Just a Reminder

Dear Friend,

As you got up this morning, I watched you and hoped you would talk to me,

even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday, but I noticed you were

to busy trying to find the right outfit to put on and wear to work. So I waited.

When you ran around the house getting ready, I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were too busy.

At one point you had to wait fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair. Then I saw you spring to your feet, and I thought you wanted to talk to me, but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip.

I watched as you went to work and I waited patiently all day long. With all your activities I guess you were too busy to say anything to me.
I noticed before lunch you looked around, maybe you felt embarrassed to talk to me, that is why you didn't bow your head. You glanced three or four tables over and you noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly before they ate, but you didn't. That's okay, there is still more time left, and I have hope that you will talk to me even yet.

You went home and it seems as if you had lots of things to do. After a few of them were done you turned on the TV. I don't know if you like TV or not, just about anything goes there & you spend a lot of time each day in front of it, not thinking about anything, just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched TV and ate your meal, but again you didn't talk to me.


As you did your homework I waited again, as you did what you had to do. At bedtime I guess you felt too tired. After you said goodnight to your family  you plopped into bed and fell asleep in no time. That's okay, because you may not realize that I am always there for you.

I've got patience more than you will ever know. I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well. Because I love you so much, a long time ago I left a wonderful place called Heaven and came to Earth. I gave it up so that I could be ridiculed and made fun of. I even died so you wouldn't have to take my place. I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, a prayer, a thought or a thankful part of your heart. It is hard to have a one-sided conversation.

Well, you are getting up again and once again I will wait with nothing but love for you hoping that today you will give me some time. Have a nice day!

Your friend,

Jesus

Healed And Whole

One day I dug a little hole

And put my hurt inside

I thought that I could just forget

I'd put it there to hide.


But that little hurt began to grow

I covered it every day

I couldn't leave it and go on

It seemed the price I had to pay.

My joy was gone, my heart was sad

Pain was all I knew.

My wounded soul enveloped me

Loving seemed too hard to do.

One day, while standing by my hole

I cried to God above

And said, "If You are really there --

They say, You're a God of Love!"

And just like that -- He was right there

And just put His arms around me

He wiped my tears, His hurting child

There was no safer place to be.

I told Him all about my hurt

I opened up my heart

He listened to each and every word

To every sordid part.

I dug down deep and got my hurt

I brushed the dirt away

And placed it in the Master's hand

And healing came that day.


He took the blackness of my soul

And set my spirit FREE!

Something beautiful began to grow

Where the hurt used to be.

And when I look at what has grown

Out of my tears and pain

I remember every day to give my hurts to Him

And never bury them again.

Love

Leslene

My Decision

I have a decision to make--

what will I do?

I'll humbly bow my head,

dear Father, and bring it to You.

I know You'll show me

the thing that is right,

It may be tomorrow

or it may be tonight.

I want to serve You

and do Your will,

I would like to go boldly

but I'm timid still.

I'm not afraid,

that's what I say,

But what if I

choose the wrong way?

You've promised to lead me

and I know it is true,

But how Blessed LORD,

will I know it is You?


I trust You to show me

and rid me of doubt,

Keep me and lead me

and make it work out.

I feel calmer now,

I know You are here,

You'll show me the pathway,

each step will be clear.

Forgive me for wanting

to see far ahead,

And help me follow You

each moment instead.

Thanks for Your strength

and Your wisdom too,

And for teaching me daily

that I can trust You.

I know that the moment

my decision is due,

That you'll tell me plainly

what I should do.

Love

Leslene

I refuse to be discouraged

I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why... I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team. He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same. My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end, His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend. When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low, I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go. When circumstances threaten to rob me from my peace; He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease. And when my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control; He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul. The great "I AM" is with me, My life is in His hand, The "Son of the Lord" is my hope, It's in His strength I stand. I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod. I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love. I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face; The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race.

The Winner

I was watching some little kids play soccer. These kids were only five or six years old, but they were playing a real game - - a serious game _ two teams, complete with coaches, uniforms, and parents. I didn't know any of them, so I was able to enjoy the game without the distraction of being anxious about winning or losing - I wished the parents and coaches could have done the same. The teams were pretty evenly matched. I will just call them Team One and Team Two. Nobody scored in the first period. The kids were hilarious. They were clumsy and terribly inefficient. They fell over their own feet, they stumbled over the ball, they kicked at the ball and missed it but they didn't seem to care. They were having fun. In the second quarter, the Team One coach pulled out what must have been his first team and put in the scrubs, except for his best player who now guarded the goal. The game took a dramatic turn. I guess winning is important even when you're five years old -- because the Team Two coach left his best players in, and the Team One scrubs were no match for them. Team Two swarmed around the little guy who was now the Team One goalie. He was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four who were also very good. Team Two began to score. The lone goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them. Team Two scored two goals in quick succession. It infuriated the young boy. He became a raging maniac -- shouting, running, diving. With all the stamina he could muster, he covered the boy who now had the ball, but that boy kicked it to another boy twenty feet away, and by the time he repositioned himself, it was too late -- they scored a third goal. I soon learned who the goalie's parents were. They were nice, decent-looking people. I could tell that his dad had just come from the office -- he still had his suit and tie on. They yelled encouragement to their son. I became totally absorbed, watching the boy on the field and his parents on the sidelines. After the third goal, the little kid changed. He could see it was no use; he couldn't stop them. He didn't quit, but he became quietly desperate futility was written all over him. His father changed too. He had been urging his son to try harder - yelling advice and encouragement. But then he changed. He became anxious. He tried to say that it was okay - to hang in there. He grieved for the pain his son was feeling. After the fourth goal, I knew what was going to happen. I've seen it before. The little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed to the referee - and then he cried. He just stood there while huge tears rolled down both cheeks. He went to his knees and put his fists to his eyes - and he cried the tears of the helpless and brokenhearted. When the boy went to his knees, I saw the father start onto the field. His wife clutched his arm and said, "Marco, don't. You'll embarrass him." But he tore loose from her and ran onto the field. He wasn't supposed to - the game was still in progress. Suit, tie, dress shoes, and all - he charged onto the field, and he picked up his son so everybody would know that this was his boy, and he hugged him and held him and cried with him. I've never been so proud of a man in my life. He carried him off the field, and when he got close to the sidelines I heard him say, "Wade, I'm so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son." "Daddy," the boy sobbed, "I couldn't stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they scored on me." "Wade, it doesn't matter how many times they scored on you. You're my son, and I'm proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can't. And, son, you're going to get scored on again, but it doesn't matter. Go on, now." It made a difference - I could tell it did. When you're all alone, and you're getting scored on - and you can't stop them - it means a lot to know that it doesn't matter to those who love you. The little guy ran back on to the field - and they scored two more times - but it was okay. I get scored on every day. I try so hard. I recklessly throw my body in every direction. I fume and rage. I struggle with temptation and sin with every ounce of my being - and Satan laughs. And he scores again, and the tears come, and I go to my knees - sinful, convicted, helpless. And my Father - my Father rushes right out on the field - right in front of the whole crowd - the whole jeering, laughing world - and he picks me up, and he hugs me and he says, "I'm so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son, and because I control the outcome of this game, I declare you The Winner." Lots of Love Leslene

Interview with God

I dreamed I had an interview with God.  "Come in," God said. "So, you would like to interview Me?"  "If you have the time," I said. God smiled and said,   "My time is eternity and is enough to do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?" "What surprises you most about mankind?" God answered: "That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.  That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health. "That by thinking anxiously about the future,  they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future. That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived..." God's hands took mine and we were silent for while and then I asked... "As a parent, what are some of life's lessons you want your children to learn?" God replied with a smile:  "To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved.  To learn that it takes years to build trust, and a few seconds to destroy it.  To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives. To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. All will be judged individually on their own merits, not as a group on a comparison basis!  To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.  To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them.  To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness. To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings. To learn that money can buy everything but happiness.  To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it totally different.  To learn that a true friend is someone who knows everything about them...and loves them anyway.  To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they have to forgive themselves." I sat there for a while, enjoying the moment.  I thanked Him for his time and for all that He has done for me and my family, and He replied, "Anytime".

So Remember Right Now

Somebody is very proud of you. Somebody is thinking of you. Somebody is caring about you. Somebody misses you. Somebody wants to talk to you. Somebody wants to be with you. Somebody hopes you are not in trouble. Somebody is thankful for the support you have provided. Somebody wants to hold your hand. Somebody hopes everything turns out all right. Somebody wants you to be happy. Somebody wants you to find him/her. Somebody wants to give you a gift. Somebody wants to hug you. Somebody thinks you ARE a gift. Somebody admires your strength. Somebody wants to protect you. Somebody can't wait to see you. Somebody loves you for who you are. Somebody treasures your spirit. Somebody is glad that you are their friend. Somebody wants to get to know you better. Somebody wants to be near you. Somebody wants you to know they are there for you. Somebody would do anything for you. Somebody wants to share their dreams with you. Somebody is alive because of you. Somebody needs your support. Somebody will cry when they read this. Somebody needs you to have faith in them. Somebody trusts you. Somebody hears a song that reminds them of you. SO REMEMBER, JESUS IS THE REASON WE CAN TAKE A NEW BREATH EACH DAY. Love Leslene

If Jesus Came To Your House

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two - If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do. Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored Guest, And all the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best, And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have him there - That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare. But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door With arms outstretched in welcome to your heavenly Visitor? Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been? Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard? And wish you hadn't uttered that last, loud, hasty word? Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about? And I wonder - if the Savior spent a day or two with you, Would you go right on doing the things you always do? Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Would life for you continue as it does from day to day? Would your family conversation keep up it's usual pace? And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace? Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read, And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed? Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you'd planned to go? Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so? Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends? Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends? Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone? It might be interesting to know the things that you would do If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you.

Tell the Devil Today

Tell the devil today, he is a liar!; He will not take your joy, your peace or disturb your spirit. Tell him he cannot sleep in your bed - there's not enough cover. Tell him he cannot sit in your chair - you will not give him a cushion of comfort. Tell him he can't touch your body - it's covered with the blood. Tell him he cannot audit your finances - you've changed accountants. Tell him he cannot enter your home - the locks have been changed. Tell him to leave your workplace - he's not on your list of things to do for today. Tell him to take his hands off your children - because you've had hands laid on them. Tell him you have no time for his nonsense, criticism or fears - you are on a mission, and you walk by faith. Tell him no more tears, heartaches, or headaches - because there's another, He, that restoreth your soul. Tell him; Tell him; Tell him; Tell him. Tell him, today, you have a gentle, powerful inner peace within that consumes you and leaves no room for confusion. Tell him, today you will - respond soothingly to a crying child, a tense spouse, or an impatient friend. Tell him, today, you will find no fault with a relative, friend, or colleague. Tell him to leave your tongue alone - for today you will not talk of anyone, before placing God at the beginning of your thought. Tell him, wherever you are, that God Is. Tell him, God said, "My people will abide in a peaceful habitation...and in quiet resting places." [Isaiah 32:18] Today, Tell him he is a liar!!!, Amen

God's Table Requires Table Manners

You undoubtedly felt awkward the first time you had to learn which fork to use. But with that knowledge you can enter any dining experience with confidence. The same is true when you dine at God's table. At first it seems difficult. But learning the right manners makes it possible for you to be in any situation and please the Father. Table manners at God's table: * You have to do your own chewing. Too many Christians expect God to take out a spoon and dish up the blessing for them. He is supposed to place it in our mouths, work our jaws to chew it up, and help us swallow it. We want God to do everything. The fact is that you have responsibility in God's sovereign world. * Accept the seating. God has a place for you - in Him - that far outweighs anything the pleasures of this life have to offer. The fleshly, carnal attitudes of your world will be a constant source of contention in this life. But God calls you to sit in His kingdom, not in the world. Satan will try to convince you to take a lesser seat, that those serving God have more time, money, or talent than you. He wants you to measure flesh against flesh. Don't listen to him. Sit in the seat of inheritance that God has waiting for you * Finish the meal. John 3:16 tells us, God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son. Some believe that because God has already come and died for the sins of the world, they don't have to do anything else. However, it's important to finish the phrase regarding man's responsibility: whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. You must come to Him in order to receive the forgiveness that He purchased for you. * Read the menu. You must spend time reading what God has prepared. Read your Bible, meditate on the Word. It will give you strength and illumination according to God's plan for your life. It will keep you on course and remind you of your responsibilities in order to fulfill the plan of God. * Count the fruit. If you are not willing to bear fruit for Him, then He is not obligated to answer your requests, even if you ask things in His name. Jesus declares, Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away (John 6:37). The Holy Spirit inspires us to go to Jesus and do what He asks of us. His sovereignty makes the first move toward us, but because He gave us free will, we must move toward Him as well. Lots & Lots of Love Leslene

Friday Humour

Why Me, God? - A Common Question

I'm sure you are asking, "Why me, God?" because something has happened that caused you to feel somehow singled out. Perhaps you feel that God must be punishing you for some reason. Why else would this be happening to you? Be assured. You are not alone.

God has not abandoned you and He has not singled you out, no matter how you feel right now. Whatever you are going through, God's promise is that He will see you through and give you the strength and direction you need.

God wants you to know that He understands how you feel, that He knows more about your situation than you do, and that He saw it coming before you did. Above all, He began to work on His resolution for you before you even knew to ask! The reality here is that God is for you. He is not against you.

Why Me, God?

Our feelings of "Why me, God?" are real. They are based on real events, but our conclusions may not be accurate. While we don't want to minimize the pain you feel in any way, we do want to try to help you look more closely at why you feel singled out and whether or not you've arrived at a valid conclusion.

We absorb our beliefs from our parents, teachers, life experiences, books, etc.

We have learned untruths that cause us to live the role of the victim, either of circumstances or of our past.

God's answer is that we are not victims but victors. God has said that we can trust Him in everything and that every event in our lives should be counted as ALL joy (James 1:2). He has also told us that He will cause good to come out of every situation for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). When we ask "Why me, God" it's really because we don't believe God. Our belief system opposes God, so we feel singled out and victimized.

We have to change our attitude towards our trials.

When we choose to believe that ALL the events in our life are good for us, even the ones that seem frustrating and painful for now, we are agreeing with God! When we choose to believe and trust God that there will always be a good outcome, we are trusting Him! Only God knows why we are going through these circumstances. Our new dialogue with God will be, "God, this is going to be an interesting journey. I'm excited to see how you are going to bring good out of this one. I trust you will!"

Love

Leslene

Who I Am In Christ

Why do I need to know who I am in Christ?

You need to know who you are in Christ so that you can live a successful Christian life.

The more you agree with God about your identity in Christ, the more your behaviour will reflect your God given identity.

Learn to see yourself as God sees you. Accept what God says about you and become the spiritual person you are. God's opinion is the one that counts.

Understanding who you are in Christ will give you a strong foundation to build your life on. Knowing who you are in Jesus is the key to a successful Christian life.

Your identity doesn't depend on something you do or have done. Your true identity is who you are in Christ.

When you are in Christ you are a new creation, the old has passed away. It's time to stop living out of who people say you are and take hold of the truth of God's word.

You need to know who you are in Christ so that you can know what to do, when to do it, where to go, and how to do it

Who I am in Christ

Because you are in Christ, every one of these statements is true of you.

•I am loved 1John 3:3

•I am accepted Ephesians 1:6

•I am a child of God John 1:12

•I am Jesus' friend John 15:14

•I am a joint heir with Jesus, sharing His inheritance with Him Romans 8:17

•I am united with God and one spirit with Him 1Corinthians 6:17

•I am a temple of God. His spirit and his life live in me 1 Corinthians 6:19

•I am a member of Christ's body. 1 Corinthians 12:27

•I am a Saint Ephesians 1:1

•I am redeemed and forgiven Colossians 1:14

•I am complete in Jesus Christ Colossians 2:10

•I am free from condemnation Romans 8:1

•I am a new creation because I am in Christ 2Corinthians 5:17

•I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved Colossians 3:12

•I am established, anointed, and sealed by God 2Corinthians 1:21

•I do not have a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind 2Timothy 1:7

•I am God's co-worker 2Corinthians 6:1

•I am seated in heavenly places with Christ Eph 2:6

•I have direct access to God Ephesians 2:18

•I am chosen to bear fruit John 15:16

•I am one of God's living stones, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house 1 Peter 2:5

•I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God by which I share His nature 2 Peter 1:4

•I can always know the presence of God because He never leaves me Hebrews 13:5

•God works in me to help me do the things He wants me to do Philippians 2:13

•I can ask God for wisdom and He will give me what I need James 1:5

Simply choose to believe what God says about you.

"How can two walk together unless they agree?" Amos 3:3

Try reading the above list every day for a month, preferably out loud. The more you know who you are in Christ, the more your behaviour will reflect your true identity.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" Romans 12:2

To live an effective Christian life you need to know and believe who you are in Christ. Understanding your identity in Christ is crucial to your success.

The best way to renew your mind and experience transformation is by knowing, thinking and speaking who you are in Christ

Train yourself to say the same things that God says in His word. Become who you are in Christ. God wants to do more in your life than you imagine.

Love
Leslene

Choose Your Friends Carefully

Hello Everyone. Like one of my friends said this morning, "It's time for change"


God has been speaking to me this weekend and I just have to share.

Are you walking with the right crowd? Is it the crowd that God chose for you?

For those of you who have really entered into a true Spirit-filled, full-surrendered walk with the Lord where He is now leading your life in the direction that He will want it to go in – one of the first things that you will find happening is that God will start to prune out the people that He does not want in your life and start to bring in the people that He does want in your life.

Tthe Bible tells us to choose our friends very carefully in this life, and it also says that he who walks with wise people will become wise himself, but that he who keeps company with fools will be destroyed.

This does not mean that we cannot work with the lost, and the people who need to find God and His message of eternal salvation. When Jesus came to our earth in the flesh, He always went after the sinners and the outcasts. But when Jesus went after these sinners, it was always for the express purpose of getting them saved and cleaned up.Jesus did not chase after everyone. Some people are open to be helped, others are not. The Bible tells us to stay away from people who are considered to be “dogs” and to beware of people who are “evil workers.”
If you have only one friend that encourages you, that is good enough.

What I have learned is that it is not the quantity or amount that comes in – it is the quality. You are much better off having just one or two good, solid, quality friends.

Every Christian is operating at different levels of spiritual development with the Lord. God knows best as to who would be best suited for you at the level of spiritual development that you are currently operating at with Him. When God does bring in these types of special God-friends to share your journey with – they will be real treasures! These God-friendships will be anointed by God Himself due to the quality feedings and interaction that will occur in them.
Sadly, what you will find out very early on, is just because someone may be a saved and born again Christian does not mean this person has their act together in the Lord. Some people have become too judgmental and too critical in their walks with the Lord. Some have become too arrogant, thinking that they have all the answers to everything. They will tend to look down on anyone else who is not operating at the knowledge levels they are operating at.
Some have become so flaky in their walks with the Lord, that they have lost touch with reality and you won’t be able to connect with any of them. God knows best as to who will be best suited for you at your current level of spiritual development with Him – so let Him guide you to the ones that He will want you to connect with.


I have seen God do this so many times for others, that I literally consider it a miraculous piece of work – especially as to how He gets you to meet some of these people in the first place. Some of these chess moves are quite incredible, as most of these people will be total strangers to you until God moves in to match the two of you up.
The other thing that could occur besides God matching you up with total strangers is that He may move on someone else you may know, but that you are not particular good friends


with. That person then gets saved and plugged in, and then they find out that you too are saved and plugged in – and now a good God-friendship can start to build up as you now have something in common with one another to start to build a good, solid friendship with.
This could be another member in your family, someone that you may work with, a friend who you may have known from your past, or someone you may see at church from time to time but never really talked with. The possibilities are endless as to where these people may come from. These God-friends can come from anywhere and at anytime – so keep your radars up – as you never know when God may move to bring one of them into your life.


“The righteous should CHOOSE HIS FRIENDS CAREFULLY, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” (Proverbs 12:26)

Notice this verse is specifically telling us that if we do not choose our friends very carefully in this life, that we could end up choosing the wrong type of people to become friends with and they can then end up leading us astray from God and with what He wants to do with our lives. Many of God’s people have lost their calls in Him because they chose to hang out with the wrong type of people or the wrong crowd.


SPEAK TO GOD ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS.

Love and blessings

Leslene

Is Jesus the only way to Heaven? OH YES HE IS!!

Question: "Is Jesus the only way to Heaven?"


Answer: "I'm basically a good person, so I'll go to heaven." "OK, so I do some bad things, but I do more good things, so I'll go to heaven." "God won't send me to hell just because I don't live by the Bible. Times have changed!" "Only really bad people like child molesters and murderers go to hell."

These are all common rationalizations, but the truth is that they are all lies. Satan, the ruler of the world, plants these thoughts in our heads. He, and anyone who follows his ways, is an enemy of God (1Peter 5:8). Satan is a deceiver and often disguises himself as someone good (2 Corinthians 11:14), but he has control over all the minds that do not belong to God. "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4).

It is a lie to believe that God doesn't care about small sins or that hell is reserved for "bad people." All sin separates us from God, even a “little white lie.” Everyone has sinned, and no one is good enough to get to heaven on their own (Romans 3:23). Getting into heaven is not based on whether our good outweighs our bad; we will all lose out if that is the case. "And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace" (Romans 11:6). We can do nothing good to earn our way to heaven (Titus 3:5).

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it" (Matthew 7:13). Even if everyone else is living a life of sin in a culture where trusting in God is not popular, God will not excuse it. "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient" (Ephesians 2:1-2).

When God created the world, it was perfect and good. Then he made Adam and Eve and gave them their own free will, so they would have a choice whether to follow and obey God. But they were tempted by Satan to disobey God, and they sinned. This separated them (and everyone that came after them, including us) from being able to have a close relationship with God. He is perfect and holy and must judge sin. As sinners, we couldn't reconcile ourselves to God on our own. So God made a way that we could be united with Him in heaven. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Jesus was born to die for our sins so that we would not have to. Three days after His death, He rose from the grave (Romans 4:25), proving Himself victorious over death. He bridged the gap between God and man so that we may have a personal relationship with Him if we only believe.

"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3). Most people believe in God, even Satan does. But to receive salvation, we must turn to God, form a personal relationship, turn away from our sins, and follow Him. We must trust in Jesus with everything we have and everything we do. "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference" (Romans 3:22). The Bible teaches that there is no other way to salvation than through Christ. Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus is the only way of salvation because He is the only One who can pay our sin penalty (Romans 6:23). No other religion teaches the depth or seriousness of sin and its consequences. No other religion offers the infinite payment of sin that only Jesus Christ could provide. No other “religious founder” was God become man (John 1:1,14) – the only way an infinite debt could be paid. Jesus had to be God so that He could pay our debt. Jesus had to be man so He could die. Salvation is available only through faith in Jesus Christ! “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Have you made a decision for Christ because of what you have read here? If so, please leave a comment so that i can keep on praying for you.

Lots of love

Leslene

Thursday Humour

Are you up for some humour? Jesus was a humourous guy.

JESUS TO THE RESCUE

Hi there everyone. I am so honored and blessed to be writing this awesome message. It was dropped in my spirit after i had a discussion with a beautiful friend of mine. I was reminded of my past and i give God all the glory for the reminder. It just showed me once again that Daddy is and always be true to His word.

I trust you will be blessed and i hope i will get some feed back from you.
Often times people are in a situation where they wish someone would just reach down and rescue them.

They stop and look at their lives and they wonder, "How in the world did I get into all of this?"

They want a change or they just want to get away from a particular moment,

a particular situation.

They feel trapped and can't see a way out.

This is what eventually happens in life when we try to live life without Jesus.

We keep trying different things so that we will feel some kind of fulfillment within and then we feel like we are surrounded by every struggle possible.

It happens to people who try to find happiness within relationships,

and yet they can never find that one person who makes them feel fulfilled.

It happens to people who try alcohol, drugs, having a once off affair or even just sharing a kiss, thinking that if they put something inside of them it will change how they feel.

It can even happen for a moment where we go somewhere or do something and we know right away

that we are in the wrong place, with the wrong people, doing the wrong thing.

But then something happens. Some people say that they "hit rock bottom".

Others realized their lives were "out of control". It could even be as simple as

"I don't want to be here" or "I know I should be somewhere else".

They just want to be rescued from their own lives.

JESUS TO THE RESCUE!!!

Somewhere in each of our lives we need to come to a realization that we need to be rescued,

we need to be saved.

Jesus said in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

People feel lost.

They feel like there is little hope.

So Jesus reaches down to rescue them and they fight Him off, looking for other answers.

Jesus is the only answer.

He is the only way that we will ever feel like we are on the right track in our lives.

With Jesus, we are never alone.

With Jesus, we know the way out.

With Jesus, we know how to change and what needs to change so that we can be happy.

I have often talked to people who aren't ready to change their lives for Jesus because of what they will have

to "give up".

The strange thing is that the things they will have to give up are usually the things that are making them miserable.

In John 10:10 Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Life with Jesus is a wonderful life.

It is true that we will still have trials and struggles, but that will happen with or without Jesus.

At least when we are going through the trials and struggles with Jesus,

we know we are not alone and we know that in the end it will be worth the fight.

Life with Jesus is life to the full! Paul describes the struggle we all have in Romans 7:15-17: "I do not understand what I do.

For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.

As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me."

We have all said it: "I don't know how I got into this mess and I sure don't know how I'm going to get out!"

Later he describes that moment when we give up and give in to Jesus:

"What a wretched man I am!

Who will rescue me from this body of death?

Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25)

The assurance for the Christians is found in the words to the church in Colosse in Colossians 1:13-14,

"For (God) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves,

in whom we have redemption,

the forgiveness of sins."

Not only are we rescued from those moments of darkness but from a life of darkness.

But the hope is not for us alone.

It is for everyone who is willing to turn from the darkness and follow Jesus.

There is a reason why Jesus is called the "Savior".

If you are feeling like you are trapped in the darkness and you want to be rescued,

He wants to help.

I can share with you how Jesus rescued me and wants to rescue you.

I love you so much and i want you to be rescued.

Love

Leslene

Hezekiah Walker (Live performance) God Favored Me Featuring Marvin Sapp ...

DISAPPOINTMENTS - How would you handle it???

I have just been disappointed by a friend of mine and it hurt so much but only for a few minutes. I was so surprised at my reaction and it overwhelmed me so much because i just realized who I(Leslene) is in Christ.
Most of the time you being disappointed by a friend that is in Christ or even a family member that's also in Christ. BE STRONG, BE COURAGES and do what David did. He encouraged himself in the Lord.
When things don't turn out the way you hoped, it may seem like the end of the world. Here are some things you can do to keep disappointment from getting you down.

1. Stop. Calm Down. Give yourself some time. Things might not seem nearly so bad tomorrow.

2. Get your feelings out in a way that doesn't hurt you or anybody else.

3. Talk about it with your parents or a good friend.

4.Ask yourself if this is really worth getting angry or upset about.

5.Think about what you can learn from the experience and how you can do better next time.

6.Don't judge yourself. Failing at something does not mean that you are a failure.


I have done some things in my past that has caused me to feel so sad in the end, but God made all things new. He made me so strong and i just cannot help myself not be angry at people when they hurt or disappoint me. Jesus is living on the inside of me and i don't need people to make me feel better, all i need is Jesus and the people He sends on my path to help me. So whoever hurt me/you, it's ok. Move on, don't ponder on it. Know who you are in Christ.

The way i used to feel after a disappointment was so bad, i just locked myself up in my little corner. AGAIN I SAY, JESUS made all things new by planting a few things in my spirit.

HOW TO COPE


With An Unpleasant Feeling

Sometimes we feel good, and sometimes we feel bad. Both kinds of feelings are normal. Of course, we all enjoy good feelings. But when we don't like the way we are feeling, sometimes we don't know what to do about it. Here is a plan that will help you help yourself when your feelings are bothering you.

1. ACCEPT your feelings. Say to yourself: "I am sad." "I am frightened." "I am angry." "I am embarrassed." It's all right to have feelings. I am counting on Jesus to help me.

2. RELAX and take "time out" before you act. Take slow deep breaths and relax all the muscles of your body. Know that you are in a safe palec.
3. THINK about ways to help yourself. Thinking helps you do something smart instead of harming yourself or making things worse.

4. DO something to help yourself. Maybe it would help to talk to someone, or to do something you enjoy.

Remember what the scripture says:
Hebrews 13:5 (The Message)


5-6Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote,

God is there, ready to help;

I'm fearless no matter what.

Who or what can get to me?

I AM SO GREATFUL THAT THE DISAPPOINTMENT THAT HAPPENED TODAY WAS ANOTHER WAY OF BUILDING MY CHARACTER.

Love

Leslene

Fred Hammond & Radical No Weapon Formed COGIC

GIVING UP

WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN WE FEEL LIKE GIVING UP?

BIBLE READING: Psalm 13:1-6

KEY BIBLE VERSE: O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? (Psalm 13:1)

BEING HONEST WITH GOD ABOUT OUR FEELINGS IS OUR FIRST STEP TOWARD VICTORY.

Sometimes all we need to do is talk over a problem with a friend to help put it in perspective. In this psalm, the phrase how long occurs four times in the first two verses, indicating the depth of David’s distress. David expressed his feelings to God and found strength. By the end of his prayer, he was able to express hope and trust in God. Through prayer we can express our feelings and talk our problems out with God. He helps us regain the right perspective, and this gives us peace (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

REAL TRUST DOESN’T GIVE UP.

David frequently claimed that God was slow to act on his behalf. We often feel this same impatience. It seems that evil and suffering go unchecked, and we wonder when God is going to stop them. David affirmed that he would continue to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for God’s justice to be realized. When you feel impatient, remember David’s steadfast faith in God’s unfailing love.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 9:18-26

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Jesus turned around and said to her, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. (Matthew 9:22)

GOD’S ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY IS ONE REASON TO NEVER GIVE UP.

God changed a situation that had been a problem for years. Like the leper and the demon-possessed men, this diseased woman was considered unclean. For twelve years, she too had been one of the “untouchables” and had not been able to lead a normal life. But Jesus changed that and restored her. Sometimes we are tempted to give up on people or situations that have not changed for many years. God can change what seems unchangeable, giving new purpose and hope.

BIBLE READING: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)

GIVING UP OFTEN CAUSES US TO MISS THE BEST GOD HAS TO OFFER.

It is easy to quit. We all have faced problems in our relationships or work that have caused us to want to think about laying down the tools and walking away. Rather than giving up when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). Don’t let fatigue, pain, or criticism force you off the job. Renew your commitment to serving Christ. Don’t forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of today’s pain. Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.

Love

Leslene

"Created to Worship" featuring Michael Bethany & Ericka Warren (Fred Ham...

THE GREATEST JOURNEY - Part 2

Hey there, me again with the next part of "The Greatest Journey".


I hope you were blessed by yesterday's message?

2. GOD WANTS TO LEAD YOU

• If God has a plan for each of us, we have something to look forward to, but it is not as though He gives us the plan and leaves us to figure it out.

• He wants to take us step by step and lead us.

• Exodus 23:20 See, I am sending an Angel before you to lead you safely to the land I have prepared for you.

• Notice that God has already prepared the destination.

• He wants to lead us there.

• Deuteronomy 31:3 The Lord Himself will lead you.

3. CONSTANT GUIDANCE

• God wants to constantly lead and guide you and me.

• Isaiah 58:11 And the Lord will guide you continually.

• This does not mean that it will be easy!

• What it does mean is that He will be with you!

• Isaiah 43:2-3 When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. 3For I am the Lord your God.

• There is a misconception that when we become Christians everything will go right.

• This is not the case!

• But what it does mean is that whatever we face, we do not face it alone but we face it together with God and therefore we will be able to overcome.

ALLOW HIM TO LEAD YOU.

Love



Leslene

Gateway Worship: "Pure" featuring Kari Jobe (HQ)

Kari Jobe - Revelation Song ( w Lyrics )

The More I Seek You - Kari Jobe

THE GREATEST JOURNEY - Part 1

Hey!!!!!!Hey!!!!!!Hey!!!!! How's my favorite peeps doing? God is good and that is all the time.


I am so excited to share what the Lord spoke to me the past weekend and i am so excited for this new journey ahead.

Introduction:

• Life is a journey.
• Life is not a destination!
• We travel through life and God wants this voyage to be a voyage of discovery.
• In a sense, during the course of our earthly lives, we never arrive.
God has got a plan for each one of us and He wants to take us by the hand and lead us each step of the way.
• As we obey God and His leading, this life can develop into the most exciting and the greatest journey of adventure.
• We travel an appointed way!

1. GOD KNOWS

• As we face life it is wonderful to know that God knows everything.
• Nothing takes God by surprise.
• Psalm 139:1-5 O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2You know when I sit or stand. When far away You know my every thought. 3You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment You know where I am. 4You know what I am going to say before I even say it. 5You both precede and follow me and place Your hand of blessing on my head.
• I love the phrase ‘You chart the path ahead of me’.
• It is great to know that God has a path for us.
• It is a path that He has established and a path that He wants to continue to reveal to us.
• This does not mean that everything will go right, it simply means that God knows and wants to lead us every step of the way through life.

LIFE IS INDEED A JOURNEY AND THE QUESTION IS: "ARE WE WILLING TO ALLOW GOD TO LEAD US ON THIS JOURNEY?

Have a fantastic journey today and i will see you right here tomorrow with some more info for the journey ahead.

Love

Leslene Britz