Embracing Conviction

There is a lot power in understanding the difference between conviction and guilt, and knowing the difference will save a lot of heartache.

Wouldn’t life be far more peaceful if we weren’t living in the shame of past mistakes and bad choices?

Guilt and conviction feel very similar, it’s tough sometimes to know which one we are feeling. And until we understand the difference, we’re doomed to live in a pit of hopelessness and despair.

While, the lies and guilt will still get into our heads, understanding the difference will prevent the lies from finding their ways into our hearts.

Guilt equals shame and condemnation that comes from satan and brings a feeling of hopelessness that doesn’t offer correction or a way out.

Conviction comes through the Holy Spirit which points to an action or mindset and brings hope that offers correction and a way out.

Guilt involves our feelings and the truth is the feelings aren’t facts. But it can sure feel like it at times.

Because conviction and guilt feel so similar, Satan uses that knowledge to sabotage us to create self-doubt, self-loathing, and uncertainty.

With very little effort, Satan makes us believe that we have to sit in the shame of what we’ve done, often making us feel as if we owe it to God to never move on,

Satan and his minions get into the cracks we’ve left open and tell us there’s no way God could ever love us after the choices we’ve made.

Since Satan is so crafty at planting these lies in our heads, we need godly wisdom to understand where these thoughts are coming from.

Understanding this completely takes away the power satan has over us.

Conviction is defined as the feeling of being convinced of a wrongdoing or a sin.

Because Satan is so good at what he does, we’ve been led to believe that conviction isn’t good, thankfully that couldn’t been farther from the truth.

Conviction is the first step to forgiving ourselves.

When we intentions choose to walk closer to God, He will give us the direction and correction we need. He will convict us, and He will never use guilt to do it.

How Satan Uses Guilt

The number one goal of satan is to make us feel alone, hopeless and worthless.

Satan knows how powerful God is and how powerful we are with God on our side, so he will use every possible tactic to bring us down and separate us from God.

Satan generates a blanketing, choking sense of general guilt as if everything is wrong and there is no action we can really take to overcome. Often a sense of complete hopelessness and weakness prevails. We cannot see a light at the end of the tunnel. Which causes us to feel helpless and depressed.

Guilt and condemnation are tactics used to make us feel that it’s too late for us to make things right with God.

How The Holy Spirit Uses Conviction

The Holy Spirit uses conviction to get our attention.

He uses conviction to help us draw closer to God, to lean into Him and ask for forgiveness so that we are free to carry out our ultimate calling. We are then free to enjoy the life He created us for.

He uses conviction to shape and mold us into living righteously and to be a blessing to others.

Living in guilt and shame can send us down a slippery slope, and it isn’t long before we can become consumed by our pain.

If you find yourself turning away from God and putting up walks to hide your shame, then what you’re feeling is guilt.

God never shames you!

Topics I Would Like To Be More Informed About

Which topics would you like to be more informed about?

I would love to know about how to understand human behavior. I would love to understand how the brain affects our behaviors. I have always been interested in Psychology.

Knowing why we behave in certain ways, and how do our experiences affect our brains to make us act in certain ways.

Why Is God Sometimes Slow To Answer?

Have you ever prayed for something and God is slow to answer.

While I know God is in control and has His reasons for delays, it is challenging to face those delays. I have come to learn the delays do not mean denial.

Psalm 46:10 says,

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

If we allow Him to work His will in our lives, He will. While the delay may be frustrating or confusing, it’s important to know that God is at work behind the scenes to accomplish His will. We may not see His hand at work, but we can trust He is.

We may not be ready for the answer just yet but God is working to make sure we are ready when it comes.

I was never so aware of this when I had my knee replacement. I prayed and prayed about which surgeon to go to. And the closer it came I more uneasy I felt, but I just ignored the feeling and went to a surgeon that I had trusted in the past. Little did I know it wasn’t about the surgeon it was about the surgery.

Had I listened to my uneasy feeling, instead of rushing with the surgery. I would have never got it done. God was telling me to wait. I didn’t and today I am facing the consequences of my choice. The rehab has been awful and the pain and nerve damage I endure is brutal.

If God isn’t answering you fast enough to your liking, he might be protecting you from something harmful. He knows everything about everything. People, places, things at all times. We just have to “be still and know He is God.”

God’s timing is always perfect. He is fully in control of all things at all times.

God might delay the answer to grow our faith. I can almost hear Him saying “Just trust me.” Out faith, our character and our understanding of God can grow dramatically when we learn to trust Him in the delays.

I was praying and meditating on God’s Word the other day, and I heard “It’s not your believing that’s the problem, it’s your trusting in me that’s the problem.”

Perhaps God’s delay is His way of redirecting us. We may be praying in one direction and He wants you to pray in a different direction. H might be saying “No” this is not My will, or timing.

God has reasons for His delays. We just need to trust Him because He loves us and wants what best for us.

When we steamboat ahead to do what we want, we may have to pay the consequences for our actions.

“You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice.”

Life Without Music

What would your life be like without music?

What would my life be without music? I have relied on music to get me through some tough situations in life.

Without music, it would be harder to deal with stress, anxiety, or when I’m feeling a little sad. The simple joy of singing would be gone. But I’m sure people would not like me to sing, I cannot hold a tune for anything.

I would feel totally empty. Music can bring on a whole range of emotions. When I’m missing my father, I can listen to the music he enjoyed and I feel a little closer to him. Music has the ability to fix my mood.

God And The Weather

It starts in Genesis 8:22. God says to Noah just after promising to never send another flood.

“While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night will not cease.”

Every time the weather changes, it’s a reminder that the Lord is faithfully keeping His word. Every season, every cloud, every temperature change -they all point us back to the Lord who sustains world.

The weather helps us look back to God’s promise that seasons will continue to turn, and to look up, to see God’s awesome creativity. It also allows us to look back.

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested Him by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.

He replied,

When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather for the sky is red.’ In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can’t discern the sign of the times! An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah. He left them, and departed – Matthew 16:1-4

We learn at a young age to read the signs of the weather. Heavy dark clouds mean it will probably rain, while a clear sky and midday sun have us reaching for sun screen.

Jesus pointed out to the Pharisees that they’re good at reading weather signs but completely miss the signs that point to Him.

I often think about the people today that are concerned with “climate change” God controls the weather -not people.

The sign of Jonah in verse 4 goes back to Jonah spending three days and nights in the belly of a big fish before it spits him out onto dry land. While inside the fish, Jonah learned a valuable lesson:

“Salvation comes from the Lord” -Jonah 2:9

The ultimate “sign of Jonah” was when the Lord Jesus himself spent three days in the tomb before God the Father powerfully brought His Son back to life in 1 Corinthians 6:14. The death and resurrection of Jesus is how “salvation comes from the Lord,” and is a sign that we too, if we are trusting in Jesus can look forward to living with Him forever.

God has placed many signs in the sky that point us to Him. Perhaps the most poignant is the rainbow, which takes us back to where we started in Genesis (before it was stolen by the gay pride people). The rainbow us a sign of God’s covenant never again to bring flood in judgment on the earth (Genesis 9:12-17. Instead, His rainbow points upwards. That’s where His judgment was focused 2000 years ago – on God the Son.

What a wonderful truth to remember every time we see God’s rainbow in the sky.

Does God Need Money?

“For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own all cattle on a thousand hills. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it” – Psalm 50:10,12

While giving is a valid part of God’s training program for mankind. God’s plan is not going to fail if you don’t give Him your money.

God does not need money. People need money. God is after your heart, not your money.

I shudder to think of the rich who think their money can get them out of their troubles. The rich building their underground bunkers to think when the end comes they will be saved. The world is God’s and everything in it. 1 Timothy 6:10 tells us “For the love of money is the root of all evil.”

It is ridiculous to think of God being in need, when He created it. He spoke and created planets. Just by speaking He could create anything He needs or wants.

God uses money so we can pursue His kingdom, His practices are to help and be less us on earth. God does not need what we offer Him, but we need what God was to offer us through it.

Giving is an expression of worship and gratitude.

Jesus said in Matthew 25:40,

“Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me.”

How many times have you seen a person hurting for something you have an abundance of? I’m not saying give to everyone, we should pray and ask God, “should I help this person? And then wait to hear what He says.

My rule of thumb is that if someone asks me for help and I am able to do it I usually do. I may not be able to give money, but I can cook a meal, give a ride, or listen to someone’s worries.

God uses people to spread His Word, but people need money to do it. I love the account of the Widow’s offering

“ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, truly I tell you, this poor wisdom has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she gave out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on” (Mark 12:41-44).

Don’t think that a small amount won’t help, God looks at our hearts, not the amount we can add to a collection bowl.

God does not need our money, but we sure need what God has to offer us.

Celebrating Holidays

How do you celebrate holidays?

There are many holidays throughout the year. It depends on the holiday to how I celebrate.

Thanksgiving is usually spent with extended family. A nice meal and some chit-chat.

Christmas holidays are spent reflecting on the greatest gift ever given to mankind -Jesus. Celebrated with immediate family, and church family get-togethers, with small gifts to show love.

The New Year, I don’t really celebrate. New Year’s, I am usually taking down my Christmas decorations and maybe a glass of wine.

Resurrection Sunday or easter. I celebrate this by spending more time with God.

Independence day, is about barbeques and fireworks.

All the others, I don’t tend to celebrate much.

It seems like America has commercialized our holidays. It’s all about greed. Instead of relaxing and family time, it turns into holidays for profit.

The Power Of God’s Word

The Bible powerfully reveals God’s story and leads us to life with Jesus.

The Bible is more than literature, history, or the chronicles of a nation. It is the written Word of God to all people who believe in the authority of God’s Word, both the Old and New Testaments. They are inspired, infallible, and superior to all human authority.

God’s Word didn’t originate with any human person, but with people who spoke and wrote as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). Although it was written by different individuals’ ideas and at different times throughout history, the Word has been transmitted to us without corruption of any essential truth.

When God revealed Himself in part through His creation and human conscience (Psalm 19:1-6: Romans 1:29), He chose to reveal His love, infinite mercy, and glorious plan of salvation through the Holy Scriptures. Both in the Old and New Testaments reveal that eternal life is offered through Jesus, the only mediator between God and humanity.

The prophet Isaiah proclaimed that “The Word of God is eternal.”

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of God endures forever” -Isaiah 40:8

In this ever-changing world, this is good news. We need the unchanging Word of God. It’s a sure thing, steadfast, true and dependable. We can trust and live by it because it will never pass away.

The purpose and power of God’s Word is for all people, at all times in every circumstance, offering life, and truth and equipping us to live fully for God.

The Word Gives Life

Scripture has been given to “make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15). Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation and provides the way to live by faith and following Jesus in obedience.

The purpose of God’s Word is to reveal the life offered to us by Jesus, it is sometimes calleded God’s love letter to us, pointing us to God’s love demonstrated by Jesus on the cross. His death and resurrection provide our salvation from sin in this life and the assurance of eternal life for all who believe.

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm but declares His word and speaks of blessing, and purity, which requires meditation, and obedience but also gives guidance and hope that’s eternal.

The Word Reveals Truth

The power of God’s Word lies in the truth it proclaims. Because Scripture is inspired and God-breathed, it’s useful for teaching, training, and guiding us in truth, it becomes a tool to reprove, convict, or rebuke so we might know and follow God’s will.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, and light on my path.” God’s Word awakens us to our motives and attitudes, revealing what’s truly in our hearts and minds.

“For the Word of God is living and active, and sharper then any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart” – Hebrews 4:12

The words of scripture are given for the moments when we need direction, correction, and training. But it can also bring comfort. God’s promises remind us who we are in Christ Jesus. Scripture reveals the truth for all generations to follow.

The Wors Equips Us For Every Good Work

Paul shares the function of God’s Word in 2 Timothy 3:17, “so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” When we read the Bible, God speaks directly to us by His Holy Spirit, revealing what is right and pleasing to God. He may want to teach us something, correct a decision or action, or equip us to become more like Jesus. God’s Word teaches us how to live and build each other up, rather than tearing down.

King David knew God’s Word when he said, in Psalm 119:10-11,

“With my whole heart, I have sought you. Don’t let me wander from your commandments. I have hidden your words in my heart, that I might not sin against your statutes.”

When God’s Words get into our hearts and minds, it becomes our strength and weapon when facing the temptation to sin or do evil. Remember when Jesus was tempted by satan? He used the Word of God to defeat Him and we should too (Matthew 4:4).

Because we need to be equipped and empowered by the Word, we must spend time in scripture each day. Whether we join a Bible study, memorize and meditate on the scriptures or practice journaling sober can live by what the Bible teaches us. We need to learn from what God tells us if we are going to survive through chaotic times that want to destroy us.

Epic Baking Fail

Write about your most epic baking or cooking fail.

My most epic baking fail was when during Christmas. I had spent two weeks baking for a big family get-together. I needed to get them out of the way. I had the great idea of the plastic platter in the oven to get them out of the way.

The next morning I was making candied yams and preheated my oven of course I forgot about the treats inside. I had managed to ruin all the baking I had done very quickly.

Ugh, what a disaster. I ended up bringing a few baked items I had set aside for immediate family and friends.

The Lesson I Wish I Had Learned Earlier

Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.

Don’t expect any relationship to make you happy because you shouldbe happy with yourself first.

Putting all your expectations on other people is a huge burden and will be impossible to achieve and it will make you act needy.

Be happy with yourself first so you can be the best version of yourself.

Peace In The Storm

Peace In The Storm by Jack E. Dawson

If you look closely at this picture you can see a bird nestled with her young behind the waterfall sitting in peace.

Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise or trouble or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

Peace is not the absence of conflict or merely calm circumstances, while it could include that, peace is actually the presence of God in the of those circumstances. Biblical peace is not something we create on our own, it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It’s shalom, wholeness, calmness, and completeness with Jesus the prince of peace. It is Jesus’s nearness that calms and gives us peace in the middle of the raging storm.

In a world of chaos, violence, sadness, and instability, along with ungodly governments, how do we know if we have that peace?

When covid happened everyone was panicking and flooding to buy toilet paper. And the government was shutting everything down, I was at peace because I had the peace of God in my heart. And I knew God would provide for my family. Yes, I came down with covid, but I was at peace God would take care of me.

I prayed daily for my family’s health, put it in God’s hands, and let it at that.

While I’m sure peace looks a bit different for each of us, here are a few of the indicators of God’s peace (or lack thereof) for me.

  • My ability to rest.

Rest and relaxation are often an indicator of God’s peace for me. On the flip side, a lack of peace affects my rest and makes me anxious, if I’m unsure about something God prompts me to change course. I can’t rest or feel tense so much so I feel it in my neck and shoulders. Peace and sleep seem to be connected.

  • My attitude.

If I am at peace with a major issue in my life my attitude usually shows it. However, a lack of peace offer affects my attitude in a negative way, irritability, and impatience are usually presence. I tend to get a little ornery. Without God’s presence and peace my small problems often become big problems and my attitude takes a turn for the worse.

  • A settled feeling.

Another indicator is that I ‘feel’ at peace. I feel like I can trust the outcome, no matter the results. However, for me a lack of peace is often accompanied by an unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach. I am not able to let the issue go. I am consumed with the decision, or continue to be overwhelmed by unknowns or stresses. It feels like the Holy Spirit continues to prompt me with an unsettled feeling until I change courses or fully surrender the issue over to God and pray about it.

  • Joy.

Simply put, joy is an indicator of peace. Peace comes when we choose to trust God’s goodness rather than in a specific outcome we want. When I know I can be joyful no matter the outcome, then I know that’s peace.

There are many more indicators that could be shared but those are a few of the major ones for me.

Like a bird covering its nest in the raging storm, God offers His peace to us.

No matter the decisions or circumstances you face I pray you will find peace to accompany you every step of the way.

Six P’s Of God’s Presence

1. His Plan

God has had a plan for this world since He created it. You are a part of that plan and He has plans for you.

“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11

2. His Protection

Because He is always with us. He is also watching over us. We have a constant a mighty protector.

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” – Genesis 28:15

3. His Provision

God is aware of all our needs and He promises to fulfill them.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:19

4. His Peace

God’s peace enables us to meet the challenges of this world without fear or anxiety. His peace is always available to us.

“For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed, but my loving kindness will not depart from you and my covenant of peace will not be removed, says the Lord who has mercy on you” – Isaiah 54:10

5. His Power

Our God created the world and conquered death. That same power lives in us.

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms” -Ephesians 119:20

6. His Prize

We all have the greatest treasure with us at all times: Jesus in our hearts. Our relationship with Jesus is the most valuable prize we will ever receive.

“Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, they you may win. Every man who strives in the game exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible” (crown) – 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

His plan, protection, provision, peace, power, and prize. God’s presence included all these things. But the beauty of God’s presence is not just that we have these six things to cling to, the beauty is also that God knows the way to our permanent home -heaven. He knows how to get us to the other side. Our job is to cling to His presence.