Lessons Learned

Trite Answers for the Broken 

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

mydestinysharinghope.com

Yesterday, we went to visit someone whose spouse is dying of cancer and then prayed with a lady whose mom is in the final hours of her life. A few moments later, we spoke with a set of parents whose 30-something daughter was admitted into the hospital with an aneurysm one month ago and who is, currently, knocking at death’s door.

Today, I read of a husband who is living in the house with his wife who desires a divorce, and I thought of a wife who faced the choice to stay and ignore, attempt to pick up the shards, or simply walk away from years of holy matrimony. Tonight, I read stories of children with leukemia struggling to thrive and more who deliberately survive day to day with debilitating diseases and conditions. There’s so many who need to be reached.

I read my Bible. I pray, and I send an encouraging word, hoping to bring hope in those places where, sometimes, I wonder if change will come. I believe His Word to be true. I really, really do; yet, I fear my answers seem so trite and contrived as I pray desperately to have the faith to believe for the miracle.

It’s so easy to give into the doubt. My flesh longs to feel the relief of my faith. My carnal mind fights against reason to grasp for Hope. My heart wars on the battlefield of Spirit vs. flesh…

Yet, in that very moment, I can feel my spirit rising in indignation. I can feel my heart leap for the Comforter’s arrival. My eyes swell with tears as I know without a shadow of doubt that He has stepped into that chasm of space and time. As the old song declares, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow… Because He lives, all fear is gone… Because I know, I know, He holds the future… And life is worth the living just because He lives!” 

I cannot tell you how He does it. I cannot even tell you how He makes it possible, but I am eternally convinced of His promise: when you place your hand in His, and you simply trust and believe, He gives you grace in the very moment you need.

He gives you Hope…for He is Hope. He is Love. He is everything you could ever need.

kingdavid.wordpress.com

Where Are the Davids?

/ The WheatandTares / 1 Comment


I saw this post today, and it made me think of another “battle” David faced… I wonder if this statement could also be made, “Sometimes, God will put a Saul in your life, for you to find the David within you.” So many times, we are reminded of David’s battle with Goliath and how he had the courage to face the great giant, relied on the strength of the Lord and defeated that foe with a simple, smooth stone and a sling. 

Yet, what about the battle he faced with Saul for so many years? It has been said it took 13 years after Dabid was anointed king for him to receive the crown, and most of that time, he spent in service to King Saul who hard him and who, eventually, tried to hunt him down to kill him! How often do you and I stay in service to someone who actually hates out guts? Have you had your “boss” try to throw a spear at you or have his soldiers on a manhunt for you? I doubt many of us have had to flee for our lives, hide out in a cave, and yet, when that same evil king shows up, alone in that cave, David refuses to take revenge on the guy who has made his life so miserable!

Too often, as Christians, we may get upset over the petty little stuff posted by our “foe” on Facebook, and we sling words around like firey darts to all who will hear. We’ll run that person’s name in the dirt just because they hurt our feelings or said an unkind morsel of gossip. 

Yes, I know these situations can be bad, and I know, sometimes, unkind words from someone we believed to be our friend can feel hurtful enough to make our heart ache, but we’ve not been to the point of shedding blood! We’ve not been to the point of losing all we have for the sake of the battle we face! Yet, too often, we respond in kind rather than responding as David did. 

He gave us a great example to follow. When he had the chance to kill King Saul, to put to death the very man who had destroyed his peaceful living, and who could possibly destroy his hopes of becoming king, he refused to touch God’s anointed. After all, he had been anointed King by the prophet. Understand, he had an army of men surrounding him, he had the ‘popular vote’ to do what his flesh desired. He had a right to take his throne, even by force, right? Yet David said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.” 

Then, listen to what he said to King Saul when he confronted him, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Indeed David seeks your harm’? Look, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’ Moreover, my father, see! Yes, see the corner of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the corner of your robe, and did not kill you, know and see that there is neither evil nor rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you. Yet you hunt my life to take it. Let the Lord judge between you and me, and let the Lord avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand shall not be against you. After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea? Therefore let the Lord be judge, and judge between you and me, and see and plead my case, and deliver me out of your hand.”

He decided to speak truth yet allow God to judge between he and the king. He never tried to hide his feelings of injustice, but he didn’t raise a hand of violence against King Saul. He decided it best to allow God to fight his battle for integrity and justice! How often do we do that?? 

We can learn so much from David, the man after God’s own heart! 💗
Scripture references: 1 Samuel 24

Can You Not See?

/ The WheatandTares / 10 Comments

You lash out against the one you call opponent

Thinking your anger and words of ill will can turn others away

What you don’t realize is the hate you spew simply returns to you

For curses return to the one who cursed. You will reap what you have sown.

You bite and claw to get ahead

Your lips bring lies and deceit believing this will bring you high

What you don’t see is they seek truth and authenticity not another position

For truth will always bring freedom even if it comes with a sacrifice.

We don’t desire your popularity or control. We don’t long for your position or ruling.

Your anger will not bring you justice. It will only bring you shame.

Your slanderous words will not bring you happiness and freedom. It will only bring you brokenness in bondage.

Your vicious actions will not bring you power. It will only bring you a prison of pain.

We long for Truth. We long for Freedom. We long for Life.

He is your only answer. He is your only Hope. He is standing there waiting for you.

He is The Way.  He is the Truth. He is The Light. He is all you need.

Will you turn to see Him today?

Will you turn before it’s too late?

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endtimesnourishment.wordpress.com

Penned – MG – 7/26/16

Come Into The Light

/ The WheatandTares

Sometimes, we are walking around in darkness, and because we’re not conscientious, we may not recognize the darkness until we walk into the light. Because we’ve allowed the little things to slowly dim our sight, we don’t realize the overshadowing darkness until danger arrives. 

Its like walking into a cave without a lantern. The further you walk, the more your eyes must adjust to the dark surroundings, but the further you go, the darker those surroundings become, regardless of how well you believe your vision has adjusted. There will come a moment when there is nothing but darkness surrounding you, and if you do not remember your path, you will not survive.

Yet, there is Hope. God promises, when you trust in Him, you will always have a way of escape. He promises, if you will but call on His Name, He will always lead you out of darkness. He needs nothing from you but for you to believe.

Call on Him today, and you will find the Light. Call on His Name, no matter where you have found yourself to be, and He will answer. He will be your refuge and your salvation. Don’t wait a second longer. You never know the danger that is just beyond your sight.

 

 

Remember Your Purpose

/ The WheatandTares / 1 Comment


I hear the screams “Hypocrisy! … Hypocrite! … Deceit!” Yet, the very ones whose mouths move are of that reputation. 

I hear the cries for “Justice! … Unity! … Peace!” Yet, the very fists raised are fighting against the solution. 

I hear the rants toward “Hatred … Cruelty … Death!” Yet, the very teeth chattering gnash against reason and resolution. 

My brothers speak ill of another as result of simple disagreements and competition. My sisters spin vicious webs of gossip as a conclusion of jealousy and conceit. Yet, we call ourselves children of a King. 

Can I tell you, THIS OUGHT NOT BE! 

Where is the love of Christ? Where is the discipleship of a Savior? Are we His followers, or are we just playing a game? How can we reach them when we cannot reach each other? How can we share love if we cannot give love?

This world needs Truth. 

This world needs Love. 

This world needs Hope. 

This world needs Redemption. 

We were placed here for a purpose, and that purpose is His and His alone. That purpose is to find the lost, and let them be found! That purpose is to bring Him glory even if it means bringing us shame. 

Let us remember. 

Let us never forget. 

He is our purpose. 

He is our goal. 

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil. 2:1-4

faithful-in-christ.tumblr.com


Hope Is Free

/ The WheatandTares

Hope is here. It is available to all. It is unconditional, and it costs you absolutely nothing.

The Hope I have is redeeming  it is strengthening. It is unwavering, and it is unifying.

This Hope that I have found isn’t like others propegated by many. It is not gained only by the rich and elite. It does not have to be earned by hard work or good behavior, and it is definitely isn’t obtained by violence to those who do not believe.

This Hope is for any who will ask and believe. It will give you peace amidst the storm. It will sustain you through life’s most difficult journey, and it will even give you Hope for eternity.

ilovemybible.tumblr.com

Jesus is the Hope of the world.

He loves you, and He longs to be your Savior. He doesn’t demand your allegiance, but once you give it, you’ll never want to take it back. He doesn’t force you to love Him, but once you do, you will never be the same.

He stands with open arms. He doesn’t require your purity before you believe. He never commands perfection in loyalty. He simply says, “Come. Come as you are.” He will love you. He will cleanse you. He will redeem you and transform you. You will never be the same.

Won’t you come?

Won’t you simply believe?

quotesgram.com

Hope is Here

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

This world needs hope. There is nothing more strengthening, nothing more encouraging, and nothing more unifying than HOPE.

Hope is not found in politicians, and it’s not found in world events. It cannot be found in personal agendas, and it can’t be found in people. These things might bring temporary hope, but this isn’t the hope to which I’m referring.

I’m talking about a Hope that can bring peace, a Hope that can bring love, a Hope that can bring healing. This is a Hope that can bring Light to a darkened and desolate world.

This Hope is Jesus Christ. He wasn’t just a man who roamed the earth. He wasn’t just a good prophet who had some nice things to say, and He certainly is a God who died and is still buried in a tomb.

No, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the God who was and is and is to come. He is our Prince of Peace.

His Hope does not have to be earned. His grace does come with a price. His love is unconditional and free for all who ask and believe.

He is standing with His arms open wide. Just come to Him today. Let His love wash over you and redeem you. He longs to give you the Hope of Who He Is.

rhondaerb.com

To Write or Not To Write

/ The WheatandTares / 3 Comments

If I was asked to speak to young writers (young by either years or experience), this is what I would tell them…

WRITE. BE INSPIRED. BE WHO GOD CREATED YOU TO BE!

Write, Write, Write!

Write when you’re passionate…let that pen bleed. Write when you’re not passionate…push that pen to speak. There will be times, you won’t have much to say. Write anyway. It doesn’t mean you have to share it with the world. Just write it to keep the words flowing. I have heard it said… 

…if you dream of being a writer, then you must begin writing today! 😉 Write when you’re “blocked.” This is when outside sources come in handy. Sources like the daily prompt on WordPress is a great option. Keep journals. Don’t limit yourself; use different mediums. Try drawing, word art, poetry, typing and even word games to prompt your senses. Social media is a great outlet, too; however, be careful here! Remember, whatever you put out in the internet world can stay there forever…and sometimes, it can come back to haunt you (Avoid drama)! 😉 Try writing with different styles, different themes and different methods. Write short stories, fiction, essays, poetry, blogs, songs, etc. Enter contests, writing sessions and other opportunities where your writing can be stretched and subjected to someone outside your sphere of influence. Over time, you will be amazed how strong your writing will become. 

Be Inspired!

Read everything and anything to gain inspiration. The more you read, the more inspired you will become. Find a mentor within your orbit who loves writing even more than you do, someone who can gently critique your writing styles to help you consistently improve. Find a mentor outside your orbit to whom you can look for inspiration, as well as, after whom you can model a portion of your style. If you are a person of faith, it is incredibly important to read your Word and become grounded. There are so many fallacies in this world that if your foundation is not the Word of God, you will find yourself swayed by every wind and doctrine that comes along. Unplug. Get alone at least 30 minutes each day. Unplug from electronics and get out in nature. You will be amazed how inspiring this can be!

Believe In God!

This portion was written specifically for the audience of whom I had prepared; however, it’s great advice for the masses…

God gave you a gift; use it! He wouldn’t give it to you if He wasn’t going to use you, even if it’s for no one else but yourself! 😉 Believe in yourself. God does. Take a minute to read through Psalm 139. YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made, and He has created you for His purpose. Find that purpose as you write about it. Don’t ever let the perfect become the enemy of the good. Too many authors, poets and writers, if they could return from the grave, would tell you there’s treasures in those words they buried while living. 

Believe in others as well as yourself. Be willing to submit your works to others. Remember, iron always sharpens iron. Friction can bring out magnificent beauty in the gold. As well, be encouraging of those around you.  You will find as you lift up another, you will be blessed, too!

Well, I do hope this has been helpful, and I’d love to hear from you! What have you found to be helpful in your writing endeavors? What inspires you? 😊

quotesgram.com

In Whom Do You Trust?

/ The WheatandTares / 3 Comments

source: unknown


Walking through life without faith is like standing before a mighty wave, looking at its beauty yet never realizing the peril that rises before you. Traveling this journey without God’s guidance is like gazing at this wall of water believing it will simply recede and never bother you again, because you are human and you can avoid the ocean rushing in. 

No, the tide comes in slowly but surely, and the mood of the sea can change in an instance to leave you broken and desolate. If you are not prepared, and if you do not have the proper lifeboat, you may be swept away, never to return. 

Does redemption save you from all the heartache in the world and make your little orbit perfect? By no means, but it sure does give you peace through the storm, and it pours out strength in the valley. 

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So many taunt and say, “Your cross is just a crutch, something you lean on, because you are weak.” I can declare boldly, and without reservation, “I can’t even walk without holding onto His hand!” I am stronger with Him than I am alone! He is my Redeemer. He is my Joy. He is my Peace. He is my everything. 

If you doubt Him, I challenge you to simply ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Just say His name. Once you give Him a shot, you’ll never be the same. I promise. 

Hope for the Nations

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

This world seems to be losing its mind. It seems there is more deceit, more destruction, more hatred and more death than ever before.

If you consume your days with the news and the happenings of current affairs, it feels overwhelming, almost suffocating. Quite frequently, I have to step back, away from it all, or it’s tempting to just let fear, grief and even anger and disgust overshadow my heart.

Yet, the Psalmist reminds us, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) Through all the turmoil and amidst all the evil, we need not fear. We need not be consumed with worry for our God is with us!

 

http://jonahssi.tumblr.com/page/3

He has promised to remain, and He gives us hope in Romans, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” We have nothing and no one to fear.

For we have something this world does not possess, and it is the very thing this world so desperately needs: HOPE! Hope for change. Hope for peace.  Hope for light in the darkness.  This Hope can only come through Jesus Christ.

Jesus said “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). We must give this light, this Hope to this world. We must be this Light in tangible, human flesh to all those around us. If we call ourselves Christians, it is our calling. It is our purpose. It should be our passion and our desire to reach them for Him! Let’s give HOPE away today…

http://dailyverses.net/john/8/12