Addictions

Hello friends... I hope this post finds you well. And even though I may not blog everyday, please know that I am constantly praying for you and I hope you are doing the same for me.

I just want to remind you that we can do ALL THINGS through Christ that strengthens us! Any addicting behaviors you might have, give them over to God and see how he transforms your life.

Try it, what do you have to lose?

Take care!

John 3:16

Happy Resurrection Sunday! John 3:16 was one of the first scriptures I ever memorized and this scripture is so important; because it's the foundation of all that God has done for us. God not only gave his only son, but his son Jesus, then died on the cross for US! How is it that someone could love us so much, someone that knew that we at times would break his heart and go our own way, not just anyone, but our Father God.

Isn't it comforting to know that we serve a living God? Not other religions can say the same thing.. He rose on the third day! Praise God for all that he has done despite what we haven't done. If you don't know God and you want to feel his unconditional love for you. Confess your sins and ask Jesus into you heart. The word of God says, Every knew shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. And not only that, the word (the bible), clearly states that you cannot get to God until you accept Jesus. Consider encountering God's love for yourself! I promise you won't regret it.

xoxo!

who is shaping you?

The Question of the day...Who is shaping you? Is it the media, radio, tv, friends, parents, etc... If God isn't in the starting line up, then we probably need to re-evaluate our shaping line up. It's important that we have the right tools in our spiritual toolbox. How can we be successful if BET or MTV is shaping our views, our personality, and our mind? God is our creator and he wants to shape you, because he made you. Think about where and who you spend the most time with... if it doesn't reflect reading your bible, prayer, and time with God, then we need to start incorporating that into our daily activities. In order to smite the enemy, we need the full armor of Christ---not just once a month, but at all times.

Peace be unto you! And I know you will re-evaluate who is shaping you, because we are all christians with issues, but we are working them out.

xoxo

Sorry

Hello friends in Christ! I apologize that I haven't blogged in about a week. I pray that God is working in your life, above and beyond anything that you could ever imagine. Last week my faith was tested and I had the pleasure to believe God for a miracle. God said if we have faith the size of a mustard seed----he can work with that. I encourage you to get your mustard seeds out men and women of God and build upon that, each and everyday. God is not a man that he should lie...his word is very clear, that if you come before his throne boldly...if you ask, it shall be given unto you..... there are so many scriptures that you can meditate on day and night for your situation. No matter how hard it might be to believe, remember one thing... The only word you have to believe is the word of God! Don't let the devil lie to you, because that is what he does best. He comes to steal, kill, and deceive.. so the voice of a stranger---don't listen to. Listen to your heavenly father. As I've said time and time again..... There is no situation big or small that you cannot go to your father with. He will open his ears to you.. All you have to do is speak!

Stay encouraged.

A Prayer For You..Just For You

Hello my friends... Today I would like to say a prayer for you. The wonderful thing about being connected to the body of Christ is that we don't have to know each other to pray for one another. Let this prayer minister to you:

Dear God, I come in your son Jesus Name, asking forgiveness of our sins. I thank you for the opportunity to pray for my brother and sister in Christ. You know their struggles, but most importantly you know their heart. I pray that you meet them were they stand, to provide a way out--for the situations in their lives, where they might not physically see the finish line. You are bigger than any issue that they could ever have! You gave us authority over the devil to defeat him! So we tap into your strength and ask that you replace their hurts and pains with your virtue. We thank you that we can do all things through Christ. Fill them with your love, and let them know they can run to you for anything and everything. Thank you Lord for your mercy and grace. In Jesus Name------AMEN!

If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to email me at london.smith56@yahoo.com

The Wheat and Weeds Parable

Please read Matthew 13:24-30. I love how Jesus used parables to teach real life lessons. I think we should read more of those parables, because they are very applicable to every day life. A couple of take aways from reading that can help us overcome those issues in our lives.

You may have let something or someone come into your life and like the passage reads your wheat and weeds some how grew together---and before you knew it, it's out of your control. Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that? You might have smoked weed once or twice and before you knew it---you were smoking three times a day and now you cannot stop yourself? Or you started dating a guy/girl and you knew they were no good for you, but you decided--oh a few dates won't hurt....now it's five years down the line and they still aren't any better for you, but your in too deep?

Verse 30 says, "Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and it into my barn."

When we find that we are in too deep and that situation is now out of our control-- the only way to get rid of it, is to take it to our Deliver, our Creator, Our GOD! He has to spiritually burn it out of our lives, but we must first bring it to his "barn". Bring that "thing" before his THRONE. But, notice, God was merciful and just---he knows we will get ourselves in binds from time to time, but we have to allow him to do his job...

your thoughts? I challenge you to look at your life--what in your life is the 'wheat' which represents God, and what are the 'weeds' which represents the world/devil and ask God to guide you, give you discernment to distinguish between the two, but most importantly--ask God to burn those things up in your life that you have gotten intertwined with..because eventually the weeds will choke out the wheat if you don't do something about it.

Random Thoughts

Greetings friends! Hope your week is going by fast and that you have been greatly blessed. Do you ever find that doing the right thing sometimes takes a lot of work? Do you ever find that letting go is sometimes the hardest decision you've had to make? I would love to hear from you... I tend to write about various events taking place in my life or things that I feel the Spirit is leading me to write about, but I would love to hear about your experiences? This blog isn't meant for me to just type, but it's to encourage one another. :) This week was a hard week for me...I struggled in areas that I thought were long and gone. I looked back and tried to figure out how this happened? Did I leave the door cracked for the devil to tempt me or...did I allow my flesh to take control? No real way to answer that question, but to get back into my word and make sure I seal the door shut on the devil and beat my flesh down like Paul talk's about it the bible. Whatever your going through, don't give up.. don't ever feel like there's no hope for your situation. God heals all hurts, pain, and shame.

Be blessed! PS-If you have any prayer requests please don't hesitate to send me an email at london.smith56@yahoo.com

God's Love Trumps Fear

Greetings my friends! I want to shift gears briefly, I plan on giving a part 3 to giving up or give it up, but I wanted to share an important verse with you today, 1 John 4:17-19.

1 John 4:17-19 (New International Version)

17In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19We love because he first loved us.

I felt it was important to start our day off knowing that God is love and in order for us to come to terms with our struggles and temptations, we have to replace this mind set of fear....fear of not being good enough, fear of falling short, most of what we do is birthed in fear.. Fear that we won't overcome these issues we have, etc... Let's replace that fear with God's love. God knew we were all sinners, before he gave his son! He knew our make up, he knew what issues we would struggle with...God knew it all! AND despite all of that....God gave his son, he loved us enough that he didn't want us to live our lives in fear.... Look fear/struggles dead in the face and remind it, that God loves you and he would do anything for you... AND guess what...... he did!

God wants the very best for you, there is no love in fear and as the scripture says, perfect love casts out fear... God's love trumps fear! Don't be afraid to give it all to God and let his love overtake you!

Until next time my friends--please stay encouraged. Pray for me as I pray for you.

Peace!

Give it Up or Giving Up Part 2

Glad you made it back for part 2. I was reading in the book of Judges about Samson. Samson was dealing with some issues. One of those being lust. Delilah was a pretty persistent women, she continued to tempt Samson, until he couldn't take it anymore. In this case, did Samson Give up? Or did he give it up? We see in chapter 16:16-17, she kept pushing and finally Samson was tired of her badgering him and he told her the secret to his strength. Samson out of frustration "GAVE UP"....Do we ever find ourselves in a situation where we just give up? Samson knew that God told him not to cut his hair, just like I knew I shouldn't have been in that relationship that I was engaging in. Often times we know the difference between right and wrong---the issue is how do we let go, and at what point do we let go. I mentioned in the last posting, sometimes it's better for us to give it up, than for a "Delilah like" situation to take place and we are forced to give it up. The greatest thing on our side is God's grace and mercy. And thank God for his grace and mercy, or we would be in a world of trouble. We can really learn from Samson! In the previous chapters, Samson struggled with many women, but yet he was still connected to God. Kinda like this blog's name, "Christians with Issues, but we are working them out!" It takes time, but we also have to do our part.

I love the story of Samson, because it shows how our issues can really be a hindrance in our lives, but as we turn back to God, he is faithful and just to forgive us. Please read his story for yourself and let me know what you think. Tune in next time for Part 3.

God bless you! PS- If you have any prayer requests, please don't hesitate to contact me by email london.smith56@yahoo.com

All the best!

Give it Up or Giving Up Part 1

About six months ago, I was on a business trip and I was thinking about this person in my life that I should have let go a long, long time ago. You know when the signs are all there, but you just cannot seem to let go? Well this was one of those relationships that if you add it all up...nothing is remotely close to being equally yoked! This person was controlling my life sub-consciously and effecting my walk with Christ. I by now means, blame this person, because it's my life and I allowed this relationship to continue, knowing that it never should have started. Ever had a relationship like that? To make a very long story short, I was fed up and highly annoyed with it all. This unhealthy relationship had been taking place for several years, so it was very hard for me to just walk away. But, I realized at that very moment, if I call myself a Christian, and I really want God's help---I have to let go! Then the Holy Spirit placed something in my spirit. Are you Giving up or Giving it up? There is a distinct difference. Are you giving up because your fed up and you don't have many other options, or are you going to give this thing up, because you know it's what would please God? That was my "Ah Ha" moment of the day!

We all have things in our lives that we should give up...instead of hitting that brick wall and just giving up! Some might argue that if you do either---you end up with the same result. I strongly disagree. When you just give up---it's likely that you might pick it back up again. Like someone who smokes cigarettes, they might give up smoking cigarettes for a few months because they cannot afford it, and when the opportunity presents itself or if someone offers them one, they might pick up that habit again. But, if that person willing decides to GIVE IT UP.....it makes it that much easier, because it's happening on their terms. And, to be honest, we want to try to give it up, before a situation forces our hand to have to do it anyway, and sometimes those don't have the best outcomes.

What's something in your life that you should give up......instead of just giving up? Stay tuned tomorrow for part 2!

Stay healthy and blessed in Jesus Name.

Being Content

Sometimes it's hard to be content...Paul say's in Philippians 4:11, "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." Like I have said before, sometimes that is easier said than done. But, when you really think about it..we have to put our mind on cruise control and be content. No one ever said that every single thing would go our way, each and every day. But, we have to learn how to deal with what comes our way. So in other words---how can we be content, when it feels like the world is caving in around us? This blog is for real people, with real issues....and we cannot sit and pretend that things go away over night, although, we do serve a God who can turn that "thing" around in an instant...but, as we patiently await our transformation---we have to find our happy place. Satan gains the home advantage if we allow him to bring us down..and affect our mindset. We have to constantly seek God for help and when we aren't strong enough to be content, making sure we pump ourselves with the word of God, music that is uplifting, and frankly, people that are uplifting.

Everything first starts with you.. You have to make the decision to change the way you see things. We are very emotional beings! And sometimes that can be harmful, because we associate everything with how we "feel". DON'T let your feelings get the best of you. For example, there's a reality tv show that helps celebs in rehab... They have to first take the step to say--I am unhappy with how things are, and I am ready to make changes. Each day they might struggle with a habit, but they know it starts in their mind, and regardless of what their body might tell them they want, they have to DECIDE to push the urge away and think positively. Don't lose your soul, mind, memory, affections over things and and the way you feel about those things. Be content.... and trust in your creator to renew a right spirit within you! Because your change is going to come.. Just hold on and be content!

Your thoughts?

Happy Valentine's Day

Just want to let you all know.. if you are feeling lonely this Valentine's Day--Know that God is love and your perfect match is being created just for you. You might be single, but you're never alone. CK back tomorrow for a new blog entry.

God Bless!

Our Testimony

Greetings Friends! I was thinking about my issues today and I thought.. I wonder how I could help someone else who might be struggling in similar areas of their life. Sometimes we are so embarrassed by our issues that we don't want anyone to know we have them and we certainly want to forget they were ever a problem, therefore, we don't want to share the outcome with people. Hey that's just keeping it real, right? LOL. Let the truth be told, there are many issues that I have that I wish God didn't even know, because at times I get embarrassed by them and don't want to tell anyone else about them. But, this blog is my way of helping others. I don't have to blatantly tell you exactly what my issues are, but in time, I might decide to.. or I may have already talked about one of them, in some of my entries; either way it goes, I write this blog as my personal testimony. I want others to know that we all struggle and it's a normal part of life. And that we don't have to condemn ourselves and we can help others. I believe we go through storms in our lives, so that we can help someone else. But, if we don't ever tell of God's goodness and how he set us free, we are potentially missing our opportunity to be a blessing to someone else.

There were times I wished I knew someone who was struggling with some of the same things I was struggling with... not so it could make me feel better, but more so, I wanted to talk to someone who made it through the storm. It's very encouraging when you hear a testimony, it empowers you, and gives you hope that you can overcome it too. Am I off base, or do you feel that way at times? So I encourage you to let your light shine when you can, and help others if you have the opportunity to. The bible says, we are blessed to be a blessing. And, you might not be able to bless every person you see with gifts, but your personal story, could be just the right gift of hope for someone in need.

Have a blessed day!

Jesus Loves You

Today I want to make this short and sweet. I want you to know that God loves you more than you will ever know. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of that. I pray that God's peace be upon you. And as you come closer to the end of the week, may God open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing! Stay encouraged friends.

Remember if you need anything..prayer requests, someone to confide in, please use me as a resource. You can reach me at london.smith56@yahoo.com or at twitter wearetrying2010.

Stay blessed!

Gain The Whole World & Lose Your Soul

It's kinda funny---I am sitting here in my hotel room watching American Idol, this is the week they pick who gets to stay in Hollywood. I am not an avid Idol watcher but I am always amazed at how far people will go to make their dreams come true. Which got me thinking a little bit.......Why don't we do whatever it takes to get closer to God? I heard many of the contestants say, "I'll do anything to make my dreams come true!" And it got me thinking some more.. I wonder if God says, "I wish they would do anything to get closer to me and let go of their wordly ways!"

Why do we put so much focus on "outside" forces? For example, I knew that I had to go to college to better myself. Once I received my undergrad degree, I just knew I needed to obtain my Master's degree. And now that I have a Master's, I flirt around with the idea of a P.H.D. In other words, I knew in order to make better pay and have a shot at the best jobs, I needed an advanced degree. That was an no brainer! I even took jobs in other states, just so I could have more opportunities available to me.

But, when I look back at my spiritual life...Did I ever take a look at my issues and say...wow I gotta do whatever it takes to get this stuff out of my life? The bible says, only what we do for Christ will last! And it took a long time for me to get on my knees and cry out to God for a change. And I am still experiencing that change. But, the point I want to drive home is.. we have to get desperate for change...we have to get desperate and cry out to God and pull and tug till we get our breakthrough. Just like those singers beg Simon for another shot....we gotta go to God with that same drive....we gotta give everything we've got to see a change. Because you know what? Our life depends on it!

Be blessed!

Being Smart

Hello! I pray that the peace of God rests upon each of you this week. About three years ago, I had a meeting with one of the top coaches at a very prestigious university in the United States. We had a discussion about character and being "smart"! And I came across some notes from that meeting and it is so relevant for the premise of this entire blog... We want to make smart decisions, that will lead us to becoming free from those chains that "try" and bind us.
The next time your issues try and raise their ugly heads, think of your reaction in this way (you can mentally ask yourself these questions):

-Is this the right thing to do?
-What are the consequences?
-How will this impact my future?
-Is this a risk I can afford to take?
-Is this the best decision?
-How will this decision affect my family?

Each athlete at this university is given what is called a Smart Card, and those are a few of the questions that are asked. They're mandated to keep this in their wallets at all times, and when they find themselves in a tizzy, they can be reminded of making the right decision.

Our smart cards come in many different forms: the bible, praying, etc... maybe you could have something that reminds you, that if you do this "thing" one more time; how this might impact your life and the lives of others. Sometimes when we take ourselves out of it and look at it from a different perspective, we can view a different outcome.

Ck out 1 Corin. 10:13...may it be the foundation of the our internal "Smart Cards"!

Easier Said Than Done

Has someone ever told you that you should stop doing something and they say it in a way, that is so condescending? Almost like they cannot understand why this "issue" is a problem for you. Just Stop it! Well, sometimes it just isn't that easy! People can generally tell you that, because that's not a problem they deal with, but tell them to stop doing what causes them to go to God in prayer and they might tell you, you just don't understand and it's not that easy! LOL. I think we have all been in this situation. At least I know I have. The one logical solution is to pray, and try not to put ourselves in situations that would make it harder on ourselves, but sometimes it's just not that simple. Even though it's not that simple, we cannot make excuses for ourselves either, but we can be realistic. I encourage you to talk with someone you trust at your church and find a pastor, minister, etc... or a good friend, that can help you remain accountable. For example, I have a friend that struggles with sexual lusts. She trusted me to talk about her issues as it relates to sex and I told her I would help her as best as I could. Now can I be there to stop her in every situation? No, I cannot even physically be there in most situations, but we have a system.... She calls or texts messages me when she feels weak, or if she meets someone that might lead to something more than a good night kiss. She contacts me, I encourage her to stay strong and tell her she can do all things through Christ. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it doesn't, but at least she has a safe place she can come to for encouragement. When she passes a test, I can rejoice with her, and when she fails, I can love her, encourage her, and pray with her....not condemning her! And to be honest, as humans we hold so much stuff in because we are afraid of what people might think and she feels better about moving forward knowing she can discuss it and have another person in Christ she can talk to who won't judge her, but help her. Remember in my first entries..."Help vs Hypocrisy!" Maybe you don't feel comfortable going to anyone about your issue....so use me and I will encourage you and pray for you. I pray for you now and I don't even know you. You don't have to know someone to pray for them (smile).

I believe God understands our struggles, but he doesn't want us to accept them! He wants us to press toward him and be free! I leave you with this scripture, Psalms 34:18, "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Our issues can cause us and some of the people around us so much pain, but it's wonderful to know that God is close to us...we just have to reach out and grab him.

Stay blessed!

Part Two---The Faith Part

This is a continuation from the last entry. I mentioned that Faith plays a huge role in how we overcome. One interesting fact that always amazes me about our Christian walk, is that pretty much everything is built on faith. If you think about it, we have to first believe that God gave his son Jesus who died and rose again.. That's a faith step. We believe what is written in the bible--is true, that again is a faith step. When we pray to our heavenly Father for various things, we have faith that he hears us, even when we don't see or feel him all the time, but we continue to have faith that things will come to past! So if you BELIEVE all those things, we must continue to build our faith, that we can overcome any issue that stands in our way.

Yesterday, I wrote, we have to first come clean with ourselves and admit we have these issues in our life and stop trying to down play them. We never truly get the help we need, when we pretend we don't have problems. Then we can take it to God and get help. Well....will this "thing" always be a problem? You have to have FAITH, that it won't always be a problem. Satan would love you to believe that your stuck in this state and you will never be able to defeat it! But good 'ole faith and perseverance is what we have to hold onto. The word says, if YOU believe you receive, then it's done. AND the bible also states, that we can go to God in prayer about anything and everything...even those things that we are embarrassed about! We need faith--even when we feel those issues still linger, because one day they will go away.. Romans 8:28 reads, " And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." He is talking about you and me... And something else, we should be mindful of is Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Don't give up on yourself and don't give up on the power of God to work ALL things out in your life. Stay holy and let's keep up the good work, because you will receive your harvest.... in other words, you will receive your deliverance!

Will It Be There Forever Ever?

I hope you had a blessed day! Greetings to my fellow Christians out there struggling, but working those struggles out in the name of our Lord Jesus. No matter what your issues are, or what mine were or might still be....we can stand firm in the Lord knowing that deliverance is available to us. There was a certain vice I had and at times, I would really question myself--is this something I am going to always have to deal with? I used to think...Will God take this away from me or is this something I am going to fight for the rest of my life? I've heard many people say, that what trips you up, will only make you stronger--well in my case it was making me weak and driving me crazy. It's hard when your struggling with something, for the sake of this entry, I will use the term "addition", and you know it's wrong, you love God, but it's still a problem. Or there where times that I thought I had mastered this thing and because I wasn't having an urge to feed the addition, I felt like I was free of it. I remember one time I was free from it for about six months and then I had the same struggle come upon me again. Which leads me back to the question---will it always be a struggle? What do you think? When I took a step back, I had to first admit I have a problem, because sometimes we rationalize why we do certain things and we don't want to call a spade a spade! So in some regard, I was in denial about the problem. So once I came clean with myself...I could then come clean to God, because he already knows I have the issue, but we like to try and hide it from him at times.. LOL. The funny things we do..I bet it makes God laugh out loud! Then I cried out to God that I have this issue and I don't know what else to do. God, I would love for you to take it away from me...if for some reason you don't, teach me how to overcome it, even when I am tempted to go back. Because the devil is a cheater and a liar---oh and a deceiver! So he will try and make you think you can't overcome it and he will test your will power. If I could give you one piece of advice---if you do slip and fall, don't stay down, get back up and work it out! In the bible it says, we have already overcome! Key word "ALREADY"! SO the good news is, we win and the devil loses! Romans 5:1-5 is a great read. Please check it out. But, one part I want to share with you, that brings this altogether...Verse 1 & 2 "Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access, by faith into this grace in which we now stand."

Grace is a beautiful thing!! Never forget that!

We have been sanctified by the blood of the lamb and knowing that means we can conquer ALL Things Through Christ that strengthens us!!!! Not some things, not a few things. ALL THINGS! So you have to make that part of your mantra. You can overcome all things, including that issue that seems like it won't go away. Speak to that issue and tell it, you won't allow it to dictate your future or your relationship with God and your going fight the good fight of faith. Tune in tomorrow for part 2 and see how faith plays a huge part in the overcoming process. Be blessed!

What do you do when you've had a bad day?

What do you do when you've a bad day? Just curious? Sometimes we get down and out...sometimes we feel hopeless and no scripture can make us feel better. We might even pray and if we don't physically feel a change right at that moment---we continue to stay defeated. We are all aware that WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS! And you better believe you are! But, what do you do when you just get into the worst funk and you can't seem to shake it? You might be down on yourself...you might allow someone else's issues to overtake you...what ever the case.. what do you do? We all handle bad days differently. We might cry right away, we might hold it in until we are in a quite place all alone, then let out a wild sound, we might call a friend, listen to soothing music. I want to hear what makes you feel better. Oh and you just might get your favorite snack food and over indulge. LOL. Once again we all handle it differently. But, one thing is certain, our first step should always be....take it to God! In Nehemiah 1:6 it states, "When I heard these things I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted. and prayed before the God of heaven." So we see it's okay to have a good cry, Nehemiah heard some disturbing stuff....he didn't run to the liquor, he didn't run to the weed, he didn't start cutting........But, he did cry and then he went to God. We have to get to a place that we don't let our issues overtake us. Yes, they are very real and they hurt like heck! But, we have to re-wire our thinking and not automatically do destructive things when we have a bad day. We have to recognize it, but as I've said before, we don't have to go through it alone. We have to take destructive behavior and replace them with constructive behaviors! And that is taking it to God in prayer. Isaiah 64:8 says, "We are the clay, and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." So when our cars break down or a nail gets chipped---we know that we have to automatically take it the dealer or to the expert, because they know better than we do. If God made us, why do we try and fix things ourselves? We have a warranty with God that never, ever expires. When something breaks down in our lives, we should automatically take it to him. Tell daddy what the problem is and where it hurts!

Do you know how deep his love is?

Thank you again for going along on this journey with me. I pray that God is blessing you through this blog; God is definitely blessing me as I write it. If I can help one person think about their situation a little bit differently, then I believe God will be pleased. We are supposed to preach the gospel, we all have that charge, to tell of his goodness and his mercy. Not only that, it's my duty to encourage and to love one another. My prayer for this week is that God shows us how to love and accept his love! Some of us are so broken, that we aren't familiar with that concept. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." If you're dealing with issues of abandonment or suicidal thoughts, don't end your life! God loves you and he wants to see you successful. He has a plan just for you! And if we don't believe that and end our life too soon, God is not able to do a complete work in us! It also says in Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart." SO hold on my brother and my sister, don't lose hope....I promise you--joy comes in the morning. If you need someone to talk to or pray with, please use my email london.smith56@yahoo.com. I want you to shame the devil and press toward the mark that God has set forth for you. You have a story to tell, don't let the devil write your ending for you, God will see you through.

Let's Pray.... Father God in the name of Jesus, please touch my friend at this very moment! You know their needs and their desires to seek your face, but sometimes life gets hard, sometimes things don't turn out right.....teach us how to love and accept the love you have for us. Touch our mind, body, and soul right now in Jesus Name. We rebuke and bind the enemy that is trying to take control of our life---I refuse to let him win. Your word says, I am the head and not the tail, I am above and not beneath! I thank you that I have authority over all things on this earth. I love you and please give me peace. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen!

Have a blessed day!

A Little Fun for Friday--Please Enjoy

Happy Friday and may each of you have a blessed weekend. I thought you might find this to be a blessing, let me know what you think about it? We can only grow together if we talk back and forth (smile).

MY CREDIT REPORT


If my life was a credit report and I was trying to obtain salvation, based on my score I wouldn't get it.

My history shows that I've been delinquent in praise, past due in prayer, my worship has been in collections and I've missed a few payments (tithes) or only paid half (you know how we put $20 in the basket and feel like we've done God a favor).

Not to mention that my debt (sin) to income (blessings) ratio is too high.

BUT I thank God that I was able to file bankruptcy (repentance) and it cleared me of all of my debt (sin). Now I have a co-signer (Jesus) whose score is FLAWLESS... Not one blemish (sin) on his report.

So now.... I QUALIFY for EVERYTHING! Most importantly I've inherited eternal life and I didn't have to put one penny down.

All of my closing costs were covered when Jesus laid down His life for me!!!! I hear that my future home has all of the upgrades too.

Hardwood floors? Please!! I'll be walking on gold! : - )

Thank You Lord for Your unmerited mercy, grace & favor!!

Love Conquers All

I had a good conversation with my grandmother today about Love. She says, "honey you know love conquers all!" Which is true, because love is the theme of the entire bible. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son! God loves you and me and he wants us to succeed in everything we put our hands to, including our lives. His will isn't for us to be oppressed and depressed, but to remember that he first loved us! He loved us before we even asked Christ into our lives. Now if that isn't love, I don't know what is. Ask God to help us love ourselves! We have to learn to accept ourselves as God's creation and he can work out those things in our lives. He never meant for you to go through your struggles alone. The Holy Spirit is your comforter, God gave you access to the Holy Spirit to comfort you in time of need and to minister to you---that is a gift from God. AND do you want to know another gift God gave? He gave his grace...for it is by GRACE that you and me are saved and that is a gift from God, not of works! Never forget that....

Good night!

Lay Them ALL Down

So..I said this would be a place where we could roll up our sleeves and dive into some hard core issues. Are you aware (which I'm sure you are), that many Christians are dealing with sex, drugs, pornography, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, and the list goes on and on. The problem that I see so often is that many Christians don't feel as if they have a place they can go to truly be honest and admit they are struggling in the above areas. Yes, they may sit in the aisles of church on Sunday and Wednesday, but they may never truly feel comfortable enough to lay their burdens down. WHY is that? Why don't we provide an environment where people can truly get delivered and set free and not feel the shame associated with their issues? I encourage you today, not to let anyone stop you from getting what you need from God. You have to be that woman with the issue of blood, she was an outcast, everyone in town knew she had "issues", but she said the heck with what everyone else thinks, I gotta get to my Jesus and get healed. We have to want deliverance from our issues so bad that we won't let anyone stop us from the blood that was slain for us! Jesus came so that you and me COULD have life and have it more abundantly. We can't live life in abundance if we are worn down and broken. Come as you are and experience his touch and don't let people stop you from where you want to be and that is in his presence. But, it starts with a new attitude and a new outlook.

http://christianswithissuesbutweworkinonem.blogspot.com/

Have a blessed night!

Let

Perfect People

I hope and pray that you are blessed as you read my blog....I found this song and I wanted to share the lyrics with each of you. Sometimes we beat ourselves up because we try to live up to a perfect poster board Christian cut out, but God knows we have struggles and he wants to help us overcome each one of them. Take time to really read the lyrics and I hope it blesses you. And please let me know what you think about it and if you can relate to it:

Perfect People by Natalie Grant

Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while

[CHORUS:]
There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again

[CHORUS]

Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see out let grace be enough

[CHORUS]

By a perfect God [5x]

Be changed by a perfect God
Be changed

A REAL talk session with God

No matter what our issues are, how do we really find out how to overcome them? In the old testament, God spoke to folks all the time....it didn't matter if they were living right or wrong. God spoke clearly to Moses, he spoke clearly to David, he spoke clearly to Ahab (which was the most wickest of Kings); my point being, God spoke and showed reciprocity with folks. We have to get to a point where we can go to our Father and he talks back to us. Yes, we can get answers from his word, and yes, sometimes we even feel his presence at church, but wouldn't it be nice to ask your daddy, "Aye Dad, I am really struggling with x,y, and z and I need you on this one, how would you handle this?" AND wouldn't it be nice if you heard him speak back to you? Or sent an Angel with the answer? How awesome would that be? Pretty awesome if you ask me! We have to get to the place in our life where we want a real relationship with God, just as we want one with our mom, dad, or that cute guy or girl the you see riding the bus in the mornings. We have real issues and we need to hear real answers, and if we don't follow his commandments for our lives, we might encounter a real hell! Literally and figuratively speaking! God is the same yesterday, today, and forever! If he spoke and gave answers back then, he will do it today. But we gotta seek him like no other. If your issues are as real as mine are, I want to hear from my father on how to handle it and not only hearing from him with his word, the bible (which is very important), but I want to truly hear his voice for every aspect of my life. Let's get to a point where we ask God, what do you want from me, instead of what we want from him. But in this case, I believe God is searching for a crew that really want to know him, and as we really get to know him, he will lead us and guide us out of these issues and into his presence. What do you think about that?

No Judgement Here

Hello and Happy Sunday to all of you! If you are reading this, I appreciate your time to stop by and read, and I hope one day you feel inspired enough to post a comment and let me know what you're thinking. This is a place for you to open up in a safe environment, without any judgement. As Christians, one thing we should work on is being so judgmental. I think hypocrisy is one of the top things that cause the world to think we are hypocrites. We want to be HELPERS vs. HYPOCRITES! There is enough hypocrisy in the world, without us having to add to it! Jesus spoke very clearly about hypocrisy...he said, cast the first stone you without any issues or problems. It's easy for us to look at other's and think, wow I cannot believe they do that...but if we open up our closet, someone might say the same thing about us. We have to learn to work out those things in our own lives, instead of always trying to judge and evaluate what other people are doing. God said, I come to seek and save the lost. Not to seek and save the perfect. We all have issues, and there isn't one issue that is bigger than another. Each one, no matter what it might be, causes us to stumble. How do we take a step towards perfection? First we have to admit what those issues are to God. Confess!!!!!!!!!!!! If we CONFESS our sins, he is faithful and just to FORGIVE us! Let's learn to focus on our own issues, so that later in life we can be a testimony for someone else. But, the world must see us as helpers and not hypocrites. So if smoking is your addiction, and cussing is someone else's...Don't think you are better than the other... we all fall short of the glory of God!

God Loves You Despite of What You Might Think

Happy Saturday! I just wanted to encourage each and every one of you, including myself to always remember God's love for you. He made you, therefore he knows all your inner most thoughts and secrets. He knows your strong points, he knows what makes you weak. But, if we humble ourselves in his sight....he is faithful and just to forgive us! Last Sunday I was at church and a woman was talking about getting to know God, because he already knows us. Sounds simple right? But, as I thought more about it, she made a profound statement... God knows our issues, and still loves us, and still wants US to draw closer to him. How many people in your life, would you be able to tell all your issues to and they would look at you and say...come closer to me, I love you, I want to help you? Oh and do all of that without any judgement? God loves you and as I said yesterday, we have to be willing to let go of the things that bind us and allow his love to overtake us. There's a song I would love to share with you:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV4P7TI522o

Let's start with a healing for our soul and let God do the rest. We have issues, but there isn't an issue to big for the God we serve.

Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue

From time to time I find myself getting caught up in office banter. Does that ever happen to you? I tend to do really well with staying outta folks' business and not gossiping with the rest of them! But, catch me on the day that I feel passionately about a topic and I might just join in for a talk or two. Then after I "ran my mouth" a little bit, I feel so convicted, its not even funny. Am I alone? LOL. This is definitely another issue, and another opportunity we can take to let our light shine. I failed today and I beat myself up about it all the way home. I didn't say anything that wasn't true, but I stayed and listened and agreed a lot longer than I should have. We might not know all the scriptures in the bible, we may not even make it to church every Sunday, but these are ways that we can let our light shine. When everyone else is gossiping, you don't have to be part of the conversation, or you can be the one to help everyone refocus their energy on more positive things. But as we work through our issues, we need to become more and more self aware! The Jesus inside of us, should convict us...I believe that is a normal feeling, but where we tend to get into trouble is beating ourselves up. After you confess your sins to God, let it go! Let it go and let it flow. God forgave you, he's just waiting for you to forgive yourself. We are just Christians with issues, but we are working 'em out! Be blessed.

Also follow me on twitter at Wearetrying2010

I look forward to reading your tweets and having conversation with you. Thank you for taking time to read this blog. I pray that it's just another tool to encourage your walk with Christ.

When it rains it pours

Living in Southern California I realize that it doesn't rain much, but this week, its been raining literally all week long. It's an annoyance to say the least, especially when your having car issues, and you have to take the bus. A little rain is never a problem, but when it's raining cats and dogs, and we can't forget to add some strong winds in there--you start to get a little bummed out as you wait shivering for the next bus to pass. Sometimes we feel this way with our internal issues.....just when we think there's a glimmer of hope.....something, someone, or ourselves cannot seem to get past the "rain". How can we deal with the rain storms of our lives? Your storm might be sex, drugs, lying, pornography, lust, etc...what ever the case is----there is a way out..and your glimmer of hope can be found in Christ. Sometimes we forget that we serve a God who is capable of anything and everything....why do we forget that? The same God that raised Jesus from the dead, the same God that created the earth in 7 days, the same God that loved David (who if you didn't know had many issues), is the SAME God---the SAME GOD, that will deliver you, if you allow him. That is where your and my faith must kick it! Because as the bible says, "Faith without works is dead." So we have to do our part and show him that we want deliverance. Sometimes it happens overnight and sometimes it takes time... but let's start today, with this simple prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to you humbly, asking forgiveness of my sins. You know my heart and you know my desire to grow closer to you. I realize there are things in my life that have caused me to stumble, but I look to you for help. Father, please help me! I put my trust in you--your word says, that you will never leave me, nor forsake me, and I need someone in my life like that...I'm so glad it's you. Thank you for your mercy and grace. In Jesus' Name I pray....AMEN.

Why I Decided to Write this Blog

Please forgive me..I am by no means a literary genius, but I love God. In 2010, I embark on a journey to 1. Recognize my issues, 2. Confess them, 3. Pray to God for deliverance, and 4. Walk this walk he's called me to walk. Now... I mentioned I love God, but I also, like some of the things of this world, and as a "young adult", sometimes living the straight and narrow can be harder on some days, and easier on others. I thought, how could I witness to a world that has their own issues, and probably doesn't want to read about mine.. But this is my witnessing tool. I want to help others, as God helps me. I want us to be able to discuss real issues and find real solutions to keep us accountable, by using common sense and God's word! I grew up in church and never really heard too many preachers mention my issue..but issues are talked about so ambiguously.. so I figured, it's time.. my time to help those with real issues, living in the real world.. So let's talk... what are your issues? And do you find that you struggle with it, while trying to live a holy life? This is what I call a real talk blog... roll up your sleeves, kick off your shoes, and let's get down to business..so we can actually overcome those issues.. one step at a time. You with me?

We are all dealing with our issues..one way or another--How about God's way

Welcome! This is a place for you and me..to grow in God. This isn't for those who don't think they have issues, this is for those who really want help and want to work through those things that hold us back, from the life God has for us. In this blog I will talk about my walk with Christ, things that trip me up....but I will continue to press towards the mark of the high calling. I hope we can both share experiences, testimonies, and feel comfortable to be who we are and let God change us from the inside out. Stay tuned.