Why are we here?  To glorify God–solely!  We are not here to build fancy, expensive homes and drive the latest model cars.  We are simply here to bring Him glory.  Whatever we say and whatever we do is meant to glorify-point back to- Him.  At 41 yo I finally realize what He has been trying to make me see.  We do not have to be homeless, carless, or moneyless but we are certainly accountable for everything we do have.  More things is not more-actually less things is more.  The less we have the more we are able to focus on Him.  When our world is full of things to satisfy us, we need Him less to satisfy and our minds are occupied with the wrong things-our earthly treasures.  Jesus said if someone asks for your tunic, give him your cloak as well.  {Matt. 5:40} Things, material possesions, are not worth anything.  How are we known-how are we seen-how do we display Him–this is our true worth.

My mouth has been far from pleasing Him.  My thoughts-which proceed action-have been far from pleasing Him.  My focus has been on me, my children, my finances instead my focus must remain on Him.  How can I, April, glorify Him?  How can you glorify Him?  We can do it through EVERY single thing that we do daily.  Caring for others points to Him.  A wholesome mouth points to Him.  Pure thoughts point to Him.  Honoring our spouses, even when our human flesh doesn’t want to, points to Him.  Who sees this?  Him and Him alone and that should be the only One we care who sees.  Anything else would be prideful, a show.  I will not be judged by a jury of 12, but by my one glorious Saviour.  Worthless me–me however plus Him equals worthiness and acceptance.

He chose us before time began because He knew the impact we COULD have-not WOULD have-because that depends on our ability to see.  We must truly see with eyes open to truth not just words on a page.  The Bible is truly like a secret code but when you are saved you possess the key to unlock the code.  The awesome thing is that to each of us He reveals Himself in different ways on different days–AMAZING!

An author who can write a book that speaks directly to each saved reader in miraculous ways.  Individual ways that minister to your needs as they arise.  Our lives should simply reflect Him.  Can it?  YES!! The Holy Spirit enables it, but far too often our flesh impedes it.

The most wonderful thing about the Lord is that He gives us a LIMITED free will.  Therefore, we have the ability to choose and choose we do.  We have become very successful at choosing our way and somehow fitting Him into it.  When you focus so dimly on Him your path is misguided and we take wrong turns and wind down alternate paths that when redirected by Him lead back to the path He always intended for us.  So when faced with the bend or fork in the path shine your “light” onto it and He will lead you down the right way and you can proceed not with caution, but with assurance that through every mountain top and valley His light will continue to guide you and carry you through to your final destination–HIM–waiting, smiling, and embracing the end of another miraculous journey home.

The Word of God is the light that shines and illuminates your path so read it daily-if not your light will be to dim to know which path to take and the alternate routes we choose can be heart breaking and time consuming not to mention we will miss out on the path He would choose.  His path for you is the path that was structured perfectly with you in mind-imagine the beauty you will miss by having a dim light.

I want all the paths from now on to be the paths He has created for me, no matter the terrain.  When your traveling companion is Jesus Christ there is truly no reason to fear or turn.  Your success in life depends on the paths you choose.  Choose the path He has lain for you-know those paths by knowing Him-know Him by reading His word and meditating on it daily.  Memorize it, store it in your heart in every corner, every recess, every nook and cranny.

EVERY life has seasons of difficulty and pain. Believe it!!  No-one has a perfect life- no matter how outwardly pretty it may seem.  We all struggle with something.  Encouragement is so important, practice it with everyone you meet.  We will never know our impact-whether good or bad-until we reach heaven.  Although we will fall short try, to make as many impacts for good that you can.  A good place to start is with your own family, your inner circle.  Especially your children.  Teach them that every decision they make will in some way affect their life.  If they have been taught discernment through the word of God they will shine their light and choose the narrow way.  Even grown children can change the way decisions are made.  Sin cascades through generations just read the Old Testament to see proof of that.  When we do not instruct our children correctly the future generations suffer greatly.  Let us choose to change the tide that will fall upon our families and rain down blessing instead of hardship.  May we choose to teach the Bible to our children in its entirety and let them experience the awesome power it will release not only into their lives, but our lives, and all the lives along our paths.

Blessings always,

April

After losing my job of 13 years this past March I have re-directed my focus. I have been spending time in prayer and devotions every morning and I have been so refreshed and uplifted by Gods word. I strongly believe that God opens and closes doors in our lives, sometimes when we least expect it. The other night I was going about my household duties when I felt the Lord speaking to my heart about worth. We as humans draw our worth from many things. Where does our worth truly come from? God spoke to my heart about my previous job. I had a very high paying medical job and was terminated for something that I honestly did not do. I drew a lot of self worth from what I did. Patients admired me and I felt important for the help I was able to offer them. When I lost my job it was though my red carpet was pulled directly from under me. Ever felt that way? Not a great feeling. It has been almost six months since I lost my job and even though I do not miss it at all, at times I feel like I have lost my sense of purpose. I adore my children and my dream job was always to stay home with them. However, I brought in the stable income in my home. My husband is self employed and his income is up and down. My security really was in my job and not The Lord. Our worth comes from nothing more than the fact that we are children of the Most High King. We have things happen in our lives that surprise us, never Him. For the last six months immersing myself in His word has sustained and encouraged me. I have done two recent Bible studies that have been wonderful. Let me encourage you to do them as well. Gideon by Priscilla Shirer and What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa Terkeurst. They will knock your socks off and help you, as they have me, to understand our Father better. This blog will be about my journey with Him and how He sustains me daily. I hope He is your sustainer too. He really is all we need.

Blessings always,
April