Why me?

"Why Me?" is often the first question we ask.  

For some of us, the same question pops up when we have a flat tire. Or get a cold. Or get caught in a summer downpour, or...or...

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV)

Asking "why me?" doesn't help. - The truth is we all suffer, different times, different ways.

Stay faithful. - Rev. 2:10 NLT

"Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you.

You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life."

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.  - We are called to press on towards the high calling of Christ.

Endure with patience. - 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NLT) says, "...may the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and

Expression of the love of God...."

So...instead...of...Why me Lord? ...what if we declared, "Lord, why NOT me!"

Just Sayin'    ...and I will be seeing you.

-Kelly

You CAN go on

Feeling overwhelmed?  Inadequate?  Are you looking for and excuse...

You say: I can't go on.

 God says: My grace is sufficient.

( 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 91:15)

You say: I can't figure things out.

 God says: I will direct your steps.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: I can't do it.

 God says: You can do all things.

( Philippians 4:13)

You say: I'm not able.

 God says: I am able.

(2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: It's not worth it.

 God says: It will be worth it.

(Romans 8:28)

You say: I can't forgive myself.

 God says: I forgive you.

(1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1)

You say: I can't manage.

 God says: I will supply all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)

You say: I'm afraid.

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

You say: I'm always worried and frustrated.

 God says: Cast all your cares on me. (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: I don't have enough faith.

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

You say: I'm not smart enough.

 God says: I give you wisdom.

(1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: I feel all alone.

 God says: I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

..and I, am just sayin'

See Ya' Sunday

-Kelly

Worry or Worship?

I've come to understand that attitude has a lot to do with a worry-free life.  There will always be situations that cause us concern...but worry?  Worry?  Is it really worth your time?   Philippians 4:6-7, says,

"6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Worry and worship are exact opposites, wouldn't we all all be much happier if we learned to worship rather than worry?  We know that God has our best interests at heart, we can worship Him regardless of our circumstances.

Remember... God is good, all the time,  and all the time God is good... Even when our circumstances are not!

So stop worrying about everything, give it to God, and live in grace. Grace isn't just divine favor—it's power! Don't waste another day of your life worrying.  Determine what your responsibility is and what it is not. Don't try to take on God's responsibility.

When we do what we can do, God steps in and does what we can't.  As an unknown author states...

"You can tell the size of your God by looking at the size of your worry list.  The longer your list, the smaller your God. "

And...I, am just sayin'

See Ya Tonight

-Kelly

What we are made for

John 17:3 says, “ Now this Is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have  sent"

Eternal life is about knowing our God and Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not just a get out of hell free pass. It is not just a ticket into heaven. It is so much more. If we can begin to know the One who has rescued us from the power of darkness, know the One who was the ransom for the debt we owed God -  then not only will it make us long for heaven but it will also make life on earth really worth living.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain….I desire to depart and be with Christ which is better by far… I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Phil 1:21, 22; 3:8)

Maybe, Paul knew something that we think we know--- but don’t really: that knowing Christ is what we were made for and what we were saved for. That knowing Him is what makes heaven worth waiting for and life worth living. That knowing Him is the secret to experiencing eternal life in the fullest sense of the term.

So...we ask this question, "Do we know Jesus -- like that?"

Stay cool - 'cause I'm just sayin'

See Ya' Sunday

-Kelly

Take the wheel

God is in control?  Even when it doesn't feel like it.

God loves us, passionately cares for us?  Then why does he seem so distant?

When you reach the end of your rope....yep', just like you remembered.

When the going gets tough......and you just said the rest.

Sometimes we get knocked around a little.  It's easy to let this truth slip right out of our hands.  But Ephesians 6:14 reminds us,  "14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place"

...remember this...

"God's love still stands...even when everything else is broken."

Oh, and this too...

Psalm 119:147  "I rise before dawn and cry for help, I have put my hope in your word."

I'm just sayin...

- Kelly 

Attitude is everything

In 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 we are told to, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

The Word tells us that we are to have an attitude of joy, thanksgiving and prayer all the time,  no matter what the conditions or circumstances.  

This verse does not mean that we are to thank God for bad things and tragedies that come our way.  It means that we are to remain joyful no matter what is happening in our lives because we have the Lord, and in Him we will overcome.  

Psalm 34 is a typical psalm of praise...

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

We are to bless God at all times.

When things go smoothly.....  When things go wrong...when the car won't start and the grass is too long.  

When all looks bleak, when all looks dim, when all hope is lost...be assured God - has already won.

Our prayer should be like David's,  "Father, I love and appreciate You. I know You are going to bring the answer I need because You are a good  and You care for me.  I trust You, Lord, no matter what I see.  I am looking through the eyes of faith, and I believe You are sending my answer. I love You, Lord, no matter what happens."

When we keep this attitude of praise in the midst of our trials, we win.....

And, as you know...I'm just sayin.'

See Ya Sunday

-Kelly

U.N.C.L.E.

C.H.A.O.S....it means something different for each of us.  How is it that we can find God in all things? Yet Peter did!

Peter was doing just fine walking on the water, even as rough as it must have been beneath him. Yep', just fine...until he let himself focus on the strength of the storm. So...

1. Ignore the wind and waves

2. Call, loudly, to Jesus for help.

3. Grab the hand that reaches out.

Whatever the chaos in our lives -- let us hear together the sound of the voice of Jesus, listen, He speaks...right here, right now...the storm begins to die down, the waters begin to subside...He speaks again, "Take courage, do not be afraid, it is I....I am with you." (Matthew 14:27)

C - Christ

H - Has

A - All

O - Our

S - Solutions   ... Dare we say..."Bring on the Storm!"

...and once again I ... Am just sayin'

See Ya Sunday.

-Kelly