1. Just because someone helps you doesn't mean he cares about you as a person.
2. Letting go and letting God doesn't happen until you let go.
3. People who are emotionally unavailable are emotionally unavailable.
4. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
5. Negative emotions are by-products of bad decisions.
6. Sometimes the best vengence is just moving on.
7. As long as there is God, there is always hope.
8. Emotional wounds heal over time just like physical ones.
Shonda Ponder
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Re-dedication
Today I re-dedicated my life to God. I have strayed off the path and out of His will until I became someone that I couldn't stand. All I've wanted was to find the way back.
It's funny how sin has a way of enticing you. It makes you think you can compromise who you are supposed to be for a time and still get the desired results. Sometimes, however, it's better to just step back and say, "God's got this. I think I'll just stay out of His way."
Letting go and letting God is so much easier before you take that first step in sin. Giving up control of your life is hard, granted; but it is necessary in order to gain what God has planned for you to have. If you do not let God do the driving, you will end up lost on the road of life, not knowing how you got where you are.
The truth is, I do know how I got where I am. I know that my decisions weren't the ones that God wanted me to make. I know that I chose the route I took because I didn't trust God to give me what I wanted. And, it's true. He wasn't going to give me what I wanted; but, what He wanted me to have is so much better than what I could do for myself.
I feel refreshed now, in my spirit. I feel at peace. I know that the day will soon come, however, that I will fight the things that led me into this wilderness again. What I have to do now is decide what I'm going to do when that battle takes place again.
==============================
It's funny how sin has a way of enticing you. It makes you think you can compromise who you are supposed to be for a time and still get the desired results. Sometimes, however, it's better to just step back and say, "God's got this. I think I'll just stay out of His way."
Letting go and letting God is so much easier before you take that first step in sin. Giving up control of your life is hard, granted; but it is necessary in order to gain what God has planned for you to have. If you do not let God do the driving, you will end up lost on the road of life, not knowing how you got where you are.
The truth is, I do know how I got where I am. I know that my decisions weren't the ones that God wanted me to make. I know that I chose the route I took because I didn't trust God to give me what I wanted. And, it's true. He wasn't going to give me what I wanted; but, what He wanted me to have is so much better than what I could do for myself.
I feel refreshed now, in my spirit. I feel at peace. I know that the day will soon come, however, that I will fight the things that led me into this wilderness again. What I have to do now is decide what I'm going to do when that battle takes place again.
==============================
Devotionals of Recovery: Day 12: Genesis 1:12
Devotionals of Recovery:
Day 12: Genesis 1:12
December 28, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:12 -- And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
When God makes a command, it happens. When He opens His mouth and speaks, action occurs. Nothing happens unless it is the will of God.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we accept the task He has set before us. Sometimes, that task is not clearly defined, accept that we are to follow the rules laid out to us by our Basic Instruction-book Before Leaving Earth (BIBLE). It is our job to make sure that we stay on the path directed by our Father in heaven. If we fail to do so, we will walk into thorns and thistles, not to mention an ambush of evil.
And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. (Deuteronomy 8:2)
Bad things don't happen to good people. Bad things that happen are simply a test of your faith. God doesn't want sissies in His army, anymore than He wants self-centered leaders. God can't do His job effectively if you continue to keep trying to tell Him how to do it. He wants you to follow Him, to act on His command, to not question His decisions, and finally, to trust Him.
And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper. (2 Chronicles 13:12)
Sun Tzu's strategic book on warfare is nothing compared to God's. God has won every battle He has ever fought. God is your protector and your vengence against would-be oppressors. All you have to do is stay in the will of the Father, and let Him do the rest.
Don't worry: if you make a mistake, God will make sure that you recognize that mistake, and He will be on the path waiting for you to return as He gives you the strength to fight your way back.
===========================
Day 12: Genesis 1:12
December 28, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:12 -- And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
When God makes a command, it happens. When He opens His mouth and speaks, action occurs. Nothing happens unless it is the will of God.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we accept the task He has set before us. Sometimes, that task is not clearly defined, accept that we are to follow the rules laid out to us by our Basic Instruction-book Before Leaving Earth (BIBLE). It is our job to make sure that we stay on the path directed by our Father in heaven. If we fail to do so, we will walk into thorns and thistles, not to mention an ambush of evil.
And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. (Deuteronomy 8:2)
Bad things don't happen to good people. Bad things that happen are simply a test of your faith. God doesn't want sissies in His army, anymore than He wants self-centered leaders. God can't do His job effectively if you continue to keep trying to tell Him how to do it. He wants you to follow Him, to act on His command, to not question His decisions, and finally, to trust Him.
And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper. (2 Chronicles 13:12)
Sun Tzu's strategic book on warfare is nothing compared to God's. God has won every battle He has ever fought. God is your protector and your vengence against would-be oppressors. All you have to do is stay in the will of the Father, and let Him do the rest.
Don't worry: if you make a mistake, God will make sure that you recognize that mistake, and He will be on the path waiting for you to return as He gives you the strength to fight your way back.
===========================
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Devotionals of Recovery: Day 11: Genesis 1:11
Devotionals of Recovery:
Day 11: Genesis 1:11
December 24, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:11 -- And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth: and it was so.
Everything God creates has a purpose. God did not create you to sit idle. He doesn't intend for you to sit by and watch as events unfold. God created you as a part of His plan. If you were not in God's plan, He would have not created you.
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) (Romans 9:11)
God gave you talents. He made you unique. He gave you certain intelligence and ability, just as He did the grass of the field and the fruit trees. All of this is so that you may seek Him with your free will, which He allows you to have. God doesn't want robots to do His bidding as He pleases. He wants true companionship, true love, true belief. God wants you to choose to be on His side. He won't force you to do anything, but He will make it inconvenient for you to do anything else, in the long run.
If there were no free will, there would not be a need for God to forgive us of our sins. Our free will was the reason for the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. We can choose God as our leader, or we can choose to follow our pride. Until we humble ourselves, and realize that our pride is not greater than God's will, our lives will have no fulfillment.
Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. (Isaiah 48:17)
Understand that God created you for a reason. God gave you everything you need, and what He has not given you, He can as need arises. Until you are focused on living for Him, your life will not be comfortable, or convenient, or peaceful.
=====================
Day 11: Genesis 1:11
December 24, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:11 -- And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth: and it was so.
Everything God creates has a purpose. God did not create you to sit idle. He doesn't intend for you to sit by and watch as events unfold. God created you as a part of His plan. If you were not in God's plan, He would have not created you.
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) (Romans 9:11)
God gave you talents. He made you unique. He gave you certain intelligence and ability, just as He did the grass of the field and the fruit trees. All of this is so that you may seek Him with your free will, which He allows you to have. God doesn't want robots to do His bidding as He pleases. He wants true companionship, true love, true belief. God wants you to choose to be on His side. He won't force you to do anything, but He will make it inconvenient for you to do anything else, in the long run.
If there were no free will, there would not be a need for God to forgive us of our sins. Our free will was the reason for the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. We can choose God as our leader, or we can choose to follow our pride. Until we humble ourselves, and realize that our pride is not greater than God's will, our lives will have no fulfillment.
Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. (Isaiah 48:17)
Understand that God created you for a reason. God gave you everything you need, and what He has not given you, He can as need arises. Until you are focused on living for Him, your life will not be comfortable, or convenient, or peaceful.
=====================
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Devotionals of Recovery: Day 10: Genesis 1:10
Devotionals of Recovery:
Day 10: Genesis 1:10
December 23, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:10 -- And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
God names everything that He creates; then, He labels it. You were made by God, then He named you. Your name became who you are. If you will look at all the names in the Bible, they had meaning. Your parents named you what they would, but it was God who inspired them to call you what they do, whether they know it or not. Your name has meaning.
This does not mean that you will forever be the person your name says you should be at birth. Abram was given a new name in his old age: he was called Abraham. Jacob, the con-artist, was given a new name as a young man: he was called Israel. God has the power to re-name you according to His own will.
God divided the dry earth from the waters. Then He called that "good". He sets aside His children in order to accomplish His goals. What God sets aside according to His purpose, He calls "good".
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
So be assured that you are special in God's eyes. He created you with a special purpose in mind. Believe in yourself as a child of the Most High God, and embrace the tasks before you with determination and willpower. God will be there to see you through.
=======================
Day 10: Genesis 1:10
December 23, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:10 -- And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
God names everything that He creates; then, He labels it. You were made by God, then He named you. Your name became who you are. If you will look at all the names in the Bible, they had meaning. Your parents named you what they would, but it was God who inspired them to call you what they do, whether they know it or not. Your name has meaning.
This does not mean that you will forever be the person your name says you should be at birth. Abram was given a new name in his old age: he was called Abraham. Jacob, the con-artist, was given a new name as a young man: he was called Israel. God has the power to re-name you according to His own will.
God divided the dry earth from the waters. Then He called that "good". He sets aside His children in order to accomplish His goals. What God sets aside according to His purpose, He calls "good".
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
So be assured that you are special in God's eyes. He created you with a special purpose in mind. Believe in yourself as a child of the Most High God, and embrace the tasks before you with determination and willpower. God will be there to see you through.
=======================
Need to Know
Today I found out something I didn't want to know, but desperately needed to know. For me it was a sense of release upon finding out. Truth sometimes hurts.
I am struggling now with what action (or non-action) I should take in the wake of this information. Should I give up? Should I walk away and not look back? But, given the circumstances, how do I do either of those?
Is it worth it for me to continue as I have? Or, should I just shelve everything for a look-see at a later date?
I don't know. I hate those words, being who I am. I despise the not knowing. I can't grasp the concept of never finding out. But, in this case, what would bring me the most knowledge?
Sometimes letting go and letting God seems so hard. Sometimes, it's the only thing you can do. This time, however, I think that God took over, and gave me no choice.
I guess I should be thankful. I'll have to wait and see whether this is the case.
========================
I am struggling now with what action (or non-action) I should take in the wake of this information. Should I give up? Should I walk away and not look back? But, given the circumstances, how do I do either of those?
Is it worth it for me to continue as I have? Or, should I just shelve everything for a look-see at a later date?
I don't know. I hate those words, being who I am. I despise the not knowing. I can't grasp the concept of never finding out. But, in this case, what would bring me the most knowledge?
Sometimes letting go and letting God seems so hard. Sometimes, it's the only thing you can do. This time, however, I think that God took over, and gave me no choice.
I guess I should be thankful. I'll have to wait and see whether this is the case.
========================
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Devotionals of Recovery: Day 9: Genesis 1:9
Devotionals of Recovery:
Day 9: Genesis 1:9
December 13, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:9 -- And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
Water is the most powerful natural resource on earth. Water has destroyed, and water has restored. The Bible has in many ways shown respect to the power that water on earth is capable of, from the flood of Noah to the Living Waters that flow from the Holy city of Revelation. But, the creator is always mightier than the creation.
The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. (Psalm 93:4)
God gathered the waters in one place so that dry land could appear. It was on the dry land that the first man was created. God protects us from the raging storms of our life in much the same way. With a word, He can quiet the fears of all of His children.
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)
Much like the apostles, we can be assured of our safety from life's raging storms by only asking "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:38)
Day 9: Genesis 1:9
December 13, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:9 -- And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
Water is the most powerful natural resource on earth. Water has destroyed, and water has restored. The Bible has in many ways shown respect to the power that water on earth is capable of, from the flood of Noah to the Living Waters that flow from the Holy city of Revelation. But, the creator is always mightier than the creation.
The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. (Psalm 93:4)
God gathered the waters in one place so that dry land could appear. It was on the dry land that the first man was created. God protects us from the raging storms of our life in much the same way. With a word, He can quiet the fears of all of His children.
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)
Much like the apostles, we can be assured of our safety from life's raging storms by only asking "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:38)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Numb
I am numb all over. I feel as if life itself has let me down. I gave all I could give, loved all I could love, prayed all I could pray, said all I could say, and nothing happened.
I feel as if I were addicted to a bad drug that isn't there anymore and I am suffering withdrawels. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?
I'm not dead yet.
I'm losing weight rapidly, at about an inch every two weeks. I've lost two pant sizes in the last month and a half. When people ask how, I shrug and say, "I don't know."
Emotional Stress.
I'm not feeling sorry for myself anymore. Now I'm just trying to survive, and make sure that I don't get behind on anything else, and catch up on what I need to catch up on.
Surviving is not living.
Surviving is work.
I'm alone because I choose to be. God forbid I should let someone else cause me more pain and heart-ache.
God forbid I should cause any to anyone else.
But, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know that I'll ever let anyone else in, but I might reach out soon enough.
===================
I feel as if I were addicted to a bad drug that isn't there anymore and I am suffering withdrawels. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?
I'm not dead yet.
I'm losing weight rapidly, at about an inch every two weeks. I've lost two pant sizes in the last month and a half. When people ask how, I shrug and say, "I don't know."
Emotional Stress.
I'm not feeling sorry for myself anymore. Now I'm just trying to survive, and make sure that I don't get behind on anything else, and catch up on what I need to catch up on.
Surviving is not living.
Surviving is work.
I'm alone because I choose to be. God forbid I should let someone else cause me more pain and heart-ache.
God forbid I should cause any to anyone else.
But, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know that I'll ever let anyone else in, but I might reach out soon enough.
===================
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Devotionals of Recovery: Day 8: Genesis 1:8
Devotionals of Recovery:
Day 8: Genesis 1:8
December 13, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:8 -- And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day
Heaven is the place between the above and the below. You don't want to be above anyone. You don't want to be anyone's foot stool. You want to stand firm and move around freely. God created you as a unique and free individual, with free will and unlimited potential. God sets the only boundaries we should follow. God makes the rules. What God says will come to pass.
Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter. (Psalm 74:17)
Have faith that who you are is not determined by your circumstances. God has the power to open doors that you didn't even know were there.
Day 8: Genesis 1:8
December 13, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:8 -- And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day
Heaven is the place between the above and the below. You don't want to be above anyone. You don't want to be anyone's foot stool. You want to stand firm and move around freely. God created you as a unique and free individual, with free will and unlimited potential. God sets the only boundaries we should follow. God makes the rules. What God says will come to pass.
Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter. (Psalm 74:17)
Have faith that who you are is not determined by your circumstances. God has the power to open doors that you didn't even know were there.
Devotionals of Recovery: Day 7: Genesis 1:7
Devotionals of Recovery:
Day 7: Genesis 1:7
December 12, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:7 -- And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
When God says something, it comes to pass. When God commands something, He uses whatever means necessary to make it happen.
And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD. (Ezekial 21:7)
God doesn't create something and then leave it alone. He creates, and then He watches what will happen with His creation. If the creation starts to stray from its intended purpose, God guides it back to the right path using whatever means necessary.
And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. (Job 37:12)
So, when your life seems out of control, take comfort in knowing that the Lord your God is guiding you, and if you follow His lead, things will start to make sense in time.
Day 7: Genesis 1:7
December 12, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:7 -- And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
When God says something, it comes to pass. When God commands something, He uses whatever means necessary to make it happen.
And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD. (Ezekial 21:7)
God doesn't create something and then leave it alone. He creates, and then He watches what will happen with His creation. If the creation starts to stray from its intended purpose, God guides it back to the right path using whatever means necessary.
And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. (Job 37:12)
So, when your life seems out of control, take comfort in knowing that the Lord your God is guiding you, and if you follow His lead, things will start to make sense in time.
Devotionals of Recovery: Day 6: Genesis 1:6
Devotionals of Recovery
Day 6: Genesis 1:6
December 8, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:6 -- And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
God divided the earth from the sky, the light from the dark, the evil from the good. Until he did this, there was confusion. God set the whole world in order so you could be assured of the difference between right and wrong.
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
God doesn't like it when you are confused about which way to turn, because this proves that other influences in your life have stepped in to become who He wants to be to you. Others will always provide obstacles in your path to righteousness. Rest assured that those who lead you astray will have their day of judgment.
I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. (Galations 5:10)
Your confidence should be in the Lord, that no matter how badly you mess up, He has the power to give you peace. He has the power to make all things new. He has the power to fix the broken hearted.
Day 6: Genesis 1:6
December 8, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:6 -- And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
God divided the earth from the sky, the light from the dark, the evil from the good. Until he did this, there was confusion. God set the whole world in order so you could be assured of the difference between right and wrong.
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
God doesn't like it when you are confused about which way to turn, because this proves that other influences in your life have stepped in to become who He wants to be to you. Others will always provide obstacles in your path to righteousness. Rest assured that those who lead you astray will have their day of judgment.
I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. (Galations 5:10)
Your confidence should be in the Lord, that no matter how badly you mess up, He has the power to give you peace. He has the power to make all things new. He has the power to fix the broken hearted.
Devotionals of Recovery: Day 5: Genesis 1:5
Devotionals of Recovery
Day 5: Genesis 1:5
December 8, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
There is always a first; the first day of your life, the first time you took a step, the first time you spoke, the first day of school, etc. Each first helps you gain confidence in your abilities. Each first helps you in your decision making for the future. Each first is a new beginning for a certain part of your life. Take comfort in knowing that before the first of anything in your life happened, God was there; and, when the last thing happens in your life, God will be there.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:13
The first days are always the hardest. These are the days of the creation of the rest of your life. These days will shape you and mold you into the man or woman God created you to be. The first days can be as painful and scary as taking your first step as a toddler once was. Isn't it ironic that, as a toddler, your fear was replaced by sheer determination? Why do you suffer fear the way you do today, when your past firsts have already proven that determination can overcome your weaknesses?
Day 5: Genesis 1:5
December 8, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
There is always a first; the first day of your life, the first time you took a step, the first time you spoke, the first day of school, etc. Each first helps you gain confidence in your abilities. Each first helps you in your decision making for the future. Each first is a new beginning for a certain part of your life. Take comfort in knowing that before the first of anything in your life happened, God was there; and, when the last thing happens in your life, God will be there.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:13
The first days are always the hardest. These are the days of the creation of the rest of your life. These days will shape you and mold you into the man or woman God created you to be. The first days can be as painful and scary as taking your first step as a toddler once was. Isn't it ironic that, as a toddler, your fear was replaced by sheer determination? Why do you suffer fear the way you do today, when your past firsts have already proven that determination can overcome your weaknesses?
Friday, December 12, 2008
Devotionals of Recovery: Day 4: Genesis 1:4
Devotionals of Recovery
Day 4: Genesis 1:4
December 7, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
God divided the light from the darkness. He keeps the darkness in your life from overpowering your light days. The bad things that happen to you can never keep the good things away from you.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:5)
When you come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, it doesn't mean you are perfect. It just means that you are forgiven. It doesn't mean you won't make mistakes, it just means that you will be able to repent and know that those mistakes won't keep you from the Father's love. Any time you walk away from God, you can rest assured that God will be there waiting with arms open wide to receive you when you run back.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
Sometimes the darkness in your life seems to be a tunnel with no end; but, there is an end. There is a light at the end of every tunnel, especially if you have excepted Christ into your life. .
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)
So, when you are in your dark times, all you have to do is keep going. Keep walking through the tunnel. There is nothing inside the tunnel that will keep the Lord your God from pulling you out. Sooner or later, you will see the light, and as you approach the end of the tunnel, that light will grow brighter.
You will feel joy again. You will feel love. You will feel happiness again. All that the light gives you is yours, if you just continue to walk toward it.
Day 4: Genesis 1:4
December 7, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
God divided the light from the darkness. He keeps the darkness in your life from overpowering your light days. The bad things that happen to you can never keep the good things away from you.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:5)
When you come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, it doesn't mean you are perfect. It just means that you are forgiven. It doesn't mean you won't make mistakes, it just means that you will be able to repent and know that those mistakes won't keep you from the Father's love. Any time you walk away from God, you can rest assured that God will be there waiting with arms open wide to receive you when you run back.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
Sometimes the darkness in your life seems to be a tunnel with no end; but, there is an end. There is a light at the end of every tunnel, especially if you have excepted Christ into your life. .
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)
So, when you are in your dark times, all you have to do is keep going. Keep walking through the tunnel. There is nothing inside the tunnel that will keep the Lord your God from pulling you out. Sooner or later, you will see the light, and as you approach the end of the tunnel, that light will grow brighter.
You will feel joy again. You will feel love. You will feel happiness again. All that the light gives you is yours, if you just continue to walk toward it.
Devotionals of Recovery: Day 3: Genesis 1:3
Devotionals of Recovery
Day 3: Genesis 1:3
December 6, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
God made light. There was light even before there was a sun, and that is miraculous. There can be light in your heart, even when there is no reason in your life to obtain it.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
When there is light in your heart that God creates, there is no darkness that can put it out. We become clean, and whole. The healing power of Jesus takes away all our suffering from the sin and unrighteousness in our life.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
When you mistrust yourself due to your past mistakes, this fear puts undue strain on other relationships and events in your life. When you trust God, and walk in the light of His love, you have protection and confidence.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Trust in God. Only in Him can you be made whole. He can create in you a light that can never be put out. He can erase your fears, and give you the confidence you need to move forward as His child.
Day 3: Genesis 1:3
December 6, 2008
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
God made light. There was light even before there was a sun, and that is miraculous. There can be light in your heart, even when there is no reason in your life to obtain it.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
When there is light in your heart that God creates, there is no darkness that can put it out. We become clean, and whole. The healing power of Jesus takes away all our suffering from the sin and unrighteousness in our life.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
When you mistrust yourself due to your past mistakes, this fear puts undue strain on other relationships and events in your life. When you trust God, and walk in the light of His love, you have protection and confidence.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Trust in God. Only in Him can you be made whole. He can create in you a light that can never be put out. He can erase your fears, and give you the confidence you need to move forward as His child.
Devotionals of Recovery: Day 2: Genesis 1:2
Friday, December 6, 2008
Devotionals of Recovery: Genesis 1:2
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
God has the power to make something out of nothing. When you are at the worst times of your life, and all the doors around you seem locked shut, God has the keys to all of them. You look into the mirror and you tell yourself that you are worthless, that you are nothing, and that you have nothing to offer. But God is the God of creation, and God can form you and mold you into something that is worthwhile and beautiful.
Where the Spirit of God is, there is life. As long as there is life, there is the pursuit of happiness. Only by being free, or without burden, can we ever truly obtain happiness.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
You must lay down your burdens at His feet. You must give Him your heart, your pains, your sufferings, your hurts, and your failures. Until you can do this, you will never see God in all His Glory, as He transforms your burdens into something beautiful.
To simply say that you believe in the Spirit is not enough. You must accept the direction that the Spirit is willing to take you. In order to do that, you must be willing to communicate with the Spirit, and heed the advise and direction that the Spirit is taking you.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galations 5:25)
When you are at your weakest, it seems hard to talk to anyone. It is hard to pray, because you do not trust your own judgment. You have made mistakes, committed wrongs, and the only person you have to really blame for the problems in your life is yourself. How can you ask God for what you need, when you have misjudged your needs so badly thus far?
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)
God hears the groanings of the Spirit, just as He heard the cries of the Israelites when they were in Egyptian bondage. It pains God to see His people suffer. As any good parent, He seeks ways to protect His children. You haven't received the spirit of slaves that leads you into fear again.
Instead, you have received the spirit of God's adopted children by which we call out, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:15)
Until you can trust and follow the lead of the Spirit, you will never know true peace, happiness, joy or freedom.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)
The Spirit will not let you die.
Devotionals of Recovery: Genesis 1:2
Written by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses taken from the KJV of the Open Bible
Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
God has the power to make something out of nothing. When you are at the worst times of your life, and all the doors around you seem locked shut, God has the keys to all of them. You look into the mirror and you tell yourself that you are worthless, that you are nothing, and that you have nothing to offer. But God is the God of creation, and God can form you and mold you into something that is worthwhile and beautiful.
Where the Spirit of God is, there is life. As long as there is life, there is the pursuit of happiness. Only by being free, or without burden, can we ever truly obtain happiness.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
You must lay down your burdens at His feet. You must give Him your heart, your pains, your sufferings, your hurts, and your failures. Until you can do this, you will never see God in all His Glory, as He transforms your burdens into something beautiful.
To simply say that you believe in the Spirit is not enough. You must accept the direction that the Spirit is willing to take you. In order to do that, you must be willing to communicate with the Spirit, and heed the advise and direction that the Spirit is taking you.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galations 5:25)
When you are at your weakest, it seems hard to talk to anyone. It is hard to pray, because you do not trust your own judgment. You have made mistakes, committed wrongs, and the only person you have to really blame for the problems in your life is yourself. How can you ask God for what you need, when you have misjudged your needs so badly thus far?
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)
God hears the groanings of the Spirit, just as He heard the cries of the Israelites when they were in Egyptian bondage. It pains God to see His people suffer. As any good parent, He seeks ways to protect His children. You haven't received the spirit of slaves that leads you into fear again.
Instead, you have received the spirit of God's adopted children by which we call out, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:15)
Until you can trust and follow the lead of the Spirit, you will never know true peace, happiness, joy or freedom.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)
The Spirit will not let you die.
Devotionals of Recovery
by Shonda Ponder
All Bible verses are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible
Day 1:
Genesis 1:1 -- In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth
There are many theories on the origin of Heaven and earth. Our schools teach us that a "Big Bang" created our solar system. But the Bible teaches us that God did it. God, alone. Many schools refuse to let God into the classroom today, because if they did, they'd have to admit that they don't have all the answers.
With a word, God created the heavens and the earth. John 1:1,2 says that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. The Bible tells us that God's creation, itself, was an act of grace. John 1:14 says And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His Glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
God made everything, without question (Hebrews 1:10). When God spoke the world into existence, the promise of Christ was already made, in that God used the word to create the world, and the word was Christ who was made flesh. This is evidenced by the prayer that Jesus prayed in John 17:5: And now, oh Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
We must, therefore, acknowledge, before we can even profess to believe that Christ came to save us from our sins, that He created the world in which we live. David acknoweled this belief when he said "of old has thou laid the foundation of the earth. And the heavens are the work of thy hands." Because, if we can believe God created it, we must also believe he will take care of us. Nehemiah 9:6 says Thou, even thou art God alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their hosts, the earth and all the things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all. And the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Jesus Christ is Lord. Before the mountains were rought forth, or ever thou hast formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. (Psalm 90:2)
When we concede that God alone created the heaven and earth, we are exercising faith in God as our creator. The world was not made spontaneously out of nothing, unless there was a God to design such an event. By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.(Psalm 33:6) Jesus was the Word made flesh, to save us from ourselves, who would chose to believe that the world's existence can be explained through science. Jesus came to teach us that we don't have all the answers, until we trust God completely. When we put our faith in God, God is our answer, andthe only right answer, at that!
It takes what God requires, our faith, to believe that God is the reason for our existence. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3) Only by faith can you be saved from your sins, and by believing Jesus is Lord can you obtain eternal life.
When we admit that God created the world, and we confess our faith in Jesus as Lord of our lives, we admit that God, who commanded the light to shine our of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
What God makes belongs to God. Psalms 74:16 says, The day is thine, the night also is thine; Thou hast prepared the light and the sun. And, God gives a purpose to everything He creates. (Psalm 104:19). If God gave purpose to the Sun and Moon, then surely God gave purpose to you and I. We may not always follow God's purpose for our lives, but God is merciful and just, and He forgave us from the beginning, and Jesus Christ is proof of that! (Psalms 136:5-9) ...his mercy endureth forever. Jesus Christ was that mercy made flesh. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of mercy for the salvation of mankind.
When God created purpose for everything He created, He gave everything in creation rules to live by. Rules are boundaries that, if crossed, exacted punishment from God. When parents set boundaries for their children, they are giving their children rules to live by. When the rules are broken, the parents -- who love their children and want what's best for them -- then have the responsibility to punish them. He hath compasseth the waters with bounds, until day and night come to an end. Job 26:10. when God makes rules, the rules are permanent. There is no discussion. God is God. God is wisdom.
Man has no wisdom unless God allows him to have it. Solomon knew this when he wrote that wisdom was in the beginning of the world "When he gave to the sea His decree, that the waters should not pass His commandment, when He appointed the foundation of the earth." (Proverbs 8:29)
Because God is the creator, we owe Him reverence. We should honour His boundaries, and we should also remember that what God creates, He can also destroy. It is only by His grace that we are allowed to exist. (Jeremiah 5:22). When we live outside of God's laws, we cannot prevail, and God knows this. This is why He gives us free will. He knows that we will return to Him for comfort when we realize we cannot win without Him. Peter knew this when he wrote concerning those who scoff at God, knowing this first, that there shall come in the last day scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the Fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water. (2 Peter 3:3-5)
God also pointed out His authority when He asked Job: "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare if thou hast understanding?" Then He goes on to inform Job how He set the boundaries on the foundations of the earth. (Job 38:1-11) Nothing happens without God, who laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed forever. (Psalms 104:5) As a matter of fact, the whole chapter of Psalms 104 rehearses this fact.
There is no God but God. The strength of God surpasses any judgment and there is no proof that can argue to the contrary. He is the God who rulest the raging of the sea.(Psalms 89:9)
The Bible is full of praise for God's grace in His creation. God is omnipotent. He is, was, and always will be. He knows every cell, every ounce of water, every strand of hair on our bodies. He made us who we are.
God always makes everything in abundance. Some of what He makes, He uses now. He saves the rest for later use. While we may, at times, think we have no purpose, we must remember that God has a purpose for all creation, and He uses each creation according to His will when the time is right. God prepares that which He intends to use. We are always a work in progress! And, whatever problems we encounter, God is able to fix for His purposes. (Psalms 93:4)
Even the Prophets of old knew that Christ was Lord. Agur asked, "Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in His fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?"(Proverbs 30:4) Agur didn't claim to know everything, nor did he claim to be wise, but he knew god. And this knowledge alone made him wise counsel to Solomon.
When you concede that God is creator, then you open yourself to the wisdom of God. If God can create, then he can use even the seemingly useless to fulfill His purposes. (Psalm 78:3) The God, which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people (Psalm 65:7) can quiet the actions of any enemy of His children. The Lord God is in control (Psalm 92:8) and no other entity, be they called science or idols, can be compared to His greatness (Psalm 89:6)
What God creates, God can destroy if it does not serve His intended purpose. when mankind became so wicked that it exacted the wrath of God, who chose to destroy mankind in a flood, God used one righteous man to save what was left of His creation. God wiped the slate clean. He got rid of the evil and kept the good. If He can do that in the world (Genesis 6:20), He can do it for us as individuals.
God uses His own discretion when He creates. He doesn't need our advice, but we need Him. He doesn't do anything He doesn't want to do. He answers to no one. He is God. (Jeremiah 10:12) God alone is wise. We are nothing without God's wisdom. (Psalms 104:24).
If God is wise, and if God is just, then doesn't it stand to reason that God will provide for His creation? (Job 38:41). Behold the fowls of the air: For they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly father feedeth them. Are ye not much beter than they? (Matthew 6:26) God created man to rule over His creation (Genesis 1:28). If He will provide for the birds, doesn't He have a greater sense of responsibility for us?
There is nothing God cannot do. He will go to any lengths for those who love Him. (Psalms 93:1). And, because God is so good, it is our responsibility to live within the bounds He has given us. We must learn His laws. We must follow His rules (Psalms 119:68).
And we must have faith in Him.
All Bible verses are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible
Day 1:
Genesis 1:1 -- In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth
There are many theories on the origin of Heaven and earth. Our schools teach us that a "Big Bang" created our solar system. But the Bible teaches us that God did it. God, alone. Many schools refuse to let God into the classroom today, because if they did, they'd have to admit that they don't have all the answers.
With a word, God created the heavens and the earth. John 1:1,2 says that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. The Bible tells us that God's creation, itself, was an act of grace. John 1:14 says And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His Glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
God made everything, without question (Hebrews 1:10). When God spoke the world into existence, the promise of Christ was already made, in that God used the word to create the world, and the word was Christ who was made flesh. This is evidenced by the prayer that Jesus prayed in John 17:5: And now, oh Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
We must, therefore, acknowledge, before we can even profess to believe that Christ came to save us from our sins, that He created the world in which we live. David acknoweled this belief when he said "of old has thou laid the foundation of the earth. And the heavens are the work of thy hands." Because, if we can believe God created it, we must also believe he will take care of us. Nehemiah 9:6 says Thou, even thou art God alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their hosts, the earth and all the things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all. And the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Jesus Christ is Lord. Before the mountains were rought forth, or ever thou hast formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. (Psalm 90:2)
When we concede that God alone created the heaven and earth, we are exercising faith in God as our creator. The world was not made spontaneously out of nothing, unless there was a God to design such an event. By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.(Psalm 33:6) Jesus was the Word made flesh, to save us from ourselves, who would chose to believe that the world's existence can be explained through science. Jesus came to teach us that we don't have all the answers, until we trust God completely. When we put our faith in God, God is our answer, andthe only right answer, at that!
It takes what God requires, our faith, to believe that God is the reason for our existence. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3) Only by faith can you be saved from your sins, and by believing Jesus is Lord can you obtain eternal life.
When we admit that God created the world, and we confess our faith in Jesus as Lord of our lives, we admit that God, who commanded the light to shine our of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
What God makes belongs to God. Psalms 74:16 says, The day is thine, the night also is thine; Thou hast prepared the light and the sun. And, God gives a purpose to everything He creates. (Psalm 104:19). If God gave purpose to the Sun and Moon, then surely God gave purpose to you and I. We may not always follow God's purpose for our lives, but God is merciful and just, and He forgave us from the beginning, and Jesus Christ is proof of that! (Psalms 136:5-9) ...his mercy endureth forever. Jesus Christ was that mercy made flesh. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of mercy for the salvation of mankind.
When God created purpose for everything He created, He gave everything in creation rules to live by. Rules are boundaries that, if crossed, exacted punishment from God. When parents set boundaries for their children, they are giving their children rules to live by. When the rules are broken, the parents -- who love their children and want what's best for them -- then have the responsibility to punish them. He hath compasseth the waters with bounds, until day and night come to an end. Job 26:10. when God makes rules, the rules are permanent. There is no discussion. God is God. God is wisdom.
Man has no wisdom unless God allows him to have it. Solomon knew this when he wrote that wisdom was in the beginning of the world "When he gave to the sea His decree, that the waters should not pass His commandment, when He appointed the foundation of the earth." (Proverbs 8:29)
Because God is the creator, we owe Him reverence. We should honour His boundaries, and we should also remember that what God creates, He can also destroy. It is only by His grace that we are allowed to exist. (Jeremiah 5:22). When we live outside of God's laws, we cannot prevail, and God knows this. This is why He gives us free will. He knows that we will return to Him for comfort when we realize we cannot win without Him. Peter knew this when he wrote concerning those who scoff at God, knowing this first, that there shall come in the last day scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the Fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water. (2 Peter 3:3-5)
God also pointed out His authority when He asked Job: "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare if thou hast understanding?" Then He goes on to inform Job how He set the boundaries on the foundations of the earth. (Job 38:1-11) Nothing happens without God, who laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be removed forever. (Psalms 104:5) As a matter of fact, the whole chapter of Psalms 104 rehearses this fact.
There is no God but God. The strength of God surpasses any judgment and there is no proof that can argue to the contrary. He is the God who rulest the raging of the sea.(Psalms 89:9)
The Bible is full of praise for God's grace in His creation. God is omnipotent. He is, was, and always will be. He knows every cell, every ounce of water, every strand of hair on our bodies. He made us who we are.
God always makes everything in abundance. Some of what He makes, He uses now. He saves the rest for later use. While we may, at times, think we have no purpose, we must remember that God has a purpose for all creation, and He uses each creation according to His will when the time is right. God prepares that which He intends to use. We are always a work in progress! And, whatever problems we encounter, God is able to fix for His purposes. (Psalms 93:4)
Even the Prophets of old knew that Christ was Lord. Agur asked, "Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in His fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?"(Proverbs 30:4) Agur didn't claim to know everything, nor did he claim to be wise, but he knew god. And this knowledge alone made him wise counsel to Solomon.
When you concede that God is creator, then you open yourself to the wisdom of God. If God can create, then he can use even the seemingly useless to fulfill His purposes. (Psalm 78:3) The God, which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people (Psalm 65:7) can quiet the actions of any enemy of His children. The Lord God is in control (Psalm 92:8) and no other entity, be they called science or idols, can be compared to His greatness (Psalm 89:6)
What God creates, God can destroy if it does not serve His intended purpose. when mankind became so wicked that it exacted the wrath of God, who chose to destroy mankind in a flood, God used one righteous man to save what was left of His creation. God wiped the slate clean. He got rid of the evil and kept the good. If He can do that in the world (Genesis 6:20), He can do it for us as individuals.
God uses His own discretion when He creates. He doesn't need our advice, but we need Him. He doesn't do anything He doesn't want to do. He answers to no one. He is God. (Jeremiah 10:12) God alone is wise. We are nothing without God's wisdom. (Psalms 104:24).
If God is wise, and if God is just, then doesn't it stand to reason that God will provide for His creation? (Job 38:41). Behold the fowls of the air: For they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly father feedeth them. Are ye not much beter than they? (Matthew 6:26) God created man to rule over His creation (Genesis 1:28). If He will provide for the birds, doesn't He have a greater sense of responsibility for us?
There is nothing God cannot do. He will go to any lengths for those who love Him. (Psalms 93:1). And, because God is so good, it is our responsibility to live within the bounds He has given us. We must learn His laws. We must follow His rules (Psalms 119:68).
And we must have faith in Him.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
I find myself starting over again at this point in my life. It's as if all my efforts have been thrown in my face and grinded into my skin. My emotional net worth has been reduced to nothing.
I am going back to God for help, as usual. I am the one who withdrew from Him, and now I am the one who has to make amends for it. It's funny, because at the time, I thought I was where I was supposed to be. But, I wasn't. I was simply where I wanted to be and hoped that was enough. It wasn't.
I am now taking inventory of my life. What do I have? What do I want? What do I need? and Where do I go from here?
I am going to get on my knees and ask God to take me where He thinks I should be, and to allow me to prosper in that direction. I don't know what else to do. I don't want to do anything, but if I have to do something, it has to be this.
I am suffering from major depression right now, and fighting to keep it from controlling my health and mental well-being. I am exercising, forcing myself to continue to work. I am forcing myself to eat. I am forcing myself to bathe and clean the house. I am forcing myself, basically, to live.
This, too, shall pass.
Right?
Let us hope so.
==========================
I am going back to God for help, as usual. I am the one who withdrew from Him, and now I am the one who has to make amends for it. It's funny, because at the time, I thought I was where I was supposed to be. But, I wasn't. I was simply where I wanted to be and hoped that was enough. It wasn't.
I am now taking inventory of my life. What do I have? What do I want? What do I need? and Where do I go from here?
I am going to get on my knees and ask God to take me where He thinks I should be, and to allow me to prosper in that direction. I don't know what else to do. I don't want to do anything, but if I have to do something, it has to be this.
I am suffering from major depression right now, and fighting to keep it from controlling my health and mental well-being. I am exercising, forcing myself to continue to work. I am forcing myself to eat. I am forcing myself to bathe and clean the house. I am forcing myself, basically, to live.
This, too, shall pass.
Right?
Let us hope so.
==========================
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