Take Out The Trash

Week 11

Building A Relationship With God

 

John 16:33 (KJV)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 

Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

Exodus 14:14 (KJV)

The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

 

Proverbs 30:5 (KJV)

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

 

Micah 6:8 (KJV)

He hath shewed thee, O Man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

 

Micah 7:7-8 (KJV)

7-Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

8-Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: whin I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.

 

Does your trash can ever overflow? Do you go to put something in and have to push down, compacting the contents to make room for more? Eventually, trash starts spilling out and you are forced to take it out. Sometimes, the bag will burst at the seems from the pressure of being overfilled!

 

This week I found my trash overflowing and it burst out through tears, hurt feelings and venting. Day after day of being treated like I am stupid. Sitting at work listening to lies and watching someone’s pride and drive to control others. Hearing news of my friend being treated the same way. Coming home to contractors doing more damage than the tornado did. Seeing my husband’s frustration and hurt in dealing with the situation. Trying the entire week to deal with all this garbage by compacting it instead of simply taking it out.

 

It is so hard. I thought I was taking it all to God by reading in my bible at lunch and talking to Him through each day. In a way, I was taking these things to Him; but I was just venting to Him. We can’t trust in God and hold on to our hurt. We must completely let go and trust in Him to take care of the situation. This act brings peace to our mind and spirit, instead of torment.

 

I know all of this, still, I fell hard this week. Watching my husband, who is a Mighty Man of God, struggle. Seeing my friend, who is a Mighty Woman of God, struggle. Watching Godly people, whom I love, suffer added to my hurt.

 

I tell you all of this, not to vent and complain to you; but as an example. We all struggle. We all have hard weeks. We all fall and we all have overflowing trash cans from time to time.

 

God tells us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have tribulation; but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. He tells us this, He says, so that we can have peace. In Micah 7:7 He tells us to look to Him and wait on Him and He will hear us. In verse 8 He tells us we will fall; but we will rise and that when we sit in darkness, He will be our light.

 

How wonderful and loving our Heavenly Father is! He gives us His word telling us He knows we will fall. He knows we will face darkness. He knows this world and our enemies are against us; but He gives us peace and assurance that He will take care of us! He has already overcome this world and with His strength we can overcome too!

 

This week I challenge you and myself to cast your cares on God.

1 Peter 5:7-8 (KJV)

7-Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

8-Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour:

Have a Blessed week in Christ!

Jeanie Hannah

Weekly Exercise:

-Talk to God each day.

-Search out scripture to help with the situations you face.

-Build your faith and trust in God by putting in more of what He says and let His word take captive of your thoughts.

-Utilize your journaling to purge your struggles and hurt feelings. Write them out and leave them at the foot of the cross for Christ to take care of.

 

What God Would Say To You

John 8:12 (KJV)

The First Sin

Genesis 3:1-13 
Fear is something we seem to be unable to control. Fear is accepted in our world, even encouraged. It seems to be built into our minds to instantly fear. An uncontrollable reflex and emotion.

The interesting thing about fear is that it instantly appeared with the first sin, going against God’s word. Adam and Eve were instantly aware of their nakedness and afraid when they heard God calling for them.

This fear came because they listened to the evil serpent instead of trusting in God. The serpent enticed Eve to want the one thing God said no to. At that moment she shifted her focus from God and all He had blessed her with. She then enticed her husband and in one moment, for curious pleasure, they had sinned against God and their lives changed forever.

That one decision to go against God’s word cost Adam and Eve everything. They were cast out of the Garden of Eden and left to fend for themselves out in the world.

What I find amazing in Genesis 3:21 is that even though God cast them from the garden, he still cared for them. He made them clothes before He sent them on their way.

There is som much to learn in this short chapter. God is giving us instruction with the example of Adam and Eve.

What I learned:

1. Fear provokes sin and sin provokes fear. Fear is the common denominator of sin and sin is the common denominator of Fear.

2. Choosing to step outside of God’s will and do what you know He doesn’t want you to do is sin.

3. Our choices have consequences.

4. God still covers us and loves us even when we go against Him.

5. God still seeks us out even when we have sinned and are trying to hide from Him.

Many argue that the Bible is outdated. The world was a different place. Those words don’t apply to us and the way we live today. The interesting thing is that God didn’t kill the serpent. He just made him lower than anything else on earth. That serpent is still enticing people today. The very argument that the Bible doesn’t apply to us today is that same voice that enticed Eve.

Situations are different today; but God is the same. Being led by anything other than God’s word, leads us to sin.

Many argue God’s very existence, saying if there is a God, why does He allow killing and suffering. God gives us a choice. By placing it that tree and serpent in the garden, He allowed free will. He gave Adam and Eve paradise; but when they shifted focus from Him to the one thing He said don’t even touch, they chose.

See, if you don’t have freedom to choose, then what good is love? How can someone forced into a relationship have happiness and joy?

People see the Bible as a set of rules. Churches teach rules and regulations. Some perceive God as all fire and brimstone. Genesis 3 teaches us that there is great freedom with a rue relationship with God. It also tells us that stepping outside of God’s will, by making choices we know are agains His word, brings sorrow and grave consequences. We make our own lives harder or easier, according to the choices we make.

Being a thief and murderer will get you thrown in jail. Freedom gone. Freedom isn’t just getting to walk around, go wherever you want, do whatever you want. Freedom is the ability to choose. We imprison ourselves with the choices we make. Fear either rules the choices we make or is a product of the choices we make.

Some are afraid to speak God’s truth. In some parts of the world, one would be put to death for being a Christian. In other parts of the world, people fear what others will think of them. Maybe you would loose some friends or family for simply believing in God.

That serpent roams this world on his belly, whispering doubt into our ears. He puts beautiful, shiny things in our sights. We desire acceptance of our peers over relationship with God. That serpent is busy every minute spreading news of killing to instill fear in us.

God doesn’t cause mass killings. God doesn’t make someone walk into a movie theatre with a gun and kill innocent people. People choose their own acts.

That one act of defiance against God’s word. That one moment of doubt. That one beautiful, delicious piece of fruit Eve chose to taste, set in motion a chain reaction of doubt and fear. One choice of one woman set in motion sin and shame. Defiance. Doubt in God and His word.

What is your tree of life? What is the evil serpent speaking to you? What are you seeking that looks better than what you already have? Is it a bigger house? Better clothes? A different husband? No husband? Acceptance? Love? Pills? Alcohol?

Are you hoarding guns for fear of martial law? Do you blame God for the way you were raised? Do you think you are being punished for being a bad person? Do you think you are not worthy of a better life? Do you lie just to get what you want? Do you manipulate others just to get what you want?

I pose these questions, no to shame or cause pain. I present modern problems we face. We all have to choose. I had to choose to seek God. I had to choose to stop living in the pain of my childhood. I have to choose God over sin every day.

It is my prayful hope that you choose God over the voice of the beguiling serpent.

God Bless!

Jeanie Hannah

His Eye Is On the Sparrow

 

Matthew 10:29-31 

(KJV)

29. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31. Fear he not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Our new past time is backyard bird watching. We have built an oasis of flowers and greenery for the birds. Feeders provide a variety of different foods and a fountain for water. Humming birds enjoy a delicious syrupy concoction dispensed in brightly colored feeders designed especially for their tiny beaks.

We have seen a male Cardinal put food directly into the mouth of a female Cardinal. Humming birds fighting over their preferred feeder. Birds bullying other birds to hoard food for themselves. Some birds are skeptical of us and nervous, while others are seemingly unaware of our presence out there.

The newest additions to our courtyard are wild bunnies. They run and play chase with one another. I discovered that they like apples.

We sit in amazement at God’s creation every day while watching these birds. Each one has their own personality and traits. We can identify the regular visitors by their actions and looks. God has crafted beautifully colored birds. Vibrant yellow finch birds. Finch birds with red highlights. The male Cardinal, so beautifully colored red. The blue jay has many different hues of blues.

Earlier today, we saw a sparrow with a beak full of nest materials drop all he had to land on the feeder and eat. This sparked my thoughts. Does God sit and watch over us like we are watching these birds? We provide their food and a safe environment for them just as God does for us. We are tending to His creations and taking care of the blessing he has bestowed on us as their caretakers.

I wonder if God feels excitement when he sees us drop all we have worked to gather to stop to help someone? In our busy days, when we break our focus from gathering nesting materials and just feed on His word. We stop to spend time with Him. We give what’s in our hands to another who is in need.

I wonder if God wants to thump us on the head when we hoard our food and run others off to keep all for ourselves.

There is a lot to be learned from soaking in God’s creation. Those birds act like we do. They take care of their own families and protect them from other birds. They protect their territory by running others off. Some are fearful and paranoid. Constantly looking around and flying off in haste at the slightest sound or movement. While others are contented and happy. They drop everything just to enjoy the bounty they have been blessed with.

I am encouraged today to drop my nesting materials and be feed by the word of God. I am excited to drop my chores and share this encouragement with someone else. God has truly blessed each and every one of us. We don’t have to be fearful and paranoid. We are safe and secure in God’s loving arms. He watches over us and keeps us safe from harm. He lights our path. We can see His hand on everything around us if we just drop everything and pay attention to His handiwork.

Be blessed and encouraged that God has his eyes on you and is providing your oasis of comfort and provision, you only have to drop your nesting materials and eat.

Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode
I discovered that my phone will charge faster if it is in airplane mode. The constant searching for updates, incoming messages and notifications all stop when the device is in airplane mode. Charging is it’s only function and can be done faster without all of the distractions.

Distractions run our batteries down daily. This world is noisy! Alarm clocks, traffic, radios, television, work, life. Daily chatter filling our minds with distractions that run our batteries down. Frustration comes, along with mental and physical exhaustion.

How are we recharging? Do we try to recharge our minds and bodies surrounded by never ending distractions or do we go into airplane mode? Quiet alone time with God and His word. Nothing to distract us from God’s renewing strength and peace available brand new each day.

Jeanie Hannah

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

When We Fall It’s Ok

Pain and suffering are all aroundWhere the love for God cannot be found.

People are drowning in oppression

No hope or salvation.
Mercy and forgiveness

Are their’s for the taking;

But pride is overwhelming.

Lost in their own suffering.

No compassion for others.

Tormented by trying to be perfect.

Casting judgment on everyone in sight.

Never realizing they are not right.
God’s love is for everyone.

If they could only see.

We all sin and fall short.

Perfect no one can be.

God sent His Son to shed His blood

For each and every one of us.
Just a sliver of faith can start a fire

To consume all the inequity.

Cutting away the fear and shame.

Opening the way to shed the pain.
Every seed sewn into the lost

Weakens the chains that have them bound.

Slowly they start to change without knowing why.

Dropping to their knees.

Crying out in pain.

Accepting Christ as Lord and Savior.

An old man has died and a new man is born.
Realizing for the first time

They are worthy and loved.

No strings attached and no bill to pay.

Jesus’ blood paid the way.
Now they can live in a glorious light.

Walking with God day and night.

Learning His ways and seeking to fill His plans.

Soon they start telling their friends.
No good thing comes easy though.

Realizing there are still rocky roads.

God pours out blessings and favor; 

But we must choose to follow at His rate.
God’s plan isn’t magic or instant.

He wants us to be consistent and obedient.

When we fall it’s ok.

Stay true in heart and repent.

Tomorrow is another day.

Thank God for Jesus and Salvation.

Jeanie Hannah

2 Corrinthians 5:17 (KJV)

Therefore if any man be in Christ, 

he is a new creature:old things are passed away;behold, all things are become new.

Grace

The corners of my mind murmur thoughts of fear and unworthinessThe whispers of not being good enough.
Thoughts from the past creep in like fog

Slow and steady until suddenly I realize I’m overcome
Should have and should have been

What I do now and what I did then
There’s no stopping the words coming from out of the blue

You’re nothing and no one.

Like the discarded trash 

Broken and used.
Then the peace comes 

Slowly then bright

Like a light turned on in the dead of night
I’m more than my past

And worthy of love

God steps in and shows up
Grace not earned or even deserved 

But given to me freely and abundantly

So I may know how much I’m loved
The thoughts slip away as I set my mind on my Father

He’s there with outstretched arms

Waiting for me to call upon Him and

Deliver me from my own harm
Trust in Me He says 

I will give you peace always.

Fisher of Men

  

Harvest Time