Gifts

 I Corinthians 12:28 First, God chose some people to be apostles and prophets and teachers of the church. But he also chose some to work miracles or heal the sick or help others or be leaders or speak different kinds of languages.

Many years ago I had a Sunday School teacher who wanted us to know that each of us had been given a gift by God.  She drew our attention to I Corinthians 12:28 and in particular to the word, _helps_. She told us that God gives us the possibility of helping others through many different avenues.

We can pray for others, communicate by phone or in person with others, cards, visits, hugs, surprises such as flowers, gifts or food.  That list stayed with me as a young Christian and to this day as a senior adult.  

If you have read through the list of gifts, please know that you can claim that gift at any time.  

We all need a helping hand.  (written by my mom, Kay Smith who has always encouraged me to help others)

This picture was taken from my moms front porch in Spain.

Good or Evil?

Romans 8:27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Everyone has the feeling they are always fighting the good angel and the evil demon on their shoulders. When I hear the evil demon telling me what to do, I know it is my own wicked flesh talking. When I hear the good angel telling me what to do, I know it is the Holy Spirit living within me.When I give in to my flesh it always gets me into trouble. When I listen to the Holy Spirit it leads me to a path of peace.

We don't always know the right thing to do but the Holy Spirit living inside of us does so we need to  listen and obey. Pray for God to make all things clear and it will be made clear. Listen for God's voice in your heart and life to direct to what is right. It will never be contrary to God's Word. Listen carefully and completely. 

How do we hear? 

 Through prayer, God's Word and obeying His Word!

 This picture was taken when I was traveling on 
the coast of Mississippi in 2009.

Refuse Bitterness

Another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, Never having eaten with pleasure. Job 21:25

Many times in life some have hurt us, let us down or betrayed us. We are all human and capable of doing great harm to each other. I remember watching some of my own children when they were young treat each other with such hate and anger that it scared me to imagine what they must be feeling. The emotions of the hated and rejected child and the emotions of the angry and vengeful child. Adults are no different and can cause each other a great deal of hurt and bitterness.

All of us have been disappointed in some way by others and all of us have disappointed others. There are plenty of people to blame for the pain and hurt we feel and we are to blame for the pain and hurt caused to others.

Some people have no happiness at all because of all the hurt and pain that others have caused them so they live and die with bitter hearts. We have to make that decision in life whether we will be happy or bitter because we can't be both. Until we kick bitterness out we won't be happy. Are we going to be bitter or better? It's a choice.

This picture was taken when I visited Texas, in January 2010.