Wonderful Gifts from God

God gives us the gift of forgiveness. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

God gives us the gift of salvation if we will trust in Him. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 

Another one of God's gifts to us is the Holy Spirit the moment we become a believer. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, self-control and faith. These are the qualities that God says, I put into your life when you let me live through you. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5

God also gives us the gift of special abilities which are called Spiritual Gifts. They are the abilities you need to get the job done that God wants you to do. “Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in serving of others. So use your gift well.” 1 Peter 4:10 

Spiritual gifts produce spiritual results! 

This picture was taken January 2014 when I was teaching the kids a few 
weeks ago at church and we made these bracelets to help in memorizing John 3:16.

The Mind Has Mountains

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 

Sometimes, like mountains, our mind can seem overloaded with too much to do, fears, struggles, and heartaches. We can feel overwhelmed from all the noise in our heads. In those times, however, remember that we have a remarkable resource. We have a heavenly Father who stands ready to help us climb that mountain.  God is capable of handling the mountains in our minds that overwhelm us.

Dear Lord, I have too much going on in my mind and in my life. I have no idea where to begin or how to get it all done. I am tired, frustrated and worn out. Lord, give me the strength to do all that needs to be done and help me to know what I need to eliminate from my life in order to  have the right balance. I am trusting that with your strength and wisdom, I will be able to conquer this mountain in my mind.

 This picture was taken when I visited Ronda Spain in 2012. Around the city of Ronda are remains of prehistoric settlements.

Wait!

I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry. 

 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps. 

 He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear, 
And will trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3

David is praising God for the time he waited for his prayers to be answered. How many of us are waiting on God for the healing of a loved one, for a prodigal child to return, for a family member to change, for our hearts to no longer grieve. Waiting is hard! As David looks back on his wait on God, he praises God for a hymn of praise in his heart. 
 

When God keeps me waiting I find that my prayer may not be answered but my heart changes and He does give me joyful endurance. God is able to help us to love and trust Him enough to wait with joy and to see it as an opportunity to praise Him anyways. 

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still. 

 This picture was taken in my backyard of one of our 

little kittens napping in my coal bucket flower pot, October 2012