Daily Devotions

 

A book I bought just after Christmas 2024. Last year was a painful time in life and I had just started my journey back towards God, in a much deeper sense. 

The goal to get back to the place I once was, with the Holy Ghost leading my life. I was ordained a minister in 2004, and reinstated in 2016, now to be fully recommitted in 2024. 

20 years walking in the dark. A couple things happened back then that blew my faith out of the water. It took time to heal and find my way back. Many painful events during those years. A couple attempts at suicide, a couple strokes, and a million miracles and blessings brought me from there to here. 

While going through this particular devotional book, my life went from 'being out in the freezing cold' to being in a warm house with family and a friend, to being HOME, even though this place is temporary. It is the journey to HOME more permanently.  

I was alone while Tim was in the hospital, and during that time. Life became even clearer. My journey my own without any negativity to push me backwards. I was able to gain some of my strength back. Spiritually and physically. Still having the occasional struggle with the cigarettes, it is the only vice I've yet to overcome completely.

As I went through the devotions every day there were many days my answers were the same, at times I thought 'this isn't helping, I'm just repeating myself.' As I dug into my own soul deeper, I discovered my answers became deeper and more specific.  My prayers directly in line with my heart. "I can't take this anymore" was one line I remember repeating almost every day, as the weather got colder and colder down to 27 degrees the last night I spent in the truck. 

I've finished the book. The pages are blank so I can pass it on to someone else that is interested. My notes in a private journal. I learned many years ago that to read something, then write it down, helps the brain with imprinting it in your memory. Sometimes I rewrite things, helping me to understand them more completely.  Sometimes I rewrite it a few times. 

On to the next book as well as doing other studies in the meanwhile. Composing a series of sermons one goal to accomplish, should I someday have the opportunity to preach/teach again.  Whether you choose to just read a couple chapters a day, or indulge into devotional books, or take up a Bible study. 

Adding scripture, prayer and time with God on a daily basis, will increase your spiritual strength, your faith and your understanding; as well as improve your happiness levels and help guide you in decisions that you make daily in life general. Miracles still happen, Blessings are granted every day. As the world becomes more evil, the strength needed to survive spiritually will come. 

Dedicating a time daily with God, makes all the difference in the world. In this journey we call life. 

Blessed by God

Life's getting better @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Finding the Right "Church"

 First off - 

The 'church' isn't the building, it's the body of people. 

As buildings are classified as 'churches' this is the first misconception.

God's house is a 'Temple', 

Which is a place we go; to worship God.

God's house should be a Holy place, one that we hold in high esteem. 

One that is only entered into when we are there to worship God;

 and speak/teach His Word. 

For these reasons I have not attended any 'churches' in the last 30 + years. 

I have not found a single religion that truly worships God rightfully in His Temple. 

Recently I have been looking for a place to go and worship with fellow Christians, only to find they now disgrace the Lord, welcoming acts of sin and coffee machines?

Really, you think you're doing it right - by grabbing your coffee first?

Just so, you can sit there and drink coffee while the pastor/preacher speaks.?

"Come as you are?" or "Pajama days"?  While the poor may not have fine linen, they always did know to be clean and wear the best that they had. 

Multiple service times for the 'convenience' of those that don't like to wake up early?

Not one from any of these places, will I expect to see in Heaven!

My worship is done at HOME, 

where I know I have cleared the space to welcome the Lord into the house.

I know they don't have the true power of the Spirit, by the fact they cannot fulfill the miracles that Jesus left us the power to do.

Jesus hasn't changed, the rules haven't gotten easier, 

the expectations of God have remained the same as always - even unto the END.

Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. 

Go ye therefore and teach all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. AMEN

Mark 16:15-18

And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned.

And these signs shall follow them that believe; 

        In my name shall they cast out devils: 

        they shall speak with new tongues.

        They shall take up serpents; 

        and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; 

        They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. 

You cannot serve God and the devil.

Plain and simple. True followers of Christ have the powers, to speak in tongues, heal the sick and so much more. Jesus is still here as I don't believe the world has ended just yet. And He warned us - you can't sit on the fence with your spirituality. You must serve one or the other. 

Next time you're grabbing your coffee in your comfy pj's going to church and sitting on the pews, you might want to think about it. 

Blessed by God,

Life's very blessed @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping By

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.