This chorus is in my spirit. "You can never outrun my love, my love". What a wonderful thought. For those who have ever been in relationships, you know they have their ups and downs. As parents we can come close to understanding, but even then we don't have it perfect. Yet with God you do not have to be perfect, and make no mistakes to be assured of being loved. That is what is so amazing about his love. It is genuine, unconditional, forgiving, always! We can never be too far gone.
Radical is what comes to mind. I truly cannot even comprehend, but am wowed by the thought. I cannot outrun God's love, never! Listen to this song and be encouraged today, and accept God's unconditional love and mercy, fresh and anew each day. You are never too far gone! God has already paid the price for every mistake we have made or will make, yet he loves you unconditionally! Won't you consider his love today....John 3:16 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIpyRH8-08g
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Grace Wins Every time....
What fun it is to dream of striking it rich and becoming instantly wealthy, yet there are many instances in this life that would say having untold wealth is not all it's cracked up to be. In the bible it says if we have gained the whole world, but lost our soul, what is really gained? Matthew 16:26. It also tells of a man who had an increase in wealth and with that abundance stored up more for himself, only to die the next day. The rich young ruler comes to Jesus and says what do I have to do to inherit eternal life? We all know what Jesus said, go and sell all you have and give to the poor and follow me. The ruler left sad, not because of his wealth, but his love of his wealth, more than God.
The other day I bought a lottery ticket with dreams of striking it rich, and the thought occurred, what if I didn't have excellent health, would money be able to replace it? What if I didn't have a sound mind, could money buy it? What if I didn't have salvation, family, friends etc. the list was endless. At the end of my thoughts, I realized I had already won the lottery!
Isn't that how it is with grace? God promises forgiveness always! We are all winners, just for the asking. With our winnings though are we sharing the same with others? Are we being stingy or with holding forgiveness from those who have hurt us? The Lord's prayer is a great reminder for us to forgive, as Christ has so graciously forgiven us.
So whether it is riches in this world and or forgiveness for eternal life, we all have much to be grateful for. We are then called to freely give of what we have recieved and be a servant to all, sharing God's love that lives within us for riches in this life and the world to come....
Songs:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ9dvAWNvsw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook
The other day I bought a lottery ticket with dreams of striking it rich, and the thought occurred, what if I didn't have excellent health, would money be able to replace it? What if I didn't have a sound mind, could money buy it? What if I didn't have salvation, family, friends etc. the list was endless. At the end of my thoughts, I realized I had already won the lottery!
Isn't that how it is with grace? God promises forgiveness always! We are all winners, just for the asking. With our winnings though are we sharing the same with others? Are we being stingy or with holding forgiveness from those who have hurt us? The Lord's prayer is a great reminder for us to forgive, as Christ has so graciously forgiven us.
So whether it is riches in this world and or forgiveness for eternal life, we all have much to be grateful for. We are then called to freely give of what we have recieved and be a servant to all, sharing God's love that lives within us for riches in this life and the world to come....
Songs:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ9dvAWNvsw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Love Unending....
On this earth we will have tribulations, trials, hardships, and setbacks, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world! During our toughest times here are earth we are reminded to be of good cheer. God is working all things to our good, even in the most unlikely circumstances.
If you are going through tough times, then you are living, engaging, participating in life. The only way to avoid conflict and hardships would be to isolate yourself from the world, but God has a better plan. He has called us into community, that we may shine as lights in a dark world. He however, does not require that we go through it alone.
Yes it is hard, no it is not fair, but with God who lives in you, all things are possible. Do not lose heart, trust in God, lean on him, commit your ways to him and he will guide and direct you for your good. In the bible his promises are real. Proverbs 3:6, Proverbs16:3, Psalm 37:5, just to name a few.
Remember as Christians you have a GPS inside of you, guiding, directing you, warning and saying turn around, go back, watch out etc. The bible puts it as a still small voice. Our job is to listen to it, like the GPS in a car or smart phone. Very similarly though it will not make you go a certain way, but it will continually speak to you for correction on missteps. You do have a choice though to turn it off or ignore it. It will not demand obedience, and neither will Jesus, but when we learn to trust him, we can be confident that he is working all things to our good that love him and are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
So when bad things happen, whether through our doing or someone else's, we can trust in a living God on the inside of us, to make our crooked places straight and get us to our destination despite the circumstances. He will never leave or forsake you!
If you've lived very long, you can look back on your own life and see where God has been with you and made a way, even in the most unlikely circumstances, so don't give up now. Remembering those times can encourage you in your present circumstances, to trust him now. God has you in the palm of his hand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_2qG22SPwU
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook
If you are going through tough times, then you are living, engaging, participating in life. The only way to avoid conflict and hardships would be to isolate yourself from the world, but God has a better plan. He has called us into community, that we may shine as lights in a dark world. He however, does not require that we go through it alone.
Yes it is hard, no it is not fair, but with God who lives in you, all things are possible. Do not lose heart, trust in God, lean on him, commit your ways to him and he will guide and direct you for your good. In the bible his promises are real. Proverbs 3:6, Proverbs16:3, Psalm 37:5, just to name a few.
Remember as Christians you have a GPS inside of you, guiding, directing you, warning and saying turn around, go back, watch out etc. The bible puts it as a still small voice. Our job is to listen to it, like the GPS in a car or smart phone. Very similarly though it will not make you go a certain way, but it will continually speak to you for correction on missteps. You do have a choice though to turn it off or ignore it. It will not demand obedience, and neither will Jesus, but when we learn to trust him, we can be confident that he is working all things to our good that love him and are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
So when bad things happen, whether through our doing or someone else's, we can trust in a living God on the inside of us, to make our crooked places straight and get us to our destination despite the circumstances. He will never leave or forsake you!
If you've lived very long, you can look back on your own life and see where God has been with you and made a way, even in the most unlikely circumstances, so don't give up now. Remembering those times can encourage you in your present circumstances, to trust him now. God has you in the palm of his hand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_2qG22SPwU
Friday, February 17, 2017
Calling All......
With the help of a colleague's wife from India, and the good fortune of being able to maintain my Indian bank account, I have been able to send funds to help the "least" of these as the bible puts it, in India.
Prior to traveling to India I had no idea how some people lived there, but at the same time, I admired their determination and perseverance even in the midst of such difficult circumstances. It has been a privilege and a blessing to offer support in some small way monthly, with the sacrificial help of family and friends.
I am please to report that now after almost 4 years later we are still able to share God's love to orphans and widows there, who have a daily existence and work hard to have enough money for the very basics of food and covering. I am blessed beyond measure to have this opportunity and pray in the years to come, much will come out of the seeds we are planting.
I have included the sweetest picture below that was just sent to me, of our friend the street lady Madathi, receiving a gift of chocolate and a single rose, as she rests on the side of the street that she is cleaning..... Reports are that she was awed by this simple gift.
This is a reminder to each of us, everyday to be a blessing to someone, near or far and shine God's love bright through word or deed, and see if you aren't blessed more in return. Together we can make a difference in this world!
Blessings to all who continue to made this outreach possible.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jCnAAeEJSQ
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Faith,+Hope+and+Love++Conniehttps://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook
Prior to traveling to India I had no idea how some people lived there, but at the same time, I admired their determination and perseverance even in the midst of such difficult circumstances. It has been a privilege and a blessing to offer support in some small way monthly, with the sacrificial help of family and friends.
I am please to report that now after almost 4 years later we are still able to share God's love to orphans and widows there, who have a daily existence and work hard to have enough money for the very basics of food and covering. I am blessed beyond measure to have this opportunity and pray in the years to come, much will come out of the seeds we are planting.
I have included the sweetest picture below that was just sent to me, of our friend the street lady Madathi, receiving a gift of chocolate and a single rose, as she rests on the side of the street that she is cleaning..... Reports are that she was awed by this simple gift.
Blessings to all who continue to made this outreach possible.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jCnAAeEJSQ
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Faith,+Hope+and+Love++Conniehttps://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-in-anothers-shoes-connie-skrmetta/1124357269?type=eBook
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Come Alive!
Are we spending our days filled with distractions and not really pursuing our God given gifts? Are we using our time wisely, the only commodity that we cannot replace? We all have jobs, duties, and hopefully a purpose that is higher than us. I heard a colleague once say that if you aren't willing to die for something, then you aren't living. Do you have that passion, a sense of purpose that says this is why I am here? Are you pursuing your dreams, taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone?
In order to truly come alive we have to constantly be growing, moving, developing. Though there will be seasons that are slower than others, our purpose is tied to action. Doing something that God wired us for. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. No one else can do what you are wired to do!
It's time to come alive!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XAeyFagceQ&list=RD7XAeyFagceQ
In order to truly come alive we have to constantly be growing, moving, developing. Though there will be seasons that are slower than others, our purpose is tied to action. Doing something that God wired us for. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. No one else can do what you are wired to do!
It's time to come alive!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XAeyFagceQ&list=RD7XAeyFagceQ
Sunday, February 12, 2017
You Are Loved!
The bible talks about spirits. God's spirit that resides in us as we accept him as our personal savior, and the spirits in the world. It goes on to tell us that God's spirit trumps those that are in the world. Look at the biblical stories that reinforce that. Without getting into every example, I want to challenge each of us to consider our life and what it means if we truly believe that God's spirit is within us.
The world knows there are spirits, and Christ himself warns us not to have anything to do with the spirits of the world. They are the deceiver it says, that have come to kill, steal and destroy. Other countries are filled with spirits and the people are aware of it. I had a colleague friend that was afraid to go to a certain area of India because it was known for all of their spirits. I found it odd at the time, but after traveling there I better understand.
The world knows how to tap into spirits through rituals and meditation. As Christians are we aware of the spirit that lives within us? Are we tapping into God's power and following his promptings? Jesus prayed daily and leaned into God's spirit daily for his guidance while on earth.
I would encourage each of us to consider the power that lives within us and lean not into our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge God and he will direct our steps. Proverbs 3:6. He has come to give us life and life more abundantly! John 10:10.
We are foreigners in this land, ambassadors for Christ who lives in us. Be in this world as a light in darkness, but be ye not of this world for it lies in spiritual wickedness. Daily surrender your life to God's spirit that resides in all of us as Christians. Go forth and spread his love to all you meet through word and deed, that others may be drawn to the spirit of God that resides in you!
John 16:33 "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. but take courage; I have overcome the world!"
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosever believed on him should not perish but have eternal life.
God's love letter to you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=honbip9amZc
The world knows there are spirits, and Christ himself warns us not to have anything to do with the spirits of the world. They are the deceiver it says, that have come to kill, steal and destroy. Other countries are filled with spirits and the people are aware of it. I had a colleague friend that was afraid to go to a certain area of India because it was known for all of their spirits. I found it odd at the time, but after traveling there I better understand.
The world knows how to tap into spirits through rituals and meditation. As Christians are we aware of the spirit that lives within us? Are we tapping into God's power and following his promptings? Jesus prayed daily and leaned into God's spirit daily for his guidance while on earth.
I would encourage each of us to consider the power that lives within us and lean not into our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge God and he will direct our steps. Proverbs 3:6. He has come to give us life and life more abundantly! John 10:10.
We are foreigners in this land, ambassadors for Christ who lives in us. Be in this world as a light in darkness, but be ye not of this world for it lies in spiritual wickedness. Daily surrender your life to God's spirit that resides in all of us as Christians. Go forth and spread his love to all you meet through word and deed, that others may be drawn to the spirit of God that resides in you!
John 16:33 "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. but take courage; I have overcome the world!"
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosever believed on him should not perish but have eternal life.
God's love letter to you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=honbip9amZc
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