.....<br /><br /> Have a blessed week,<br /><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#ff6666;"><em>Bimbylads, a growing worshipper</em></span><br /></strong>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-50352783878601762552009-05-07T17:12:00.000-07:002009-05-07T17:21:04.560-07:00Reaching out....AgainWhen times feel like they are at a standstill, when seasons feel like they have been frozen, when the day seems to go on forever, then you know that you need to slow down, retrace your steps and rededicate your self to the Most High.<br /> In the most difficult times in your life, God is at his best. When you are at your wits end, God is just at the very beginning, working tirelessly to grant you your heats desire. He never fails. I went through a time of my life that I needed to drop everything and focus on God. So, I took some time out...But, I am back, to the Glory of God to share with you this gift of writing which He has bestowed on me.<br />I hope the Lord will use me as a vessel to reach out to those who need it the most, especially in these times of economic trials and climatic madness. So hop unto this word wagon, fasten your seat belts, and let the ride begin!!<br /><br />Bimbylads,<br />a growing worshipper!!BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-66183406702996627552008-05-27T14:51:00.000-07:002008-11-12T18:02:12.470-08:00Forgiving to Forget<span style="color:#cccccc;">Me? Forgive her? Of course I forgive her! I just can never forget! Is that you? How familiar does that sound? Don’t we all do it? We say we forgive someone, but, we can never forget what they did to us that hurt us so much. Or is this you: I never get angry o, but once you offend me, that is it. I CUT you off! Or, are you: I forgive, and I forget, but I just won’t speak to you again in my life, for peace sake.....<br /><br />If you are one of the above, take a seat, grab a coffee ( milk, two sugars:-)) and let’s roll.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrDakF3K27LUHJQ5P5gPoqkeZWvonnTHteu5JiS2ywVlS9zLRFJigfLztWQ0j25zapXnejODfl_Jo9IagKmLIeoAGURJi-IUHvrYhi9wHYZR9QIE3VlZxaotevS8fg7JKI1tVDPgcGBE/s1600-h/coffee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173641974903843074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrDakF3K27LUHJQ5P5gPoqkeZWvonnTHteu5JiS2ywVlS9zLRFJigfLztWQ0j25zapXnejODfl_Jo9IagKmLIeoAGURJi-IUHvrYhi9wHYZR9QIE3VlZxaotevS8fg7JKI1tVDPgcGBE/s320/coffee.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrDakF3K27LUHJQ5P5gPoqkeZWvonnTHteu5JiS2ywVlS9zLRFJigfLztWQ0j25zapXnejODfl_Jo9IagKmLIeoAGURJi-IUHvrYhi9wHYZR9QIE3VlZxaotevS8fg7JKI1tVDPgcGBE/s1600-h/coffee.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">The issue of forgiveness is one that will always baffle me. I find it hard to comprehend why God asked us to forgive so as to seek his forgiveness as the Bible tells us. let me share a story with you:</span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">A woman lost her only son and husband in one day. Before her very eyes, a rebel <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">invaded</span> her home, and burnt her husband and only child alive. As her family shrivelled into charcoal in her presence, she pleaded with the man for mercy; but the rebel ignored her as he cruelly destoyed her family. About 10 years after the horrible crime, the rebel was finally caught.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">The woman, now old and grey from suffering the terrible loss, was invited to the court to witness the trail. As the trial judge <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">condemned</span> the criminal for his despicable and cold hearted killing of a woman's only child and husband, the woman looked on, frail and tired. </span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">The judge, before deciding whether to deliver a death sentence, asked the woman to make a statement to the convicted killer, knowing that the woman's statement would further fuel the death sentence ruling he was about to deliver. So she did. As she struggled to her feet with tears flowing down her old, wrinkled face, she walked <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">slowly</span> towards the man with out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">stretched</span> arms, while singing the song..' <em><strong>amazing grace.. how sweet the sound</strong></em>..'. </span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">The rebel wept. He had expected the woman to curse him to death, but instead, she wept with love, and embraced him, saying the words, ' With my heart, I forgive you, just as Jesus forgave me for my sins'.....<br /><br />Can you be like this woman? She surely had every right to demand for the death penalty. Imagine the pain she must have lived through each day, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">remembering</span> the gruesome murders of her husband and child, yet, she forgave.<br /><br />Sometimes, someone does something to you that hurts so bad, you genuinely cannot forgive the person. You want to, but you just cant. I am talking of a situation where someone close to you, someone you trusted, literally trashed the trust and spat on it. How do <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">you</span> begin to even think about forgiving the person? Yet, God says forgive. If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. God would never have asked you to forgive, if he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">didn't</span> think you could. YOU CAN!!<br /><br />Matthew 18:15-17, "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.<br /><br />Ihad always thought I had a forgiving heart. Until someone hurt me for real. Then I began to understand why the Bible hammered on the issue of forgiveness. Because it is not an easy task!.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">In fact</span>, many times, you believe you have forgiven someone. Until you try and relay the story to someone else.... do you notice how your heart still races, and your emotions run wild? When I was hurt, I went to God in prayer and confessed my sin, and told God that I had forgiven the person. A few months later, someone asked me about that person, I, genuinely believing that I had forgiven and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">forgotten</span>, I began to tell my story. To my shock and horror, as the story tumbled out of my mouth, my rage could not be hidden. I was still upset! I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hadn't</span> truly forgiven as God instructed. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hadn't</span> forgotten either. If you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">truly</span> forgive from the bottom of your heart, you forget. Just like God does. God says he will not remember your past sins, once you confess and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">forsake</span> them.<br /><br />When you forgive others, you feel like a burden is lifted off your shoulder. You gain a certain confidence before God. You can go to him, knowing that your heart is not bearing the burden of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">some one's</span> offence.<br /><br />When you say you have forgiven someone, you must try to forget what they did to you. If you hold on to the bad memories of the hurt, it is likely that you begin to stir up feelings of anger and hurt, and thus, erasing the desire to truly let go. But, if you think you cant, take a moment and think about Jesus. He is a classic example of whom to follow, in trying to learn to truly forgive.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;"><em>Jesus was spat on, insulted, mocked, beaten; because of you and I. He was crucified. Nails driven into his hands and feet. He was in so much pain that he sweat blood. And even in pain and humiliation, Jesus, remembered to asked God to forgive those who were flogging and mocking him</em>.<br />How much more you and I? what did that person do to you that is new? It certainly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">isn't</span> as bad as the sins that we have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">committed</span> in the past. Even if it is, the Lord asks us to forgive. Always.<br /><br /><br />So important is the issue of forgiveness, that God gave no limit to how many times you ought to forgive:<br /><br />Matthew 18:21-22, "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."<br /><br /><br />Seventy Times Seven?? HOW?? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">lol</span></span>.. It just goes to show how <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">important</span> it is to God that you forgive others. God <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">doesn't</span></span> expect you to count the amount of times you have forgiven someone, he wants it to come Naturally to you, just as it is to HIM.<br />Beloved, lets try and forgive. Lets think about Jesus instead and let that person go in our hearts. FORGET IT. Even if they are not sorry. FORGET IT. Try to. I know it can be difficult. I know it can be hard, but think about Jesus, and what he did for you.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff9966;"><em><strong>Has someone cheated you? Forgive</strong></em><br /><em><strong>Has someone hurt you/ destroyed you? Forgive</strong></em><br /><em><strong>Has someone hurt someone or something you love? betrayed your trust? shattered your dreams? Forgive</strong></em></span> </span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">Let Go. Let God. Let the burden slide. Forget the hurt and focus on the future. The reason why the PAST is called PAST is because it refers to things that have PASSED. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Don't</span> hold unto it... just allow it... and enjoy the abundance of God's blessings, even as you act in obedience to his word.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">So if anyone is reading this, and I have offended you in my writing ( and other blog), I ask for your forgiveness... thank you for forgiving me. <em>( you drank my coffee anyway, so you have no choice!)</em></span><br /><p><span style="color:#cccccc;">Glory be to God, the most HIGH.......</span></p><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Bimbylads</span></span>~~~ A growing worshipper</span></strong></em>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-41903165694454986672008-05-24T05:16:00.000-07:002008-01-24T05:24:18.243-08:00Reflections-I watched with interest as I journey to work this morning. The train was packed full and people literally squashed against each other for space. The moment one seat became available; at least 3 people would push and shove to occupy the seat. I stood for a few minutes and soon enough, a seat became available, which I grabbed without thinking. As I sat down, I realised that the woman who had been standing next to me held on to her young child. I contemplated offering my seat to her, but I was too lazy and tired to do so. May God forgive me and help me overcome selfishness. Anyway, thankfully, a seat became available. Expecting the woman to grab the seat and carry her child on her lap, she surprised me by not doing just that. She actually gave her child the seat, while she stood, squashed by passengers in the hot stuffy carriage as she struggled to hold on to their heavy bags as well. Her child on the other hand, was comfortable. What mattered to her, was the comfort of her child.<br /><br />It reminds me of one story I read. A house was burning with fire. The inhabitants of the house, thought they had escaped, until the father realised that his young son was still upstairs, trapped in the fire. The frantic man fought to go and save his child, but was held back by fire-fighters- the blaze was too much and would certainly kill him. The only option was to guide the boy into jumping from the 3 or so storey house. Skilled Fire-fighters called out to he child and asked him to jump. The frightened boy, heard them, but chose to ignore them. As the blaze became hotter, the father of the child became more desperate, so he pulled away from the hold of the firemen and rushed to the foot of the building. With a loud cry, and outstretched arms, he called out to his son and asked him to jump. The boy wasted no time in hurling himself into the open arms of his father.- the only person he knew would not let him fall.<br />A man took his 5 year old nephew for a walk. As they walked around, the nephew suddenly held out his arms and said in a small shy voice;’ please, carry me uncle’. Surprised at the request, the uncle did so, and continued walking. After a short while, the nephew spoke. ‘Do you know why I asked you to carry me?’ he asked.<br /><br />The uncle shook his head and the young nephew smiled, saying,’ I was tired and couldn’t really see up the trees as we walked. I know you are strong and tall, so I asked you to carry me, so I could see the trees, without being too tired to walk’.<br />If we look at the three stories I shared, there is something common- which is, Love and trust. The first story depicts the love of a parent to a child. The second depicts the trust a child has in the voice of his father, the third, the total security of a child in knowing that his weakness did not matter because someone stronger was there right by his side.<br /><br />Now, let’s sit back and think about our Father in heaven. The Lord has demonstrated the greatest act of love by sending his only son to die for our sins. Jesus, in his love, gave up his life for us, and loved us sooo much that even as he departed the world, he sent the Holy spirit to continually minister to us. The examples I shared in the story are human beings, prone to error and flaw, but if we who are humans, can love our children and family, and cause our children to trust in us, how much more, will the God of the whole universe love, protect and do what He feels is good for you? His word says:<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7)</span></strong><br /><br />How amazing is that!! God cares so much that every single hair on our head is numbered!!!<br />I remember being brought up by my mum as a single parent. Despite this, she did everything in her power to make us comfortable. I don’t remember lacking anything I needed. My school fees were paid on time; there was always food on the table. But, I did notice, that my mother did not change her car, neither did she buy any new clothes for a long long time. One day, she offered an explanation to me. She said, ‘ I<em> wanted to make sure you lacked no good thing, so I denied myself of some pleasures for you’</em>. I can never forget the way I felt that day. This was the same mum that I annoyed almost everyday by my constant complaints and selfish demands. But guess what? She doesn’t even love me half as much as God does!!! There’s a verse in Isaiah 49 15-16 which makes my heart beat with wonder: God says:<br /><br />"<strong><span style="color:#ff9966;">Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.</span></strong><br /><br />That verse tells us that, mothers actually MAY forget their children, but HE would NEVER forget us, because we are engraved….. Look at your palm for a second. Can you see those lines there; have you ever left those lines at home? I though not!! Lol.. That’s how we are in God’s hands. Like those lines… engraved and embedded in his palms. He takes us everywhere he goes because he cannot cut of his palms- we are a part of God! How wonderful is this God!! You must know today that GOD loves you. God wants to protect you, to heal you, to care for you….. To show you what to do in times of stress. He says further in Isaiah 30:<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff9900;">Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)-</span> <strong><em>That’s the Holy Spirit!!</em></strong><br /><strong><em><br /></em></strong>Beloved, be rest assured that no matter what you are going through, God knows, he hears and he is working it out in your favour. Just do as said below:<br /></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)</span></strong><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;"></span></strong> </p><p><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">God is bigger than the mother that loves you.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">God is mightier than the father that reaches out to you.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">God is stronger than the uncle that protects you.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">God is more than able to meet your needs. God is so great that He swares by himself--- there is NONE GREATER THAN HIM!! halleluyah!!</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#ff9900;">Just trust in him...</p><br /></span></strong>God bless you and have a favoured week!! And when it manifests, be sure to tell me!!<br /><br />Yours,<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffcccc;">Bimbylads,~~~~ a growing worshipper.</span></strong><br /></span></strong>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-34076948315819545082008-04-01T14:26:00.000-07:002008-01-24T05:23:23.636-08:00The Favoured DriverMy blog fam,<br />congratulations for making it to 2008. Glory be to our God in heaven. He is ever faithful, ever loving, ever kind. Beloved, look back at 2007 and count your blessings... how many breaths of air did you take? how many gulps of water? can you count??! Thank God for each day!!... I am soo exited today!! someone, a wonerful person sent me an email, to share a testimony with you and I. This is one for those who are in some form of driving issue or the other, or even if you are awaiting a court hearing for something. Read this testimony and be inspired. If GOD can do it for her, he can do it for you too... Enjoy this piece that I title- The Favoured Driver!!<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>Dear Bimbylads,</em></span><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>I would like to share my testimony with you and everyone else who needs to witness the loving kindness of our mighty Father. </em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>Sometime in early December, I received a letter from my states's Department of Motor Vehicles stating that my license was suspended for 180 days for driving while my license was suspended. I was asked to hand my license. My initial reaction was to cry and jump on the phone to call my mom. She tried calming me down but to no avail. I couldn't believe my license was being suspended and I really did nothing wrong. let me rewind a bit for the sake of clarity.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>In July of the same year, before I recieved the letter ,my sister who lives with my mom in another state called me at work to inform me that I had received a letter from Motor Vehicles saying that my license was suspended for failure to pay a parking ticket. My mom moved to a different state last year and my mail was forwarded to her new address because at the time we were moving and I did not have a firm address. </em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>I went ahead and paid the $100 restoration fee all online. I was told I would be receiving a letter in the mail in regards to my driving privileges being restored. I had for some reason assumed the letter was sent and everything was alright. Boy was I wrong. </em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>In September, my sister and some of her friends came to visit me and attend a family friend's graduation party, since my sister is under 25 renting a car in her name would be either very difficult or very expensive. My boyfriend, who also lives in MD decided to help my sister rent the car in his name. On the day of the graduation party my sister and her friends were in one car and I was in another car with my cousins. While driving on the highway, someone struck my sister and ran off causing slight damage to the rental car.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>I was driving about five minutes behind my sister and I instructed her to find somewhere safe to park and call the police. Upon my arrival I saw that the front right side of the bumper was a bit damaged. My sister was afraid because she was under 25 and the terms of the rental was that someone 25 and older would be handling the vehicle, so in order to avoid any difficulties with the rental company I decided to step in and tell the officers that I was the one driving.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>So now, let's fast forward to December. The letter stated that since I was driving with a suspended license in September they were going to suspend my license for another 6 months. At one point I stopped crying and asked myself what crying would do for me...will my crying automatically reinstate my license...??! NO...so I handed it all to God. I said, 'my God will take control' and from that moment I just started singing praises to God. </em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>I work in NY so the next day during my commute on the train a voice said to sing praises until my Lord and Saviour for He will surely see me through. I refused to think about how not having my license would affect my work, and getting around. I live alone and there is no one nearby for me to rely on to take me from point A to B, but I didn't think about that I didn't care. </em></span><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>That very day my boyfriend called the Department of Motor Vehicles and was on hold for almost 35 minutes until he finally got someone to listen to my case and sympathize with me the person told us to go and request a hearing. This was Wednesday 12/5. </em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>On Thursday he came down so that we could go early Friday morning to request a hearing. That Thursday I fasted until the Lord to have the outcome work in my favor. That Friday morning on the way to the DMV we prayed and prayed. I asked God to surprise me that morning and He surely did. To the glory of His name we were only there for 10 minutes. They realized that they had made a mistake for not having reinstated my license from July, and my licensewas back on good standing as from the 5th of December. That was the same day we spoke to someone on the phone. Everything was already taken care of...God truly surprised me. On a regular day one can be there for up to 4 hrs but we were there for only 10 minutes and it was them who said they had made a mistake. I didn't have to pay 1 cent....<br />I prayed for divine favour and God granted it to me...I prayed the people would go out of their way to help me and it came to pass. It is my prayer that in 2008 we shall all have divine favour and expect the extraordinary in our lives. I give Great Glory to His Holy Name. Amen</em></span><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</em></span><br /><em><span style="color:#ff6600;">thank you for sharing with us.. I look forward to more stories... stay blessed,</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#ff6600;">Bimbylads~~ a growing worshipper</span></em><br /><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em><br /><br /></em></span><span style="color:#ffcccc;"><em></em></span>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-81265758679161700582007-12-18T06:09:00.000-08:002007-12-20T06:54:18.396-08:00The Test in TestimonyIn life, we face challenges. We have to. Find me a man that has had a smooth life, without challenges and ill show you a dead man. The only ones who have no problems are people that are in 10 feet below. The first time someone told me that every one in life had a challenge or the other, I almost hissed. You mean, legends like Micheal Jackson and billionaires like Bill Gates have challenges? how? I mean, I was young then, and I thought that money could pave your way out of a problem. Now I know that Money cannot do jack for you. Dont get me wrong, poverty is not an excuse, after all, the richest man that ever lived is King Solomon; anointed by God, whose riches will break that of Bill Gates into small change. God desires that we prosper and be in good health. But what I realised was that everyone had challenges, <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">no matter how rich, poor, tall or short you are.</span></em> Problems have no classification; problems do not interview you before they come to you. They just do. Many times, uninvited. Problems , are like parasites, living off on your energy, tears and resources. They come into your life to cause discomfort, anguish and sometimes death.<br /><br /><br />But why do we have Challenges? Where is God in all this? why cant we be living a problem free world? Why cant I just get everything I desire just like that? why, why , why? I remember one of my very first challenges in life. It was a challenge to me because I had to solve it myself. There was no mummy or daddy involved. I had to face it squarely. The major challenge for me then was to pass my final exams out of secondary school. I spent many nights depriving myself of sleep studying......... and often times, stopping to ask God why I had to even do the foolish exam.. why couldnt I just go to university like that? why must I get a certain grade to be admitted to my university of choice.... I hated the challenge of studying. To me, it was a major problem, a cause for discomfort. When I finally passed the exams, I was relieved, I was elated, I got on my knees and thanked God for seeing me through..... I had crossed over the challenge.<br /><br /><br />But surely, a few years after,another challenge surfaced and it seemed like I was back to square one. My goodness, will it ever end? The answer to that is, No. Challenges will never end. Problems will never end, as long as you are alive, and as long as you ave a destiny. The reason is because , whether you like it or believe it or not, a challenge is brought to your life because God wants to promote you. Lets think about this for a second. Think about your last major problem, the one where you thought you would never come out of, <em>but you did</em>. God saw you through it. How has it made you? Stronger or weaker? I am sure that majority would say stronger. A problem, <strong>depending on your attitude to it, cannot kill you, it can only make you stronger</strong>.<br /><br /><br />You have got to have a fighting spirit. you have got to say,' no, this problem cannot kill me, because my God will see me through'. what I do when facing a problem is to fast forward in my mind to another 10 years, then I will smile and say, <strong><em>'well, in 10 yrs sha, this problem cannot be there, so I will survive'......</em></strong> You have got to realise some or all of the following:<br /><br /><br />1) To get a testimony, there must be a TEST<br /><br />2)To score a goal, or to reach a goal, you must join the football match of life- have you seen football players, running and sweating just for one thing- to score a goal!!<br /><br />3) Each challenge is a stepping stone to greater height. STEP ON IT!!<br /><br />4) Each challenge is a rope- drawing you closer to God as you lean on him in helplessness.<br /><br />5) Each challenge is a warning not to be slack in prayer life and your desire to be righteous.<br /><br />6) Each challenge is a mountain of impossibility crushed to powder with God's mighty hand of possibility.<br /><br />7) If God chooses NOT to overcome that challenge at THAT time, it does not mean you have LOST. <span style="color:#ff9900;"><strong>GOD never fails</strong></span>. DELAY is NOT DENIAL- keep hoping, keep pressing, keep on keeping on..... You are not alone<br /><br />8) NOT MATTER what you are going through, somewhere, someone has been through it, or is going through it... and, that person is surviving...remember Job!!... you too can.. with God nothing is impossible. He can do all things but FAIL.<br /><p>Are you facing any challenges? dont look at the challenge, look to Jesus. look above the problem... look behind it, look across it; <em>look anywhere but at it</em>. I have collated the following bible verses from an amazing website: <a href="http://www.whereisgod.net/stress.htm">http://www.whereisgod.net/stress.htm</a></p><p>When faced with a Challenge- REMEMBER THIS WORDS OF LOVE-</p><p><span style="color:#ff6600;"><em><strong>Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:6,8)</strong></em></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"><em><strong>The eternal God is your refuge, and</strong> <span style="color:#cccccc;">underneath are his everlasting arms</span><strong>. (Deuteronomy 33:27)<br />Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)</strong></em></span><span style="color:#ff6600;"><em><strong>Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10b)</strong></em></span><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"><em><strong>You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away. (Job 11:16)</strong></em></span></p><p><span style="color:#ff6600;"><em><strong>Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)</strong></em></span></p><p><span style="color:#ff6600;"><em><strong>When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all. (Psalm 34:17-19)<br /></strong></em></span><br />XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX</p><p>What amazing love!! The last few weeks have been so challenging for me, and what I do when I feel the sadness coming, is to turn to that website and begin to silently whisper the promises to myself<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">... try it too!!</span></strong> it works.... and when you have overcome that challenge, don't forget to email me!! lets hear it!! I cant wait to share mine, its almost ready!! lol.. </p><p>Stay blessed,</p><p><strong><em><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#ffcccc;">Bimbylads- a growing worshipper</span></em></strong></p><p></p><p>prayer point: Oh Lord, turn every mountain of impossibilty in my life to a mountain of promotion in Jesus name...</p>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-82830834870778154822007-12-10T05:54:00.000-08:002007-12-10T12:31:30.089-08:00Is it well?Someone asked me how things were going with me one day, and I sighed bitterly as I answered...' wo, it is well'..... I said it was well, but I looked farrrrr from well :). I think I am not the only one in this boat of ' ah, it is well' ( sad expression, heavy heart)..... Many people are.<br /><br />Are you? We all know the story of the woman in the bible that lost her son, and still said; all was well... but, even in our own generation, long after biblical times, someone made the words ' it is well' into a song that has been sung in almost every situation- marriage, burials, new births etc....Usually sung with bitter sweetness; it is a hymn that was composed in total submission to the will of God. I read the story and I was in awe... I wonder what you think---<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Here’s the story</strong></span><br /><br />Horatio Spafford was a man of God, who lived back in 1828-1888. He lived in Chicago, and was a successful businessman.<br /><br />In 1871, there was the Great Chicago Fire…one of the greatest disasters of their time, similar to how Hurricane Katrina was a disaster in our time. Many people lost all their possessions. Worse, <span style="color:#ff6666;">Horatio Spafford’s son had died of scarlet fever at the age of 4 just prior to the Chicago Fire.<br /></span><br />It was around that time that Mr. Spafford decided to make a new start, and to move his family overseas. He arranged to sell what was left of his property, and he bought tickets for himself, his wife, and his four daughters on a ship to take them to Europe. From there, they would move to Jerusalem.<br /><br />Right before the ship was to set sail, Spafford found out that one of the sales of his property had fallen through. So he sent his wife and his daughters on ahead, while he went back to take care of the sale of his property. He would take the next ship and join them in Europe.<br /><br />A few days later, Horatio Spafford received a telegram. It was signed by his wife. And there were only two words on it. “Saved alone”.<br /><br />The ship that Horatio Spafford’s family was on was struck by another ship. It sank quickly. Spafford’s wife made it. But his four little girls did not. They lost their lives when the ship went down.<br /><br />Spafford soon sailed across the Atlantic to join his grieving wife in Europe. While he was halfway across the Atlantic, the captain called him to the bridge. He pointed out the exact location that his daughters lost their lives, as they sailed past it.<br /><br />It was then that Spafford wrote the words to the song- It is well:<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#ff6666;">When peace, like a river, attendeth my way.<br />When sorrows, like sea billows roll<br />Whatever my lot,<br />Thou hast taught me to say<br />It is well, it is well with my soul.<br /><br />There is one thing that is certain about life<br />And that is life is uncertain.<br /></span></em>.....................................................................<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This story has touched me in so many ways, that I cannot explain. How did he do it? How could he have written out a song saying IT IS WELL.. even when it obviously wasnt? Can I do it?<br /><br />Can I say it is well, and mean it when everything seems to be going hay wire? where it seems like it is only me in this world? I think we should all ask ourselves that question... I wont lie.. it will be very difficult for me to.<br /><br /><br />I have learnt from Spafford and many others that no matter what we feel, we need to trust in God and know that he is holding us strong. He loves us so much that he would not want to see us suffer. He sent his only son to die for us.... If he did not love us, he would never have done what he did. Great is God's mercy towards us.<br /><br /><br />Because we know he loves us, we can say, it is well...... and say it with a smile!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />Do you have a story to share? have you said it is well lately ( without even seeing that it was well?- but<em> God suprised you and made it really well</em>?.... lets hear it.. people need to be encouraged by you.. share your story... REACH OUT!!!<br /><br />email me @: <a href="mailto:bimbyladsblog@yahoo.co.uk">bimbyladsblog@yahoo.co.uk</a>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-45318044301111443582007-12-02T06:54:00.000-08:002007-12-02T14:44:17.602-08:00Like Aunty Fanny<p>.... Not today.... Not me... Please don't ask me to that today...<br /><br />Have you ever felt so down and burdened with the worries of life? have you ever felt so sad and angry and tired that you just want to shout to God and ask WHY? WHY ME? am I the only one? money problems, marriage problems, a loved one is ill.....countless issues..... am I the only one???? ... and you sit there, wondering, hoping, asking God for answers, and one day, finally, one day, God says.... 'son, daughter, just praise'.<br /><br />You look up and laugh bitterly as you ask- ' God, did you just ask me to just praise you? have you heard a word of what I said?'<br /><br />God nods and smiles sadly at you before saying again...' son, daughter, just praise'.<br /><br />At this point, you are hysterical. You shout and ask God to please listen to you.You cannot pay next month's rent. Your wife is making life a living hell. You child is ill... your car- what car?<br /><br />Yet, God smiles sadly again and says... ' son, daughter- Just praise'.<br /><br />Then you sit down and begin to weep. Surely God does not understand you. How can you praise God when things are so difficult..? </p><p><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>Beloved, let me introduce you to Fanny J Crosby- a woman of PRAISE.</strong></span> ...<br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">Frances Jane "Fanny" Crosby (1820-1915) known by her pen name Fanny J. Crosby, was born at South East, Putnam County, New York, March 24,1820. When six weeks old she lost her sight, through the negligence of the attending physician, but in spite of this severe affliction has always been noted for her cheerful and happy disposition. When asked how she became blind, Fanny Crosby replied :''When I was six weeks old a slight cold caused inflammation of the eyes. Our usual doctor was away from home, so a stranger was called in. He recommended the use of hot poultices, which practically destroyed my sight. </span></p><p><span style="color:#cccccc;">When this sad calamity became known, the unfortunate man thought it best to leave the neighbourhood, and we never heard of him again."<br />"But," she added, "I have not, for a moment, in more than eighty-five years, felt a spark of resentment against him; for I have always believed that the good Lord, in</span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">His infinite mercy, by this means consecrated me to the work that I am still permitted to do. When I remember how I have been blessed, how can I repine?" <em>What a marvelous illustration we have here of the way in which God can enable us to rise above our trials, and can "make all things work together for good to those who love Him."</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">In 1858, Fanny married a fellow teacher at the New York Institution of the Blind, the blind musician and composer Alexander Van <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Alstyne</span>. Their only child, a daughter named Frances, died as an infant. Fanny and Van had been married 44 years when he died in 1902.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">In her life time,<span style="color:#ff0000;"> Fanny Crosby wrote over 8,000 Hymns;</span> to name only a few, what immortal glory belongs to the author of "<em><span style="color:#ffcccc;">Pass me not, O gentle Saviour</span>," "Rescue the perishing," "I am Thine, O Lord," "<span style="color:#ffcccc;">Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine</span>," "Jesus, keep me near the cross," "'<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tis</span> the blessed hour of prayer," "Safe in the arms of Jesus," "Some day the silver cord will break," "Thou, my everlasting portion," "Saviour, more than life to me," "All the way my Saviour leads me," "Hide Thou me," "Jesus is tenderly calling thee home''....</em> and many others.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">One time a preacher sympathetically remarked, "I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when He showered so many other gifts upon you." </span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">She replied quickly, "Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I should be born blind?" "Why?" asked the surprised clergyman. "Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior!"</span> <span style="color:#cccccc;">And so she did, when she passed on in 1915, at the age of 95.</span><br /><br />source: <a href="http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bcrosby7.html">www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bcrosby7.html</a><br /><strong><span style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx</span></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">peoples, here is a woman who lost her sight at the age of 6, lost her daughter and married a blind man, yet she worked for God constantly,many of her works, full of praise. </span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">I know too well how difficult sometimes it is to praise in the midst of difficulty.. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">remember</span> a while back, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">received</span> some bad news. After <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">deliberating</span> and pondering over the reason why, my then fiancee ( now husband) asked me to praise God instead of wondering. And so, I started, heavy hearted, tear laden, I began to praise God. I slowly started with a slow song, then I began to dance... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">meeen</span>!!! i danced and danced.. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">lolll</span>.. soon, I was sweating, from praising my father in heaven.....The bad news I heard then, has been the key to my growth in life today- <em>watch this space, ill share this story one day....</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">What am I trying to say to us? Sometimes, you cant even find the words or the strength to praise... just try... try praising God in your heart... or try doing good to someone, in praise of God... or even; a whisper of 'father you are great' can be enough for God, and I can assure you that when you praise God in the most difficult times... He will lift you up and make you great, Just as he did for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Aunt</span> Fanny... one of the greatest song writers that ever lived...</span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">I pray that God will strenghten you in the most trying time of your life... Keep praising... just keep praising....</span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;">stay blessed,</span><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">bimbylads</span>.....a growing worshipper</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span><br /><br /></p><span style="color:#cccccc;"></span>BiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476942329557846951.post-4400886481579207512007-11-27T05:49:00.000-08:002007-11-27T06:22:52.566-08:00Reaching outHello,<br /><br />This is a blog which was borne out of a desire to reach out to others by sharing my love for God and my testimonies. And......... your testimonies. YES! I plan to use this as a medium to share testimonies of other people: either anonymously or through revealing your identities.<br /><br />I will blog very randomly, mostly as the spirit leads. This blog will reveal a true me, a deep me, a child of God, that is trying desperately hard to do things by faith.<br /><br />I hope I am able to touch people through the gift that God has given me- laughter and writing. I hope that you will touch me by sharing your testimonies with me.<br /><br />I welcome everyone, Christian and non- christian. We will share stories, and sorrows. We will laugh together, or cry together. Whatever we do, we will do it in Love.<br /><br />I pray we enjoy this experience....<br /><br />Yours,<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bimbylads</span>- a growing worshipperBiMbyLaDs**http://www.blogger.com/profile/17437748097637565289noreply@blogger.com41