Remaining in a Steadfast Mind.

Since I posted last it has been a battle, a battle to keep my thoughts held captive. Not that I want to give the enemy any credit, but I was put to the test, and I can't say it was pretty. I can say that I have a more heightened sense of my thoughts, and how easily they can not only get me off-focus, but are so incredibly deceptive. That part has been honestly mind-blowing. I was so relieved when I read in my Bible study homework: "The more you "wake-up" to truth, the more you'll realize how Satan has deceived you." I can say that for sure! It has brought great encouragement to me to see this awareness, for even this is a step in the right direction. My homework went on to say: "God's Word is your truth serum. The more you use it, the clearer your mind will become." That is food for my soul, to know I can have a clear mind. This would help me in every area of my life, from homeschooling to grocery shopping, to making dinner! It would also increase my joy and peace in having a steadfast mind.

I am also greatly encouraged in hearing from you. The main reason I wanted to blog in the first place was to be an exhorter of His truth because His truth is what will set us free and gives us continual victory. As Christians we will not be without trials and persecutions. The Bible makes it pretty clear we will do some suffering, all the more reason to be encouraging each other. Matthew 24 and 1 Timothy 4 explain that things will get worse on earth as far as evil is concerned, but even in that there is encouragement because things are happening like He said it would. He is not unaware of the evil in our times or of the difficulties we are facing, but He promises to pour out His Spirit during these times to help us. He promises that whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Prayer is a growing ministry the Lord is putting on my heart. He made me a sensitive person for a reason, not just to feel more pain, but to be tender-hearted to those in need, those who struggle and who does not struggle? So please know that you are being prayed for. I hope you are encouraged and uplifted in some manner today. God is faithful. I have felt His compassion and love for me the most when I have been in the most pain. I wish He could do His refining of me another way, but it seems to be His most effective means. Maybe I'm too prideful and stubborn otherwise. After my tears have dried, I have a deeper peace then I had before, a more intimate knowledge of Him, and a greater thankfulness for His mercy and grace. It is worth it I am absolutely certain. For there will be a day when rewards will be given, when the pay-off will be of greater value than I could comprehend. He has put you and me here on this earth at the very time He appointed for us to be here. (Acts 17:26-28). That is something to glory in!