Things I Never Wanted on my Bucket List (Reprise)

 When I think about my life, it was pretty unchanged for a long time. I made choices that made it not so great for a time, but that was on me. The following things are things that have happened to me due to the toxic presence of evil people in my life. Things beyond my control:

• Homelessness. Three times
• My kids' suffering
• Complete dependence on others
• Lies told and believed about me
• Shame and embarrassment
• Feelings of despair, uselessness, worthlessness and hopelessness
• Absolute financial ruin
• No stable church home
• Loss of friends and family
• Having to change jobs multiple times
• Unplanned pregnancies (not unwanted. I always want God's babies. Just unplanned)
• Fear. Paralyzing fear
• Abuse of every kind

Many of these things still haunt me. But they don't define me. They are not who I am. Let me tell you who I am. According to Jesus Christ:


I am loved (John 3:16)
I am God's (1 John 3:1)
I am worthy (Zephaniah 3:17)
I am purposed (Jeremiah 29:11)
I am redeemed (Ephesians 1:7)
I am called (Isaiah 43:1)
I am light (Matthew 5:14)
I am chosen (Revelation 17:14)
I am a saint of God (Romans 1:7)
I am a servant (Acts 26:16)
I am a steward (1 Peter 4:10)
I am a soldier (2 Timothy 2:3)
I am a witness (Acts 1:8)
I am a worker (Ephesians 2:10)
I am victorious (1 Corinthians 16:57)
I have a glorious future (Romans 8:18)
I am a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20)
I am an ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20)


When God looks at me, he sees wonderful imperfection made perfect through Jesus. And He has surrounded me with people who see the real me too. So I'm going to add some things to my list. Things I have that I didn't place the proper weight on before.

• True forgiveness
• Real love
• Proper perspective
• Dignity
• Integrity
• Hope
• Peace
• Grace
• Mercy
• Strength
• Fervor
• True family and friends
• Unwavering faith
• Determination

The line of a song comes to mind.
"Though the sorrow may last for the night...His joy comes with the morning"


Say it. Out loud. Over and over. This is not forever! God is in control! Nothing costs me what I've gained through Jesus!


Nothing.

Christian Apologetics: Be Strong in Your Faith

I was listening to a Christian radio station the other day and a woman was speaking about the necessity to fight for our faith and think biblically. Her ministry is Mama Bear Apologetics. Fascinating topics! How many times as Christians have we been called weak and mindless? Like sheep being led to the slaughter? Men, do you have any idea how strong your woman has to be to be meek and agreeable? Keeping peace in the home? Women, do you have any idea how strong your man has to be to lead you and your children to Jesus? Lead by example? Teach the word in your home? It is a privilege and an honor to live a Christ centered life and one that is a very high calling. Are we passing that on to the next generation? Are we teaching our children how to stand up for their faith? That there is no need to check your brain at the door but ok to know what's true? Are we teaching our children the difference between what's true versus almost true? Almost true is what we in the Apostolic faith call watered down faith. Watered down religion. The Bible instructs us in these things as well. Time to stand up Church! Be strong in your faith, teach the next generation. And watch...for the Lord is coming soon!

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

2 Timothy 3:16

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

1 Timothy 6:11-16

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Jude 1:3

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.