God's Will?

“The will of God is not something you add to your life. It’s a course you choose. You either line yourself up with the Son of God…or you capitulate to the principle which governs the rest of the world.” ―Elisabeth Elliot

Salvation, Redemption...?

https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salvation

Synonyms and Antonyms of salvation

the saving from danger or evil... We spent the night in the cellar praying for salvation from the tornadoes

Synonyms of salvation:

deliverance, rescue

Words Related to salvation:

ransom, recovery, redemption, extrication
defense, guard, protection, isafeguard, safeguarding, security

conservation, guardianship, preservation, safekeeping

Forgiveness.

2 Corinthians 2 : 9. My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake, 11. in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Transition or paradigm shift?

March 31st to April 1st.

April took me to a place I wouldn't wish for anyone. It started with an innocent pain in the lower abdomen that quickly went away. Little did I know my colon had perforated.

In the middle of the night the pain in my abdomen woke me up. I tried everything in the medicine cabinet. There was no relief.

Deciding to go to the hospital, I was surprised that the "Nurse" that came to the ER waiting room to take me to the examination room was 6' 8" tall and had tattoos all over his arms and neck. He asked if I was Rudolph and I said "yes that's me". I didn't think it was a good idea to correct him. Thus, April began. A Euroclydon of Calamity where God blessed me!

Think about your thoughts

Do you ever think about your thoughts? Have you ever realized that you were arguing with yourself? I'm not talking about a debate on what movie you should go see. I'm talking about putting forth excuses as to why you should do something that you know you shouldn't do. Or trying to convince yourself you should not do something you know you should do. What's up with that?

Paul said it well when he explained "the things I want to do I don't do and the things I don't want to do that I do."

Realizing this is the first step in understanding the " Battle for your Mind".

The enemy is present in your thoughts. When you find yourself arguing with yourself realize you are under attack. The battlefield is your mind.

There are several verses that you need to understand.

Take every thought captive to the Lordship of Christ.  We do not wrestle against flesh and blood. Pray without ceasing.

Mary Pondered in her heart.

Good advise. "Pondered". I take that as thought about it a lot.

I bring it up because I realize now, because of "social media" I can share way too soon. I don't think I'm Mary. I just want to learn from her example.

Too soon, before I've actually grappled with it on a personal level. Too soon, before I've understood what it means to me personally. Too soon before I can be a faithful example.

God's Grace, Favor, Mercy?

• Grace is free and unmerited blessings of God.
• Favor is God’s unusual liking to us.
• Mercy is God not punishing us as we deserve.

Reference: Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1998.

"For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:12

"Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands..." Psalm 90:17

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11

"...but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5

"...By your favor you make us strong..." Psalm 89:17

“My times are in your hands…” Psalm 31:15

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:3

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” Psalm 31:19

"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." Romans 8:28

"Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him." Matthew 7:11

“And the Lord said...This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:17

“The mind of man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

“The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33

"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:2

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished."Luke 1:45

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:6

"These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." Revelation 3:7