Lemons and Life

Lovely, Lovely Lemons!

What a bright, fresh scent that just sings "wake up, feel refreshed!" This attribute must be why I often think of lemon's scent on hot sticky days. I expect it goes along with the appeal of a cold glass of lemonade. Besides adding lemons to drinks there are a number of ways to use lemons in the home.

Like vinegar, much of lemon's gift is that it is an acid. It smells much fresher than vinegar, which is fermented. As an acid, lemon juice provides the benefits of vinegar, such as being a very good antiseptic killer of mold, germs, and bacteria.

What better time to learn some of these household hints during the heat of the summer when you and your family can receive a bright aromatherapy boost from the scent? Here are tips for using lemons for hair spray, cleaning metal, freshening the air, cleansing your skin, lightening your hair, and more.

HOUSEHOLD USES


Lubricant

Lemon oil is renowned as being very lubricating, which is why it is so often used on furniture.

Aromatherapy

Known to calm fears and lift depression, adding a few drops of pure lemon oil to a diffuser is considered to be a good tip for when someone is experiencing these symptoms.

Antiseptic/Deodorizer

Lemon juice is a great choice for deodorizing counters, cutting boards, and more. The acid in lemon juice kills mold, bacteria, and germs. While not a 100 percent kill rate, you can't sterilize your house anyway, so if you look at lemon juice as a solidly good deodorizer you will turn to it when you aren't needing a hospital-level disinfectant job.

Using leftover lemon and lime rinds in the garbage disposal is a great way to deodorize this apparatus, which so often can give off an odor.

Glass and China Cleaner

The acid in lemon juice will break down the alkaline minerals found in hard water. It will also work on stains. Make a solution of ½ water and ½ lemon juice and place in the glass, letting the solution set there for a few hours before washing as usual.

Air Freshener

Simmer sliced lemons in water. I like to use 2-3 lemons to about 4 cups of water. Simmer for a few hours, replacing water as needed.

Microwave Cleaner

Just put a slice or two of lemon in a cup of water and put in the microwave for 30 seconds on high. Use a cloth to clean dry. You can substitute a tablespoon or so of lemon juice with water.

Metal Cleaner

An acid like lemon juice works wonders for cleaning metals such as chrome, copper, and brass. There are myriad ways to get the lemon juice onto the metal, from simply rubbing the metal with a cut lemon (use the majority of the juice for a salad dressing), to mixing lemon juice with salt for a bit of an abrasive.

Whitener

Lemon juice and the sun combined proves to whiten clothes, hair, and more. I like to soak grey clothes in some water and lemon juice (add ½ a cup of lemon juice to a small load of laundry and let it soak, agitating occasionally, before rinsing and hanging on the line on sunny days).

Soap Scum/Shower Stalls

Soap is very alkaline and when it combines with hard water minerals it tends to form soap scum that can then coat shower stalls, bathtubs, and sinks. Acids cut through this soap scum. I'd suggest using lemon juice straight on a sponge and wash it onto the soap scum, let set for a few hours, and then rinse.

Mineral Buildup/Scale

Minerals are very alkaline and the acid of lemon juice cuts through and dissolves the minerals. Known as scale, mineral buildup frequently gets hard and in particular resides around faucets. Pour straight lemon juice on a washcloth or clean cloth. Lay the cloth over the scale and let set for a few hours before rinsing and cleaning the area.

PERSONAL CARE


Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Freshly squeezed lemon juice on my face is one of the best facials I have ever given myself. Lemon is a natural alpha hydroxyl acid and works like a charm to remove dead skin cells. Add some carrot juice for some vitamin A and you have something as good as found in any spa!

Hairspray

The solvents in most commercial hairspray could light your hair on fire if you were ever near an open flame, so I recommend you make this lemon-based natural hair spray at home, instead!

Hair Lightener

How many Saturdays I spent on the front lawn in the summer, my hair rinsed full of lemon juice, lying in the sun for a few hours, hoping to lighten my brown tresses. Squeeze ½ cup of lemon juice into a container with a spout, pour on your hair, work it through, and set in the sun until it is fully dry and then wash as usual. Make sure not to get the lemon juice in your eyes!

Skin Lightener

Dab freshly squeezed, straight lemon juice on dark spots like "liver spots" that you want to remove. Let it fully dry and then rinse.

Of God

The Children of God


You may not know Me, but I know everything about you ...
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up ...
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways ...
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ...
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in My image ...
Genesis 1:27

In Me you live and move and have your being ...
Acts 17:28

For you are My offspring ...
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived ...
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation ...
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ...
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ...
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made ...
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb ...
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born ...
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know Me ...
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ...
1 John 4:16

And it is My desire to lavish My love on you simply because you are My child and I am your Father ...
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ...
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect Father ...
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand ...
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ...
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ...
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love ...
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ...
Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing ...
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you ...
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are My treasured possession ...
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all My heart and all My soul ...
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things ...
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me ...
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart ...
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires ...
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ...
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager ...
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ...
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ...
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to My heart ...
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes and will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ...
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love My son, Jesus ...
John 17:23

For in Jesus, My love for you is revealed ...
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of My being ...
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ...
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ...
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ...
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of My love for you ...
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ...
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of My son Jesus, you receive Me ...
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from My love again ...
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ...
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father ...
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is  ...  Will you be My child? ...
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you ...
Luke 15:11-32

God's Wisdom

Applying God's Wisdom

James 1:5
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

When you're facing a problem, the very first thing you should ask God for is wisdom. Not money. Not power. Not even healing. But wisdom.

God's wisdom is the key that will unlock every door in your life. It will turn your every failure into success. So, stop wasting your prayer power begging God for things you think you need and spend some time instead listening to what He has to say about your situation.

If you've never tried that before, practically speaking, here's what you need to do.

First:
Lay out the entire problem before the Lord, not because He doesn't know what you're going through, but because laying it out helps you. It helps you see things from a more objective point of view.

Second:
Listen for the Spirit of God to advise you. Pay particular attention to what He says through the written Word.  Most likely, the care of your problem has choked the Word of God right out of your heart (Mark 4:18-19).  If so, you need to get the Bible and begin to put that Word back in again. Then the Holy Spirit will begin to speak to you through it. As you're listening, be sure to remain teachable. Be ready to accept rebuke if necessary. Be very honest with God. Look for ways in which you've been wrong and confess them to Him. It's all right. Those sins won't come as any surprise to Him. He already knows about them. Confession just gives you the opportunity to get rid of them.

Third:
Act on the wisdom God gives you. Let go of your own methods and put His methods into operation. Be obedient. If you don't, that wonderful wisdom won't do you any good at all. As you pray today, set aside your own ideas and start seeking the wisdom of God. It's the only thing that can permanently solve the problems you've been facing. It's truly the most precious gift God has to give.


Seek His Wisdom.
Proverbs 8:10-36 NIV

10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.
15 By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just;
16 by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. 
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
22 "The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old;
23 I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.
24 When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water;
25 before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,
26 before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world.
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
28 when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
29 when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
30 Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,
31 rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
32 "Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.
34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.
35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD.
36 But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death."


Apply His Wisdom
God's Word Is Alive

HEBREWS 4:12 NIV
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The Bible is different than any other book you may read -- it contains life. You don't have to understand it, any more than you have to understand nuclear radiation to experience its effects. You just need to expose yourself to it.

What is the Word of God active in doing? Bringing forth after its kind. Producing life in you. Producing a harvest of peace, joy, righteousness, and freedom in your life.

If you are not enjoying peace, joy, righteousness, and freedom, then your answer is the Word of God.

The Bible, especially the message of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, will set you free and make you whole, if you continue in it.

However, just because you have fed on God's Word in one area, does not mean you will be free in every area of life.

For example, you could plant hundreds of tomato seeds in a garden and never harvest one carrot. Why? You never planted any carrot seeds!

God's Word works the same way as a seed. The Word must be planted inside you to bear fruit in your life.

LUKE 8:11 NKJ
11 "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Just because you plant the seed from God's Word about spiritual rebirth does not mean you can expect a harvest of financial prosperity.

Scriptures about prosperity must be planted in you, and watered, before you can expect a harvest of prosperity.

Even if you plant much seed from God's Word concerning health and healing, you will not automatically have a harvest of a successful marriage and family life.

Each seed of God's Word has to be planted to produce fruit in your life in that area.

MATTHEW 4:4 NKJ
4 But He answered and said, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' "

God's Word is alive and working to produce good in your life. But; really! you simply must apply specific applications of God's Word to specific areas of your life if you want to see specific results.



Speak God's Word

EPHESIANS 6:17 NKJ
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

The sword, or weapon, of the spirit is not the Bible laying on a shelf, but God's Word being spoken by a believer.

You must take it. Your spiritual weapon is speaking the Word of God. You must take the Word and speak it — just like Jesus did (Matthew 4:4).

Our battle is not against humans, but evil spiritual forces, which requires us to use spiritual weapons to prevail and prosper. That weapon is speaking the Word of God.

Jesus defeated the devil for you. However, you must enforce that defeat by speaking and standing in agreement with God. Only then will you see Jesus' victory manifest in your life.

Of course, before you can speak the Word, you have to know the Word. It must be fed in before you can expect it to come out in a time of need. And you never know when you will be attacked with something designed to steal, kill, and destroy you.

Keep on saying what God's Word says -- no matter what.

HEBREWS 10:23 NKJ
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Hang on tight to speaking the Word, because the devil doesn't want you to stick with the Word. Count on being tempted to NOT say what God says. The devil does not want you to use your spiritual weapon of speaking the Word.


Speak the Word of God:
1. To yourself first.
2. To God in thanks and praise.
3. To the devil.
4. To circumstances.

God's Word is the single most valuable tool that the Lord has made available to us. In it one can find the answer to any question that you could ever hope to ask. Get into it. Make it part of your daily life and then watch how expediently your life will grow!

Best Friends

~ Jonathan and David  ~

1 Samuel 18:1-4 NIV

1 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.

2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house.

3 And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.


1 Samuel 20:16,17 NIV

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, "May the LORD call David's enemies to account."

17 And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.


1 Samuel 20:42

42 Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.'


2 Samuel 1:17-27 NIV

17 David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan,

18 and ordered that the men of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar):

19 "Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen!

20 "Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice.

21 "O mountains of Gilboa, may you have neither dew nor rain, nor fields that yield offerings of grain . For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul—no longer rubbed with oil.

22 From the blood of the slain, from the flesh of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, the sword of Saul did not return unsatisfied.

23 "Saul and Jonathan— in life they were loved and gracious, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

24 "O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold.

25 "How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

26 I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.

27 "How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war have perished!"

Tears continued to flow from his eyes, the drops dully descending over the tired lines of his face onto the papyrus paper that lay before him. David dipped the quill into the ink, then watched as the dark liquid trickled off its tip.

Jonathan was dead.

His best friend was gone.

Pain shot through David's chest as if part of him had been ripped away. He was utterly overwhelmed as he sat writing a tribute to the great man whom he had loved as a brother. How could he describe the pain he felt over the loss of his best friend? What words existed to honor Jonathan adequately?

How the mighty have fallen in battle!

Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

That was Jonathan–defending the nation of Israel to the end.

Yet David knew Jonathan's heart was not in the battle, but in protecting the people he cherished.

David remembered the day Jonathan gave him his sword. Jonathan recounted the battle at Gibeah when there had been no swords in the hands of the Israelites–only himself and Saul carried one. With all of his loving kindness, Jonathan placed his sword in David's hand, vowing to love David as himself. At that moment David knew that Jonathan would do anything to protect him– even give away his weapon. Even die for him.

I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me.

Jonathan was a better brother to him than his own blood. David knew nothing so sure or so strong as the love Jonathan had lavishly bestowed upon him.

Even when Saul wanted to destroy David, or David was unsure of his calling, Jonathan never wavered. Jonathan unyieldingly respected and believed in him.

David would never forget when Jonathan placed the coarse, battle-worn fabric of his robe on David's shoulders. As Jonathan covered David with the cloak, he told him that the kingly garb rightly belonged to the anointed of God. Jonathan trusted the Lord, and Israel loved him because he treated others with kindness and honor. When he adorned David with his mantle, he symbolically covered David with the love of the nation and his own blessing.

Jonathan encouraged David to embrace the calling Samuel had bestowed and covered him with the strength he needed to do so.

David knew he could not have come so far without the support of his cherished friend. It gave David the courage to go on, knowing that Jonathan's confidence in him would never cease.

"Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women." Nothing so comforted David like Jonathan's presence. No walled fortress could compare to the security he felt from Jonathan's covenant and prayers.

What would David do now that the one who knew him so well was gone? Jonathan had been able to tell by the look on his face or the tone of his voice what issues consumed him. How he longed to see Jonathan once more, to hear his stories and laughter.

Yet even in his death, Jonathan was still knit to David. The memory of his faithfulness would be David's lifelong companion and guardian. Jonathan clothed David with his camaraderie, and David was able to act in confidence and strength because he was robed with Jonathan's regard. David was able to endure all his trials because he was covered with Jonathan's protection and confidence.


Did you know ...

Jonathan means, "God has given."

The rare and beautiful friends in our lives are those that God has given. Jonathan had a mighty in spirit because he was a true, steadfast friend.

You are called to great friendships like that of Jonathan and David. Jonathan laid his protection, cloak, and confidence upon the boy who was knit to his heart.

You may also make an astounding difference in someone's life by treating him or her with the affection, kindness, and respect of a true friend.

Of course, it takes courage to love people that deeply.

As people around you face trials and difficulties, you have the unique privilege of spurring them on to become all God has called them to be.

You will have the blessed opportunity of covering someone with your camaraderie and being their Jonathan.

Will your friendship be their comfort as they face the unknown?

Will you remove your mantle and clothe others with your companionship?

Will you be a friend that God has given?

I hope you will. Everyone needs that kind of best friend!

Time Tested Tips

~ Make It Work For You ~



Place a sturdy rubber band around an open paint can to wipe your brush on, and keep paint off the side of the can

Use a post it note to catch drilling debris.

Use a Plastic Comb to Keep a Nail Steady for Hammering

To keep the straw from rising out of your soda can stick it through the tab

Put wooden spoon across boiling pot of water to keep from boiling over.

Use a (clean) dustpan to fill a container that doesn’t fit in the sink

How to properly put shoes in the dryer for drying.

 

No Better Love

~ The Role Model ~

Rev. 19:7
~Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.~

They say that there is a ~special~ someone for everyone on the planet. Someone that is just absolutely perfect for you. But; I can't help but wonder how many of us really know what we want in a life partner as our needs changed from year to year as we mature.

When we are young we want someone that was handsome, well built and hopefully drives a car. When we get a little bit older we want someone that is dependable and has a steady job. As we get a little bit older we finally select someone that we think meets our criteria for the perfect mate generally based on whatever it is that we want out of life. Often our choices end up wonderfully and sometimes it ends in disaster.

Jesus Christ was (and still is!!) our role model of the perfect mate. He defines all that a woman could ever want in a husband. Which is why we; as the many membered body of Christ, is so often referred to as "the bride of Christ" in the Bible. Let's look at His qualities for a moment. 

He is a gentleman,

He is confident

He is a provider and protector

He is rich and powerful

He owns everything.

There is nothing He wouldn't do for me

He perfects all things concerning me

He anticipates my wants and needs

Every day He tells me and shows me how much He loves me

I don't have to perform in order to earn His love

He keeps all of His promises

No one can influence His opinion of me

He is the ultimate intimate partner

He can't 'disown' me because I am a part of Him

He prepares a table before me (Selah)

He covers me and doesn't expose me

He wrote His loving words down so that I'll never forget how He feels about me!

Ladies, none of us may ever find someone on this earthly plain that comes even remotely close to the pattern Jesus Christ set for us but that should not stop us from trying to find the very best person for ourselves. Don't settle. God has a person for you. A person that God selected just for you. When you find the person that God has selected you'll know it. In your heart you'll know that this is the one that God chose. He may not be rich or handsome or well built or any of the things that you "thought" you wanted in a man but he'll still be perfect for you.

Woman, if you have found your man already then it is your responsibility to help him to live up to his full potential of being the Spiritual head of the household. Be the Proverbs woman. Be the Titus woman. Take care of your home and your possessions. Take care of your family. Love them, encourage them and most importantly teach them the ways of God so that when their time comes they too may also find the perfect mate as found in our role model of Jesus Christ.

Men, who wants pointers on how to love a woman should study GOD! Look at Jesus and see how He loves and then incorporate that into your life. Study your Bible. Keep your prayers and present your wife each and every day blameless and spotless before the Lord.

Keep the Faith. Keep the Model. Keep the Love.

Mighty Hands

IN THE HANDS OF THE LORD

I Peter 5:6 
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time".

Each day we go out into the world, we must obey the traffic signs along the way to our destination. We are told when we must stop, when we can proceed, when to use caution, and given many other commands to obey, for our own safety, and the safety of others. All great things but there is so much more than this.

Because our lives are in God's hands, we have also been given His warnings and signs to direct us all along life's highway. God's Word tells us to resist the enemy and he will flee from us. We are told to think on whatsoever things are good, holy, have virtue, and are of a good report. His Word gives us cautions, advice, and guides us safely, if we only follow the instructions. We must take up our cross each day, follow the Lord, pray, and shun the very appearance of evil; as we seek to grow in God's grace.

Have you ever been given a ticket for going a few miles over the speed limit or going through a stop sign? If so, you know the penalty has to be paid, and there is a day one must appear in court. It's the same way with the Lord's laws. When we break them or go beyond what is acceptable in God's eyes, we too have a price to pay. We have one exception, God forgives his children who truly repent and wipes their slate clean. Jesus has paid the price for us, and we can go free, if we are truly sorry for sins and turn from them.

Life's warning signs are for our good and God's glory. He has clearly given us a road map which gives instructions to safely reach our destination. Each warning sign is for our protection. If one obey the laws of the land and believes they are for their good, why wouldn't they choose to obey God's laws? Yet, we see many have no interest in learning God's ways or following His commands. One day, these will be unable to find the bridge to heaven. Their destination will be the lake of fire, because they had no desire to obey life's warning signs.

There is only one way to heaven, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to stand in the gap for souls of men. The Lord not only instructs us in how to be victorous, but also how to have good health, happiness, and to prosper, even as our soul prospers. Heeding God's Word and instructions gives us the assurance of His approval on our lives and eternal life. May God's Word be hid in our hearts that we might not sin against Him.

The Lord is directing the way on the spiritual highway today, and all who follow Him will be lead to safety. There is only one way, and that way is through the Lord Jesus Christ. Anyone who tries to enter in another way is as a thief and a robber, and will not receive eternal life. Being good, charitable, compassionate, loving, and kind are all qualities, God loves. Yet, without the blood of Jesus applied to a soul; one will not see the Lord. Without holiness, no man shall enter in, no matter how good to others they may have been, while on this earth.

The road to glory is a highway of holiness which one must walk. The way is straight and narrow. The broad way leads to destruction, but the narrow way to heaven. As the words to an old song relate to us, "it's good to be on this road to glory." When we are walking with the King of Kings, we have nothing to worry about. There will be no detours, roadblocks, or alternate routes. There is only one road to glory, but there is room for all who choose to follow the Lord. Just ahead are the lights of home. Until we reach that city, the light of the Lord shall guide us safely all the days of our lives.

Only Jesus is able to hold our lives in His hands and work all things out for Our Good and His Glory.

7 Steps to De-Stress

~ De-Stress To A Better You ~


1. LEARN ABOUT STRESS
Gain an understanding, and grasp the seriousness of the physiology of stress. This is important because most people do not "get" the stress/heart health connection. Bottom line: You CAN control how stress affects you.


2. EAT A REPLENISHING DIET
Eat fresh organic foods to help replenish and rebalance your body. Fresh foods contain life-giving enzymes which actually get depleted as we age. (Depleted enzymes are linked to digestive problems, obesity, and chronic illness!) Eat fresh fruits and veggies, and a fresh green salad every day. You'll notice a difference within a week in how you feel and look.

Tip: Instead of orange juice (which may be pasteurized thereby losing some nutrients and enzymes), squeeze fresh oranges for enzymes and nutrients, especially vitamin C, folic acid and potassium. Get a juicer and sip on fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

Eat mineral-rich foods like seaweeds, leafy greens, beans, nuts and seeds to help replenish depleted minerals like magnesium.

Drink plenty of pure water. Stress causes dehydration and dehydration can promote stress—an endless cycle. Staying hydrated is important for healthy brain function.

Sip green tea and peppermint tea throughout the day to ward off stress. To relax and encourage sleep, drink a cup of chamomile tea in the evening.

Healthy snacks only—fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, and whole grain crackers.

Tip: Start your day with a nibble of fresh parsley and boost serotonin—a "feel good" hormone.

Create a pleasant relaxing atmosphere for meals. Try to eat outside at work. Use mealtime for pleasant conversation and socialize with friends and family. Socialization works wonders for stress, especially for women.


3. MANAGE AND CONTROL YOUR STRESS
Incorporate proven stress-reducing meditative therapies. Note: You don't have to wait until you think you are having a stress event. These techniques not only help repair damage done over the years, they also help set you up so you are better able to handle stress.

Practice meditation: Recent studies confirm the fact that Prayer and Meditation not only relieves stress, it also promotes a healthy heart and cardiovascular system, and reduces high blood pressure. Just 20 minutes a day can change your life, for the better.

Practice deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing reduces stress, relaxes and even helps you sleep better at night. Bonus: Healthier lungs.


4. EXERCISE EVERY DAY
Walk briskly for a half-hour outside every day.

Start your day with a quick stretch and warm-up. A 10-20 minute rejuvenation routine wakes up your lungs, glands, brain and heart, plus boosts the hormone production of serotonin (feel good) and dopamine (focus).

Tip: Be sure to stretch in the morning. Stretch your toes, which helps break up and release toxins as well as boost circulation.

Go outside during short breaks. Raining? Wear your raincoat and take an umbrella. Cold or snowing? Bundle up and get invigorated. Hot? Stay in the shade.

Dance. Put on your favorite music and go for it. Ten minutes will get you to a higher state!

Tip: Take some time off and get yourself into natural surroundings—into the woods, by the water, fields, mountains, etc., for the benefit of fresh air and sunshine! Even just an afternoon can refresh you for days.


5. GET BETTER QUALITY SLEEP
Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. It is believed that the sleep you get before midnight is better quality, so get to bed by 9 or 10.

Drink a cup of chamomile tea with dinner.

Create a peaceful sleep space that is completely dark. This induces the production of the lovely sleep hormone, melatonin.

Listen to relaxing music before bed.

Take a calming bath. Turn on relaxing music. Light candles. Drop in 5 drops of organic lavender essential oil.


6. USE AROMATHERAPY
One of the fastest ways to affect mood is through the sense of smell. Organic essential oils are potent therapies for reducing stress, encouraging focus, lessening depression, and building energy.

Relaxation: Lavender, chamomile, rosewood and clary sage.

Focus and concentration: Rosemary, thyme, peppermint and sage.

Alertness: Peppermint, juniper, and bergamot.

Creativity: Frankincense, rose germanium, rosemary and sandalwood.

Note: Pregnant women or those with health concerns should discuss using essential oils with a doctor before using. Do not use essential oils directly on your skin without diluting in a carrier oil such as olive or almond, and only use a few drops.


7. ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
Did you know that what we focus on expands? What do you want to expand in your life? Try to look at obstacles as only bumps in the road. Focus on the positive aspects of your life. Stay away from people or situations that bring you down. Make conscious choices to put yourself in environments that are stimulating and nurturing. Make the best of situations. For example: Stuck in traffic? Look at it as a gift of free time. Listen to music you've been missing, or learn from books or courses on tape.

Tip: Sing often!

Father's Day

~ My Father ~


Psalm 68:3-6 "But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land"

When I was very young, I lived for the most part in a very unstable household. To this day, I still don't understand how that works; children should be cared for in a loving way, but I do know one thing- that the Lord was with me all the way through it. He took care of me,and watched over me, and kept me safe, even before I knew who He really was.

When I learned of the truth of Him, and His Word, I began reading the Bible. Whenever I came across verses that talked about being forsaken by your mother and father, or ones that talked about Him being a Father to the fatherless, it was such a refreshing comfort to me. I realized then, that while I may have never had anyone down here on earth to count on as I was growing up, I did Have FATHER- FATHER GOD- and that my precious Father God cares for me, more than any earthly parents could ever care for their child.

No one will ever compare to Him - my Heavenly Father. I did not say that to in any way take away from earthly mothers and fathers that are truly there for their children and family. The Lord blesses each child in His own way. I was simply blessed with The Best! More than that really- I was Divinely Favored.

I felt compelled to share this, because I know that I am not the only one that grew up without a stable home life. I am hoping through these words that the Lord is helping me type, that others will see that they too have a Father that cares so much for them, that He sent His only Son to die, and rise again for them. That He has been taking care of them, just as much as He has taken care of me. Even if you do not see any physical evidence of Him being there, just know that He always has been, and always will be. What a comfort that is!


~ Happy Father's Day Father God ~

God The Father

God The Father
How much do you really know?

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Most people have certain concepts of God. Many are not Biblical. Too often people start with themselves - their own feelings, observations, attitudes, experiences - and from there build a personal view of God. The result is a distortion, a caricature.

God does answer prayer. He does work in our lives. He does make himself real to us in our daily experiences. But we must avoid the common mistake of forming our concept of God out of the raw material of our own experiences.

If  we are to know the character and attributes of God, we must begin Not with ourselves and our experiences but with God's own revelation of himself. God has revealed himself in His creation. He revealed himself personally in Jesus Christ. And His self-revelation to us is completely and specifically defined in Scripture. God is exactly what He has revealed himself in the Bible to be.

God desires to be active in our lives. He wants to be what He really is -God of the Bible - in our daily personal experience. If we believe, He will do what He said He will do. We can have what He said we can have. But for this to happen, we must base our faith on who God is rather than on what happens.

Real faith is not the result of answers to prayer. Answers to prayer are the result of real faith.

True, a miracle shows the power and character of God and should lead people to believe. But the believing should not be focused just on the miracle but on God himself whose attributes are demonstrated in the miracle.

The anchor-point of true faith is always the unchanging Word and character of the eternal God. In other words, the bedrock of unshakable faith is not what God does, but who He is. Once this is settled, we can be certain that in everything He does and allows to be done, God is always acting according to His perfect character.

And His perfect moral character is summed up in 1 John 4:16: "God is love."

So even when we cannot understand what God is doing or allowing to be done, our faith remains firmly anchored to the unchanging love of the unchanging God. We must never suppose, just because Jesus said, "If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it" (John 14:14), that we can force God to our terms. If God always fulfilled His promises according to our liking, we would be spoiled. We would use the power of Jesus' name to make everything go our way. There would be no testing, no discipline, no growth. But God is sovereign. He reserves the right to fulfill His promises wisely; that is, in a way that is in perfect harmony with His design for His highest glory and our greatest good.

God is our Heavenly Father. He loves us and wants to draw us into a close relationship with himself. He disciplines us so that we may be "partakers of his holiness" (Hebrews 12:10). His purpose is to conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29) and this has priority over every temporal consideration. He knows what it will take to accomplish this in our lives, and the prize is well worth the price.

God is loving, holy, just, merciful, gracious, wise, faithful, and patient. So He has revealed himself, and so He wants us to know Him.

The Bible urges us to thank God for all His blessings. We should never become tired of testifying to what Christ has done for us. What's more, He desires to give us far more than we have yet received. Still, our deepest love and devotion to our Lord must flow not from the refreshing springs of what He does, but from the fathomless depths of who He is.


Locking in with God


God does as God is. If we know who God is, we will know what He does. God is love, and that infinite love is directing His power to accomplish the greatest good.

Jesus, the Son of God, has an intimate relationship with His Father. He knew who the Father was, what He said, and what He was doing. He spoke only what He heard from the Father and did only what He saw the Father do.
 
He said, "The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does" (John 5:19, NIV).

Early in Jesus' ministry He read to those assembled in the synagogue at Nazareth: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Then He announced, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:18,19,21).

Because He knew what the Father was doing, Jesus knew what He was anointed to do. And He did it. Jesus synchronized His words and actions with the Father's. He showed His disciples - and us - what God is doing. They saw it and declared it to the people: "Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him" (Acts 2:22).

Jesus not only demonstrated to His disciples what God was doing; He also informed them they were to follow His example.

This would happen because He was going to the Father and would send the Holy Spirit. "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12). Jesus sent His disciples out for hands on experience with these instructions: "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons" (Matthew 10:8).

After the Day of Pentecost, the disciples followed the Lord's example: "The disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it"
(Mark 16:20).

The Book of Acts is the spectacular record of what happens when Spirit-filled believers lock into the heart and mind of God, synchronize their actions with His, and work in concert with Him in the power of His Holy Spirit.

Stephen and Philip were Spirit-anointed believers.

"Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people" (Acts 6:8).

"When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said" (Acts 8:6).

Paul and his team in Lystra saw a lame man leap and walk at Paul's command.  (See Acts 14:8-10.) Demons fled at the sight of Paul's handkerchiefs and aprons. (See Acts 19:11,12.)

Because God is who He is, He is still doing what He does. God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). This partnership of power should send us to our knees in humble, earnest prayer.

If  we are to work together with God, we must live close to Him. He is already moving by His Spirit, and He is looking for those who will move with Him.

Greater is HE

~ Our Great Savior ~

"The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here." Matthew 12:42

The Pharisees were criticizing, castigating, and judging Jesus. And Jesus responded by saying, "Look, a greater than Solomon is here."

Now, what on earth prompted Jesus to say such a thing as this?

No doubt that those Pharisees must have wondered at Jesus' bold statement. After all, Jesus was a carpenter's son. Let us look at other differences between Jesus and Solomon ...

Solomon was born in a palace; Jesus was born in a stable.

Solomon was born in Jerusalem, and Jesus was born in little Bethlehem.

Solomon had many servants to wait upon him hand and foot. Jesus had none.

Solomon wore his kingly robes, but Jesus wore His peasant's garb.

Solomon drank from vessels of gold. Jesus had to get a drink from a Samaritan harlot.

Solomon was rich beyond compare while Jesus was a pauper.

Solomon had great armies, but Jesus only had a few stragglers following Him.

Solomon lived in mansions; Jesus was homeless and sometimes didn't have a place to lay His head.

Solomon had thousands of horses and chariots and rode in splendor. Jesus walked.

So; how is it then that Jesus could be greater than Solomon?


I. Greater in the Wisdom He Proclaims

Now, if you want to talk about a wise man - Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs. He knew 3,000 proverbs and had memorized 1,500 songs. What a mind he had! Solomon knew all about the created universe. But Jesus had greater wisdom. You see, Jesus made all of the things that Solomon knew about.

We read in the Bible where Solomon studied ichthyology. He knew all about fish, but Jesus knew more. Jesus put enough fish in two empty nets to sink
two boats. Solomon knew all about the cycles of the wind, but Jesus knew how to rebuke the wind and cause the Sea of Galilee to be still at His command.

Solomon knew all about navigation. He sent ships out all over the earth to bring back riches. But Jesus could walk on water.


II. Greater in the Works He Performs

Not only did Solomon have great wisdom, but he also did mighty things. Solomon built a palace for himself. It took thirteen years to complete, and it defied description. But Jesus is building a greater house. He said in John 14:2, "In My Father's house are many mansions ... I go to prepare a place for you."

Solomon invited people in for great feasts. But Jesus could take five loaves of bread and two fishes and feed 5,000. He could turn plain water into sparkling wine.

Solomon built a temple beyond compare. It was the most glorious, magnificent building that has ever been built. But Jesus has built a greater temple. You and I are His temple. First Corinthians 6:19 says, "...know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you ...?"


III. Greater in the Workers He Pleases

Solomon built many things and employed many workers. And he was a great man to work for. Can you imagine serving in his court in all the lavish wealth? Solomon's workers were happy, but Jesus gives me joy unspeakable and full of glory.


IV. Greater in the Wealth He Possesses

King Solomon was incredibly wealthy. King Tut, Bill Gates, and Donald Trump will have to stand aside when it comes to wealth. Tons of gold, along with ivory and spices, were poured into Solomon's coffers. But Jesus'
wealth is greater. The cattle on a thousand hills belong to Jesus, and all of the diamonds and the rubies in those hills. Every star in the sky belongs to Him.


V. Greater in the Worship He Provides

Finally, Jesus is greater in worship. Solomon was there to lead the people in worship. That's why he built the temple, and God gave him a throne. But there's another throne, and Jesus sits upon it. Solomon no longer sits upon his throne, but Jesus sits on His! And He will never, ever be dispossessed.

Like other great kings, Solomon has come and gone. All that he had is gone. But Jesus is still here!

A) He will supply you with His wisdom.

B) He will give you water so you will never thirst again.

C) He's preparing a place for you in heaven.

D) And Jesus will give you joy day by day.


And that is exactly why we worship the One, the Lord Jesus, Who is greater than Solomon. He is! and will always be! the everlasting King and our great Savior.

For the Non-Believer

Questionaire for the Non-Believer


1. How do you explain the high degree of design and order in the universe?


2. How do you account for the vast archaeological documentation of Biblical stories, places, and people?


3. Since absolutely no Bible prophecy has ever failed (and there are hundreds), how can one realistically remain unconvinced that the Bible is of Divine origin?


4. Explain David's graphic portrayal of Jesus' death by crucifixion (Psalm 22) 1000 years previous to crucifixion being established as a form of capital punishment?


5. How could any mere human pinpoint the birth town of the Messiah seven full centuries before the fact, as did the prophet Micah?


6. Account for the odds (1 in 10 to the 157th power) that even just 48 (of 300) Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in one person, Jesus.


7. How was it possible for the Old Testament prophet Isaiah to have predicted the virgin birth of Jesus (Isaiah 7:14) 700 years before it occurred?


8. How can anyone doubt the reliability of Scripture considering the number and proximity to originals of its many copied manuscripts?


9. Are you able to live consistently with your present worldview?


10. Wouldn't it make better sense, even pragmatically, to live as though the God of the Bible does exist than as though He doesn't?


11. In what sense was Jesus a 'Good Man' if He was lying in His claim to be God?


12. Do you think that Jesus was misguided in affirming the truthfulness of Scripture, John 10:35, Matthew 24, Luke 24:44?


13. If the Bible is not true, why is it so universally regarded as the 'Good Book'?


14. Are you aware that the Old Testament alone claims to be God's inspired word at least 2600 times?


15. Did you know that the Bible has been the number one best-seller every year since the 1436 invention of  the Gutenberg printing press?


16. From whence comes humanity's universal moral sense?


17. If man is nothing but the random arrangement of molecules, what motivates you to care and to live honorably in the world?


18. Explain how personality could have ever evolved from the impersonal, or how order could have ever resulted from chaos.


19. If Jesus' resurrection was faked, why would twelve intelligent men (Jesus' disciples) have died for what they knew to be a lie?


20. How do you explain the fact that a single, relatively uneducated and virtually untraveled man, dead at age 33, radically changed lives and society to this day?


21. Why have so many of history's greatest thinkers been believers? Have you ever wondered why thousands of intelligent scientists, living and dead, have been men and women of great faith?


22. Isn't it somewhat arrogant to suggest that countless churches and people (including men like Abraham Lincoln) are all radically in error in their view of the Bible?


23. How do you account for the origin of life considering the irreducible complexity of its essential components?


24. How can the Second Law of Thermodynamics (the ability to distinguish the past, present and future)  be reconciled with progressive, naturalistic evolutionary theory?


25. How do you reconcile the existence of human intelligence with naturalism and the Law of Entropy (that the world is inherently active) ?


26. Why does the Bible alone, of all of the world's 'holy' books, contain such detailed prophecies of future events?


27. On what basis can the Bible (interpreted as per historic Christian orthodoxy) be challenged as a sole, final truth-standard (Galatians 1:8)?


28. Is it absolutely true that "truth is not absolute" or only relatively true that "all things are relative?"


29. Is it possible that your unbelief in God is actually an unwillingness to submit to Him?


30. Does your present worldview provide you with an adequate sense of meaning and purpose?


31. How do you explain the radically changed lives of so many Christian believers down through history?


32. Are you aware that every alleged Bible contradiction has been answered in an intelligible and credible manner?


33. What do you say about the hundreds of scholarly books that carefully document the veracity and reliability of the Bible?


34. Why and how has the Bible survived and even flourished in spite of centuries of worldwide attempts to destroy and ban its message?


35. Why isn't it absurd to try to speak or even conceive of a non-existent 'God' when an existing God would, by definition, be greater?


36. Have you ever considered the fact that Christianity is the only religion whose leader is said to have risen from the dead?


37. How do you explain the empty tomb of Jesus in light of all the evidence that has now proven essentially irrefutable for twenty centuries?


38. If Jesus did not actually die and rise from the dead, how could He (in His condition) have circumvented all of the security measures in place at
His tomb?


39. If the authorities stole Jesus' body, why? Why would they have perpetrated the very scenario that they most wanted to prevent?


40. If Jesus merely resuscitated in the tomb, how did He deal with the Roman guard posted just outside its entrance?


41. How can one realistically discount the testimony of over 500 witnesses to a living Jesus following His crucifixion (see 1 Corinthians 15:6)?


42. If all of Jesus' claims to be God were the result of His own self-delusion, why didn't He evidence lunacy in any other areas of His life?


43. If God is unchanging, wouldn't it be true that one who changes by suddenly "realizing" that he/she is 'God' therefore isn't God?


44. Is your unbelief in a perfect God possibly the result of a bad experience with an imperfect Church or a misunderstanding of the facts, and therefore an unfair rejection of God Himself?


45. How did 35-40 men, spanning 1500 years and living on three separate continents, ever manage to author one unified message, the Bible?


46. Would you charge the Declaration of Independence with error in affirming that "all men are endowed by their Creator..."?


47. Because life origins are not observable, verifiable, or falsifiable, how does historical 'science' amount to anything more than just another
faith system?


48. What do you make of all the anthropological studies indicating that even the most remote tribes show some sort of theological awareness?


49. Why subscribe to the incredible odds that the tilt and position of our planet relative to the sun are merely coincidental?


50. If every effect has a cause, and if God Himself is the universe what or who then caused the universe?


Lastly ...


What would be required to persuade you to become a Believer?