Well ya’ll… It’s been FAR too long since I have taken the time to sit down and blog. But today, I blog. Let’s just say that I had an experience earlier in the week that was worth writing about. On this blog I have spared no expense sharing my heart. You all know that I am a sinner. The whole reason I came back around to Christ was because my life was headed in the wrong direction, and filled with sin and suffering. I am not too self-righteous to admit this. However, I want to share with you – there are a lot of people who are. I feel bad for those. My heart reaches out for those who appear to themselves “on a high horse”, and some of them – I am finding – are “Christians”. That’s not the way it was intended to be. We are called to BE THE GOOD in the world. When we see someone who has overcome sin, hurdles, and obstacles in life, it’s not up to us to judge or condemn.
I ran into a person in a restaurant the other day. To say the least, it was an unpleasant meeting. She called me by name as I was walking out, I responded and walked over, then she asked: “you’re a Christian blogger right?” To which I replied “yes.” Then the fun began! (sarcasm). Sheer attack is what I was faced with. She began yelling, pointing, causing a scene, name calling, and just downright being rude. Contrary to what I thought my reaction would be (ahem-slam her head into the wall behind her ) I was gentle, calm, and began trying to make sense of her madness, even to offer a ‘conversation’ (to no avail). I quoted scripture in rebuttal. (To which I was impressed, I didn’t even know that was in there!) This Cherish, The one who has been overtaken with the mercy and grace of God, has changed my heart of stone to a very soft ball of flesh.
It made me realize that all the things I have been saying is true. I am a changed person. God has done something INCREDIBLE through little ole me. As I left, I wondered who told her she could throw stones? When I walked away from that mess of a person, I was somewhat proud of that event that occurred. Even though it was a bash to my “ego”, I realized that I have lost my ego. I realized I have lost my “pride”(which was too big to begin with) and became solely dependent on God to fight my battles for me. It was truly amazing to walk away feeling on top of it. I had nothing to feel ashamed about – though she did. (Though probably too self-righteous to admit it.) The bible warns against this here: Romans 12:16- Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Afterall, Matt 7 says: Judge not lest ye be judged.
That experience in itself made me ponder. A hypocrite like that is the reason people don’t go to church. The reason some are afraid to go to church, and who’ don’t lik’e to go to church. It’s because a “Christian” like that is on the pew behind them! It’s Christians who call themselves Christians on Sundays and get into brawls and fits of rage that cause problems.
Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. If you live by those guidelines you realize everyone starts somewhere.
Let’s See What the Bible Really Says About Judging:
“Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” (Prov 31:9)
“Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt show her all her abominations.” (Ezek 22:2)
“But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” (1 Cor 2:15)
“Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” (1 Cor 6:2)
I have decided that I will stand for what God wants from me in this lifetime. Though it doesn’t make worldly “sense” to me, I trust God – and my measure of faith is all I have, and it’s sufficient. 1 Corin 2:10 “But God has revealed them to us through is spirit. For the spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows, the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the spirit of God.” Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. EVERYONE is a sinner. But it is in honestly, sincerely, wholeheartedly asking God to forgive you of it – that makes you new and forgiven.
I am forgiven.
Proverbs 18:19- Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
So I thought back about what happened in the restaurant, and God led me to this. Galatians 5:19-26
Now the works of the flesh are evident which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dessentions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; Of which I told you in a time past that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. IF WE LIVE IN THE SPIRIT, LET US ALSO WALK IN THE SPIRIT.
So, to the lady at the restaurant… I will advise you (as a Christian) read Galations 5:19-26. As I read it, I suffer the condemnation of the flesh. (As do you.) It seems to me that you and I are just alike in Christ’s eyes. However, I walked away and WALKED IN THE SPIRIT in the face of attack.
God bless,
Cherish
Every Knee will bow, and every eye will close.
I talk to a lot of people that grew up in a church atmosphere, and for some reason most of these people still don’t understand how to pray. I have heard people tell me that “I feel like I’m doing it wrong” or “I don’t think I understand prayer”. Guys, listen up!
PRAYER IS NOT A METHODICAL RELIGIOUS MOTION YOU TAKE!
Prayer is simple. It is coming to God from a sincere heart, and ‘talking’. In John 15:15 Jesus said “I call you friends”. Think for a moment about your friends. Now think about a specific friend, or mentor that you greatly admire and respect. How do you talk to them? You can start with that idea, then imagine God: A holy, beautiful, sinless, perfect “person”. It is hard to understand with human understanding, however my case stands that you can talk to God like he is sitting in the chair next to you (with upmost respect of course).
For instance, when I get up in the morning, I say a short small breath prayer. What is that? Well, it goes like this: God, lead me guide me and direct me today. Let me be a light unto a dark world, Amen.
However, I generally worship “talk to” God all throughout the day. When I am getting ready for work, I talk to God about my concerns for the day. When I am driving to work, I pray he protects me as I travel, and put me where he wants me. When I am at work, I thank him for the blessings that happen immediately as they occur. I give thanks in EVERYTHING. 1 Thes 5:18 says give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. If I hear a praise song that makes me remember what God did for me, I praise him and thank him and glorify him in my still, quiet places. This song always gets me going :
When I think about the Lord http://youtu.be/QsEGRB695hs
Children are often times the BEST prayers. Why? Because they pray because they want to, not because they feel they have to.
Prayer is basic. Prayer is heartfelt. Prayer is the sincere wanting and needing to be closer to God, not just about asking God to grant your wishes like a genie. God is not going to give you everything you ask, and it doesn’t mean you have to blame him when you don’t get what you thought you wanted. It could be that there is something better coming down the pipes for you. Prayer is giving your heart to God, and asking him to search it, and reveal what belongs there and what doesn’t. Prayer is humbly presenting yourself for searching. Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Prayer is that simple. A little advice, prepare yourself before you come to God. I used to pray this BEFORE I prayed – “God, shut down my thoughts and restless body, let me forget this world for a few uninterrupted moments with you. I want to come to you today, please reveal yourself to me Lord.”
There is no right or wrong way to pray. Prayer is between YOU and GOD. If you pray, and feel God – then he heard you. If you are unsure, maybe you can visit with someone who can help guide you. Sometimes “being unsure” is just a matter of the heart. Sometimes you just feel too full of sin or guilt to feel like you are “worthy” of God to listen or talk back. If that is you, LET IT GO. God will take your burden if you just ask. Matthew 11:28 says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
IF GOD SAID IT – HE MEANT IT.
I will leave you with this: Rev 3:20 Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
If you still aren’t sure that you are being heard, or you feel you don’t understand prayer – Here is something you can start praying for and it may change your life.
Amen
It’s time we all get off our high horses. It’s time we realize the difference between a healthy marriage and an unhealthy marriage. It’s time that Christians stop feeling guilty about divorce, if it was founded and led through Gods will for your life. Especially if you were in an unhealthy marriage.
When I got divorced, I felt like I needed to hang my head. I felt like I had a single point of failure in my marriage and it was all my fault. All my life I was told that GOD HATES DIVORCE. Now I am not belittling or pushing aside this comment because I believe that God does hate divorce. HOWEVER, in speaking with many pastors, friends, and spiritual warriors, I have come to see that the shame I carried was unfounded. I did what God wanted me to do. God saw the relationship I had without blinders – he knew what was wrong even when I didn’t.
I will never forget the afternoon the message came to me. I was taking a shower, minding my own business and not thinking about anything in particular. My then husband was in the other room and a loud, unshaking voice said” GO, It’s time to leave”. I heard him. I knew what it was. But I wasnt ready to accept that yet.
Ultimately, it happened, i left, and the checkered flag was waved. I did what I had to do, but it wasnt easy. DIvorce is not easy. I had to talk myself out of being in love. I had to talk myself into leaving and walking out that door. I didn’t understand why I was leaving. I didn’t understand at the time – but I do understand now.
My marriage wasnt healthy. God is FOR healthy marriages. I had made my ex-husband my rock, and i was his. I made him into everything. My security, my confidante, my only. I didn’t realize all this until God made me leave. I got kicked out of my own house because I was led to leave. I don’t expect this to make sense to everyone, but I am spilling my truth.
It is true that God hates divorce, but more than that, God is a jealous God and he is just. God hates unfounded divorce! Celebrities make a mockery of marriage all day long. God hates that. My priorities were all wrong, my heart had hardened in my marriage, I was neglected and my life was going in the wrong direction because I was leaning on something that would – and did – falter./p>;;;;
“God hates divorce” is commonly being used in the church in an unbiblical manner and the result is a great deal of harm. It may not seem like a big deal for those who have not been faced with divorce or with marriages in violation of the Word, but the inaccurate handling of the Word is being used to keep people in bondage and also to cause added condemnation and rejection to people whom God has neither condemned nor rejected.
I am not ashamed. I am not guilty. I am not confused – anymore. God pulled that veil off my face before I had a chance to blink. I couldn’t hide behind my ignorance anymore, and somehow he knew that I would listen and obey his call.
Christians are in a tough spot these days when it comes to divorce. I know there are people out there that are getting married and divorced like its a fad. I was one of those that took my vows to heart, and fully expected ’til death’ with that person. I think its time however, that we realize that there are instances where God permits divorce.
Take a moment and read Malachi 2 for yourself. No matter how you look at Malachi 2, understand this passage doesn’t say “since God hates divorce it cannot be God’s will for any Christian to be divorced.” This understanding is important because this passage is killing Christians and their churches. Teachings on divorce can alienate if not based on scripture. Do not make a mockery of marriage or divorce. It takes two people to carry the weight of a healthy, successful, happy marriage.
I rolled out of bed this morning a little on the late side. I woke up thinking.. Gee, I haven’t posted a blog in awhile. Funny how things happen in a day. I was overcome with the need to pray this morning. I had a very thankful heart that had this insane desire to speak to God and thank him personally for everything he has done and is doing in my life.
When I first met my “soon to be husband” we went on a very extreme spiritual walk together. We felt God moving in everything around us, and we knew that God himself had put us together. He told me early on that ” you need to get a passport, because God said you need one.” Well I will admit I scoffed it off a little because I hadn’t exactly been an avid traveler. (matter of fact I had never ventured passed 4 states.)
At any rate this morning I had a fire lit under me to go get a passport.
So I went to get one….
From there interesting things began to happen….
I walked in to the post office and sat waiting for awhile. A little while later a man and his family came walking in, and this man was humming non-stop. You could tell he was joyful and happy inside. The kind of happiness that only peace and comfort through God can give you. I minded my own business as they sat across the room.
Within 10 minutes this man walked over to me and said he had been praying for me since he walked in. He asked if he could share a scripture with me that God had given him – and immediately I said yes.
He read that scripture to me and had a little more to say. He explained that God has his eyes on me and that I have something special to do. He called me royalty. I never thought about myself as royalty, but I guess we all are since we are descendants of a king. It reminded me of Shelly Wilson’s song: Did you know. If you don’t know Shelly, here is the link to her ministry.
I smiled, using him, God showed me that I was on the right track. Apparently it was long overdue to get a passport. I was next in line, so with that word – I got up and started the process. As I reached in my wallet to pay the fee – someone came up from behind me and placed a 100 dollar bill on the table.
It was that same kind gentleman that had given me a word from God earlier. I was perplexed. No one had ever given me money, especially of that magnitude before- and more so from a perfect stranger. You will recall from my earlier blog my trouble with finances lately ULTIMATE SACTRIFICE. GOD IS GOOD! The gentleman told me that God told him I needed it.
As I left, I went over to that gentleman one more time and thanked him and asked him about the 100.00 bill. He explained that GOD had given him word earlier that his passport would be paid for him. He said when God told him to give me that 100.00 he did it. Immediately following his act of obedience, his wife called and said she just received a 200.00 check that was unexpected. In gambling I would say he made out pretty well by doubling his investment through Gods request.
I inquired more about him. He said he was a missionary from this area, and he had been trusting God 100% in his finances. He explained that for a family of 5 it can be tough at times, but also he had a joy in his face telling me that God has provided. Then he began to recite Matthew 5:26-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me (He watches me)
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches (I know he watches)
(I know he watches me)
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me (He watches me)
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me (He watches me)
He watches me (I know he watches me)
I left that post office and thanked God for that blessing. The last words that fellow said to me was “I’m investing in your ministry”. I never even thought of myself having a ministry. I guess if we look up the definition it is SERVING. So I guess I do have a ministry. Thank you to the gentleman, (I didnt even get your name) and Thank you to a God that meets real needs.
What difference did you make in someone’s life today?
So many Christians believe that they have to do something groundbreaking, enormous, and vastly substantial to make a difference. This couldn’t be further from the truth. God uses each of us together to make the big things happen. Have you ever watched a group tug of war competition? Picture watching the two teams battle, but only half of the first teams group is doing the work. Guess who won? It’s easy to see that every little bit that is done helps. Do not discount your “little bit”.
I remember when I was a child, I was working outside with my dad. We were digging a ditch to put in a swimming pool. Gosh, I remember that hole having to be extremely deep and wide, and no matter how much dirt I shoveled, it never seemed to get any deeper. When I was looking drained and exhausted from ditch digging, I remember dad looking at me and saying “every little bit you do, is a little less that I have to do”. I guess my “little bit” meant a little more to him than it did to me.
Another story I am reminded of as I write this. I was given 3 large print bibles by a friend of mine. (their “little bit”). I kept them in my car, just in case the opportunity to minister to someone might arise. One afternoon I was sitting at a Wendy’s eating lunch. I saw an elderly woman with a palm sized bible and what seemed like bottle cap glasses, trying to examine that book in front of her. At first, I laughed at its hilarity, but then I was immediately reprimanded and reminded that I had the solution to her problem not 5 feet away. I put down my hamburger, walked to my car, and pulled out a large print bible I had been saving. I walked in, handed it to her, and said” I think this is yours.” (“my little bit”) She was elated. She smiled, had me put my name and her name in that bible together, and said she would put it on her bedside table and read it every night.
See how small that was? It was a “little bit” of effort, a “little bit” of caring, and a “little bit” of compassion.
Are you ready to start sharing your little bit?
I want to hear your stories like this.
Cherish
So proud to see the knowledge and beauty that God has blessed her with!
Check out this video on YouTube:
God moves through her. what a testimony! beautiful young lady!
Cherish
Did you know that you have wings? They may be invisible on this Earth, but friend I tell you that as soon as these chains are bound to Earth- we are going to fly!
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
I’ll Fly Away (Jars Of Clay with Lyrics)
My question to you is: What are you doing to show you have wings? So many christians are so bound by————————>
Guilt. 
Unworthiness. 
Shame. 
Addictions. 
Afflictions. 
Pain. 
Sorrow.
…That they never experience the fullness of their wingspan! Matter of fact – they often live life on Earth like a caged bird with their wings clipped. Have you ever watched a bird that has been caged for a long time? They may have their ability to fly, and may aspire to..but they have been in their cage for so long that they FORGET that they actually CAN fly. I have seen rehabilitated birds come out of cages that they have been bound to for years-in cramped quarters- come out and walk….never attempting flight.
Though they can fly, they won’t fly.
Are you living your today like your wings have been clipped? Like that cage is fencing you in? Don’t you know that once you truly turn your life over to Jesus, you can fly!!?? You will fly! And if you by chance fall, you have a soft place to land. Personally, I just learned how to fly. I just learned how to use my gifts. I just learned that no matter how mediocre you think you might be on this Earth, God will use whatever you have and multiply it exponentially. Keep your sights on the Kingdom, and the glory of God, and fly….By all means…… FLY!
God Bless,
Cherish
I wrote a blog on tithing not too long ago. click HERE if you didnt read it. So today I thought I would update everyone on how that is going in my life. I must say, though I haven’t become an overnight millionaire, I “get it”. I completely understand how God works when you work with God. I am seeing God’s favor in my bank account for the first time in a long time.
How you ask?
It all started with a promise, a little faith, and a meager little check that was my tithe.
Malachi 3:10
10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
The month after I started tithing I started to see things happen. Little things that most would ignore, but because I was looking for the promise to be fulfilled with my obedience I saw it. I started getting a few refund checks in my name I didnt even know I had coming to me. My electric bill decreased by half, things started aligning in my favor. Oh, I am sold on tithing! You don’t have to beg me for money preacher because I’m already sitting in the pew ready to dunk my meager money in the pot. It’s all Gods anyway…..
Leviticus 27:30
30 “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.
…..He just wants to see how obedient I will be with my portion. Take it away! Thats the first check I write, and I gladly give it away.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Amen!
Whoo hoo!
Cherish
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Romans 8:31
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
2 Kings 6:16
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Exodus 14:13
MOSES ANSWERED THE PEOPLE, “DO NOT BE AFRAID, STAND FIRM AND YOU WILL SEE THE DELIVERANCE THE LORD WILL BRING YOU TODAY. THE EGYPTIONS The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.
I adopted tithing. I figured it can’t hurt. I made good money, I made minuscule money, but I never offered more than a 20.00 bill to God on Sundays. There, I said it.
So this year after losing my job (for 2 days – mind you, the most stressful 2 days of my life) I vowed to tithe. Well the job I was blessed with was quite a bit less in salary than I was accustomed to. (this is where it starts hurting by the way). I’ve come to the realization that those preachers preaching about tithing on Sundays aren’t just out for a bigger deck or new church carpets – they are telling you what is required of you.
I can’t live without Gods blessings. I can’t get where I need to be without him putting a hand in (or a hand out) for me. Let me tell you friends, I’m now giving ’til it hurts. I’m not doing it scowling, or hastily writing a check with a poor attitude, I am giving God his portion. The word portion is mentioned in the bible 100 times. I think it was important to enough to God and to many others. Laz 3:24 the lord is my portion saith my soul… And
Luke 12:42 (KJV)
42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Luke 12:43 (KJV)
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
This Sunday will be the 2nd check I have written for the kingdom, and I am praying that I will start receiving those blessings in my life for diligence and obedience.
Here is to giving til’ it hurts and making Gods kingdom more important than mine. Afterall, you can’t serve two masters.
Joshua 22:5 (KJV)
5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
I will keep you posted.
Cherish
modernmiracleme 