False teaching

 2Peter2:1 “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.  They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into dispute.”

3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”

There are many false teachers and many are falling for the false.   I have also been lured  by the  false.  It’s so easy today, especially with the internet.  Humanism, was a false teaching I once almost fell for.  I was in the middle of a break up and my heart was hurting and I needed something.    I had not read my Bible for years.  I gravitated to humanism and spirituality.  I thought it was Christian  because it talked about God.   It mainly helped me take control of my thoughts. What it didn’t do is make my thoughts obedient  to Christ.  Christ is the truth.  The Bible is the greatest “self help” book ever written. .   It’s not self help and self esteem that heals us. Its Christs’ help and Christ esteem that truly  heals us.  I needed to remember who I am in Jesus , especially when I was being rejected by the man I loved and hoped to marry. Today, if you or a friend is going through tough times,  encourage them in the Word of God.   It is the truth, the truth that heals.

Nothing is too hard for God

 Genesis 18:13-14 “13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, “Will I really have a child, now that I am old?” 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.”  15 Sarah was afraid so she lied and said, “ I did not laugh.” But He said, “Yes, you did laugh.” “.  Nothing’s too hard for God!!   But sometime we laugh in our unbelief and think… No Way, impossible!  But with God there are no limits.    I struggled with my alcoholic behaviors for 29 years.  I remember thinking it’s impossible!   I cant quit!   Then God!  Jesus showed me I was loved and washed clean from all the stain of all my sin!  I was no longer under guilt and shame.  I was redeemed !! I was a beautiful child of God!  Sounds impossible…. Nothing is  too hard for God.

His plan is for our good

 Jeremiah 29:11 “”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.””

Jeremiah 17:5 “This is what the Lord says:  “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. “……..7 “But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord whose confidence is in Him.”   

Dear Lord, let my full confidence be in you!   Today is my last full day at the lake, this season.  I have much to do and little time to do it.  With my broken leg, I take a long time to do simple tasks.  I am tempted to be anxious.    I do have friends coming to help me this afternoon.  I do trust, it’ll all be okay.   It’s a change of season for me to head back to Wisconsin.  I look forward to seeing my family and friends but I’m anxious too.   I am going home a bit disabled and I won’t be able to pick up where I left off.   These verses are helping me today.  God has a bigger and better plan for me than I have for myself.  I have to unwaveringly TRUST in that.   When I trust in my own abilities, I am trusting in man.   Today, to be healthy and well , I will be anxious for nothing and TRUST!   God will make a way.   His way will be the best way.    I hope this helps you today too.  Apply Jeremiah 17:5-7 & 29:11 to your life today.   😇🙏❤️

Think well, live well

 2 Corinthians 10:5   “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Our thoughts are extremely important!! We have random thoughts that enter our minds.  Those random thoughts often come up because of what we’re feeding ourselves.  If we’re watching the news and feeding ourselves, anger, and injustice, we are more likely to have those types of random thoughts. The music we listen to also largely influences our thinking.  We have to be extremely careful with content we educate ourselves with.  We all have toxic thoughts.  If we run with toxic thoughts, our lives become toxic.   We become hopeless.   Genesis 15: 6. “Abram believed the Lord,  and He credited it to him as righteousness.  Abraham believed, and it was credited to him as righteousness. We have to take all of our thoughts and make them obedient to Christ. We have to walk in belief, knowing we are not the old, we are the new creation through Jesus Christ. We are free. We are redeemed. We have to keep turning from the old and pressing forward to the new and we do this by taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ.   We believe and it’s credited to us as righteousness.  Proverbs 23:7 “As a man thinks, so is he.”   Think well, live well, be well by the powerful gift of Jesus!!😇🙏❤️

Do what you can, in the midst of what you can’t

 Ephesians 1:11 “ In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.”

…..18 “I pray also that the eyes of you heart may be enlightened, in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.”  He works everything out!! One of my friends is good at reminding me, “It’ll be okay “.   His will not ours for His glory not ours.   With my broken leg and slow healing I am needing to focus the eyes of my heart on His purpose so I can stay well.   One of my friends told me watching me, do what I can in the midst of many things I can’t has helped her in her own health battle.    I am thankful He has given me the ability to focus on His purpose, His glory and His ultimate plan.    When I do the eyes of my heart are enlightened.  I can find the strength and determination to keep on keeping on.    I hope these verses help you to do the same.😇🙏❤️

Do good. Never give up

 Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  Seek first to be holy.   Then act accordingly!   Never give up!! We are all sinful, we each struggle with different sins at different times in our lives. Let’s help each other.  I have found when my friends encourage me in scripture it puts my focus back on The Spirit and off my flesh.   When I’m pleasing my flesh, I can feel myself spinning in a downhill pattern when I seek to please The Spirit, I feel peace. This is a constant battle. Let us not weary in doing good.  Let us keep doing good every opportunity we have.   Be good to others,  be good to ourselves.  One of the best ways I can snap out of a bad attitude is to intentionally change my mind and focus on the good.   Never give up!!

Pray this prayer for those you love and for yourself

 Yesterday, at church I ran into a dear friend.   Her son is in the midst of his alcoholism.  He is like many of us, thinking he can beat it on his own.  Personally,  I fought that battle for 29 years.  When we a “ functioning alcoholics”.   It’s hard to be humble enough to listen and take other people advice.    I have been sober for 20+ years.   It’s still hard for me, to listen and take other peoples advice.   Ephesians 1:17 is a powerful prayer!   If you are having concerns for someone you love, remember; Jesus loves them more than you do!!  He will answer your prayers.  Not usually in your timing but He will answer.   So, pray for your beloved.  TRUST God.   Pray He will give your beloved, the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation to know Him better.   When we truly put on our faith and TRUST God in all things, we are truly, fit for anything!!  😇🙏❤️

Be free!

 1 Peter 2:24 “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepard and Overseer of your souls.”

When I first truly trusted that I was forgiven, and my sins were forgotten I felt beautiful.  I was no longer deadened by  the stain of my sin.  I became truly alive in my heart and soul.  I put head up and my shoulders back, because I was washed clean by the blood.  Then, I sinned again.  I was tempted to pick back up the shame and guilt.  Every time I sin, I am tempted to pick up the shame and the guilt of it.   Jesus suffered and died to free us from the bondage of our sins.  Unfortunately  we do still sin.   Fortunately we can shake it off and try try try again.   Don’t let yourself be defined by your sin!!   Shake it off,  try again and follow the Shepherd.  He is the Overseer of our souls. We are healed.   Even if we just sinned 1second ago. He paid for all sins; yesterday, today and tomorrow.  Today, live free!! Maybe you just messed up.  You are not a mess up.   You are His sheep and He has you.  James 4:7. “Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Ypur sleep will be sweet

 Psalm 127:1-3. “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.  Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stand gaurd in vain.  2. In vain you rise up early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for He grants sleep to those He loves.”

“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain!!”   Wow! does this speak to me today.   Many, many times I try to build things,  just to have them all end in a pile of rubbish.  Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  We are to take His yoke and go to work!  His yoke is where our peace is.  We can  enjoy, His peace, even in our most difficult jobs.  What ever we do, we are do it unto the Lord.    Working longer hours won’t produce the fruit that working for the Lord will.   Actually, if we skip sleep, to work more,  it has a negative effect on our health and therefore our job performance.    Honestly poor sleep health is responsible for many problems in our lives.   Getting regular good quality sleep  is one of my most difficult disciplines.   It is one of the most beneficial disciplines  we can have.  Today, for our commitment to Christ centered health and wellness let’s have Our Lord build the house, protect our cities and grant us good sleep.

Seek first yo understand

 Proverbs 18:2 “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinion.”   I like this quote, “Seek first to understand and then to be understood.”   Many times we will not get the validation of being understood.   When I seek first to understand, my anxiety about an other persons behavior diminishes.  Hurting people, hurt others.   I am not giving people an excuse to hurt  each other by acknowledging this.   I’m practicing understanding.  It’s easy to get judgy and  air my opinion and find people that will agree with me.  What good is that?  It only increases anxiety and hate in my heart.    When I was married, I found lots of things wrong with my husband’s behaviors.  I would air my opinion to my “so called friends“,  they would agree with me and I’d feel justified in my anger.  My problems would grow!!  I never sought to understand.  I just complained about him to my friends.  I call those friends, “So Called” because true friends help us be better people, not commiserate with us in the darkness. True friends would have turned me to Biblical teaching not joined me in the darkness.   If I could do that relationship over, I would talk directly to him and seek to understand not run to people to understand me.   Today, if you are frustrated with someone behaviors, be inspired to speak directly to that person if possible.  Seek to understand, even if you cant talk with them directly.  It also really helps me to “own” my part in what is wrong.    “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his tongue.”   Don’t be a fool today, you may end  up like me….. divorced and that is a really tuff road.

Slave to sin?

 2 Peter 2:19 “They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity- for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.”

2 Peter 1:5 “ For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, 6 and to knowledge, self-control; And to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”

When I was deep in the pit of my alcoholism, I was a slave to it.   We can desire sinful lusts over spiritual discipline even when we call ourselves “Christians”.  For me, my sinful desires can become obsessions.  If sin wasn’t pleasurable we wouldn’t do it!! Sin can be pleasurable in the moment.   Yet, it always leads to death!    For me to stop an embraced sin, I have to intentionally repent from it and actively embrace holy, healthy, happy behaviors.  ( Examples; Don’t drink, go to an AA meeting.  Flush the chocolate and go for a walk ). The only way for me to get out of the pit is to recognize my hearts desire is not of Godliness and repent.  I have to intentionally pursue Christ.  and follow His direction.  When I focus on the behavior I want to stop,  my desire for it grows. I have to pursue what is right not just avoid what is wrong.  I hope this helps you today pursue things that will help you not harm you. God has equipped each of us, with everything we need, to do good! 😇🙏❤️

Take advice?

 Proverbs 13:10 “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take  advice.”    I am a recovering alcoholic.   I don’t like labeling myself like that, because it is me identifying with a negative part of my life.   I prefer to identify as a redeemed, child of God.  Yet, if I forget, that I have a serious allergy to alcohol and think I can have, “Just one” it could end very badly for me.   Therefore, I accept  my friends and fellow AA members advice and accept the label.   It keeps me humble.  I need to be humble and not prideful to actually hear advice.    I dont always take intellegence offered to me.   I am a better person, when I listen and hear what someone is tells me.   I wouldn’t be sober today if I wouldn’t have learned to take advice.   Today, if you are hearing some advice you might not want to take…..be inspired to at least truly hear it.  “ Pride breeds quarrels ….wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

Faith versus doubt

 Luke 18:42 “Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”   James 1:6 “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” 

Faith that heals, is faith in Jesus!!   Sometimes I fear certain things.   When I do, I roll the tape forward and see my worst case scenario and see Jesus with me in that worst case scenario.   This gives me strength to press on.  Today,  as I read these verses I am inspired to simply stop and ask for His healing now!!  He can do it!!  Be inspired to 100% give your plight to Him.  100% trust He will heal the problem.   Envision what that healing will look like.  Have faith that He will do it.   He may give you what you envision,    He may not.   He will, 100% do what is best.  Faith , without doubt helps us stand on a firm foundation.  Doubt , we are like waves in a sea.

Let go of bitterness embrace kindness

Ephesians 4:31 “Get rid if all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.” 

Get rid of the anger and rage, forgive and love as Jesus loves us.   I rarely get consumed with rage anymore but it used to plague me.   I have learned not to take offense in the first place. But still when I have been treated unjustly, I can feel my blood start to boil.   The person I get the most angry  at  is myself.   When I feel rage building inside of me one of my best  techniques to achieve calm, is to engage in a physical activity.    Even a simple activity like tearing up Kleenex, has helped me.  Physical release helps during immediate emotions.   Peace that lasts, comes from intentionally giving the situation up to God and TRUSTING Him with it.   I try to separate people behaviors from , how I feel about them.   I try to see everyone as a beloved children of God.   All of us are beloved children.  We all come with “issues” (lol).  Let’s try  to intentionally let go of bitterness and anger and embrace Christs’ kindness and love.  ❤️ 😇🙏

Praise? Or unwholesome talk?

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. “ 

Yesterday I had a follow up doctors appointment for my leg surgery. I had bad news. The infection is still prevalent and there’s only mild bone healing. I was really disappointed and very teary.  I had a lot of negative self talk.   When we think and speak unwholesome thoughts, it becomes toxic and steals the joy set before us.  Yesterday, I was blessed with my first granddaughter.l!!  She is so beautiful why I could think of anything aside from her beauty is beyond me, but that’s what happens. Sometimes we focus on what’s wrong and forget to enjoy everything that is right. My little granddaughter is so right and so beautiful, so perfect.  I’m extremely thankful!   Today let’s be healthy and well.   Let’s speak life!!!  We all have things that are hard.  We all have things that are good.   Be careful with your thoughts and your words.  Proverb 23:7 “ As a man thinks in his 

Heart, so shall he be. (Kimberly paraphrased) 😇🙏❤️ Think well, speak well, live well!!

Praise God!!

Keep on sinning?

 1 John 3:9 “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.”

Some sins are so acceptable and encouraged in our society, yet in our hearts we know when God is liberating us from a certain sin.      We get convicted and we can no longer  walk in that sin with comfort and ease.    It is really difficult to leave societal acceptance in pursuit of Godly character.   Be strong and courageous today!!! We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!!!  What sin is Our Lord, calling you out of?        Trust His calling today!!!  Repent and try, try again.   Jesus offers forgiveness and restoration every moment of everyday!!

What’s ypur idol?

Matthew 6:33 “ But Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  1 John 5:21 “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”

1 John 5:5 “ Who is it that overcomes the world?  Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 

Sometimes I think my idols are things that I worry and fear about. I have something in my head and I just won’t let it go. I just won’t trust God with it.  Getting my way becomes my idol.  Whenever this happens I am filled with anxiety and fear, not trust and faith.  I’m not seeking  God‘s kingdom,  I’m seeking Kimberly’s way.  There is an old saying, “ Let  go and let God”,  with my type A personality many times instead of letting go I hold on tighter.  Today,  if you’re finding any anxiety or fear in your heart  you too maybe be chasing an idol.  Our idols come in many forms and often  very difficult to recognize.    Ask yourself, “What am I seeking first?”    This will help you  recognize your idols.   Matthew 6:33 “But, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…..”

Oil of Joy

 Hebrews 1:8-10 “But about the Son he says, “Your throne O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”  Are you anointed with the oil of joy?    Happiness is fleeting.  Joy is everlasting.  I cannot be “Happy” when things are going wrong.  I can have joy and peace during my hardest times.  Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, fear not!  I have over come the world.”   Ultimately we have Heaven to look forward to.  In our present lives, we can have joy and peace if we keep our eyes on Jesus.  We know His peace 

when we TRUST Him in ALL. things!!   Righteous living, avoiding sinful desires; helps us with daily joy and peace because we are not constantly dealing with the consequences of our bad behaviors.      True joy and peace is not from what we do or don’t do.   True joy and peace comes from TRUSTING Jesus as Lord and Savior.   Each of us continually makes  poor choices.  Jesus continually picks us up,  brushes us off, and sets us back on His path.   Jesus loves each of us through every fall!!  Through faith in Jesus,  we have Heaven to look forward to.  In the meantime, let’s pursue right living, with the oil of joy!!!

Think well, live well

 Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”  Who will you try 

to please today?   When I was a drinker, I was a “closet drinker”.  I thought my bad behavior was a secret.  We have no secrets from God.   He knows every word we utter, before one is formed on our tongues.   Whatever we think, say or do let us try to be pleasing to Our Lord.  Our behaviors start with our thinking.  Think well , live well.    Unchecked toxic thoughts lead to toxic living.    When I recognize a toxic thought of anger, rage, malice or slander I try to immediately capture the thought and make it obedient to Christ.   (Proverbs 23:7 “As a man thinks, so shall he be.” ). Today, let’s live and work, with all our hearts, as living and working for the Lord!’

Be a good soldier

 2 Timothy 2:3 “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-he wants to please his commanding officer.  5 Similarly if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to to the rules.”

Are you competing according to the rules? Or are you letting sin reign?  In today’s world, sexual immorality, cheating, gossip, complaining and slander all so acceptable many people don’t even think of these behaviors as sinful.  When we engage in these types of behaviors, we are not competing according to the rules.   We are engaging in sin.  Sin is extremely unhealthy!!! We are forgiven because of the powerful gift of Jesus.   Walking in His forgiveness helps us stay healthy and well.  Trying to avoid sin in the first place helps us be good soldiers!!

For such a tome as this

 John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to  go and bear fruit- fruit  that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command; Love each other.”

Bear fruit, fruit that will last!!  In our Summer sermon series we have been studying the book of “Esther”.   It’s an other one of God’s great books!!  One of my favorite verses is 4:14. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.  And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this.”   “For such a time as this”!   Today I am thinking of how each of us are exactly where we are supposed to be …”for such a time as this”!!!!   Let’s give today, and each day we are given our best shot.   We may not be where we’d hoped we’d be.   But we are where we are supposed to be. TRUST GOD and bear much fruit in such a time as this!!