Dec. 13, 2006 - Vote for Bethany
Hi Everyone! If anyone has a couple of minutes, you could vote for Bethany. She is a few votes short of making it to the last round in an online audition for a spot in a nation wide TV commercial. So if you have a few minutes your vote would be a HUGE help.
Go to the above link, find the "register" link in the green strip near top of page. Registering only requires name, city and state and email address. Then find the confirmation email and click the link to confirm.
A new web page opens, click "vote" in the green strip. Look for "online group 2" You will see Bethany, click her photo. Then her video clip will run. Under that is a blue "vote" button. Click that and a small screen will open, click "vote" again to confirm.
Voting ends at 2:00 pm EST TODAY!!
This is a huge opportunity for Bethany. Her goal is to be an actress in Christian movies and a spot in a nationwide commercial would be a nice addition to the plays she's been in at the local theatre and the skits she does every week at church.
Thanks to any that take the time to read this and help!!
God bless!
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Nov. 23, 2006 - Anyone got a few minutes to help?
Hi, I know I haven't been on in a long time, but I need to try to muster up some support!
My daughter is in a competition online for a possible nation wide TV commercial for Tracfone. She has made it to the Final round and is against a young man who has a huge family and friends group of supporters voting for him.
If anyone has a few minutes and would like to vote for my daughter go to
www.tracfone.sizzlefizzle.com/eng and register to vote. Then log in, click the "vote" link. Then look for "Online group 2". Click that and you will see Bethany, click on her and the blue vote link will be there. Click on that and another window will open, click vote once again and you will have successfully helped a fellow homeschooler.
Bethany's goal is to act in a Christian movie one day and winning this would be a great addition to her resume'.
Thanks for you time and you vote!
God bless and Happy Thanksgiving!
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Sep. 26, 2006 - Proud Mom
I know I haven't been on for a while; it's been one of those periods of time where life has been busy! I probably won't be posting much in the next three months either.
I just had to stop by and make a new entry because I am so proud of my kids! My oldest daughter, she's 13, has grown very fond of drama. So we discovered the local theatre in our community has just opened a youth division. Their first play is a Mordern Christmas Carol.
This past weekend was the audition for this play. Bethany had been waiting for about a month and a half for the auditions to finally arrive. Of course she came down with a sore throat and her voice was affected; it was cracking a little and squeaky.
The two boys (and my youngest daughter) all had to go with me to the auditions. The boys wanted to try out but they were not sure if they really should.
It turns out the three oldest did audition. Last night, during the casting there was atleast 45 kids hoping to be called. The boys stood a pretty good chance at gettong a part because there wasn't many other boys there. So, both boys did get a part! Several people told me how good the oldest boy did. He ended up getting the second major male role. The youngest boy ended up get the biggest part in the "young children" scene.
I nearly passed out (just kidding) hoping and praying my daughter would get picked for a part, after all, it was all her idea to into theatre. After several long moments of not breathing, they called out her number! Her character is the second main female part, saying that she has as many sentences as the main girl and she is on stage with just one other person, while all the other characters are together with four or five.
I am just so proud!
God bless!
Tracy
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Aug. 22, 2006 - "10 Questions" by Tricia Goyer
I am really excited and honored that Tricia Goyer has taken the time to interview me. Read more about it on her blog in the "10 Questions" feature. She also has interviews with other great authors there.
http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/
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Aug. 17, 2006 - Pine Mountain, Georgia a great family vacation!
We recently returned from a wonderful family vacation; our first real vacation in many years. We really had a great time!
We stayed at the Pine Mountain Club Chalets. It has plenty to keep you busy right there on the premises. Daddy enjoyed taking the kids out on the canoe; the kids enjoyed the pool!
I enjoyed having my mom, dad, and his finance' (don't ask...my mom and dad have been divorced for many years) staying with us. My mom loves playing with the kids so I got to have a break from the constant voices demanding my attention.
Pine Mountain is a lovely place for a quiet family vacation. It is a small town with probably only about 2,000 people. It is a great get-away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. We enjoyed the dollar store, Huddle House restuarant, and the downtown shopping area (about two blocks on the main street).
The highlight of the vacation for most of us was our visit to the Wild Animal Safari. It is a drive through park where you can feed the animals. We had huge bisons sticking their noses in our window; long slobbering tongues trying to reach the food pellet in our hand. The giraffe was a really gentleman (or woman), he gracefully and gently removed the food from our fingers. The many variety of deer and deer-like animals galloped to keep up with the van, not wanted to miss any opportunity for a morsel of food. The cutest animal was the little Shetlan pony. He sure knew how to get food. The woman told us not to feed the horse-like animals (because they can nip). However, that little guy knew how to perform and my hubby, being the naughty boy he can be at times, could refuse the little guy's acting ability.
We also managed to visit Butts Mill Farm. Again, this is a great spot for the children. The farm has pony rides, train and hay rides. It has a huge climbing/play area. They also have a stream for playing in the water. My favorite activity was the go-carts. Us old folk all took a turn on the race track. I had my dad as a passanger! I thought I would die laughing. Every bend he would shout out "slow down, slow down". I'd crack up, but knowing my dad's heart is not in top condition, I'd slow down. He, of course, was exaggerating everything. Once he said, "I lost my teeth! I hope John doesn't run over them!"
Pine Moutain is most famous for Callaway Gardens. We did visit, but the day was hot and we couldn't really enjoy it as we would have had it been a bit cooler. We did, however, notice they had a great beach area with big inflated toys for kids to climb on.
We also took a couple journeys to Lagrange, Georgia were we visited a mansion and found the normal conveniences in a "city".
Warm Springs, Georgia is about fifteen minutes from Pine Mountain. Warm Springs is famous for.....
Franklin Delenor Roosevelt's Little White House. The location of this house has an incredible musuem. I learned so many fasinating facts about FDR during our tour. We really enjoyed our day there.
So that pretty much sums up our vacation. If anyone is looking for a quiet, escape the rat race, family vacation, I would highly recommend Pine Mountain, Georgia!
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Aug. 2, 2006 - Six Year Old Who Lost Her Joy
Six Year Old Who Lost Her Joy
What do you do with a six year old who lost her Joy? That was the question on my mind yesterday.
A tragedy happened in my daughter’s life yesterday. She lost Joy, in more than one way. Moriah, my daughter, had a sweet little cat she named “Joy” for over two years. Joy was her baby, and the cat thought Moriah was her momma.
Moriah’s heart was crushed yesterday. As the kids and I were preparing to go to the store, we all piled into the van, except my son who was fulfilling the role of “gatekeeper”. I started up the vehicle and put it in drive; as I began to pull forward my son, the “gatekeeper” (his job was to close the gate after I pulled through) came running to the van yelling. “Mamma, you ran over Joy!” He was shouting.
I still don’t understand how it happened; the cats normally ran as soon as the engine started, but that day Joy laid still right in the path of the tire. I don’t know how I didn’t see her as I approach the van. In any case, our little Joy died yesterday. My wonderful husband lovingly buried her, but Moriah’s heart was broken.
I encouraged her to draw a picture and placed it on her wall so she always had Joy with her. She happily performed the task. As we went on with the day Moriah began to sing about Joy. She made up a song about how she loved Joy more than anything, except God and all people. She also made a little slogan about God being number one! Despite the pain the tried to wrap around her heart at the loss of her dear little friend, she found peace in her love for God and her love for her cat.
She was a tremendous testimony to me yesterday. While she had times of great sorrow and weeping, she hung on to the joy she has in Jesus. Moriah is a precious gift! I thank God for her witness to our loving Savior! I know sadness will continue to hit her at times, but I know the God of all comfort cares enough to even comfort a six year old who lost her “Joy”!
For all readers please say a little pray for our family as we morn our lost and especially my sweet little Moriah!
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Jul. 25, 2006 - Wait and See
Promises That Are True
Daily Promises From God’s Word
“I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the Lord will say to me and how he will answer my complaint.” Habakkuk 2:1 (NLT)
The background and theology of this verse is not what struck me when I read it. What impressed me about this verse, and what spoke to my heart is that the speaker is actively seeking God for an answer. That fact just hit me big time!
So often I pray to the Lord with my needs and request, then walk away and forget about what I just did. Most of the time, I do not “climb my watchtower” and “wait” for God to answer me. I approach my pray time more as a one way line.
However, that is not what God desires. He wants to commune with us. He wants to meet us intimately during our times of prayer. He wants to answer us and speak to us concerning our request. We need to spend more time listening to what He has to say.
I think our modern day Christianity has taught us plenty about making our requests known, or even praising God for answered prayers; but I think there has not been enough emphasis placed on waiting to hear from God. Perhaps it is taboo to the human nature to expect God to actually speak to us, but He really longs for that special time where He can lead us, comfort us, teach us, and build a deeper relationship with us.
I know that I definitely need to practice being still before God. Let’s take a few moments each day to quiet our minds, hearts, request and wait for God to answer!
Meditate on the things of God!
Love,
Tracy Finney
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Jul. 24, 2006 - I am Chosen!
Promises That Are True
Daily Promises From God’s Word
“But then something happened! For it pleased God in his kindness to choose me and call me, even before I was born! What undeserved mercy! Galatians 1:15 (NLT)
I’m not sure how I can struggle with a low esteem, when I have verses such as this one to remind me of who I am. Wow! God chose me and called me before I was born. His love and acceptance is unconditional; it is not based on anything I have ever done or will do.
I know the reason I struggle with low self esteem is just that- “self-esteem”- way too often I think of myself the way others see me and the way I see me. That’s why my esteem is low, I don’t think highly of myself, and it seems to me most other people don’t think too much of me either. But that’s where I go amiss.
As a child of the living God; one whom He chose before the beginning of time, I should have a “God-esteem.” God’s view of me is precious. He loves me when no one else does. He sees all my successes and He sees all my failures in the light of Christ’s blood. He’s never critical of who I am, He’s never hard on me when I fall short. He always loves me.
If you ever suffer with a low esteem, I promise you it is because of who you are allowing to fashion your worth. Remember this verse next time you get the lies coming into your thoughts; the lies like: you’re stupid, you’re fat, you’re a loser, or you can’t do it. Simply take those thoughts captive and bring them into subjection to God’s word. His word says “I chose you” “even before you were born”. God says we are a success, not because of who we are but because of who He is!
God loves you!
Meditate on the things of God!
Love,
Tracy Finney
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Jul. 22, 2006 - Happiness
Promises That Are True
Daily Promises From God’s Word
Happy is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat
in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in its season, and whose leaf doth not wither; and in whatsoever he doeth he shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3 (JPS)
Many, many people walk around in life looking for happiness. Some seek for this treasure in relationships, others in alcohol, some in what they own. Most people try to find happiness for their lives. Unfortunately, when we look for it in anything other than the Lord we are always left empty. Nothing can give us lasting happiness.
God’s word gives us a promise. If we choose to avoid the ways of sin, if we delight in the Lord, God will cause us to be happy. We will find that happiness that others can only dream of obtaining. For God is the source of true joy; and it is ours for the taking, if we love Him.
Another wonderful promise here for those who do not walk after the ways of the wicked, is that we will be like a “tree planted by streams of water.” I’ve seen trees that have grown near river banks; even when the weather is dry and other plant life are withering; those planted by the water remain green and strong. When we plant ourselves in the presence of God and choose His ways for our lives, we will remain strong even in the tough times. We will be fruitful and God will cause us to be successful in all we do.
I want to be planted securely by the
Delight in the Lord and find complete happiness!
Meditate on the things of God!
Love,
Tracy Finney
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Jul. 21, 2006 - Fear or Sonship...Promises That Are True
Promises That Are True
Daily Promises From God’s Word
“For you have not received a spirit of slavery that leads you into fear again. Instead, you have received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’” Romans 8:15 (ISV)
We have been adopted into God’s family. He is our “daddy”. That is an incredible miracle. God has taken sinful humans and, through the blood of Jesus, He has welcomed us into His family.
Because we are His children, we can be confident that He is always looking out for us. I am a weak mortal mother, but I do everything I can to make sure my kids are happy, healthy, and protected. It’s wonderful to know that our perfect, loving God and Father cares more about us than any earthly parent can possibly take of care of their children.
Our heavenly Father has given us His Holy Spirit. Being indwelled with His Spirit grants us the power to live Godly lives. He gives us the promise that we don’t have to surrender to fear; for we haven’t received a spirit of fear, but rather of sonship. If we remember this anytime we might feel afraid it will bring us comfort.
Often fear will try to grip us. As a mother of four kids, there are plenty of times that fear tries to sow its seed in my heart. When I take hold of this promise and claim it for my own life, I soon begin to feel God’s peace. God has not given us a spirit of fear. We are His children; and as children we have been granted victory over every enemy.
Meditate on the things of God!
Love,
Tracy Finney
God Will Make a Way
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Jul. 20, 2006 - Free Bible Software
A few days ago I found this really cool - free - Bible software. To find out more about it go to http://www.e-sword.net/ . There you can download the free program along with tons of study helps; all for free!
The program is so cool. I love the KJV with the Strongs reference number. As you read, you can place your curser on the Strongs reference number and see the original word and meaning. The program also offers tons of dictionaries, maps, commentaries, and versions of the Bible.
I am so impressed with the software. It helps me write my daily devotion, and it is free! I can't get over it. My dad bought QuickVerse for a lot of money, but this is free. It is great for studying the Bible, biblical history, or aid in your devotions.
God bless you as you meditate on the things of God!
Tracy
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Jul. 20, 2006 - Recall to mind
Promises That Are True
Daily Promises From God’s Word
“This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 (NAS)
It is so mind-blowing trying to comprehend God’s great love for us. I say it over and over, but His love is so incredible and our need to be reminded of this is so great that I can’t help but writing about God’s love.
I can understand how Jeremiah must have felt when he wrote these words. He had been in great distress, weeping and mourning for
However, God in His faithfulness, somehow reminded Jeremiah (and through this verse, He also reminds me) to turn his thoughts back to God’s love. He then “recalled” God’s faithfulness and that in turn produced the “hope” that Jeremiah needed.
If you are in the place right now of needing hope, recall to mind the faithfulness of God. Remember God’s great love and kindness for you. He loves you more than you can ever comprehend. As you begin to think about God’s compassion and mercy, His love and kindness, you will feel hope rising up in your heart once again.
We know this is truth, we know God loves us, but sometimes we just need that simple reminder to stir us up again. God loves you, no matter who you are or what you’ve done! Believe it and you will see it produce a great difference in your life!
Meditate on the things of God!
Love,
Tracy Finney
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Jul. 14, 2006 - Life and Death...Promises
Promises That Are True
Daily Promises From God’s Word
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” Proverbs 18:21
The words we speak are very powerful. They can effect our environment, they can alter our surroundings.
In Genesis we are told we are made in God’s image. How did God create? “In the beginning God said…” Everything we came into exsistance because of God’s word. He spoke creation into being. Just like God had the power to speak the whole of creation into exsistance, likewise He created us in His image and with that has come a “power” in our words.
This verse from Proverbs tells us we have the power of life and death in our words. We can choose to speak uplifting, edifying, life-giving words to those in our lives. Or we can tear down and beat others in with what we speak.
I have experienced both realities in my own life. Many times, when I’ve been anxious or stressed, I have resorted to speaking words of death my family. “Hurry up, get that math problem done. Are you stupid?” All these words I have spoken in my selfish flesh nature have effected those receiving them; not only that but they have effected me too. I hate every time I speak something to bring sadness or sorrow to not only someone I love, but anyone.
On the other hand, I have witnessed the difference when I speak words of life into those around me. “Wow, you’ve done a great job!” or “Let me see if I can help you with that problem.” These kind words causes the recipients face to light up. They produce a feeling in their heart of love and acceptance. They also make me feel really good inside knowing I am not wearing down someone’s emotions, but rather sowing seeds of peace, love, and joy! I have also seen how just a few simple kind words to strangers makes their day!
Today, remember you have the power of life and death in the words you choose to speak. Marriages, relationships, and working environments can and have been changed by simply changing the words we say to those around us. Today, let’s choose to speak the words that God would have us say, let’s choose to build up others! Let’s speak words of life!
Meditate on the things of God!
Love,
Tracy Finney
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Jul. 13, 2006 - My Tears...Promises
Promises That Are True Daily Promises From God's Word "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Psalm 56:8 I love this verse; it is a beautiful testimony to God's great care for every little area of our lives. How intimate is our God! He knows every sorrow and keeps a record of every tear. When I take the time to meditate on this verse, it just blows me away! The wonder of how deep God's thoughts are for me. He cares about every tear! Now let me clue you in on a bit of an inside information about these bottles that He keeps tears in; some of those bottle are rather huge! I know because God has been keeping my tears for almost forty years, and that's a lot to hold and record. I wonder what God's record book is like for recording all these tears. I can't imagine how infinite God's love is for us that He even keeps record of every tear. Imagine it, I love my kids tremendously, but I have forgotten more about their early years than I can remember. It doesn't mean I don't love them, but God, He doesn't forget anything. He remembers when I was five years old and sat on my grandma's sofa scared because my uncle's dog seemed so frightening to me. Somewhere, some how He has the tears I cried then on record. Looking back on that event, it all seems so silly to me now, but not to my Abba Father who cared for my little five-year-old concerns. He still has those tears! He also has the many tears I have had to cry in repentance. Much to my shame, the number of tears shed because of my own sinful flesh is far more than I would like to think. Even so, God cares. He understands my weakness; He holds those tears in His bottle too. I imagine that they are a witness to my heart, which longs to please the Lord, despite my many shortcomings! You can rejoice, even if there are circumstances in your life right now that are causing you to cry, because you heavenly "Daddy", He cares! Even if no one else understands, He does, and He is recording your tears right now. Then one day, when you finally go to be with Him, He will wipe away all your tears and only joy will remain! Meditate on the things of God! Love, Tracy Finney
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Jul. 12, 2006 - Your Light Promises That Are True
Promises That Are True
Daily Promises From God’s Word
“Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God – the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again- my Savior and my God!”
This is where I want to be! I want to live in the “place where you live,” to abide in His presence.
As I seek God daily, He does “send out His light and truth,” and it does lead me in the right path. The more I yield to Him and draw closer to Him, the more certain His direction for my life becomes.
The only place worth living in, is God’s presence. God is the source of joy. So often I have sacrificed this joy by following my own directions for my life. Doing that always brings despair in my life. Even so, God is always there drawing me into His presence.
He says, “don’t be discouraged, put your hope once again in Me.” Then once again He returns His joy to my heart!
Draw close to the Lord. Let His truth guide you. Seek to live every moment of every day in His presence, being guide by His Spirit.
Remember to praise Him!
Meditate on the things of God!
Love,
Tracy Finney
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Jul. 11, 2006 - The Promised Land, Promises That Are True
Promises That Are True
Daily Promises From God’s Word
“I said to you, ‘You have now reached the land that the Lord our God is giving us. Look! He has placed it in front of you. Go and occupy it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors has promised you. Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged!’ Deuteronomy 1:20-21 (NLT)
I know this verse is concerning Moses and the people of
However, when I read the verse it jumped off the page at me. I have been desiring to go deeper in my relationship with God. I often come to this place were I know there is more to my Christian faith than what I actually live. I desire to have God’s agape love for His people. I desire to know His will as Jesus did, “That which I see my Father do I do” knowledge. However, I don’t often obtain what I seek, usually because of fear. I guess I’m afraid of rejection, even though I know God won’t reject me!
This verse spoke to my heart, “Do not be afraid.” God wants the desire in my heart to be fulfilled more than I do. It is His promise to me that as I draw close to Him, He will draw close to me. I don’t need to be afraid. I got really excited when God “spoke” this verse to my heart. It strengthened my desires.
God has placed me in front of a “land”, the land being a closer walk with God. He has promised me it is mine, “Draw close to me and I will draw close to you.” He has told me I do not need to be afraid or even discouraged. All I have to do is “Go and occupy.”
If God gives you a promise, remember it is His desire, even more than your own. Don’t be afraid or even dismayed if nothing seems to happen right away. Just draw close to God, and trust that He will bring that promise to pass, and do whatever He has given you to do!
Meditate on the things of God!
Love,
Tracy Finney
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Jul. 11, 2006 - Amazon Shorts
Wow, I'm really excited! I submitted an Amazon short story about a month ago and today I got my email of acceptance! It's going to take a few weeks to get Grandpa's Front Porch, The Little Lost Porcupine listed on the site, I can't wait!!
God Bless,
Tracy
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Jul. 8, 2006 - My Helper
Promises That Are True
Daily Promises From God’s Word
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 (NKJ)
The Holy Spirit, what an incredible gift to be given! Jesus told His disciples that he would not leave them alone but that He would send the “Helper”, the Holy Spirit. Thank God this promise is true!
I don’t know how I could ever exist in this world without the “Helper”. He is my comforter; and trust me, He stays very busy comforting me. We live in such distressed times, I’m not sure how anyone survives without the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the source of my strength. He has come to empower me. It is impossible for me to be a follower of God in my own fallen human nature; thank God for sending me the Holy Spirit to empower me to walk as a Christian. That’s just the tip of the iceberg when contemplating the “power” that the Holy Spirit has and is able to transfer to me.
My “Helper” is also my teacher. I need to rely more and more on the Holy Spirit to teach me. There are so many voices in the world today saying “this is the way” or “follow this gospel”. There are many teachings even in the Christian church that are based on truth but somehow become tainted and twisted. The only one sure way to know that I am believing the TRUTH of God is to read His word and trust the “Teacher” to help me understand.
Thank the Lord for the Holy Spirit: my friend, my healer, my comforter, my strength, my helper, my teacher!
Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you, lead you, empower you. Trust that He is with you and will never fail you. Rest in the knowledge that He is guiding you, helping you, healing you! Allow Him to have His way! His way is always the best!
Meditate on the things of God!
Love,
Tracy Finney
Daily promises to your inbox.
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Jul. 7, 2006 - Sympathize...Promises That Are True
Promises That Are True
Daily Promises From God’s Word
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15&16 (NAS)
What a beautiful section of Scripture! It is very reassuring to understand that when we are tempted and when we sin we have a “high priest” who understands. Jesus can have compassion for us because He knows the weakness we carry in our human flesh. He also is human, and although He never sinned, He can relate to our struggles in the flesh because He came in the flesh!
Since we know Jesus understands our temptations, we can be confident approaching God for help and forgiveness. He can relate, He isn’t going to condemn, He is going to have compassion on us. He is going to help us in our time of need.
Because Jesus has lived on this earth He relates to our circumstances. If a woman suddenly discovers she has breast cancer, who do you think she would go to for encouragement? Would she confide her fears and anxieties to a young single athletic man with out any health problems? Or would she find a lady who has survived the disease and entrust her feelings, thoughts, and concerns to her? She would find the woman who has been there and can relate to her circumstances. Anyone else might offer “good intentions” advice, or even look down on her, but with the woman who has been there, she can be confident that lady will understand.
Jesus has been here. Even though He never sinned, He was tempted in all areas of humanity, yet He remained faithful. Since He has been here, He understands what we go through; because He understands He is full of compassion and mercy. Therefore, we can rest assured that when we struggle and need help He is ready, willing, and able to come to our rescue. No need to hide, or feel ashamed, just run into His arms, He understands!
Meditate on the things of God!
Love,
Tracy Finney
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Jul. 6, 2006 - Promises That Are True--I am a Friend of God
Promises That Are True
Daily promises from God’s word
“…yet now He has brought you back as His friends. He has done this through His death in the cross in His own human body. As a result, He has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand in it firmly.” Colossians 1:22&23 (NLT)
When I read this verse today it really hit me how much God loves me. The first thing I noticed was that my Lord and Savior considers me His friend. Now that is big time excitement in my book! Jesus has brought me back to Him as not only a brother or sister, adopted into His family, but as a friend; man, that’s exciting! He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother!
We sing a song at church called “Friend of God” by
The other part of this verse that really excited me is that Christ has brought me into the “very presence of God.” Wow, I had to stop and think about that for while. I often wonder what it will be like in Heaven being in the “very presence of God”; but this says Jesus has already brought me into God’s presence!
Not only am I in His am presence, but I am “holy” and “blameless”! Ask anyone who knows me and they will quickly testify that I am not without fault. Yet, because of what Christ has done for me, God see me as “holy.” Of course I have always known that, but to really understand what that means is awesome. God doesn’t see me as I do, or as those around me do. He sees me in the light of Christ’s righteousness. I am (present tense) in God presence and I am looked upon as sinless. That means I can be confident when I draw close to the Lord; not confident in whom I am, but confident knowing that Jesus has made me a friend of God!
Knowing that you are God’s friend, and that He doesn’t see your faults but rather Christ’s perfection, rejoice as you draw close to God!
Meditate on the things of God!
Love,
Tracy Finney
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