Let God Rescue You

We each have times in our lives that we feel we need to be rescued. This rescue could be from a troubled marriage, a misbehaved child, illness in our life or a family member, family turmoil, etc. We may pray for God's help but do we truly expect to be rescued from what we are praying about. We should!

King Herod had Peter arrested and the church (people of the congregation) prayed urgently to God. They truly believed that God would rescue Peter. You know what? He did. Peter was asleep chained to two soldiers. An angel entered the prison and told Peter to "Get up quickly" Peter did and the angel guided him passed the guards and through the gate of the prison which just swung open. As they were walking along a city street the angel disappeared. Peter knew that his Lord had rescued him. Read Acts 12:1-11.

God did rescue Peter from circumstances beyond most of our imaginations. We can rest assured that God can rescue us from whatever is going on in our life. Believe in him, Pray to him and have faith in his ability to come to our side. We don't know what form our rescue will be in, but we know that God has the power to do anything.

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

Today's Prompt: The Word 'Emerge'

I opened the dictionary and picked a word at random and then wrote a journal entry about that word.

Ok, I have the dictionary in front of me. I'm now going to just open it to a random page and the first word that my eyes focus on is the word I have to use to write my entry. The word must be used in a significant manner.

The word is........ emerge

When we are faced with obstacles in our life or serious trials and tribulations we may feel as though we've been stopped dead in our tracks. Not knowing which way is up and definitely not which way is out. At first where ever we are stuck is the place where we go around in circles emotionally. Some people get stuck in a denial stage while others may be stuck in a mood of anger or sadness. Everyone reacts differently and there is no right or wrong way to respond to difficult circumstances. We have so many different thoughts going through our minds and as a result we are confused and often very frightened. However the time we spend lost in this emotional wilderness help us to dig deep within our souls and find our true self. We get in touch with who we are and we get in touch with our strength. I've came to the conclusion that this chaotic adventure is necessary in order for us to get through whatever it is we are facing. I believe that this is what gets us on the road to hope. We soon 'emerge' from this emotional wilderness into the full light that brings us hope and we 'emerge' as a stronger person with an attitude of acceptance and the determination to push on and get to the next level in store for our lives. It is just the road we must travel in order to reach the beginning of our new life.

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

Survival

Survival to me means a lot of different things to different people. I will just name a few that are personal to me. Survival is living each day to the fullest. Learning to like who you are even if it is to spite an illness or something that seems earth shattering. Learning to search our soul and get to know who we really are and to locate the inner strengths that we didn't know existed. To learn compassion for others but also to learn how to be compassionate and forgiving to our own selves. To empower ourselves with knowledge about what we must face and to take any obstacle and turn it into a stepping stone.

I also believe that survival means facing realities and not hesitating to reach out to others when we are in need. Sometimes we confuse support for pity and put a wall up so we don't allow someone to support us. It isn't a sign of failure to allow someone to help us through a difficult time. They too must learn compassion and how can they if we don't allow them the opportunity to shower us with theirs.?





Have I survived? Well I'm traveling down that path. I'm not going to give up. I will be weary at times and there will be moments of despair. I will need shoulders to lean on. But I also will be able to enjoy life. I'll see wondrous things occur. I have so much life ahead of me. I also love to laugh and plan to do a lot of it. Life has its ups and downs for me but when I compare the rocky parts with the happy parts, the good by far outweigh the bad. It isn't easy to always see that. When I'm going through a difficult period I sometimes can only see the bad that I'm being forced to endure. I have to make a conscious effort to see past the bad and refocus myself on the positive. Sometimes I accomplish this while at other times I must try over and over again before I begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Close your eyes during these dark moments and listen to your soul. The hope is there, you just have to allow it through. When you close your eyes and remain in darkness reach out your hand and allow someone to hold it while you find your way.


- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

Wise Company Donates 90,000 Emergency Meals To Moore, Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Wise Company Donates 90,000 Emergency Meals To Moore, Oklahoma Tornado Victims (via PR Newswire)

In response to the devastating tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, Wise Company Inc., of Salt Lake City, Utah, has announced that it will be sending a major shipment of their emergency ready-made meals to victims of this tragedy. SALT LAKE CITY, May 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the devastating tornado…

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Conservative Leaders Demand Compensation For IRS Discrimination Against Tea Party

Conservative Leaders Demand Compensation For IRS Discrimination Against Tea Party (via PR Newswire)

"Through their illegal and unconstitutional acts for all intents and purposes these IRS employees stole from the targeted organizations, and what the government stole it must return and make the parties whole." - Excerpt from conservative leaders' letter to the House and Senate Republican Conferences…

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Happy Memorial Day Weekend

President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush Welcomed Guests for a Special Screening of SnagFilms' HONOR FLIGHT (via PR Newswire)

WWII Veterans, Filmmakers and Secret Service Members Among Those Who Came Out For a Private Viewing in Celebration of Memorial Day Download image President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush hosted a screening of SnagFilms Honor Flight on Thursday, May 23rd. Photographed with President Bush are…

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Agree to disagree: Respect Diversity

"Just because others think differently about an issue than we do ourselves, does that mean they're right and we're wrong or vice versa?

I believe that we all are different and in many ways we each operate in our own reality. No one sees the world the same way as I do and the reason for that is that no one shares my own unique perspective on life and the world around me. Due to each persons own perspective I cannot expect other people to ever completely see things in the same way as I do. I have to accept this as fact and once I do that then I am better able to understand others and learn from them.

I shouldn't ever waste my time trying to make others see things the way I do. It isn't productive to argue with someone because they see something different then I do. I need to agree to disagree and respect their right to have a different opinion. I try to learn from the person and take note of what they feel about an issue and see if there is something I can learn from it. I've accepted that no one will be exactly like me, no one will think exactly like I think and no one will always agree completely with me. I wouldn't want to live in a world like that anyway. It would be so boring to live where no one had their own individual personality and thoughts. This is a diverse world and if we respect each other and look for the good in everyone then no matter how different we all are and how different we all think, we can always come together and be of support to one another.

This is who I am

We all go through trials in our life. Different people go through different sort of trials but they challenge us as a person all the same. A person may be going through financial difficulties, a divorce, legal problems, family fights, even life challenging illnesses. When we are faced with something of this type we often begin to allow that situation to define us as a person. It is at our lowest point when someone or something is standing outside of ourselves and telling us, we owe them, they want a divorce, you have a disease, etc, it is at that moment that we need to get very still and focus inside of ourselves and decide right then...No this is who I am! Define ourselves with a focus on the real person we are. Don't allow anyone or anything make you into something you aren't. When you are facing challenges, attacks from others, illnesses or any tough situation choose to look within yourself. You know who you are better than anyone else. You know how to get through whatever the challenge is. Just search your heart, your soul and reach out to others for support. True friends will be there because they love you just as you are.

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

How does your spirit grow?.

The nursery rhyme goes "how does your garden grow" Some people have a "green thumb" a natural ability to grow beautiful plants with such ease. Other people can't get anything to grow and resort to decorating with artificial plants to avoid killing anymore of their investments.

This thought can also be applied to some degree when you pose the question "how does your spirit grow." There are people who easily recognize what is needed to grow their spirit so that it becomes a productive and useful part of their soul.

The first step in growing your spirit is acknowledging it and learning to respect it. Then the person must nurture it, and watch it grow and rely on it to get through what ever life throws at them. Through such reliance they better cope emotionally with daily struggles and any serious or tragic events in their life. They may for a short term lose this vision but they are easily able to get back on course.

Then there are people who become accustomed to ignoring their spirit for a variety of reasons and thrust themselves into the darkness of a life with no direction. Some of these people have been hit so hard by the realities of their life that they've lost their vision into their spirit. It can be a real struggle for some to regain their vision and get their life back on a positive path. Sadly some of these people due to their inability to acknowledge their spirit never are able to really know their inner self, their inner strengths and what they can do and deal with if they only look within their soul and feed their inner spirit. They then often resort to using artificial emotions to cope with their life, their struggles and adversities. They form these emotions as a coping mechanism because they are out of touch with their spirit which in turn puts them out of touch with their true emotions.

When we reference the term "spirit" different perceptions come to mind. Some of a religious nature but for the sake of this writing I'm speaking about the spirit we all have inside us. This spirit is what ushers us through the years on earth that we call Life. To only name a few? a person can have a mild and meek spirit, an adventuress, risk taking spirit, a courageous 'go gettin' spirit, a fighting spirit and once and a while you'll come across someone that has a spirit that will change the world or at least the world of those around them.

Does a person's spirit come naturally? Sometimes this is true, but there are also people whose spirit is shaped in large part by experiences they are forced by life to endure. How they react to situations in their life can and will shape them into the person they become. I've known people who were meek and mild mannered but once their life hit a hurdle or a bump in the road they became bitter and abandoned their spirit and looked only at the pain. I've known people who were angry and hateful but when faced with adversity their spirit softened and the person became nurturing, compassionate and a caring individual. In both of these cases they were sadly hit by unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances but one example looked at the pain while the other looked into their spirit and saw the true meaning of life.


So how do we grow our spirit? By looking at the wonders of our life and of the world we are so fortunate to be in. Looking at the good more than the bad, addressing the happy more than the sad. Realizing the blessings that life has given us and when all is said and done we see that there is more to this life on earth. Once we realize this then the spirit inside of us takes over and will comfort us, inspire us and most of all give us the strength and wisdom to face whatever life presents us.

Porch Philosophy Daily News for May 15, 2013

Read Porch Philosophy Daily News for May 15, 2013 on http://paper.li/PorchPhilosophy/1364356205


- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

What Is A True Friend?

Webster's dictionary defines friendship as a relationship where one knows, likes, admires and trusts another or where one is allied with another in a cause, or where one is a supporter of a group or a movement. I define friendship as a relationship between two people based on mutual respect, affection and admiration.

"The only way to have a true friend is to be one." How can we find true friendship in this often phony, temporary world? Friendship involves recognition or familiarity with another personality. Friends often share likes and dislikes, interests, pursuits, and passion.

How can we recognize potential friendship? Signs include a mutual desire for companionship and perhaps a common bond of some kind. Beyond that, genuine friendship involves a shared sense of caring and concern, a desire to see one another grow and develop, and a hope for each other to succeed in all aspects of life.

True friendship involves action: doing something for someone else while expecting nothing in return; sharing thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or negative criticism.

True friendship involves relationship. Those mutual attributes we mentioned above become the foundation in which recognition transpires into relationship. Many people say, "Oh, he's a good friend of mine," yet they never take time to spend time with that "good friend."

Friendship takes time: time to get to know each other, time to build shared memories, time to invest in each others growth.Trust is essential to true friendship. We all need someone with whom we can share our lives, thoughts, feelings, and frustrations.We need to be able to share our deepest secrets with someone, without worrying that those secrets will end up known by others the next day! Failing to be trustworthy with those intimate secrets can destroy a friendship in a hurry.

Faithfulness and loyalty are key to true friendship. Without them, we often feel betrayed, left out, and lonely. In true friendship, there is no backbiting, no negative thoughts, no turning away. Loyalty is also essential to true friendship.

The famous maxim that "a friend in need is a friend indeed" is not the entire story of loyalty, however. A friend in triumph may be even harder to find. Isn't it easier to be a savior than a cheerleader for our friends?

It takes twenty-four-karat loyalty for a friend to soar alongside us when we are flying high rather than to bring us down to earth. Loyal friends not only lend a hand when you're in need; they applaud your successes and cheer you on without envy or jealousy when you prosper.

Real friends encourage one another and forgive one another where there has been an offense. Genuine friendship supports during times of struggle. Friends are dependable. In true friendship, unconditional love develops. We love our friends no matter what and we always want the best for our friends.

Real and true friendship involves freedom of choice, accountability, honesty, and dedication. Real friendship looks at the heart, not just the "packaging." Genuine friendship loves for love's sake, not for what it can get in return. True friendship is both challenging and exciting. It risks, it overlooks faults, and it loves unconditionally, but it also involves being truthful, even though it may hurt.

Honesty is a prerequisite to the true friends' relationship. It requires honesty that is carefully dealt in the context of respect. Dedication refers to the ability of two people to influence each others plans, thoughts, actions, and emotions, to spend time and effort on friendship, to give up something important or valuable for sake of friendship. Personal sacrifice. Selfless devotion. Commitment. These are the noble qualities true friendship requires.]

A true friend makes no excuses of having work or appointments or anything but will be with you whenever you need him/her. In your hour of desperation, a true friend will support you even if the whole world opposes you.

A true friend is not an opportunist. Instead of having hundreds of good friends, if you have one true friend, treat yourself lucky. If you can also become a true friend of someone, you will be blessed, because it is much easier for all of us to expect but very difficult to give.

Be a true friend yourself first.

Mother's day.... A note we all should take to heart

Remember to Call Your Mother...While you can

MOTHER'S DAY
By Sherry Denise Lucas

The sun shone bright onto her face, dancing on her eyelids. Within a few seconds, she opened her eyes to a new day. So full of promise and hope, just like the morning sunshine.

She bounded out of bed and pulled the blinds up. A gay spring day looked at her from the yard. Movement in a nearby tree caught her attention, so she stopped and gazed. Not wanting to startle whatever it was, she didn't move a muscle, only her eyes were lively.

Tiny heads peeped out over the top of a nest as a bird carrying a large worm hopped closer. Greedily, the babies took what was offered, then seemed to cry for more. She couldn't hear them, but their little mouths were wide open.

Smiling, she thought of her own children crying to be fed as infants. So dependent upon her, every need urgent and immediate. She watched as the larger bird flew off to find another morsel for the babies.

Turning around, her gaze came to rest upon the phone. Blinking back tears, she forced her attention elsewhere. Some said it was silly, and yet she yearned for that contact. Goodness knows, she could take care of herself, look at all the people she had taken care of for so many years. She got herself busy and did the things she needed to do. Still, the house was strangely empty. Nothing could match the atmosphere of children in the house. Like the baby bird, they had to fly and find their way in the world. She knew this in her mind, yet her heart still was saddened.

After a leisurely breakfast, she smiled and decided to relax by the window. It was such a beautiful day and it would be a shame to waste it. The plants were beginning to really take hold again after the long winter. The yard was a riot of color.

Sipping a cup of hot chocolate, she curled up by the window. She saw a young family walking by on the sidewalk. The young couple both helping to push the stroller with the baby in it. That sure brought back memories, she thought.

Her own children had already started their families. She wondered if they ever really understood. Laughing and talking, the young couple passed by. It seemed like that these days. Time marched on and there was nothing she could do to stop it.

She wasn't really sure she wanted to stop it, but it would be nice sometimes. The sun climbed higher and higher in the sky. The day was warming up nicely, it wasn't too hot this time of year. She opened the window to feel the nice breeze upon her gentle face.

'Would they love her no matter what?' she thought. It was so much like she was with her own mother. You did the best you could and that is all you could do. It was one of natures' cruel jokes that you had children when you didn't know very much. Then when you knew what you were doing, it was too late. Sure mistakes were made, but still she had tried to love them in adulthood. Shouldn't that count for something? They had been part of her body at one time. You sure couldn't be closer to someone than that. Rocking back and forth, she felt the warm breeze on her face. It just wasn't fair, you did the best you could, what you thought was right, and it didn't matter. Oh you wanted so badly to take all the pain for them, and make sure that no one ever hurt them.

Shaking her head, she knew that must have been bad for them when they did get hurt as a child. They wouldn't have learned how to stand on their own if she hadn't let them go those times. Like the baby birds being pushed out of the nest. They wailed and cheeped, but it was the best thing for them. Taking a sip, she thought, but, she was tough. She had survived many other things, what was a day like this meant for anyway? A bit of recognition? Hmm, she just imagined all the mother birds gathered together, complaining that their offspring never noticed them anymore. That brought a brief smile to her lips.

It was natures' way, she thought resignedly. Her tender love had nurtured them through the early years. She could at least know that they were ok because of her. Well, because of themselves also, of course. Society tried to teach her children what they wanted them to know. But, still they needed to know that... She shook her head, these thoughts were getting her nowhere. Wiping a tear away, she took another sip. It was so hard being a mother.

She didn't want to seem whiny or clinging. That is the reason she didn't call them today, not because she didn't care. Let her children express their love to her as they saw fit. It was so hard to wait, though. The sun began to slip further towards the west. It had been hours and she hadn't even noticed. The chocolate was very cold, and not very comforting. She felt no appetite and didn't want to move. Some things no one else could do for her but her children. Not a husband, a lover, a friend, or anyone else. This day was a bond between her and her children.

Sweet tears rolled from her eyes as she wrapped her arms around her knees. Had she really failed? Intellectually, she knew she had done the best she could do. Could anyone ask more? Yet, it didn't seem to be enough. She sighed deeply as she watched the phone awaiting its ring.

Her children were the ultimate judge on this day. Had she been a good mother, or like one of the horror stories one reads about in the tabloids. This, however, was one area where only her children could soothe her.

The sun finally dipped below the horizon, and still she had not moved. No calls and no visit today. It was like any other day. Do your duty and we will shuffle you off somewhere where we don't have to look at you. Why should I expect anything more?

Standing up and wiping her face, she resolved not to feel sorry for herself anymore. She had run the whole range of emotions today, and it hadn't changed a thing. Sometimes she wished this day would be abolished.

Her children were alive and well. That is more than could be said for some of the other women she knew. She did not have the anguish of burying all her children. That was a blessing. So what if they forgot again? It was just another day.

She bustled around and fixed herself a quiet supper, then curled up with a book in bed. The phone sat there like a sentinel, yet it didn't ring. She turned, so as not to see it, and continued to read.

Gaining some inner resolve, she held her emotions tightly reined. No matter what , she loved them. With a tender smile, a tear rolled on her pillow as she drifted to sleep.

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

Learn from our ancestors

We hold within us all the beauty in life Our Creator has bestowed upon us. We also hold within us the values, teachings and the ways of our elders who lived before us. No matter our family heritage there are those who came before us that have taught great things to others. If we hold dear those good things that have been taught to us over the years and allow them to reflect in who we are then we too can teach good things to our children and the children of the world. Don't allow anyone to take from you the great teachings of your ancestors. Some of my most treasured memories in life were of the teachings from my parents, grandparents that they passed down to me from those who taught them. We now hold the staff to march ahead in life and make a difference. I think the responsibility that has been passed down to us is important enough to take serious and pursue with honor and respect.

Facing Fear

"it is the Unknown that nearly drives us nutso."

This is actually a form of fear that many of us have. We fear so many things in our lives. I have had to come to a quick realization about a few things recently along this area. Fear is a common problem. Some of our fears are legitimate but some of them may be groundless. Either way they can mean anguish for the person living in fear. We sometimes worry about things that aren't real. We imagine that illness is going to wreck havoc with our bodies, or even kill us. We also worry about things in our families, their safety, etc. Some worry that a child may get their illness. I've heard women speak about that they fear that their husband will leave them if they get really ill. Their fear had no basis because their husband to that point hadn't done anything to warrant these thoughts.

Not being afraid is an element of trusting God and of being a godly person. Being fearless is included in the description of the excellent wife in Proverbs 31 See Proverbs 31:21,25. Peter tells us to "do what is right without being frightened by any fear" 1 Peter 3:5,6. God's word does acknowledge that fear may be a problem but we are to respond to fears in a biblical manner. So many times our fear opens the door to panic and with panic we often get carried away and the fears that develop don't correlate with the actual circumstances. We have added reasons to be afraid without any concrete facts.

Think about it, how many of us have had this feeling that something bad is going to happen? That is senseless fear of something that may never happen but we'll lie awake at night or worry constantly about it. How many have been afraid when our children go out by themselves? Well we should pray to God to take care of our child, believe that he will, and trust him to keep his word. Yes bad things do happen and people do lose their children but we must not be anxious, uneasy or worried for something that may never happen.

When fear takes over it may hinder us in being steadfast in our own responsibilities. We may not be able to sleep and then we are sick afterwards and can't do things we are responsible for. Fear can also open the gateway to cause sin to enter. When we are afraid or distraught from the fear we are more likely to be impatient or harsh with someone. Some people may have to lie to others to justify their fear. Some wives may let their fears cause them to try to usurp the headship given by God to husbands. We may be drawn through fear of what others may think to a point where we engage in arguments. Fear can cripple us emotionally if we don't put the situation into God's hand and trust him to take care of it and us put our fear away.

Look at what Fear caused Peter to do. When Jesus was arrested Peter was afraid of what may happen to him if the people knew he was with Jesus before and was one of his apostles. Peter denied the Lord Jesus. Matthew 26:69-70. We can all understand Peters fear but he denied the Lord and that was a sinful act. We must remind ourselves that God was and still is sovereign over every circumstance. God will give you the grace to make it through any trial if you just give it over to him, believe his word where he said he will handle it for us and trust him to keep his word. Read Proverbs 29:25 Hebrews 13:6 and 1 Peter 3:6 Worrying about tomorrow is wrong because we don't know what tomorrow holds. We should just deal with today and ask for God's grace to manage.

We all know that we shouldn't fear but should run to God in prayer about things and give it unto him to solve and not worry about it. See: Philippians 4:6,7 If we put what we fear into his hands then we can have peace. Here are some scriptures that may help you find solutions to fear.

Galatians 2:12 "For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision"
We shouldn't be a man pleaser but work to please God. It is more important what God thinks of you than what people think of you. In the scripture above Peter was being a pleaser of men, he feared what they would think of him. His desire to please men placed him in the position of having to fear he would be found out. We should seek God's approval not mans.

Psalm 119:52,114,143,165 (Due to length I won't type these scriptures out but please go read). From this I found great peace from God if I will memorize and meditate on God's promises that apply to me.

These promises are tried and true. The promises that apply to our own lives will fortify us. If we can memorize a specific scripture that applies to a situation we are experiencing and recite it when we feel fear, it will help us to respond with wisdom and according to scripture.

Proverbs 3:21-26 (Again due to length I won't type these scriptures out but please go read). From this I realized that if our decisions are wise ones and based on scripture then we will rest more peacefully and our fears and worries will be less. Not making wise and biblical decisions can actually cause us to allow snares for ourselves to be set up. Wisdom is the ability to relate truth (God's word) to life situations. If we use wisdom we will know how to cope with fears we may have. The scripture above in Proverbs even shows us that in extreme circumstances when we are being attacked by wickedness, fear will not overcome us if we use wisdom and depend on his word to guide us.

II Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love and of a sound mind".

Boy does this speak to us. Reminding ourselves of God's power and his love for us and all mankind should be of great comfort to us when we have fear. When we are going through something that frightens us we tend to get carried away and may be fearful of what we THINK about the circumstances and not fearful of the actual true circumstance. We may have added things in there that aren't true or haven't happened. Then our focus becomes inward and we become more frightened. We worry about what is going to happen to us when we should pray for the factual circumstance we are facing at that moment and put what MAY happen into God's hands. We shouldn't fear sickness or death. Read Matthew 10:28 and Proverbs 1:7
Psalm 23:4 "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

I had a man ask me once what thought crossed my mind when I read that scripture. I said "Am I going to die?" LOL. He said that it meant I shouldn't be afraid of death. I should be at peace with God and know that he will take care of me. My time will come when it comes and I shouldn't be wasting time I could be living by worrying about death. We should remind ourselves and trust that God is always with us. Remember that no matter what happens that God will walk through it with us.

Psalm 56:4 "In God I will praise his words, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."

This is a big one. We have the choice to decide who we are going to trust to keep us safe and secure. We shouldn't put our trust in things other than God. We should praise God and trust him to keep his word. Don't trust in ourselves or people in the world, trust in God. We can trust God to help us and we can trust him to keep his word.

See Matthew 24:35

Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."
Seek out the Lord when you are afraid. Talk to the Lord when you are afraid and he will talk back to you through His Word. God will deliver us from every sinful fear, however great or small. Instead of turning to some other form of escape when we are afraid we should turn to God.
See Hebrews 4:12 and I Corinthians 10:13

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that fearesth is not made perfect in love."

Overcome our fears with Love. One key to overcoming fear is to put on biblical love for God and for others. We show love to God by obeying his Word. When we think about ourselves our fear usually escalates. Remember when I mentioned above how we sometimes think that something horrible is going to happen. This can make us become completely panicked over absolutely nothing. Same thing with having an illness. We fear the unknown and the fact that it is unknown means we are worrying about absolutely nothing. What we are worried about may never happen. When we overcome the fear with Love it causes us to look for opportunities to give and often gets our mind off of the fears. See I Corinthians 13:6

Now of course we all have legitimate concerns about our health and even life in general. There are two ways to respond to such legitimate concerns. One is to focus on the present day and what God considers our responsibility regarding the concern. The other is to focus on the future, jump to a rash conclusion, usually the worse possible conclusion and then panic. God can't give us grace to respond biblically to a focus of the future that isn't real. See Matthew 6:34 and Philippians 4:8. We should focus on today and what our responsibilities are for today. Regarding our concerns about our health, we know we must take our medications, perhaps go to the doctor, care for our health needs and pray for God's guidance. We can add our name to prayer chains. God will give us grace to focus on today and what we must do today. My favorite scripture to help me with this issue is Philippians 4:6-9

We should put out un-biblical thoughts and put on biblical thoughts. The biblical thoughts will overcome fear. If we think that something is frightening and it is a true fear we just have to commit ourselves to do the right thing. Our responsibility is to do what is right and God will at that time give us grace and wisdom to respond. If something comes up and we don't know how to respond there is nothing wrong with telling them we need to think and get back with them later. Then seek God's word. When we are afraid of something remember your favorite scripture and recite it to yourself in your mind or even aloud to overcome the fear. Be careful not to respond to something in an unbiblical way. Fear will cause us to do that if we allow it.

Don't be anxious or fearful. Pray a biblical prayer of supplication with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). Pray right away, don't wait because the fear will grow if you don't act immediately. When you are having fearful thoughts be sure that they are biblical. Philippians 4:8 is a good guide to check. If you persist in this you will experience the "peace of God which passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) and the "God of peace shall be with you" (Philippians 4:9).

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

Illegal Immigrants on U.S. Welfare System

It has come to light that there are illegal immigrants in this country that are receiving welfare and foods stamps.

Below are some news sources to provide the facts and following are examples of some twitter discussion.

Feds caught promoting welfare to foreigners
The U.S. government has been caught promoting the delivery of taxpayer-funded welfare benefits to foreigners, and Judicial Watch's conclusion is that the Obama administration "cannot be trusted to protect our borders." Judicial Watch, the Washington watchdog which is known for tracking down and trying to stamp out government corruption, has issued a report revealing that the U.S. -WND Click here to read full article

Confirmed: Majority of Illegal Immigrants Receive Government Welfare
It's an Obama world. We're $16 trillion in debt and giving welfare to illegal immigrants. Including Barack Obama's illegal alien aunt. But Obama's illegal alien Auntie Zeituni insists, "I didn't take advantage of the system - The system took advantage of me." Gateway Pundit Click here to read full article

USDA Flyer: We Don't Check Immigration Status for Food Stamps
A government watchdog group has discovered that the United States government is advising Spanish-speaking residents that they need not declare their immigration status to qualify for food stamps. - Breitbart Click here to real full article

Shocking US government leaflet tells Mexican immigrants they can collect food stamp benefits without admitting they're in the country illegally - David Icke Website Click here to read full article

Immigration bills.....

Immigration bill to bring in at least 33 million people, says group
The pending Senate immigration bill would bring a minimum of 33 million people into the country during its first decade of operation, according to an analysis by NumbersUSA, a group that wants to slow the current immigration rate. - Daily Caller Click here to read full article

Holder Calls Amnesty a 'Civil Right'
The Fox Nation is for those opposed to intolerance, excessive government control of our lives, and attempts to monopolize opinion or suppress freedom of thought, expression, and worship. Read more... We invite all Americans who share these values to join us here at Fox Nation. Click here for full article

Tweets from "We the people"

JWWright
@TheWrightWingv2
#ThingsThatIrritateMe $16 trillion in debt, giving welfare 2 illegal immigrants. Including Obama’s aunt. #tcot #ctot #OpSLAM #p2 #uniteblue

Jeannie
@jeanniemcbride
"Illegal aliens use their kids as the golden ticket to American welfare." — dk1951

Bryce Henderson
@iserveajew
The USDA is using your tax money to advertise welfare programs to illegal immigrants in Spanish. They're doing..

dexum
@dexybailman
RT @gardenofthegods: "We need to cut off all welfare, aid, benifits, public assistance for illegal aliens,which would force…" — BobRooney3 …

michael
@TheUofofan
RT @Kegan05: @Kegan05 We would do better 2 eliminate incoming immigrants welfare pmts altogether & make no bones about rigid selectivit…

Claire Mahoney
@TaggertGirl
@marcorubio Community organizers will not "educate" immigrants on citizenship. They will indoctrinate them to welfare statism & Dem party

Robert@rcadyn
@rcadyn
RT @jjauthor: Are 60% or more of illegal immigrants really candidates for govt Welfare as many studies show? It does seem so!

Mary Palmer
@MaryP58
RT @Scotscouser: I don't know why I keep posting evidence. No one who hates immigrants ever believes it anyway, even if they can...

6thSonof11Sibs
@rsanterre44
RT @michaelwweston: FEDS CAUGHT PROMOTING WELFARE TO FOREIGNERS--and you wonder why immigrants show up here looking for a hand-out?

inside man 55
@inside_man_55
#2: We should not encourage illegal immigrants to come here, use our state resources, go on welfare, and compete with the unemployed.

The Sportsman
@Nezzy_Lives
20,000 arrivals x family reunions allowed = almost 100,000 largely undocumented, unskilled, illiterate immigrants on welfare. #auspol

BARRY CUDA
@BARRYCUDA3
RT @Defending2A: Immigrants getting welfare. No wonder people come here by the millions. Free money and food. Could not get in their home…

Raymond E. Hall
@redhill1_
As broke as we are, are we not a great country to keep our immigrants on welfare while they prepare to blow our legs off?

MaryEllen
@cherryblossom06
How do Mass. taxpayers feel about paying for welfare and healthcare of "undocumented immigrants"and the policies of Gov.Patrick ?

B. T. Ward
@Lawofficesofbtw
Help the budget: Stop welfare and services to illegal immigrants. And yes their ILLEGALS not simply undocumented. They broke the law.

dirtydog1776
@dirtydog1776
Have no problem with immigration to this country, just a problem inviting immigrants to this country &telling them that welfare is a right..

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

Full Dzokhar Tsarnaev Criminal Complaint Released

Full Dzokhar Tsarnaev Criminal Complaint reveals shocking details of surveillance footage linking suspects to the bombings.

Read here : http://www.scribd.com/doc/137397984/Dzokhar-Tsarnaev-Criminal-Complaint-130421-1847

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

Mirandize or not? Boston Bombing Suspect

This is a volatile discussion because of the horrendous atrocity that took place in Boston. We saw a bomb sat behind the legs of an 8 year old little boy and his sister, taking his life and the leg of his sister. The horrific scene where too many lives lost and so many others changed forever brought heartbreak, disgust and anger to us all. We saw the reality of the war on terrorism we are in. We saw police officers and security personnel gunned down as suspects tried to escape capture. It is understandable for us to want the people responsible to pay for what they've done in the most horrible way the law will allow.

I have NO sympathy for bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and his elder brother who was killed after a shoot out when his younger brother ran over him in his own attempt to escape capture. They made the conscience decision to kill and injure and based on reports it appears to be due to extremist terrorist views. Dzhokhar was a naturalized citizen of the United States. Upon his capture agents have chosen to use the "public safety" clause to delay reading him his Miranda rights and interrogate him first. I agree there is precedent for him to be charged as an enemy combatant, but is it the right thing to do?

He was awarded citizenship and all the rights that entails. (My issues with the path taken to give him citizenship I will save for another time) Does the fact he was not a natural citizen born here make a difference? I know it is easy to feel he abandoned the vows he took when he was sworn in at citizenship by his actions and therefore should have no rights, but what doors does this open? The fact is that because he wasn't read his Miranda rights doesn't mean he doesn't still have them but could it effect the use of his testimony at a later date? The overwhelming circumstantial evidence seems to secure a conviction in his case but what about future cases.

We have natural born citizens who decide to murder and just like Timothy McVeigh we have domestic terrorists among us. What about other cases? In recent times we've seen the govt want to change the constitution and take away rights we've enjoyed. With the onslaught of attack on gun rights what if they were to decide an individual who took up arms and shot a citizen could be tried as an enemy combatant? This is a slippery slope and once the bottom is reached it may be impossible to climb back up. Shouldn't we have confidence in our judicial system and remain faithful to the constitution and the right to legal counsel?

May God bless all the families of those lost, the injured and their families as well as the people of Boston. Huge gratitude to the officers and citizens who helped to capture the suspects. Prayers going up that justice will be served.


- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

Laughter at Obama The Torch Bearer

Our President of the United States (POTUS) has the audacity to make The claim he is the so called 'torch bearer' of Margaret Thatchers push for freedom. This from a man that is tirelessly trying to take rights away from U.S. citizens

Twitter responds

Sherry Lucas
@PorchPhilosophy
Oh Lord, I am laughing so hard at the audacity of Obama's claim he is carrying Lady Thatcher's freedom torch. He is a disgrace and a joke.

gail peters
@callmechick
@PorchPhilosophy sorta like last week when he told us we need to be more fiscally responsible? Yea, that was a real side splitter!

Sherry Lucas
@PorchPhilosophy
@MRM_IN He doesn't realize how ludicrous that claim is when he is working tirelessly to change our constitutional rights @DanRiehl

Sherry Lucas
@PorchPhilosophy
@suzost We certainly do need a strong leader like Margaret Thatcher to save this country @DLoesch

Sherry Lucas
@PorchPhilosophy
. @stevekloscak his only thoughts of freedom is to think of ways to take it away from us.

Jo McMahon
@Louis_Jo
@PorchPhilosophy So right Sherry!

JV
@Odieyama
@PorchPhilosophy He makes each and every event about himself.

Cast theWord
@bill_sexton
@PorchPhilosophy his arrogance never rests!

Sherry Lucas
@PorchPhilosophy
@MRM_IN I think Obama is such a narcissist I'm not sure he can separate fact from fiction when it comes to himself. @DanRiehl

Jessica Messler
@JessicaMessler
@PorchPhilosophy @odieyama posted a picture of himself looking at the moon the last time... Narcissism at its finest

Jon A. Hartz, Sr.
@JonAHartzSr
@PorchPhilosophy @BarackObama There is no self-awareness or shame in these people.

Stephen Kloscak
@stevekloscak
@PorchPhilosophy Obama has a strange idea of what freedom means.

Rob
@rovibe71
He probably stole it. RT @PorchPhilosophy I am laughing at the audacity of Obama's claim he is carrying Lady Thatcher's freedom torch.

Papa Grumpy
@Papa7326
@PorchPhilosophy I wonder does he believe hisself or is he just BSing the country?

Sherry Lucas
@PorchPhilosophy
. @Papa7326 Well it's BS for sure. He can fool himself all he wants but we see him for the person he is.

DBW
@USAF_DBW
.@MidAmericanGuy @porchphilosophy @papa7326 One thing has remained and it's the non-stop push to socialism. For us it's a lifetime fight.

Papa Grumpy
@Papa7326
@PorchPhilosophy it’s ridiculous. 1986 I joined the Army to fight Communism. Now we got one as POTUS. That’s deserves a WTF

Rusty Shackleford
@RustyLiberty
@PorchPhilosophy I threw up in my mouth a little bit when I heard that.

XPC DALLAS
@NOTPCTX
@PorchPhilosophy well a torch is so much bigger than a candle so he is SOL. I wouldn't trust him w/ matches but he probably still smokes

Richard Rivette
@VoteRivette
"@PorchPhilosophy: Laughter at Obamas claim to be Thatchers torch Bearer sfy.co/t4Dz #storify" delusional nutcase. #tgdn #impeach

Vincent Breen
@vlb55jr
@PorchPhilosophy this jackwagon has no clue that he is making total moron out of self

Florence Bennett
@FlorenceBenne11
.@PorchPhilosophy He has to take on another's greatness & claim their accomplishments because he has none of his own.

R.I.P Lady Thatcher. You were the Iron Lady and we honor you for the strength and integrity in which you lead.

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

Party at the White House while We The People deal with Sequestration

The POTUS (President of the United States) expresses the need for youth to be more responsible with spending while they party down at the White House at the expense of our tax dollars

Obama Proclaims April the Month to Teach Young People 'How to Budget Responsibly' | CNS News
(CNSNews.com) - President Barack Obama, who has increased the national debt by $53,377 per household, has proclaimed April "National Financial Capability Month," during which his administration will do things such as teach young people "how to budget responsibly." CNSNEWS

How hypocritical can you be? Cry out the need for responsible spending while the Obama family goes on eight vacations since Jan 2013 and plans a star studded event at the White House
Sequestration celebration at the White House?

FOX·A DAY AGO

Obama Sings Along To Justin Timberlake's Rendition Of "Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay" | RealClearPolitics
President Obama and the first family enjoy singer and actor Justin Timberlake performing Otis Redding's classic "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" during the White House's celebration of Memphis Soul. PBS will air an edited version of tonight's concert on April 16th.
REALCLEARPOLITICS

Sean Hannity Reveals the hypocrisy

Hannity explodes over Party Animal in Chief Obama's flash
Sean Hannity proclaimed on Fox News Tuesday it was "party time" at the White House, but not included on the guest list were the American taxpayers who had to foot the bill. The Obamas hosted the "Memphis Soul" concert, while sequester cuts continue to halt public tours of the White House.

The People Respond on Twitter

Sherry Lucas
@PorchPhilosophy
. @donnabrazile Have a blast in the people's house on the people's dollar while we the people sit at home struggling to pay bills.

Anita MonCrief
@anitamoncrief
North Korea threatens the US while Justin Timberlake hangs at the White House. Shouldn't Obama be in a briefing or something?

RedGalBlueState
@RedGalBlueState
Thank goodness "Memphis Soul" wasn't a victim of the Draconian Sequester Cuts, right @DonnaBrazile? twitter.com/donnabrazile/s…

Constitutionalist
@Seven_Oaks_
@donnabrazile sequester celebration. Unreal the bold moves this Administration make in light of poor economy. He doesn't give a shit!

Judi Flynn
@Judi_Flynn2
RT @AlexMarlow: White House is closed for tours for kids, open for @donnabrazile dancing to soul music.

Carmen G Pastor
@cgpb
RT @Loxodonta_s: More #Sequester suffering: RT @justin_hart: Camera pans to @donnabrazile getting down listening to @jtimberlake via htt ...

BillTaylor
@Will441965
RT @TeaPartyBoise: BY DAY, OBAMA DEMAGOGUES TO TAKE YOUR GUNS AWAY. BY NIGHT, HE TURNS THE WHITE HOUSE INTO SOUL TRAIN. ENOUGH! http://t ...

D.Reid
@castletoking
RT @MorelHunting: So it's soul night at the White House, but blues night in America. #tcot. God help us all.

kln
@kln_
‘Memphis Soul’ Night at a Soulless White House zite.to/16LBpBm via @zite

The night ends with a grand exit

@BobMehr
Prez and First Lady exit with the music playing. Night of Memphis soul at the White House comes to an end. #memsoul

I guess as American citizens sat home tonight sorting out bills and many worrying about finding a job it's nice to know the great spender in chief was having fun on our hard earned tax dollar.

Update: More responses from "We The People"

Douglas W. Cooper
@douglaswcooper
@PorchPhilosophy Where's the "shared sacrifice," Chief?

Whiplash
@L0gJammer
@PorchPhilosophy Sherry, King O and his Q are spending like a couple of illiterates that just won the Lotto. At a time more Green comp. die.

Whiplash
@L0gJammer
@PorchPhilosophy We the people carry the burden of his lust for gold and glory. Two of the 3 G's of war.

Truth To Remember
@TruthToRemember
@PorchPhilosophy One of these things is not like the other. Self-interest at its worst. #tcot #tgdn

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

Wake Up America: This could happen to you.

The 2nd amendment provides citizens the ability to protect themselves from not only criminal acts but also the government. Many say, that would never happen. That's not true. It's happened before. Just read below the story of a Cherokee family. If it happened then to that fraction of society it can happen to anyone alive today. Don't give up your rights.

Sally was doing daily chores about the house as usual when the roaring sound became obvious. She listened intently as the sounds became so loud she thought they would crush her ear drums. The sounds of them coming or was it the beating of her heart from fear. She knew the time was near when she would have to leave her home but had held onto what seemed now as a false hope that her husband and the others would stop this from happening. She didn't know if her family would survive.

She heard the sounds of horses as they topped the hills just across the ridge, with only minutes left, she rustled through the drawers, cabinets and closets and tucked all she could think of into her clothing. It wasn't valuables she was seeking to keep safe, it was family records, things that must be passed on to future generations. "If we die" she thought, "how will others know we ever existed?"

Sally was frightened for her life and the life of her family but far worse, she was frightened for an entire nation of people that she truly feared may just disappear. Quickly she gathered the children into the front room of their home. Her husband had went that day to a meeting miles away and had been given the word of others that his wife and children would be safe till he returned. Not realizing that the word of those seeking to remove them from their land was worth nothing. There was no honor in their promises. There was no respect in their heart for the Cherokee people.

Sally's husband George had been working to obtain a safe haven for his people. The beautiful hills, the beautiful valleys the beauty of the voices heard by all who listened... the ancestors speaking to their children. This was their land and he was determined to use everything he knew to keep this tragedy from happening. He spent many nights away, many hours when home, combing over documents, reading all he could in the hopes that somehow, someway, that what was about to happen, could be avoided.

Once gathered with her children in the front room, Sally began to pray for The Creator to spare them and to soften the hearts of those thundering toward their home. The children felt the fear as they wrapped their small arms around their mother's legs, her shaking was so violent that their little bodies were jerking in rhythm. With nothing to do but wait on the impending end of the only life they'd ever known, she shook, she cried, she prayed, she held her children close.

Suddenly the thundering stopped and turned into voices, men were screaming to one another "Go around back, Get the fire going, get them out here, nothing is to be left standing, lets kill them, no they have to live because they will be worth more alive than dead...." Sally huddled close with her children as the front door is kicked in and men rush in shoving them, screaming into the faces of her and the children, spitting in her face as she looked at them with tears, "Splugh, you worthless indian, stop the tears, they will gain you no sympathy from us."

Hurried outside being poked, prodded and knocked to the ground, crawling quickly to rise to their feet. Pushed outside toward a group of men. Sally stood there bleeding from her wounds, hurting from the hits, grasping onto the little arms of her children who now were scarred far worse then physical. She watched as the men set fire to their home, inside everything they'd ever known as a family. They are now at the mercy of vile men who were taking them to a place unknown. She didn't know if she would see her husband again or if he'd even know that they were alive.

Walking with weapons pointed at them, looking back as their house was burning and beginning a trail...... a trail of tears.

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

No Child is a Mistake

I don't believe any child is a "mistake" nor should any child be viewed in that way. It may be true that parents may not be expecting or even planning for a child when they learn they are about to have one but that doesn't make that child a mistake. I've heard parents say "that pregnancy was a mistake, I didn't mean to get pregnant." In my opinion, the pregnancy may have been unplanned but it was no mistake. Yes I do speak to this topic with a slanted opinion because of my background as a Christian. But putting that aside I still believe that when a person makes the decision to have sexual relations then they must either protect themselves from pregnancy or accept with joy the pregnancy when it occurs.

I'll give an example. I have a friend who's daughter was only 17 and her and her boyfriend was sexually active, without her parents knowledge of course. Well she got pregnant and came to her mother. She had first told her boyfriend and he told her he didn't want the baby and he wouldn't have anything more to do with her if she had it. Well she thankfully dumped the boyfriend and with the support of her family and friends she had a beautiful baby.

After its birth she thought she should do the right thing and let the father know that the child was born. So she called him and his reply was "Cool, well thanks for letting me know." He wasn't even interested in seeing it. She asked him if he wished to see the child and he said. "No not particularly, I'm a little curious if he looks like me but not curious enough to want to see him." She then asked him if he wanted to pay child support for the next 18 years or if he wanted to legally sign away any rights to this child. His reply was "I'll sign away all my rights, I'm not ready to be a father". Well if he wasn't ready to be a father then why on earth was he so willing to risk pregnancy with her by having unprotected sex. I'm sure she wasn't ready to be a mother either but she now was a mother and had to stand up and take responsibility for her own actions. I must say that this girl is a very very good mother and to my knowledge, now several years later the father has never asked to see his child or wanted to be in its life at all.

This child was not ever considered a mistake. He has grown up being loved as much as any child could be. His life changed their world and for the better. And who knows he could grow up to change the world for millions or perhaps for every creature on this planet. We never know what the future holds for each precious child that is born. So how could any child be considered a mistake.

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

Keeping a Christlike Character when verbally attacked

We all have been verbally attacked at some point in our life. Sometimes it is just a simple ill word from our spouse or a friend. Verbal attacks often tempt us to respond in the same manner that they spoke to us. Here is what the Bible says.

First remember that when a person verbally attacks you or you feel the need to verbally attack others it is a form of anger that is motivating this. There are two Greek words for anger
Raging anger is "Orge" This means a violent passion, anger which includes vengeance. Colossians 3:8 tells us to put this type of anger aside. Don't the word "Orge" pronounced "Orgay" remind you of another word we know? Ogre. Also in Galatians chapter 5 we see "outbursts of anger" addressed as one of the deeds of the Flesh. In Colossians 3:8 it is translated as wrath. I think that angry tempers, fierce, indignation, passion, rage or wrath applies.

Irritation is another form of anger translated from the word "parorgismos". Ephesians 4:26 tells us to "not let the sun go down on your anger" but the word used in the original scriptures is "parorgismos" so this means that we shouldn't let the sun go down even when we are just irritated led alone when we have full blown raging anger. We should pray and solve those feelings.

What does the bible say...
James 1:20

"For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
Titus 3:2

"To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all
meekness unto all men".
James 4:11,12

"Speak not evil one of another brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brothers, speaketh evil of the law and judgeth the law; but if they judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one law giver, who is able to save and to destroy; who art thou that judgest another."
Proverbs 15:1

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger"
Matthew 5:9

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God"
Proverbs 14:29,30

"He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones"
Sometimes our pride over what was said to us or about us may result in our feeling a form of anger but pride can be a dangerous emotion if we give into it.
Proverbs 13:10

"Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised wisdom."
The wisest thing to do is to submit to God the control over it.
See James 4:7

Pride can make us assume we know what the other person is thinking and before we know it we have added thoughts into their head without us knowing what they truly think. Often thoughts that are negative, critical, and judgmental are presumptuous.

I try to respond with love and a kind word or if it is a situation where I can remain silent, I do, so as not to become a "brawler". I have learned to then just leave the situation in God's hands through prayer.

Righteous Anger: Since I brought up anger I feel I should speak a little about what I view as righteous anger. We all have gotten angry at times over something that we felt justified the emotions we were experiencing. First I believe that righteous anger, true righteous anger is very very rare. Jesus portrayed it in John Chapter two when he visited the temple and got angry because they had began using it to sell merchandise and he turned over all of their tables.

Most of the time our anger isn't righteous. To test to see if our anger is righteous we should read Philippians 4:8 and even when we are under provocation we must continue to think "true thoughts" meaning, what we are upset over should be truth and we should not stretch the truth or exaggerate it or only be upset over only half of the truth. The thoughts behind our anger and the way we share it should be "honest, just, pure and good thoughts." Think about this last one. Often because of our human nature our anger makes us want to take that person down, get revenge or to ruin their name or we just want to make them pay for making us angry or doing what they did. We are not thinking pure, honest and good thoughts then are we? I am willing to say that our actions that would follow wouldn't be righteous either.
Deuteronomy 32:35 says that "vengeance belongs to God".

Sometimes we allow our anger to grow to a point when we are not expressing our anger for righteous purposes but for our own gain, unrighteous thoughts or for sinful pride and even out of fear of what was said against us or to us being believed by others. Read I Corinthians 13:5.
If our anger doesn't fit into the list at Philippians 4:8 then our anger is not honoring God and it is sinful not righteous.

- Posted by Sherry Lucas using BlogPress for iPad.

People we associate with

We should always remember this


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Impatience, Doubt and Mistrust

Psalms 106:7-23 makes us give thought to what those people had witnessed God do for them. He supplied the deliverer 'Moses' as the prophets had written, he delivered them from great bondage, he parted the waters of the Red Sea so that they could cross and escape from the hands of those following to kill them, he fed them with manna falling from the sky and he supplied water from dry rocks along their route. 

We in today's time may think how could they after seeing all of that ever deny the power of God. How could they doubt that he would supply their needs for the rest of their trip, how could they doubt that he'd deliver them to where he had promised? How after seeing such wondrous signs could they ever doubt?

They did doubt! 

They got inpatient and took matters in their own hands and created a golden calf as an idol to worship. They turned their back on God because they didn't think he was giving them what they wanted quick enough. They didn't want to wait, they wanted it all now. They became afraid that what they had been promised may never come to pass. 

Without patience our desires tend to run wild and we probably end up trying God's patience with us. It is easy for us to think about how blind they must have been in Psalm 106 to have seen all of that and still not trust God to deliver them as promised. 

Well don't we do the same thing all the time? We may not have seen seas parted but we have seen the wondrous works of God in our lives, in the lives of others and in the world today. Yet, people every day turn their backs to God and doubt him, take matters into their own control, and deny God has the power to deliver them.

We have been promised many things in God's word. 

God has given many promises if we rely on him, trust him and come to him. But, when we believe we have trusted him and have given things to him but we don't feel the answer came quick enough or perhaps it wasn't the answer we sought, don't we just like the people in Psalm 106 become inpatient? Sure we do. 

We forget to trust that we will receive eternal life with God, we forget that this life is just our passage to be with him, we forget that God's way is the only way, our way if we pursue it without God's guidance will in all likelihood be the wrong path. 
We are no better then those people in Psalm 106. 

We also tend to not rely on God to answer our desires, supply our needs, give us the strength to get through a trying time, to heal us, to give us wisdom. How many times have you turned to prayer to get God's guidance when you have had a crisis? We have seen the wonders of God but we to deny him and don't seek him at all times when we are in need. 

God has sent us our own deliverer, Jesus Christ. Yet, after God sending his son to exist on earth and to be crucified for our sins, we still sometimes doubt when our needs are great. 

How can we after seeing God work in our lives ever doubt his love for us, ever doubt his desire to help us, ever doubt his ability to solve all of our problems, ever doubt his willingness to give us comfort during hard times, ever doubt his wish to guide us toward a path of righteousness? 

Most of all how could we ever doubt the promises that has been granted to us if we Just believe? Every word of the bible gives us peace, comfort, guidance, words to live by. If we follow them and rely on God for his comfort, his guidance, his wisdom and his insight, our life will be so much better. 

It is when we don't rely on God and we take our lives into our own hands that we get ourselves into situations we shouldn't have, into friendships we may suffer from, into relationships we shouldn't be in, into financial situations we can't handle, into dire emotional straits we can't cope with, into such turmoil that our life may seem endless and unbearable. 

Turn it all to God, give it to him, seek his word, seek his love, seek his comfort, seek his guidance, wisdom and insight. Seek God in your lives at every turn. We have seen his power, we have seen his miracles, we have seen his wonder, now we must have patience and let God work in our lives.

This weeks edition of Porch Philosophy News

Mar 27, 2013 weekly edition of Porch Philosophy News. Southern style, Pull up a rocker, pour some sweet tea. Enjoy! http://t.co/3j7EmhRuwQ