He Chose You with a Purpose and Plan

I stand in awe while my daughter belts out in the backseat to Christian music.

I stand in awe next to my son as he announces his profession of faith to the congregation.

I stand in awe when my church blesses and prays over the single parents during the Christmas season.

I stand in awe listening to my husband pray over our dinner in public.

I stand in awe when I look back on my day and realize I don't even remember the foods I ate.

I stand in awe watching the hearts of my family soften.

I stand in awe as I lay my head down, knowing I lived another day.

I stand in awe believing in Him and trusting Him.

I stand in awe as He wipes the tears from my face and freely forgives even me!

The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:26-27)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." 

(Ephesians 1:3-6)

God saves our soul.  God blesses our every breath.  God provides healing, comfort, joy, peace and love.  All things are possible with Him.  Praise Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.  His love passes all understanding. 

God chose you as His daughter/son.  He knew of your existence before the creation of the world.  He holds a special plan for your life.  Your purpose in life is for good, not evil; prosperity, not harm; blessings, not curses; love, not hate.  Praise Him who counts no one lost.  His hand extends to ANYONE.  No matter your past, He still loves you and wants a relationship with you.

I see Him everyday.  I cannot explain in words the thanks I have for the grace He provides.  I am amazed at the life He has given to me.  Our God is awesome.  Take time today to stand in awe of our Great Creator!

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for loving me through the toughest of times.  I take a look at life now and recall life one year ago and I just stand in awe of the healing, blessings and comfort You have given to me.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

The Greatest Gift

Christmas time draws near.  People run from here to there, grabbing gifts to place underneath the tree, finding little treats to fill the stockings and making out 'wish lists' for good 'ole Saint Nick.  The season brings on the stress of shopping, baking, hosting and keeping that special present a secret.  Every weekend, we pencil in activities to attend, such as the company Christmas party, a child's play, dinner with a friend or Christmas caroling.  The season brings many exciting, busy things.

Did you ever stop to think about the families who encounter more than your 'normal' stress this season?  There is the neighbor who just lost his mom.  Remember your friend who would love to have the stress of shopping for a little child.  Keep in mind the woman whose husband fights everyday for our freedom and will not stop to celebrate Christmas.  Do not disregard the man or woman struggling as a single parent.  Do you ever think about the person cuddling up tightly under a bridge way in the city just to stay warm for the night?  Also, remember the relative who is too weak and sick to get out of bed.

 "She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy." (Proverbs 31:20)

"If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them.  Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need." (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)

Poor may come in various forms.  We may experience poverty in spirit, funds, love, joy, peace, etc.  Unfortunately, we become selfish.  We fail to look beyond our home and our needs to those who have less or struggle emotionally.  We may even pass it off by saying, "Oh, someone else will help them" or "I just don't have the time this week."

  What if everyone said this statement???

"then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Philippians 2:2-4)

I was reminded in church that Christmas is NOT about gifts, shopping, hosting, baking or Santa's list.  We are to celebrate the greatest gift ever given, the birth of our Savior.  He is the reason for the season and we must fall on our knees in thanks for our God to give the gift of His Son.  Every man, woman and child receives this gift.  No person will go through a day without His gift offered to them.  As we receive this gift, FREELY given, we must go and spread the good news.  We must put all our needs away, think nothing of our desires; but seek those in need.  Give back to our God by being like-minded and spreading the same love and blessing you receive from Him. 

Take this season and turn it around from what society believes is the reason.  Make this season all about giving to others.  Find a person to bless every day.  Engage in conversation with your friend, spend time with a neighbor, extend a hug to a child, take a blanket or warm meal to one without, send a thank you to a soldier and his family, sit a while with the sick, invite a single parent and kids over for dinner or go help shovel another person's driveway when snow hits.  It does not take money to be the hands and feet of God.  No matter what financial standing we currently experience, we can offer something.  If nothing else, pray for the individual.  As you lift them in prayer, God will send whatever the person needs.  He listens to the cries of His children. 

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for my church family to remind me of the importance of this season.  I pray that I extend this season throughout the whole year and continue to give when seeing a need.  I pray for a constant reminder of the birth of Your Son.  Thank You for bringing Him into the world to live among us, teach Truth, set examples of how we are to live and then to die for us wretched sinners.  I am here to thank You every day by shining Your light and spreading the good news.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig  




   

Become a Sponge

Children try to decipher this life.  Throughout school, rules and guidelines exist to teach them proper behavior.  While at home, rules and guidelines exist to teach them respect and life skills.  No place exists for them to go and live carelessly, without structure.  An adult is present everywhere to help, guide, teach, discern right from wrong and comfort them if they make a mistake.

Children resemble sponges when it comes to learning.  A sponge, when dry, yearns for water and when available; the sponge sucks it in so quickly to be filled to the point of overflowing.  A child yearns to figure out this world and how things work.  As a new situation approaches, a child seeks out solutions, knowledge and skills available to learn. 

Without rules, guidelines or teachings, our children would walk around aimlessly.  Their faces would appear lost, unaware of the proper solutions to problems.  They would not have the capability to discern right from wrong.  Children need adults to help them grow up and go out into this world.

Wait!  There is more. . . 

But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.

It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.

I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?   (Romans 7:17-24)  The Message

As children try all they can to do right, the power of peer pressure faces them everyday.  We teach, guide and tell them the rules, but we cannot be everywhere to save them from things OF this world.  The pressures surround them and often they fall victim.  As adults, the same thing happens in us.  We know right from wrong, but the pressures OF this world, the lies of the enemy and the sinful choices all around us may get the better of us.  We fall victim every day and fall short of the Glory of God.  How can we, as adults find help?  Choices may lead us further down the road leading to destruction and when we hit rock bottom, who will save us?  Whose hand will reach out and pull us from our pits?

Wait!  Don't give up. . .

The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. (Romans 7:25) The Message

God is right there.  He will take you and guide you.  He will pick you up when you fall, brush you off and lead you to the way everlasting.  Quit walking around aimlessly, without help.  Reach up to God in all situations and He will take care of you.  Be a sponge for the wisdom and laws of God.  Soak up His Truth daily and overflow with joy.  God will fight every battle with Truth.  The closer your walk, the more Truth fed into your spirit; the stronger you will become.  The enemy will always lose when you have God as your Protector. 

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for taking me in Your hands and guiding me, teaching me, and loving me every day.  I know I get things wrong, make mistakes or fail in the work asked of me.  I am here to learn.  Thank You for picking me back up and dusting me off to keep on keeping on!  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
 

Love One Another as He has Loved You

Often throughout the day my daughter expresses a measurement of her love for me.  She will tell me, "Mommy, I love you to Uncle Chris' house and back."  Chris lives in Wisconsin, while we live in Indiana (about an 8 hour drive).  Later, she will tell me, "Mommy, I love you to Nana's house and back."  Now, this distance is only about 5 minutes.  Obviously I did something to lessen the degree of love received. 

When my daughter tells me these things, I respond that I love her to the moon and back.  She stands firm on her measurements and believes her love is greater than mine.  She usually smiles at me, hugs me and kisses me.  Then, she returns to whatever baby doll she was tending to before our quick, but meaningful conversation. 

Can love really be measured?

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."

(1 Peter 1:22-23)

"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.  Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him." (1 John 3:14-15)

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:10-12)

Okay, so God does not lay out an exact measurement for us to reach in love with one another.  But, He speaks numerous times on the subject of love.  I listed just a few examples.  As you can see, love is a necessary component in following God.  God speaks not about a passive act of love towards each other or to create some list of actions to appear as a loving individual.  He never mentions to love only the ones who make it easy to love.  Speaking the words out loud without deep, heartfelt meaning does not express the love God intends either.  Any person can say the words, but do you really feel the love in your heart?

God wants us to love one another deeply.  If we lack love, we do not allow Him to live in us and therefore, remain in death.  God loved us so much that He gave His only Son, while we remained in sin, to die for us and wash it all clean.  Jesus did not put a limit on His love for us.  He did not reject us because we hurt Him, refused to believe in Him, beat Him, nailed Him to a cross to watch Him die and still refuse to believe.  This fact alone is more than enough desire to obey and follow His commands; to love Him back by loving others.  We should strive to be like Him and love as He loved.  Ask for the Holy Spirit to come and shine through you in love.

In the present time, our love for another may decrease because someone left the toilet seat up, forgot to feed the dog, did not send a birthday card, failed to call and check on you, refused to respond to an email or text, avoided your call or stood you up for a date.  Then, there are times when love decreases due to adultery, lying, stealing from you, repeated offenses or constant disappointment.  Well, no matter the degree of hurt or frustration, we must forgive.  God says to forgive 70X7.  Now, He does not want you to keep a tally and once you hit 490 apologies, you are done.  No, the point is to forgive endlessly.  Love one another deeply from the heart.  When my kids say a word I do not want coming out of their mouths, I make them "spit" it out and throw it like a baseball out of their vocabulary.  Well, I ask you now to take the word hate, "spit" it out, and throw it out of your vocabulary.  Do not allow hate to take over your heart.

God does not keep a list of wrongs.  He forgives, loves and comforts.  We must strive to be this way as we love each other.  As Jesus hung on the cross He looked up at His Father and said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  When another person hurts you or does wrong, more often than not, they do not know any better.  Sometimes, they have no idea they are even hurting you.  So, confront them with a loving, healing heart.  Teach them and guide them in Truth.

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for loving me and forgiving me.  Teach me to love others as You love me.  Send Your Holy Spirit to guide me and show me the steps needed to extend a hand in love.  Help me rid myself of anger or hate towards anyone who may disappoint, offend or hurt me.  Help me see them through Your eyes.  Help me reach a hand out to help them because I know that hurting people, hurt people.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig    

No More Sickness

Illness strikes many this time of year.  Currently, a nasty sickness plagues our town.  I believe the diagnosis is walking pneumonia.  As I drive by the local urgent care, no parking spot sits vacant.  People remain absent from school and work. 

When sickness such as this strikes, we run to a doctor for help.  This individual studied years to understand the best medicine for specific diseases.  They are the experts.  The physician heals or aching body and provides a remedy.  

Also, while visiting the physician, we may ask for some tips on how to avoid recurrence of this nasty sickness.  The physician then educates us on prevention and ways to avoid spreading it to others around us.  This disease is one thing no one wants to share.

Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.  But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”  Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:29-32)

There is an illness that strikes throughout the whole year; evil, sin and darkness.  Unfortunately, when I drive past the local churches on Sunday or pull into our lot at church, parking spots remain vacant.  Sometimes on our way to church I will see a sports complex, restaurant or shopping center filled with vehicles.  The excuse of 'church is too early' does not fly with me.  The excuse of 'it is our only day to relax' does not sit well in my stomach.  No more excuses and lies from the enemy to keep people from finding God.  The enemy loves to see all these sick people walking among this world.  Let us speak out for our God and defeat the destructive plague the enemy keeps spreading.   

Would you walk past a person puking or coughing uncontrollable without calling an ambulance to rush them to a hospital?  NO.  Why walk past a spiritually malnourished, destructive person without calling on God to help them?  Why not ask them to come to church with you or speak the Gospel to them?  Why not reach out a hand of grace?  The person probably has no clue about God's love.  They do not know any better than to continue on the destructive road leading to Hell.  Consult the Expert and ask Him how you can help in another person's salvation.  Tell them about the Great Physician.  He can heal all sickness and feed their spirits with good, with Truth and with love.

Gain all the knowledge required to prevent the spread of this disease.  Feed others with the only antidote to bring them from sickness to health; Truth.  Seek God and obey the commands He gives for you to further His Kingdom.  Do not delay.  People grow weaker by the minute.  Jesus came not to seek the righteous, but to call the sinners to repentance.  Then, He died for us sinners and rose again.  He sent the Holy Spirit to work in us and continue living among us.  You may need to step out of your circle to reach those in need.  Be His hands and feet.  Keep guiding others to Him and our Great Physician will take care of the rest.

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for my family and the loving people surrounding my life.  Send me to be Your hands and feet.  Show me the direction to build Your Kingdom.  I am here for You.  Use me!  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig     

The Complete Package

As I prepare for a big exam, I sit comfortably in my bed next to my husband as he flips through some of my favorite channels on TV.  I read one flash card and look up for a while to watch the screen.  I attempt to read a few more flash cards and then begin to think about all the tasks I have on my 'to do' list tomorrow.  I peered at another set of flash cards and my daughter comes from her bedroom, which she should be fast asleep in her bed, for one more hug and kiss.  How do you think the exam went the next day?

My son sits down to play with his new building toys and wants to mimic a creation on the box.  We begin to put the pieces together as shown on the box.  The little creation develops quite nicely.  Then, we run into a big road block.  My son forgot some of the most important pieces at his nana's house the night before.  How do you think the creation turned out?

The two instances above were totally true; but, now I will throw in a hypothetical situation.  My husband purchased a new gadget for our home.  I open it up and attempt to put it together while he is at work.  I pull out all the pieces and began attaching them as I see fit.  The instruction manual lies right next to my foot.  I think about skimming through it and even view the finished picture on the front to have an idea of what goal I am working towards; but, I dare not read the words between the pages.  I don't need those instructions.  I have seen this product before at my friend's house.  How do you think the new gadget worked?

*Side Note:  Although I said the last example was hypothetical; I so have done that before.  Instruction manuals are merely suggestions, right?*

"These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:14-16)

"Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:4)

"Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
   and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD." (Proverbs 16:20)

To truly follow God we must give him full attention.  Lukewarm faith cannot exist.  Our hearts should blaze for Him.  He is jealous for our attention.  If anything tries to place a distance between you and God, rid yourself of that very thing.  Giving Him 100% attention strengthens our walk and helps gain the knowledge needed to stand the test of faith.  Study His Truth with clear minds.  Meditate on His Word daily.

The more you study His Word, the better equipped you become to build His Kingdom.  He provides all the tools and pieces needed to complete the work specifically given to you.  Evaluate your life each day and confirm that you lack nothing.  Align all the pieces just right and do not forget a one.  Listen to Him so He may complete the creation He began in you.

We also need to heed instruction.  My stubborn mind gets me in lots of trouble.  I think I do not need advice of instruction.  WRONG!  We must seek Him for guidance, education and discipline.  He is our Creator and He put together an Instruction Manual just for us.  Read it carefully so you do not miss anything and you successfully work for Him.  Do not skim or just read the ending. 

These three pieces help build a complete package.  Engage in a relationship with our Father with 100% attention, use every tool He provides and obey His commands.  He created you with a purpose; to follow Him and further His Kingdom.  Will you choose to follow Him today?

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for being a part of my life, for loving me enough to discipline and stretch me spiritually, for guiding me with each step and for forgiving me when I screw up.  Thank You for the chance to start again as Your child.  Teach me Your ways and speak Truth into my life.  I am here; use me every day.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
  

Our Coach is Stronger Than Our Opponent

An athlete attends practice; gains all the skills needed for a game, purchases equipment and works hard to earn time in the game.  An athlete is dedicated and motivated to follow the leading of the coach.  An athlete focuses on pleasing the coach.

When game day arrives, the athlete enters the locker room and dresses appropriately.  The team runs on the field/court and warms up a bit with some basic skills.  The time comes to begin the game.  The first second ticks down and the players begin to fight for victory. 

Each player does not know how long they have in the game.  None are aware of what is to come next from the other team.  Sure, they know how they will react and how to run their plays; but, remain unaware of the opponents' level of skill or strategies.  The player must be ready at all times. 

Many factors could terminate an athlete's career.  An injury could occur.  The coach feels it is time for the athlete to take a seat next to him/her.  The game may become too difficult for the athlete to bear and they feel the only way out is to quit.  An athlete never knows when the last dribble will be made, the last pass thrown, the last base touched, the last hurdle made or the last goal kicked.  The player must play every second of the game with 100% as if it were their last.

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives" (2 Peter 3:10-11)

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

(Acts 1:7-8)

We do not know of the time left in the game.  We know not of the schemes and level of evil that will come next from Satan.  We must remain aware and cling to God at all times.  He is our Coach.

Our Coach set up everything for us here on Earth.  He brought each player into life to perform a specific play or duty for His team.  He provides all the equipment and instruction we need in His Truth.  As we obey and show He can trust us with what is given; He advances the game.  We must live for our Coach and use His Holy Spirit to guide every move.  It is then; we know our work will result in victory for our God. 

Only our Coach knows the times of those we meet daily.  Use every moment to build His team.  Spread His Truth, be witnesses for Him and teach others the tools and equipment needed to enter the game.  Our common enemy lurks around to try and take our team down, but our Coach is stronger than the enemy.  Rely on the Coach and listen to Him.  Play every moment with 100% faith and believe in our Coach.  We know not of the length of time here.  Cherish each breath.

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for the loved ones surrounding my every day.  I am here to be on Your team.  Teach me every day of the skills needed to perform the plays You have planned for my time here.  I thank You for every breath I take in and every chance I have to spread Your Truth.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig