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Yearly Archives: 2015
John 3:19 Choosing Darkness
“And here is the basis of their judgment: The Light of God has now come into the world, but the hearts of people love their darkness more than Light, because they want the darkness to conceal their evil.” John 3:19 TPT
It’s sad that a majority of the people in this world have no comprehension that they are loved with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
Something to ponder while you wander…Those who don’t know and don’t feel loved will display the worst they have to offer. They will choose darkness & judgment over Love. Be compassionate to those in darkness, Jesus Himself said, “Father forgive them. They know not what they’re doing.”
John 3:18 No Condemnation
“So now there is no longer any condemnation for those who believe in Him, but the unbeliever already lives under condemnation because they do not believe in the Name of God’s beloved Son.”John 3:18 TPT
We are free from condemnation, so please stop beating yourself up! Be kind to yourself. Love yourself right where you are now. Give yourself some grace as you heal, learn, and grow. Papa God loves you right now, unconditionally. Please love yourself that way.
Something to ponder while you wander…as you love yourself so will you love others. (Love thy neighbor as ye love thyself).
PS A note about our treatment of non-believers, please remember this verse in its context. Papa God so loves the world. He desires us to be kind and show His love so the world will choose to come out from under condemnation by believing and receiving all Jesus came to give them.
Bonus pondering point…God’s benefits are so good and His abundance so vast that He always has more than enough for everyone. You will not lose a single solitary thing by sharing Jesus. That person will not and cannot take your place in the kingdom, as everyone has a good spot. God will not love them more than you, as His love is constant. His love does not grow, change, nor diminish. They cannot steal what meant for you, God secures what’s yours (Psalm 16:5).
John 3:17 Not the Judge
“God did not send His Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but to be its Savior and rescue it!” John 3:17 TPT
Jesus came to love, serve, and set people free. He didn’t come to judge and condemn.
Something to ponder as you wander…if we’re called to do even greater things than Jesus, how much more should we be loving, serving and setting people free?
John 3:16 The Whole World
“For this is how much God loved the world–He gave His uniquely conceived son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in Him will never perish but experience everlasting life.” John 3:16 TPT
God hasn’t given up on any of us, He still believes the world is worth the sacrifice. He still loves us unconditionally and eternally.
Need something to ponder while you wander today? Ponder that you were loved this much even before the foundation of the world.
Guarding your heart
When I was young I remember hearing “Guard your heart.” And I imagined a huge fortress around my heart. Then as the years went by I built that fortress, brick by brick.
In the last few years, God’s been dismantling this fortress of solitude and asking me to be vulnerable. I’ve always loathed that word. Vulnerable. To me it screams weak and pitiful. A pathetic damsel in distress. But I’ve learned that vulnerability is about being who He created me to be without fear. But we will leave that for another day. Today it’s about the meaning of guarding your heart.
The verse in question is found in Proverbs 4:23. Here it is in the RSV version: “Keep your heart with all vigilance; for from it flow the springs of life.”
That word keep (sometimes translated guard) refers to tending and keeping a vineyard or a garden. It’s about weeding, pruning, and upkeep.
This is important because our heart is like a spring from which everything flows. We need to keep our spring of life clean & free of contaminates, like bitterness, envy, fear, jealousy, unforgiveness & hate, because everything we believe & do starts in the heart. See the verse below.
“It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart. Then he added, ‘It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.” Mark 7:15, 20-22 NLT
Not sure about your heart condition? Two ways to check:
1. Check what’s coming out of your mouth. What you say is the overflow from your heart. (Luke 6:45). Are you being negative? Are you continually beating yourself up? Are you gossiping and bashing people? Are you crossing lines in your conversations with married folks or people in general? If so, take these things to the Lord and ask Him to share with you what the root is of that behavior.
2. Or you can simply ask God to check your heart and reveal anything to you that needs to be addressed or might cause problems for you down the road. Remember that He created us, and knows our hearts intimately. (Psalm 33:15, 44:21& Psalm 139) You can find David seeking the Lord about his heart condition throughout the Psalms, like in verses 19:12 & 26:2.
God loves you passionately! He desires you to be whole! “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel 36:26 NLT Your wholeness matters more to Him than what you will accomplish with Him.
“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT
God is all about the heart. God anointed David king solely because of his heart. Not his height, nor his weight. Not because of how handsome he was, nor His birth order.
Just like David your heart is precious to Him. So much so, that He will Himself guard your heart with His peace.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts & minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
This word guard, unlike keep in Proverbs, refers to a military guard. In other words, God guards our heart with His peace like a military guard in prevention of a hostile invasion, so it and our mind can be at rest. His peace operates no matter the circumstances. This means we have no need for the brick fortresses we build for ourselves. We need only trust the Lord.
I know that’s easier said than done my friends, especially when our trust has been repeatedly violated or our heart is broken. But like everything else in life it’s a choice. You can choose to guard your broken heart yourself or you can allow the Lord to give you a new whole one. Choice is always yours.
Point to ponder while you wander…”The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT
Behavior is a Reflection
“Answer this question; Does God, who lavishly provides you with His own presence, His Holy Spirit, working things in your lives you could never do for yourselves, does He do them because of your strenuous moral striving or because you trust Him to do them in you? Don’t these things happen among you just as they happened with Abraham? He believed God, and that act of belief was turned into a life that was right with God.” Galatians 3:5-6 MSG
Righteousness is not about behavior. Righteousness comes from faith (Romans 4:19-25).
Behavior is a reflection of what you believe about God and what you believe about yourself. When you focus on the goodness of God, how much He loves you, that you are accepted & beloved, and as you grow in understanding of who you are in Christ; the behavior will begin to change automatically. It may take time but it will change.
In Christ:
You cannot be separated from God’s love (Romans 8:31)
You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
You have eternal life (John 10:28 & Romans 6:23)
You are free. (Romans 8:2 & Galatians 2:4)
You are a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17, Galatians 3:26 & Ephesians 3:6)
You are established and anointed (2 Corinthians 1:21)
You are triumphant (2 Corinthians 2:14
You are able to see and understand the truth (2 Corinthians 3:14 & 1 John 5:20)
You are justified by faith (Romans 5:1 & Galatians 2:16)
You are reconciled to the Father (Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 3:14 & Ephesians 2:13)
You are blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
You are sitting in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6)
You were created for good works (Ephesians 2:10)
You are sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:11)
You are accepted (Ephesians 1:6)
You are strengthened to do what needs to be done (Philippians 4:13)
You have abounding grace (2 Corinthians 9:8, Ephesians 2:8 & 2:18)
You are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1)
It’s good to remind yourself daily who you are in Him. If you’d like an expanded list to read and confess daily check out this link from Joyce Meyer Ministries.
http://www.joycemeyer.org/articles/ea.aspx?article=knowing_who_i_am_in_christ
Musical Monday: Happy Birthday Michigan!
Today is Michigan’s 178th Birthday! A Big Happy Birthday High Five to the Mitten! In celebration of the Mitten’s birthday (and the fact that I went to the Motown Museum this weekend) today’s Musical Monday is going to be a few of my favorite Motown songs by artists born right here in the Mitten. Enjoy!
Can’t Hurry Love -The Supremes
Shop Around – The Miracles
Dancing in the Streets – Martha and the Vandellas
Please Mr. Postman – The Marvelettes
You are the Sunshine of my Life – Stevie Wonder
I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) – The Four Tops
Do You Love Me? – The Contours
If you find yourself with some free time in Detroit, I recommend taking an hour to tour the Motown Museum. You won’t be sorry!
More than Enough to go Around
Sometimes it’s so hard to be happy for someone else when they are getting everything you ever wanted. Trust me I’ve been there too. But being resentful towards someone getting their heart’s desire doesn’t hurt them, it actually hurts you. Envy can turn into bitterness super quick, and steal your joy!
If you’re finding yourself in envyland or thinking your dream is over because someone got “your” job, promotion, place, etc… remember this… One of God’s names is Elohim. It’s plural so it includes Yahweh, Jesus and Holy Spirit and the gist of its meaning is The Creator.
Why does that matter? I’m glad you asked! It matters because God created enough blessing for everyone and enough space for everyone to have a place at the table. So even if they wanted to, no one can take your place or the blessing reserved for you. Period.
“Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. ” Psalm 16:5 NIV
This is a big world and everyone is needed. If your dream hasn’t happened yet, it doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen. Just keep making good choices and doing the right things. Deal with your issues. Enjoy life where you are, right now. Remember you will reap what you have sown. So, be happy for people! Pray for their success! Encourage other people’s dreams, and trust that yours is coming!
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NLT
4 Short Lessons from I Samuel 17
Earlier this week I was reading I Samuel 17. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s the David vs Goliath chapter. A few things, well four actually, popped out at me:
Lesson #1 (I Samuel 17:28 NLT)
But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. “What are you doing around here anyway?” he demanded. “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!”
Sometimes those “know” you are the ones who don’t want you to grow, change or step out. Don’t let other people’s shortsightedness hold you back from your giant slaying destiny!
Mysteries and Family History: Civil War Soldiers
Hey all! Velma here. I know, I know. I’ve been seriously lacking in the family history posting. But I’m hoping to make it up to everyone over the next weeks and months.
Today is all for the Civil War Buffs out there. Today I’m posting a selection of my family’s representation in the War of Northern Aggression (that’s Confederate Tennessean for Civil War). Members of my ancestral line fought at some of the most famous and infamous battles in the war. I think it’s awesome that a few of them were in the vicinity of Appomattox when General Lee surrendered. That’s some serious history right there. I also found it interesting that Rebel Private Smith was fighting at Chickamauga, where the Yankee Captain Drake was taken prisoner.
If you’re looking to solve the mystery of your family’s Civil War Soldiers, I recommend starting at the NPS Soldiers and Sailors Database. Remember that there may be more than one soldier with your ancestor’s name, so there are other ways to find out exactly which Regiment and Company they were in. Try searching on Family Search. It’s free. I found my information in Tennessee Soldier and Widow Pension Records, US Civil War and Later Pension Index, 1861-1917, 1894 Michigan Census, and 1890 Union Veterans Schedule, among other sources. If you have an Ancestry.com account you can find the records there too, and are able to attach them to your family tree.
Confederate
1. William Henry Grizzard (1826-1911) (Great Great Great Grandfather)
William Henry Grizzard, son of Thomas Ambrose Grizzard and Nancy Lewis, fought with the 11th Battalion, Tennessee Calvary (Gordon’s) as a Private in Company D. The 11th Cavalry Battalion [also called 10th Battalion] was organized in January 1862, with six companies. The men were recruited in Giles, Davidson, DeKalb, and Smith counties. By April 1862, when it was assigned to General N.R. Beall’s Brigade in the Army of the Mississippi, it contained 32 officers and 357 men. Later, when the battalion merged into the 6th Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, William was a Sergeant in Company D, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel W.W. Gordon and William S. Hawkins. I’m still rooting out what battles they were involved in.
2. Josiah Richard “Dick” Smith (1837-1930) (Great Great Great Grandfather)
Josiah, son of Joseph “Josiah” Smith and Michel “Mickey” Shepherd, was born in Tennessee in April 1837. He enlisted as a Private in the 5th Regiment, Tennessee Calvary (McKenzie’s), Company F.
5th Regiment, Tennessee Cavalry (McKenzie’s), was organized in December, 1862, using the 13th Tennessee Cavalry Battalion as its nucleus. The men were from the counties of Polk, Hamilton, Meigs, McMinn, Bradley, Cocke, Hawkins, and Blount. It served in Scott’s, Humes’, H.B. Davidson’s, and H.M. Ashby’s Brigade. After skirmishing in Kentucky the unit fought at Chickamauga, McMinnville, Shelbyville, and Philadelphia. Later it was involved in various conflicts in Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia, and then took part in the campaign of the Carolinas. The regiment surrendered with the Army of Tennessee. Its commanders were Colonels George W. McKenzie and John B. McLin, Lieutenant Colonel John G.M. Montgomery, and Major John L. Backwell.
Union
1. Nathaniel Leonard Corbin 1828-1888 (Great Great Great Great Grandfather)
Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel Corbin and Nancy Ormrick, enlisted as a Private in Company K of the 9th Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery on 16 August 1862 in Ira, New York. He was promoted to full Corporal on 26 April 1864 in Washington, D.C.
The 9th Regiment was organized at Auburn, New York as the 138th Regiment New York Infantry and mustered in September 8, 1862. The Regiment left New York for Washington, D. C. on 12 September 1862, where they remained on garrison duty until May 1864. During that time they build and garrisoned Fort Mansfield, Fort Bayard, Fort Gaines and Fort Foote. They were relieved on 18 May 1864 and ordered to join the Army of the Potomac in the Field. Company K was involved in The Rapidian Campaign, The Siege of Petersburg, Sheridan’s Shenandoah Campaign, Appomattox Campaign 28 March-9 April, including being present at Appomattox Court House on April 9th for the surrender of General Lee and his army.
Drake Brothers (Great Great Great Great Uncles)
Bronson, my great, great, great, great grandfather may have died in 1862, but the Drake family was well represented in the Union Army by 4 of his brothers. In 1859, Byron joined the 2nd U.S. Artillery as an Army Regular. In 1862, George, Lewis and Milton (aka Milan/Milon) enlisted the 22nd Regiment, Michigan Infantry. Sadly, the Drake family lost both George and Milton in 1864.
1. Byron Drake, son of Lewis Franklin Drake and Mary Broadwell, was born 27 February 1838. He enlisted as a private in the 2nd U.S. Artillery (Regular Army), Battery G, on 5 October 1859. He served five years, fought at the Battle of Bull Run, Siege of Yorktown, Battle of Fredricksburg, Battle of Gettysburg, and mustered out on 5 October 1864. After his time in the Army, Byron returned to Michigan and became a carpenter.
2. George B. Drake, son of Lewis Franklin Drake and Mary Broadwell, was born 21 June 1841. He enlisted in the 22nd Regiment, Michigan Infantry, Company B as a private. He gave his life on 20 August 1864 during the Siege of Atlanta, Georgia.
3. Lewis B. Drake, son of Lewis Franklin Drake and Mary Broadwell, was born 18 May 1830. He enlisted in the 22nd Regiment, Michigan Infantry, as a Sergeant and mustered out as a Captain. He served in both Company D and Company G. He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863. He returned to Michigan after the war.
4. Milton M. Drake, also Milan M. or Milon M. Drake, son of Lewis Franklin Drake and Mary Broadwell, was born 9 May 1832. He enlisted in the 22nd Regiment, Michigan Infantry, Company B as a private. He gave his life on 22 April 1864 near Chattanooga, Tennessee. At the time of his death, he was a Corporal.
The 22nd Regiment, Michigan Infantry was organized at Pontiac, Michigan, and mustered in August 29, 1862. The Regiment left Michigan for Kentucky on 4 September 1862. They were involved in the Battle of Chickamauga, Siege of Chattanooga, and the Siege of Atlanta, Georgia. The Regiment was attached to the Engineer Brigade in November 1863 and were engaged in building a road from Chattanooga to Brown’s Ferry and laying a pontoon bridge for the crossing of Sherman’s army.
5. George W. Nicholson 1845-1923 (Great Great Great Grandfather)
George, son of John S. Nicholson and Paulina F. Fuller, enlisted in the 2nd Regiment, Massachusetts Cavalry as a private in Company K on 12 August 1862 in Nantucket, Massachusetts. After the War, in the 1880’s, he settled in Owosso, Michigan.
Company K was organized at Camp Meigs, Readville, Massachusetts. They left for Baltimore, along with Companies, A, B, C and D, and then moved to Fortress Monroe, 12-18 February 1863. They were then moved to Gloucester Point, Virginia on 19 February. There they were attached to Calvary Command, 4th Army Corps, Department of Virginia. There they were engaged in picket, outpost, and scouting duty until July of 1863. It was there that George was shot in the right leg. He was mustered out on 4 March 1863 in Farnsworth, Virginia.
George enlisted in the Union Army the second time on 4 January 1864. But this time he was a private in Company I of the 20th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry. The 20th Massachusetts Infantry was organized at Readville 29 August to 4 September 1861. When George arrived they were attached to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, until March, 1864. They were then attached to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps, until the end of his duty. He was involved in the Campaign from the Rapidan to the James, Siege of Petersburg. He was also among those present at Appomattox Court when General Lee surrendered. He mustered out in June of 1865. In 1881, George moved to Owosso, Michigan.
Hope you enjoyed this!
XOXO
Velma
jillbeingstill 