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!