Ok, Praise be to Jesus. Mom did not go to work all last week. This week she made I think two days. A neighbor or two have been burning things in their yards. I understand. It, however, is getting into our home even with the windows shut. Mom stayed home yesterday and now today. Both of us being up all-night coughing. People do not realize how people with Asma, and other breathing issues are deeply affected by this smoke. I have burnt things in this back yard. I have also asked all my neighbors for permission as well as asking them to let me know if the smoke starts to bother them as I will put it out. I also keep a close eye to make sure if starts to smoke not burn. That I take a hose to it. All the many years here with the neighbors changing over time. Continued this respect only burning things a handful of times if that. That same respect is not shown. It is what it is. Que Sera, Sera meaning whatever will be will be. Italian in origin with Doris Day making it a well-known phrase today. Well, back in my day anyways. Now we are in the book of Revelation. I posted chapter two this morning. Both chapter two and three cover the seven churches in Asia Minor. That are also referred to as the candle sticks. 7 Churches in Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea. Now we have broken each of these down by the following. Before each of these Jesus tells us who He is. With that listed as well as the outline below.
1. I know your work: naming positives.
2. What we are doing wrong
3. Warning and Repent
4. Another positive they do
5. A promise from God for both those who overcome repenting.
I am keeping all these lists as I lost the last ones, I made over the years of finishing the New Testament with each of you. Book by book chapter by chapter. We do not skip around or verse jump in these writings I share with each of you. This chapter’s outline is this: The Dead Church 1-6, The Faithful Church 7-13, The Lukewarm Church 14-22
Revelation 3:
The Dead Church 1-6
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Who He is: These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars
1. I know your work: naming positives.
o I have not found thy works perfect before God
2. What we are doing wrong
o Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent
o They are putting themselves first and God last
3. Warning and Repent
o They need to watch for Jesus to come
o Go back to when they first believed following Jesus being a witness of His love, light and truth. Not focusing on themselves rather building others up.
4. Another positive they do
5. A promise from God for both those who overcome repenting.
o few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
“Let us not be a dead church. Rather hold onto God’s promises and word being a light, witness of Jesus.”
The Faithful Church 7-13
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Who He is: saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth
1. I know your work:
o I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name
o
2. What we are doing wrong
3. Warning and Repent
o hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown
4. Another positive they do
5. A promise from God for both those who overcome repenting.
o Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
o I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee
o Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
o Plus, we get a crown!
The Lukewarm Church 14-22
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Who He is: saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God
1. I know your work:
o This church/person is lukewarm. Sitting on the fence.
o Thinking they are rich needing nothing from God.
2. What we are doing wrong
3. Warning and Repent
o Because they are lukewarm, they will be denied by God
o Thinking they have everything not needing God. Not realizing they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked
o Find passion in serving Jesus building up their spiritual relationship with Him. OR their names will be taken out of the book of life.
o As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
4. Another positive they do
5. A promise from God for both those who overcome repenting.
o Be clothed in white
o To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne
I did the outline of this chapter. I have our list saved. Towards the end I will put Who Jesus is to each of these churches in one list breaking that down. With doing the same with the promises that Jesus gives us in this book. Let us be mindful learning from others mistakes not to repeat them. To grow in Jesus and remain faithful. Peace, Love, and Light to you ALL! 5-19-2023
Now, I love our chapter today for many reasons. John the Baptist is now locked in prison and Jesus is not visiting him. Now there comes a time in our lives that we wonder where God is and if He has left us. If we were stupid to believe, and that He has forsaken us. The accuser is more than willing to plant seeds of doubt if you are truly saved, and that God would love you. Naming off a list of wrongs as we tend to listen to. Oh, but honey he is lying to you. Even John the Baptist fell for it. Once again it comes down to our expectations. All I have done for you, and this is how you treat me! Life is a rodeo for sure. It is up to us on what bull or truth we will ride. I also love the fact that Jesus replies to the followers of John the Baptist that came to ask their question from John the Baptist. Jesus makes clear what He is doing with that enough as those followers left to give John the Baptist the reply. Once they were gone Jesus spoke of how great John was with Jesus giving much praise about him. John had to keep believing having faith, without strokes to his ego to do God’s will. Many of us are in the same boat as John the Baptist feeling alone, wondering where God is, and questioning if we are doing anything right. John the Baptist was just not told as once again it must be by faith. Then Jesus goes into some deeper things. Just remember that when you feel alone you really are not. Attacks are common with believers. It might be in heaven come judgment day before we hear good job and well done. Honestly that is ok, and we just need to keep the faith as we go. Let us begin our chapter and I will explain as we go.
Matthew 11
And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. “This was a large area to cover. Jesus sent His 12 while Jesus also was doing the same work as He asked of others to do. I have always believed not to ask someone to do what you are not willing to do. Most of the time I never ask for help. The responses I have received when I have had left a bad taste in my mouth. It is what it is.”
2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? “John is in prison and wondering why Jesus has not visited or got him out. Even John said when preaching he had to decrease as Jesus was to increase. John just did not think that meant being stuck in prison. The expectation of John was different from God’s plan. I think we all do that one way or another with us having expectations of others, God, even ourselves that we are let down when different responses come that do not meet any of our expectations. We expect one thing receiving another and it can throw us for a loop at times. Jesus will address John’s question with simple statements not explaining anything. Same thing we get most of the time with His Grace is Sufficient leaving it at that.”
4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. “Speaks volumes with verse six sticking out to me. Blessed is he, that is not offended in Jesus. We know God is always working out things for our good. We just need to trust in that. Now when the disciples of John the Baptist left to take word to John. Jesus goes on talking about John great things. Jesus however, did not send the messengers to tell John any of it nor did they hear it. I often wonder if I am doing ok and if God is pleased with me. We have to stand on faith, hope, prayers, and trust believing we are doing His will. He will let us know if we are not.”
7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. “The violence in heaven was the devil could still go up there accusing people like a nasty fly that you just cannot kill or get rid of. Not only that but many of God’s people because of the law were waiting in hell a place called paradise that was far from because of sin. Animal sacrifices could not clean or forgive them. That will soon change after the death and resurrection of Jesus.”
16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. “Jesus is explaining how our thinking is completely backwards. Focusing on the wrong things and not seeing the truth that is right before our eyes. Now Jesus will speak some truth with Him rightly upset with how backwards peoples thinking had become.”
20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: 21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. “Now Jesus after giving this warning and showing His frustration. STOPPED Himself, and started to pray! I love that about Jesus because I do that all the time. I feel myself about to go off or down the wrong road with a conversation and I will just bust into prayer. I learned that from My Jesus! It is almost automatic these days. I do have my times when it comes to my mom, children, grandchildren that I walk a thinner line with me asking the Lord to help me. Things my flesh would love to say are the very things I run aways from praying forgiveness and that I NEVER SAY OR THINK THOSE THINGS AGAIN. It is never ok to humiliate or belittle another. Two things I used to be extremely good at in my own shame with deep repentance. Let us hear what Jesus prays.”
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. “Now the next verses are promises from Jesus. Keep them close to your heart. Remember them and comfort yourself with them. I know I do.”
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
I love these promises and I am so grateful to have them. Things get rather heavy around here and without Jesus I am not sure I would ever make it or even want to. Peace, Love, and Light to you All who follow Jesus. If you don’t yet, why don’t you join us. Team Jesus forever! Amy Peterson 5-19-2022
Today was rather interesting. The last part of the day was just my co-worker and myself. With the ugly showing threw making it most uncomfortable. I refuse to keep bending over backwards as we cannot make anyone like or accept us. I know that all too well. I am too old and tired for the nonsense of childish behavior from a grown adult being petty. I will still be me, use my manners, help where I can but that is as far as it goes. I also had my evaluation with most of it being rather positive nothing marked negative with also getting an official letter of recommendation to return next year now receiving two of them. Not sure what I will do with that as I am still praying about it. I know there will be issues anywhere I go as that is life. Do I try to heal these issues finding peace before I go? Trying to remain a light there? Does God want me to move elsewhere? I also pray that bonus is on this check so I can take the first MAIN test seeing where I stand on how many I will need to retake to complete the first major test. Then you can go to the next LARGE test taking many hours to complete. Able to retake subject test in that group that you did not pass separately. Once all those are passed then move to the next MAJOR test with everything the same as the first two test. Lots of money for each big test, and for every subject matter test you did not pass to be retested. If you ever think you might want to be a teacher it would be best to earn your degree there then to do all these test that truly add up. I am not sure if they would hire me as a teacher although they have others with far less education not having the test yet either. I could apply at another school as a teacher getting paid twice as much to help afford the test. I however know the workload is way too heavy to do both running a classroom and study for my own test. One thing I love about our chapter today is how a married couple Aquila and Priscilla traveled with Paul, and were most helpful in teaching God’s word also. Paul will make some statements in later chapters that sound like women’s place was to keep quite in the church and as if they are not all that important. That is NOT true. Jesus used women in His ministry also with many following right along with the disciples in many circumstances. This is early on in Paul’s ministry that he too had women a big part of ministry as Jesus did. I do not see that with the others. Now this is not how Paul was raised with thus some of the comments he makes in other chapters. However, it is what Jesus taught Paul. I will explain this more as we go into the verses of this chapter. This is important as we are to NEVER take these verses out of context and why I firmly believe we need to go chapter by chapter not just cherry pick the verses we like to prove our points. We do all have a role, a place, and we are not above men as women. We are equally loved by Jesus both male and female of every race. We all were designed to play different roles just like we all have different gifts/talents. This was a married team that worked equally to teach God’s word together. I pray to better explain this as we cover this chapter.
Acts 18: After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. This verse gives me much comfort in many different ways. I am not one to give up easily and just walk away. I did that too quickly in my youth on some things that I regret not fighting harder for sticking it out. I cannot change the past. I keep trying with several but the phone works two ways. As does any relationship. If we are constantly shot down, then why keep trying? My door is open ready to love, accept, forgive, move forward together. I am also to the point that I am tired of losing sleep, in constant heartbreak of rejection that I too am learning to shake the dust off my feet. Learning that my hands are clean and if my best is not good enough then just keep going on your way. I am so tired of breaking down into tears, struggling with this heartbreak. God has to deal with it as I personally am not strong enough to carry it anymore. All I can do is to move forward in my journey helping who I can while praying God not only leads me, but send others to do His will to those who cannot hear me.”
7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. 8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. “The Spirit of God was moving!”
9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: 10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. “This is where my struggle is as I am not getting clear signs of to stay or go to another school with other things in my life being the same. I do not want to follow my flesh. I asked for a clear sign but still struggling when I receive one doubting if emotions or true guidance are directing me. Sometimes I understand the message so clearly. Other times it is most difficult to know what to do. What happens when we too struggle with this situation?” Peace, Love, and Light to you ALL! Amy Peterson 5-19-2021
I woke up extremely early this morning. I had planned on finally posting Sundays writing yesterday. In between the storm yesterday, several different online meetings for work, with other unexpected interruptions that did NOT take place. As I drank my coffee reviewing Facebook. I noticed that every other post was marked that I liked them that I never saw before. Also, things I would never of liked. I restarted my phone several times trying to fix the situation. I also went to the part where you could see who liked the post not seeing my name, yet it still marked as I did. I found that quite strange. I found a post about the 5-G towers that I found most interesting that I posted. I am not sure how long before it is taken down. I am finding more and more of my post removed and I am not sure why. I see content not available quite a bit with post about love, Jesus, and nothing harmful to anyone. I must wonder what others are actually seeing of the things I do post. Now concerning the books and chapters I have been posting. I want you to understand that these books were not separated by verses or chapters. That was a man-made thing. I posted Romans chapter one this morning that I started Sunday. Today is Tuesday 5-19-2020. Chapter one most likely stepped on many toes as honestly is hard to swallow these days. Chapter two that I want to finish today is just a continuation of chapter one. Romans is a hard book to read as it is extremely convicting, making us truly examine ourselves. This is NOT to beat up others, but to examine ourselves. Out of the book of Romans chapter two might be one of my favorites as it explains just that. Believe me it is easier to point out other peoples sins then to look at our own. Again, that is NOT our job! People love to fight me on this one. Let us pay attention to this chapter we have today and see if you think our job is to judge. I do not want to play the game of throw that verse at each other. If you want to go chapter by chapter where we take the verses in context. Let us learn together and do just that. God’s word needs to bring us together NEVER used against each other to tear us apart. Jesus never went around making people sick. Rather Jesus spent His time healing. If we are using God’s word to hurt one another than do you think that possibly we are using the word wrong? Let us please cover our chapter today. Romans 2: Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. “I have found that the very thing that drives us crazy about another that we too are guilty of doing the same in one way or another. We do become inexcusable with our judgments as God clearly states. How we forgive or not will be the same way we are judged. That should be a BIG wake-up call. I know it was for me. As we judge others as unworthy for whatever only condemns ourselves. How many times must we be reminded to love one another and let God do His job of judging. Every time we think we are worthy to judge another. What we are saying is we know more than God. Vengeance is NOT ours but the Lord’s. Believe me God will remove people who need to be removed from your life. WE just need to remain faithful and centered in Him.” 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? “When we judge others unworthy, unacceptable, whatever. Please understand as you hold onto your salvation, your forgiveness and grace from God. Who do you think you are to deny these things for another? Oh, well if you only knew what this person did, or what type of person they are. Then you would agree with me that they are a piece of crap. Bite off your tongue if you start justifying your non-forgiveness with these types of statements! Sin is Sin and if you accept forgiveness with all your crap/faults. Who are you to deny that same grace to another as if God saving your soul makes you better than someone else?” 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: “Your deeds include the condition of your heart. How you treat others. Not just the great things you have done. Rather the things you left undone from the hardness from your heart. Wake up! Remember everything we do to another we are doing to God/Jesus. Did you give water, or deny the drink? Jesus makes it very clear that what we do to others, we do to Him as we are ALL His children. Many will end up in hell but that is by their choosing, actions, not reading or applying what God has clearly told us to do. Sadly, that includes many that totally believe they are saved. We are told that come judgment day many believers in Jesus will try to justify naming off list of ALL they have done for the Lord. Only to hear, I never knew you. Do you want to be one of them?” 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, “Indignation means anger, wrath, full of resentment towards others not loving, forgiving, or showing mercy/grace as God has done for us. These people are unrighteous not having true faith following what Jesus teaches us in the bible. To love one another as Jesus loved us. Jesus died for us. Jesus washed the feet of the very man who Jesus knew would betray Him. So many examples Jesus gave us including turn the cheek. How can we make the bible a book of hate while we praise God for our salvation, as we are busy denying that same salvation to another?” 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. “Understand this is NOT just race, culture, rich, poor, whatever differences we find in others. There is NO grey areas with God. No justifications we can give come judgment day. We are judged by our hearts. Did we love wide open? Did we forgive wide open? Were we a light in a world full of darkness? Did we give to those who stole from us? It comes down to if we want to be forgiven and saved. Then we too need to do the same to others. The Golden Rule of treat others of how you want to be treated by God come judgment day. Not how they treated you, but how God treated you. I pray someone hears this! Hate increases hate. There is NO DIVISION in loving, serving God. Make your choice knowing you will deal with the consequences of those choices. Are you the only one worthy of salvation? Do you believe everyone is worthy doing your best not to judge just trying to be a light and the love of Jesus to even the people who treat you harshly?” 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. 17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. “What is Paul trying to explain and say here? Think about it. We are NO LONGER UNDER THE LAW! The law of God is NOW written in our hearts. Come on people when you or I do something wrong. Do you not have that gut feeling or piercing of the heart that gives you regret as you wish you made a different choice? God is nailing me more and more every day in letting me know whatever choice was wrong. Now Paul is about to address circumcision not talking about the foreskin of a male’s sexual organ being removed. Having that foreskin removed is to make a male clean. Nope, this is talking about the circumcision of the heart. Those laws, those things that harden us. The brick walls we place around our heart justifying why we are so cold to others. We are either circumcised male and female in our hearts turning to God following what Jesus taught us. The other way is just by body or outward appearances. Kind of deep but I pray you understand.” 25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. It comes down to pleasing God. This can be overwhelming if you do not know your bible or have taken time to get to know Him. It always comes down to the heart. Understand Paul is trying to teach the Jewish people that they need to accept that the gentiles are loved by God also showing our differences. While also showing how God sees us the same. We too need to learn this and attacks on our Jewish family is WRONG. Jesus is of Jewish bloodline so if you bash the Jewish people. You are blasting GOD! Same goes for anyone you deem different from yourself. If there is any poison in your heart of unforgiveness, judgment thinking you are better than another. Remember the two men that went to pray. One told God how happy they were NOT like the others as they boasted on how great they were. The other man prayed unable to even look to heaven with a deeply repented heart. This man’s words in his prayer was forgive me a sinner. Do you remember who God said was justified? One of the times that Jesus just went off on others with doing the WOE to you type of thing knowing this was something God hated about us. Was us making sure we looked great on the outside with our insides being completely filthy full of dead mans bones. Our dishes, hands, homes, outward appearances are clean gaining praises of people. Meanwhile inside completely filthy thinking more of ourselves than we should. I do not care how you look. How great your home is? What you own or how perfect your life/family seems to be. It comes down to the heart. Make sure you are clean on the inside with your heart walking away from the deadly sins that seem to control us. We need to make a stand. I just pray that whatever stand you make will benefit your soul. It is black or white. There is NO grey area. Stand for something or fall for anything. Ruff post I know but running out of time. Peace, Love, and Light to you ALL. Amy Peterson 5-19-2020
Good morning everyone and Happy Sunday to each of you. I posted outlines of the Old Testament again this morning ending with Esther. Although, I have read all these books knowing the information. I find it useful to have the outline as it is easier to see the main themes within these books. I had also left off with yesterday’s post with using the spiritual gifts to serve the Lord. Today I would like to address ignored gifts, taking for granted gifts and ignoring the feelings of others. I will also go over the first chapter of Romans today as it is next in line of our reading. This chapter is most fitting with the ignoring of gifts of God putting our earthly pleasure before God as we ALL have been guilty of doing one time or many times. I know it is human nature to take things for granted. Not knowing what we had till we lose it that applies to every area of our life. I have someone I love deeply that has long extra narrow feet that has to have all their shoes special ordered not able to find their size in MOST stores, and shoe places. I have bought them shoes several times and believe me they are extremely expensive. Having an odd sized foot means special order, with the extra cost involved. The persons slippers although I have tried to fix with super glue with other failed attempts to try to make them work. They never walk around barefooted and are not happy unless they have shoes on their feet no matter the type of footwear. I bought them some slippers special ordering them that just sit on the table never even tried on. They continue to fuss about the slippers they have and how they are so torn up with the soul hanging off, and the Velcro no longer working. Yet, a brand-new pair sit on the table especially made for them, and their feet that still have tags on them. No! I removed the price tag! These are tags that have descriptions of the items with the cardboard still in them keeping the form. How many times do we complain about our lives including all the things going wrong when we are given ways to fulfill those needs ignoring them? How many gifts has the Lord given each of us that like those slippers just sit on a shelf or table collecting dust never using them? There are several gifts that are also ignored, and seldom used. We pray to God about an ‘issue’, telling God what we want/need. Then when we receive that blessing, we ignore it, acting as if our prayers were NEVER answered. Seems to me that we just want to complain. I expected. Understand that was my FIRST issue. I expected is one of the deadliest things to our soul. Our expectations set us up for failure as much as it sets up the other person. The other deadly statement we make is: As good as I was too you, with the rest of the sentence NOT good for anyone! Follow me on this as this is mighty important. I have spoken about this before. I however continue to have life experiences that I go back to the stinking thinking time and time again. I understand that it comes down to motives. I understand that no matter what we do we need to do from the heart. Not wanting anything in return. I believe I am doing that until I feel betrayed, taken for granted, or invisible once again. Then my flesh/sinful ways go into overdrive. Messages in my head of why even try with hurt, anger, frustration, hopelessness, and yes, depression that I can go deep into. I find myself in a place whereby other people’s actions, words, deeds, can send me down a spiral stunting my growth in the Lord. I have been told repeatedly that I am oversensitive, and I just need to get over it. Understand being oversensitive has allowed me to love more, care more, do more for God then if I just did not care. Sometimes our largest spiritual gift is also the most painful. It cost giving to the Lord, and we are told to pick up our cross and follow Him. One of my crosses is also one of my greatest gifts. Now Paul is talking in our first chapter of Romans. Paul was headstrong, stubborn as they come, and once Paul believed in something. There was NO stopping Him even when it meant that it would be to his own destruction. We watch Paul struggle with many issues that we can relate too in different ways. Paul did not get everything right just as we do not. Paul, however, NEVER STOPPED TRYING. We saw if you watched the outline of Esther that God was not mentioned at ALL! Yet, we see how God works things out for His people repeatedly in this book. Understand the book of Romans will step on a lot of toes. I also want you to understand in the section of the Old Testament books outlines that I shared. We can see where man steps in making laws that God had NO Part in! The people were told there was no MIXED marriages as we needed to keep separate. Each of us staying with our own bloodline to keep the Jewish bloodline undefiled. Making others that did marry outside the Jewish race to divorce that un-Jewish spouse sending the spouse and any children conceived away from the Jewish community! Understand what God has put together honoring marriage not wanting us to divorce. There are man-made loopholes, however that was never the intention of God. Divorce is a touchy subject and I am not going into all that right now. God did not set up the divorce of mixed marriages as we are ALL made in His image, and divorce is not something God ever intended for us. Living through it myself it only brings more heartbreak and destruction to all involved. That was once again a man-made law that God was not happy with. I am personally what some would call a mut having Jewish blood in me while having more gentile blood running in my veins. They wanted to build walls to keep us apart. Many battles were fought over this, and Jesus set us free showing we are to love EVERYONE with the separation not called for. Now we were created to love each other with the structure of a male/female getting together having children as a result of the love we have for each other. In our bible there is no topic not left addressed as we all must read to understand what God is trying to teach us. I have several friends outside of the Christian belief system. That also live his/her life in ways that God completely rejects. Fact is I am to love these people, tell them the truth, while letting God handle the rest. I am not to beat or bash. I am to simply be a light planting and watering seeds allowing God to give the increase or judge. Whatever God decides to do is not in my hands. I am just to love, plant seeds, water seeds, be a light of Jesus and hope. God will take care of the rest. Let us cover this chapter that will be difficult for many. Romans 1: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. “Those of us who believe truly following God/Jesus we are called to be saints, obedient to our faith covered in grace as we continue to be a light of Jesus in every area of our life. While also joining in the apostleship in teaching and spreading God’s word.” 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. “We need each other, and we need to be praying for one another.”13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. “We need to care enough to share the love of Jesus with everyone who God puts in our path. That does not beat them down or choke them! This is in love seasoned in grace, mercy, compassion most of all kindness. Jesus won people over with the love He shared with compassion truly caring about these people. Let us do the same. Our job is not to judge, condemn, make others feel small. Jesus says come as you are, and He will do the changing. Our job is not to beat people over the head with God’s word as all that does is make them run away from God. I have some friends with some big issues. I can plant and water seeds without bashing, belittling, or attacking them as a person.” 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. “Faith is the righteousness of God. I battled fear most of my life, and at times it still shows its ugly head. I must remind myself with different scriptures many times over to get the fear to leave. I know God has NOT given me the spirit of fear. I know no weapon formed against me will prosper. I know His plans for me are for good. Whom or what should I fear I am protected by the very one who created everything? There are 365 verses in the bible telling us NOT to fear. That should remind us that if fear does come up, we need to start praying, quoting verses of His promises, asking Him to help us as we praise Him for all He has done for us. Believe me the enemy will leave and you will feel better and more confidant.” 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. “We have no excuse because God has put in our hearts what is right. People just choose to blow it off as something else is more important to them then getting to know God. Also, we forget to praise Him, pray, spend time with Him, read His word as we are just too busy. We get caught up in the cares of this world leaving God out. Then wonder why nothing is going right.” 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. “Comes down to our priorities and where our heart is. What is your focus? What takes up most of your time? We will see a list of things that show if we have a mind that is considered reprobate. This simply means a person living in sin NOT for God as these things are things God hates. If you have any of these things in your life. I suggest you start praying God will help you change before it is too late. At the end of this chapter I will have bullet points with the list and an explanation. Use this list to examine your heart and motives please. Be completely honest and make a commitment to ask God to help you change these things. Write them down and pay attention if these things are in your life. Better to get it right than to be judged unworthy with God saying, He never knew you.” 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. I can go into deep detail in our list below. I however will keep it simple as I can.
• Unrighteousness (full of fear. Remember faith brings righteousness. We do a lot of stupid crap when we are afraid.)
• Fornication (Means sexual immorality. A few examples: sex out of marriage, pornographic material as we know just to look with lust is the same as doing it ourselves. Many other things but will leave with that for now.)
• Wickedness (full of mischief not caring who you hurt. Worshiping idols, getting into witchcraft, doing tarot cards, following your horoscope, as the list continues.)
• Covetousness (Basically this is greed always wanting more, never satisfied with what you have.)
• Maliciousness (Evil wanting an eye for an eye. Seeking revenge, or to destroy another that you think either threaten what you want being in your way, or because you simply enjoy seeing others suffer. Life to these people is more like a game that they will win at any cost no matter the damage they do to another.)
• Full of envy (Wishing you had what another has, full of Jealousy and resentment. Never truly celebrating another’s success as you wish you had it instead.)
• Murder (We should understand by now that this is NOT just killing someone. We can murder another with our hatefulness, hard hearts, non-forgiveness, backbiting, gossip, trashing another person’s character.)
• Debate (these are the people that want to turn everything into an argument. They never except the wrong they did as they blame you or whatever else. They are always looking for a fight or a way to get under your skin. Then laugh when you get upset as they turn things on you as if it were a game they just won. Win the argument at all cost type of thing. Even if they throw you under the bus running over you a few times.)
• Deceit (These people are dishonest and lie to benefit themselves)
• Malignity (These people are spiteful being mean, they are hateful, these people cannot seem to forgive as they are too busy holding onto grudges. Could be as simple as refusing to talk to someone or show them any kindness. Completely self-centered.)
• Whisperers (These are the ones that love to pretend they are your friend or be nice to you. While they repeat all, you have told them in confidence. Gossipers, backbiters, these are the people that say, did you hear about, as they keep you updated on whatever. They also spread negativity.)
• Backbiters (These are the people that find faults in others making sure they share other people’s faults to others. Betray you being back stabbers. This can be co-workers, family member, church members, people in your neighborhood. They just bash people.)
• haters of God (There are people who claim to be Christians, yet they never spend time with Him. They do not pray. They do not read their bible having little knowledge as they do the opposite of what God tells us to do. Also, those who claim God is not real with the easy list you can figure out yourself.)
• despiteful
• proud
• boasters
• inventors of evil things
• disobedient to parents
• Without understanding (Don’t read the bible, don’t try to understand others or how their words, actions, deeds affect others.)
• covenantbreakers (Promise breakers)
• without natural affection (This could be those that rape, child molest, into bondage or hurtful sex. Yes, it also is those that have the same sex partners as God did not create us for that. Having any type of sexual addiction. There is no hate or judgment on my part. I am just breaking down what the word says. I too share struggles with some of these bullet points knowing there are things I too need to change with God’s help. Some of the breakdown are extremes. You do not have to be that far gone. If you have just a hint of these things please pray about them, try to change and remember. God says come as you are even if you are struggling with one or more of these things. Believe me you are not to far gone that He won’t reach down to try to help you overcome whatever! We ALL fall short, and if not for the grace of God and the price Jesus paid. NONE OF US WOULD HAVE ANY HOPE!)
• implacable (These people are ruthless being extremely cruel to others. They will get what they want one way or another not caring who they hurt in the process. Other peoples feeling, needs, mean nothing to them as it is all about getting what they want.)
• unmerciful (Sorry about your luck but I am getting mine type of attitude. Refuse to forgive, and the heck with others as they honestly do not care.)
I left a few undefined that I believe you can figure out yourselves. I also went to extremes on some items. If you see any of these bullet points in your life. Please rethink how you are living. Yes, it is easy to see these traits in others. A few times I found myself thinking of different people that fall into whatever category. That is NOT my job! My job is to see where I fall into one or more of these things, repenting and asking God for help to remove these things. I pray I have not overloaded you in this post. I pray that God gives you eyes to see if you do any of these things, and a repenting heart to change them. Peace, Love, and Light to you ALL. Amy Peterson 5-18-2020
On this day
7 years ago
Amy Peterson
Shared with Your friends
Yesterday was rather productive. I could not quite put my finger on what was troubling my soul keeping rather busy. I know the weekends is when mom does her laundry for the week, and she likes to use her clothesline I had built for her. My goal was to at a minimum get the grass cut underneath that, and a path too it. Most of the back yard is cut now to my amazement other than around a major block of tree still laying on the ground that was never moved by the tree people. I spent some time talking with a girlfriend at work then off to continue on doing yard work. Then I got a call from my oldest daughter and what a joy it was to talk to her on the phone. We laughed, and just enjoyed our time together. I love her so much and is so much like me it is just crazy. She is the one I placed for adoption, so I did not have the blessing of raising her. Although she did not meet me again after birth until her late twenties. We have so much in common, so many shared traits it is amazing how similar we are in every way! We even have the same twisted type of sense of humor. She is also a writer and shares a love and passion for Jesus. I am so blessed by her! She told me the story of the star fish. A story I know well and have written about it in many posts. I let her tell it as I wanted to hear it from her, and was so blessed to hear she felt the same way about that story as I do. After I got off the phone with her my girlfriend that I talked to earlier text me the starfish story! I had been feeling I was not doing enough. I kept those things inside me, and in my prayers with the Lord. I kept telling Him how I was not making enough calls. I was not reaching out enough to others. I was not doing enough in all areas and how I felt I was spinning my wheels in many ways. After a situation was over I was noticing things I could have said or done differently really just kicking myself. Why didn’t I with a long list asking forgiveness, guidance, for the Lord to help me do/be better. I did not share these feelings with anyone but the Lord. Twice within one hour I was told the starfish story both from out of nowhere contact from others! Then when doing my bible study this morning I had a major eye-opening moment. I call it the ah-ha moment when it is like a lightbulb goes on in your head. I said, Oh my Lord you wrote this for us in our generation knowing the books would be published. Back in those days there was no televisions, radios, no printing presses. The only way to publish a book/writing in those days was to hand write it. It is so easy to forget how things were back then as we have so grown accustom to how things are now. I will break that down in a few minutes with the verses that just jumped out to me. Honestly the entire chapter jumped out at me as light bulb moment after lightbulb moment occurred. I will only share a few verses, but honestly read the entire chapter with the thought in mind that these verses are for just you and me. I know the entire bible is for us, but what Jesus is addressing in this chapter applies to our time, us today, in a way it could never apply to the ones He was teaching at that moment. How was I so blind to that? There are things that Jesus said that applied to everyone for ALL times past, present, future, but these were written/spoken just for us today. One more sidetrack before I continue. Yesterday would have been my cousins BooBoo’s birthday he would have turned 35. That may have been one of the reasons I was troubled in my spirit as his parents (aunt and uncle) are going through heck as well as his sister and only daughter. Please pray for them all! This is never an easy situation to lose someone you love. My verse of the day was: James 3:17-18 KJV But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. I seek peace, long for peace, and being right no longer matters. Our views may be different. We may have different lifestyles, believes, political views, color of skin, nationality whatever difference we can find. A house divided will never stand. The hypocrisy of only loving, accepting people who are similar to us in our ideology, life circumstances is ridiculous. Peace brother and sister. I do not smoke pot. I have someone who gets me much higher in a much different way. Now just a few verses but I will put bracket comments in these. Also please read the entire chapter with this new concept of it being just for us in these days now. Mark 13: 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? 5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (that has happened in my life time with many drinking kool-aid filled with poison among many other “false” people claiming to be Jesus, and there will be many more to come.) 7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. ( The rumors of wars back then could only be delivered by those who traveled on foot from place to place. Had there been a war in their area back then it was by hand and knives not the bombs, planes carrying bombs, submarines, ships ext.) 8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. (there was no way for nation against nation to fight other than on horses with knives like I have told you. There were not nations set up like there is today. Many nations are separated by water although they had boats gun powder was not invented yet. How would any of them know about earthquakes in other (divers) places? They could get to other places by boat, horse, foot but how would they know it was an earthquake? The famines would only be known by their little area not able to go far as if in a famine would be to hungry to travel! Think about these things.) 9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. (ok this happened back then but also is happening today to Christians ALL over the world although seldom reported on in the news.) 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. This is the kicker right here and many more to follow in the other verses but stay with me. First off the gospel was NOT even written yet! The gospel is about the life, death, resurrection of Jesus. His followers must of thought He was crazy wondering what the gospel was NOT knowing they would be the very people to write it! Oh my Lord, my mind is BLOWN. WHY DID I NOT SEE OR UNDERSTAND THIS! We need to wake up. Understand Jesus knew these gospels would be written, published, shared around the world and is speaking to you and me in OUR generation that only WE could understand. God is still talking to us today and this is not some old irrelevant history book. People have tried to destroy it. People have died to protect it. This book is life and continues to live and ring true today! WAKE UP! Peace, Love, and Light to you ALL! Amy Peterson 5-19-2019
I was up way to early because the zoo of animals we have refused to let me sleep. I have spent several days in bed trying to kick this sickness. I drank my coffee checking my facebook as normal and got suckered into the wedding. I am not a big romantic. I am more into action movies, and things blowing up. Laughing out loud. Guess I am a sucker for true love and romance and could not take my eyes off this wedding! Absolutely BEAUTIFUL, and the message of Jesus was so strong in the entire ceremony! Big changes taking place and very different from the last royal wedding I watch with our beloved Princess Diana. I adored her and sure she is rejoicing with the Lord this day to see these wonderful changes take place. Diana was all about change, breaking the mold. Her son just did that today not only marrying a beautiful woman of color, but the entire service was different. They broke many traditions and I am LOVING IT! I watched history take place, and I pray it is for the betterment of the people. I do not care about so called “stars”. Famous people. I do not know most of their names nor do I care. I just pray they do God’s work helping the people like his mother did in many ways. As trying to put the live feed of the wedding on my mom’s cell phone as we do not have cable. I saw many messages from my children on her timeline. I did not read them. Seeing their names hurt enough and was on only one mission of letting her see the wedding. The grass/weeds are almost to my knees at this point in the yard and the mower I bought will not get here until next week. I have been so sick that I do not even have the strength to try to tackle part of it with my weed whacker. I have had several who have promised to help, but no-one ever shows up or they take my money leaving most of it undone. It hurts to swallow, I cannot keep anything down, and it seems like I am sleeping my life away while the to-do list grows greater everyday like the weeds/grass surrounding this yard. I heard someone was showing up today to help. I have heard this a few times, but today I have hope. I do not know if I have my job Monday. All I can do is be honest, pray about the situation and let God do the rest. I want to finish the book of Revelation before Monday as I honestly receive major breakthroughs when I do. Not to just keep my job as I know the Lord will give me another if this does not work out. Not just for the yard that is way over grown, the house in need a still some major repairs. Not for the bank account that is drained or even personal needs. I have a major prayer for a daughter who is lost, struggling, praying for her to find her way. Several children/grandchildren that I have not contact with deeply praying for each of them. A daughter that is one step closer to adopting two beautiful children. A mother who is sick, aging, family members, friends who are also battling. God has me so even if I end up on the streets sleeping under a bridge that is not my worry. He has not brought me this far to give up on me yet. My prayers for others, love for others, kindness for others is where it is at right now. I could get so overtaken with thoughts of what about me. God has me because we have a personal relationship. However some of the people I pray for the deepest either do not have the relationship or have struggled with that relationship as I have done for years! My verse for the day: James 3:17-18 KJV But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Being pure has nothing to do with walking on water or being perfect. Being pure has everything to do with your heart. Peaceable, gentle, mercy, without partiality, without hypocrisy making peace. When I did my Master’s in Psychology we had to take many test. I was a peace maker and was only 1% of the population. I wondered why my classmates scored together in much higher ranks of different things feeling I failed and was once again the outcast. You know the “different” one. I hate being the “different” one. The one that people make fun of the one who is the outcast! Even when I TRIED to fit in. I NEVER DID. I am the square peg trying to fit into a box that only circles can fit into. I can sand myself down trying to fit into that circle, but I am still a box. A few from the chapters I read today after the wedding. Revelation 2: 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. I never noticed this verse all the times I have read the bible. I heard a missionary talk about this verse and it has stuck out to me ever since then. I always collected rocks/stones. I started as a young child with my Mimi from a science project I had. I also carried that tradition with my grandson Andrew as his mom was at the dentist having work done we walked around collecting stones to keep him from being board. I think he was almost three at the time. Those that overcome will be given a white stone with a new name placed on it. I saw that with Saul who after surrendering to Jesus became Paul. I also saw this take place with a crippled woman in a wheelchair with warts, bruises, crippled and not easy on the eyes. My grandson Andrew and I were collecting rocks. Andrew found what he thought was the most beautiful of ALL rocks on our journey. We went back to check on his mommy (my beloved daughter) to see if she was done and we could take her home as the procedure taking place would have her majorly doped up. As we found out it would be another hour or so we went back outside to treasure hunt again for other rocks. There was that crippled old lady outside in her wheelchair, looking like she was disfigured by the pelage with the warts, bruises, open scars when my grandson Andrew ran up to her in my terror. Understand my first grandson, my heart, and would die for that boy. I even faced a snake without passing out grabbing him up running to safety! My grandson had two little pockets where he kept his most beautiful rocks in. Andrew ran up to that lady pulling a rock out of his pocket giving it to her. Andrew was so little and only knew a few words at that time. I rushed to get him away, but before I knew it he was sitting on her lap hugging her trying with the little about of words he knew about that rock he just gave her. I was horrified, but then I watched the spirit of God take over in my little beloved Grandson that will be a preacher someday. The woman just cried saying that was the nicest thing she had ever received in years. Not only nicest but only thing as people only looked at her with disgust never giving her a second glace. Yep, that was my Grandson Andrew, and I learned more from him that day than I was ever able to teach him. I hold on too. Collect rocks. My personal thing I do in remembrance of whatever. The rock my grandson Andrew gave to that woman meant so much more as will when Jesus gives us ours. I never looked at people the same way after what my grandson did. I was so ready to pass on a message, a blessing, a memory, but he gave me so much more. Out of the mouth of babes! A few more verses: Revelation 3: 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. We are the church. Not a building, place, but each of us are the church. My grandson not even three years old helped this woman see her beauty when the rest of us would turn the other way ignoring her as we did not want to deal with whatever. Love does not turn away. Love does not turn a blind eye. Love, well love is the only thing that will help us overcome. Just a few more: Revelations 3: 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. The only eyesalve that we have is God’s word take it from a woman who has fought blindness from my early twenties. Repent is more than, Oh Lord forgive me for all my sins. Name it, claim it, agree with God that those things were wrong asking Him to help you change. He will. God knows at times in my younger walk. I would do simple rehearsed prayers of forgive me a sinner, or other memorized prayers. Today I ask not only to renew the ”right” heart in me, but to show me not only what I need forgiveness for, but how by His grace to change these things. As some of these things flash before me crushing my spirit making me cringe with how could I do, say any of those things! I did not know better. I was not listening. Hurting people hurt people. Not excuses. I can either let my mistakes, sins, shortcomings suck the life out of me. I can do that. I can also let forgiveness wash over me accepting God’s grace, mercy, kindness. I can become a martyr punishing myself for things already covered if I only accept that grace. I can get stuck in punishing myself for things already under the blood taken care of. Believe me I understand that “saying” I am forgiven, saved, not honestly letting others know how deeply you regret ALL of your bad decisions trying to make them right to help others heal is WRONG! I am saved so screw you seems to be the attitude these days. If you cannot love you are not saved. If you think this is completely free then you are fooling yourself. Two things. 1) Love God. 2) love others as He has loved you. I am a New Testament thumping bible Christian with MANY FAULTS. If you want to go to an eye for an eye justifying how you treat others badly and they somehow deserve the bad things that take place in his or her life. Understand this. Jesus said. Jesus did. Think on those things and read your bibles! Peace, Love, and Light to you ALL. Amy Peterson 4/19/2018
So I got home from work and was very tired, and still pretty stressed about knowing I have to move in 135 days. I have my student loans based by my income so I have to be very careful how much money I make. I also have these bills that require me to make more money. If I make enough to have my own place my student loans will go up making sure that does not happen. I am locked into insurance payments that take more than my taxes, and gives me about as much in the end. Owing more and not getting what I need in the end. So in many ways I am caught in the catch 22 of making more to make it, but then earning less while I break my back. I get paid every two weeks, and by the time taxes, insurance, other deductions are made. I actually get paid for one week of work. I really want to transfer to NC so I am closer to my family, and this big city life is overwhelming at times. I am not sure if I am getting road rage from the people who want to cut into line after I have waited 30 minutes to take an exist, and they cut me off. If I am becoming numb to all the different accidents. Part of me prays for these people, and part of me says I wonder if you were the one cutting everyone off weaving in and out of traffic and now, because you were in such of a hurry, you are hurt and the highway is backed up for 50 miles. What once was a seven-minute travel is now over two hours. Why? Simple really, we are all in a rush. I have to get to work. I just want to get home. I have whatever needs to be done to do, so I have to drive like a crazy person. This goes back to my very first post about the Me, Me, Me syndrome as I like to call it. My needs. My wants. My desires and the heck with the rest of the world. When we become so selfish that all we think about is our own needs we hurt others even when we do not mean too. Big trucks cannot stop on a dime, and when cars cut them off they cannot just stop. So many stories and roads completely closed because a car deiced to cut off a truck and everything was changed in that moment affecting everyone around the accident. Everything we say, do, has a ripple effect on others around us. Just like the car that pulled in front of the truck who could not stop fast enough not to cause major damage. Causes major damage as the person in the car might not have wanted to miss a school play, or whatever the reason is now dead. Traffic is backed up for miles. The truck is turned over with everything it held blocking the road for hours. The person racing to do whatever that caused the accident is now in a body bag. When do we breathe? When do we say we are not superman/superwoman? When do we not actually kill ourselves trying to meet deadlines at the cost of other people’s safety? When I get stuck in traffic I pray for the people in the accident. I understand that each of us are in a hurry and that strong feeling each of us has to get things done. I need to show up on time. I need to make more money. I need to, want too the list goes on. Luke 12: 22-34. 22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. The worst thing I have ever done is taking things into my own hands trying to fix things, not trusting God to care for me. I did not trust God because of the models in my life such as my parents’, family, neighbors, or whoever human who crossed my path in life. How could God love me, care for me, be honest with me, after I had so many rejections, heartbreaks from the people I trusted the most? Reading, reading, reading His word, has me believing I had it ALL WRONG! I put my trust in family members, so called friends, churches whatever! I could give a million reason why not to trust another. In all my studies and study I have found we are ALL just humans with many flaws including myself. I have to tell you Jesus has never let me down, although I have let Him down many times. Yet He still loves me as He does you. I have to tell you that I do not have all of this down perfect, and I struggle daily. I do know His love, forgiveness, kindness is real. I also know I can face today, because He stands with me. I don’t know what tomorrow holds or even if I might be graced with another. I do know that if I am. I will do my best. Know I am loved even in ALL my imperfections, and no matter what the world says. I know what Jesus says. I am loved. I am forgiven, I am a child of God, and I am worthy. Jesus says that about you too if you only accept it. Peace, Love and Light to you ALL. Amy Peterson 5-19-2016
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
So I have been trying to contact my children for different reasons. One reason I needed different addresses so I could send different items. God has lain on my heart to keep pushing past the rejection, and show love the best way I can. Many rejected text, phone calls, emails, I heard from another that this child did not want me to send anything, give me the address, and did not want the drama. I am so tired of my feeling being drama. My post are drama. My wanting to do good, help, whatever seems like when I breathe it is called drama. Well I cried all night, and today tears kept falling down my face at work. I did everything I could to try to stop the tears. Splash water on my face, kick myself (literally), pray like crazy, but the fact was my heart was broken. So how long before I stop trying? How long before I just say, you know I did the best I could and forget you? I am tired of being beat up. I am tired of the disrespect. I am tired of the hatefulness. I sure do not walk on water, I have acknowledged all my mistakes and said I am sorry till I am blue in the face. I also have not heard you are sorry for many things but I am not keeping a list. See love is not about holding things over people’s heads. Love is not about rejection, or trying to harm one another. I can understand if you are doing the best you can at the time. What I DO NOT UNDERSTAND IS TRYING TO HURT OR PUNISH SOMEONE OUT OF WHAT? Hold that hatred, hold those grudges, do your thing if you think it makes you feel better. The thing that breaks my heart the most is one day these things will torment your soul with guilt. I have lost people I was mad at, and never had the chance to actually let them know how much I cared. I cannot live that way anymore. I cannot continue to reach out either while I am devastated with your attacks against me. So here it goes for many. If I hurt you believe me I remember ever thing I have done wrong, and wish to God I could make right. I also know that I have played the scapegoat/kicking bag for way too long. I am done! I am not the monster you make me out to be, and I am no longer playing the role of blame me for all your issues! If you need me I am here. I will never walk away or stop loving or praying for you. I will however stop trying so hard to have you in my life when you make it very apparent you don’t want me in it. I am not mad at you. I do not hold your rejection against you. There was a time when I let the rejection almost kill me. In my life or not just know I will always love you having a special place in my heart that will always be open. I thank God for His grace, and that bitterness is no longer in my heart. I pray for the sorrow to lift, but until then you are in my prayers. Peace, Love, and Light to you ALL. Amy Peterson 5-19-2015
Because of the world
Matthew 13:20-21 NIV 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
I sure do not want that verse to apply to me!!! So I heard yesterday that the yardman was coming today. I was so thankful for the part of the yard I did had my body aching something terrible. I sure am not as young as I once was (also without my medication little things are difficult for me), plus it freed me up to do much needed cleaning around the house. So yall know I was frustrated and posted his phone number on Facebook. He would not return or answer my calls, and several days he promised to show up. A simple phone call telling me it would be later in the week and I would have been more than fine with that. Anyway I was at work all day (very much in pain keeping a smile) feeling guilty for posting his phone number on Facebook. Wondering if my gutters would be cleaned or ripped down! To many years of living with abusive people I guess so I sometimes wonder how I will be punished for the simplest things. Anyway my hopes were high that the yard would be finished, trees trimmed, gutters done, and that the trees would not be chopped down or gutters removed. LOL! Just a day in Amy’s mind, anyway, feeling so guilty for putting his number on Facebook if he actually did the work today as it was not real Christian thing to do. So I drove home in anticipation wondering what I might find. Would I owe that man an apology, and a gift card? Would he destroy stuff to get me back for posting his number? Would he actually do what I paid him for and he has promised for several days he would do? As I pulled into the yard my heart sank. I opened my van door for grass that comes up to my knees. I thought with hope in my heart well maybe he did the gutters and just ran out of time. NOPE trees are still growing in them. I did not know if I should laugh or cry!!!! It is just too hot right now for me to do it, and my body is hurting to bad to even try. So I chilled out for a few on Facebook, prayed, than decided to do my bible reading anyway although my to-do list is overwhelming right now. I did not even bother to try to call the man as I have now truly given it to God. I might take it back again when I start mowing we will see. The cares of this world really stood out to me today in my reading although chapter 13 is full of so many wonderful words of wisdom!!! I could have let this disappointment really mess with my walk with the Lord Jesus. Lord knows all kinds of thoughts have gone through my mind. How I am stupid. Too trusting. Should have had him do the work first before I paid him, or drawn up a contract since we were making a business deal. I have a bachelors in business so you would think I would use it!!! Nope, I believe we have three things that make us decent human beings 1) God 2) our word 3) our charter. As I was writing this I got a call from the police that Jean has run away again to God only knows where and she does not even have a phone anymore for they shut it off. This roller coaster ride is really getting to be too much for me. I will not let it choke the word of God, or destroy my relationship with Him. Overwhelmed, frustrated, tired, not feeling well but the devil will NOT WIN TODAY!!!! All I can say is thank you Jesus. Thank you for the lessons learned! Thank you for making me wiser. Thank you for teaching me we cannot trust everyone no matter how badly we want to. This is one reason the Lord said He spoke in parables to the people. Not all were good, and He knew that. I need to follow His example and stop setting myself up for failure. Not a hard heart or I would be posting that mans phone number again. Just another day, another lesson learned, and tired of the bruises. I have to look out for me or no-one else will. I am alone because I have trusted the wrong people in life and it has cost me and my family greatly. NO MORE NO MORE NO MORE!!!!! I WILL CONTINE TO LOVE AND SERVE GOD THE BEST I CAN. I AM SO FAR FROM PERFECT!!!! I must pray now for my spirit is heavy but I pray the world never again chokes the spirit of God from my life. I need His word, and I need Him so the rest of the world is in His hands for I am not strong enough to deal with any of it. Peace, Love, and Light to your all. Amy Peterson 5-19-2014
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