Some Better Thing

I recently read a quote from George Muller that I just loved. He said, "Our heavenly Father never takes any earthly thing from His children, unless He means to give them something better instead." I pondered that for a little while, and I remembered some times in my life where I wondered (or said out loud) "WHY ME?" I wondered if God had forgotten all about me, and the promises He made to me. I wondered why He would allow such unwanted and unwarranted hurt come to me. I mean, Have you ever had something happen to you, that you just didn't see coming? And no matter which way you turned to God, and tried to do what you thought He wanted, you just couldn't avoid the hurt that came to you? It wasn't your fault. It wasn't your choice. It wasn't what His Word said should happen, but it did, and there you were, ... flat on your face, heart broken, dreams shattered, and trying to figure out WHAT POSSIBLE BLESSING could God have for me in this???

Hebrews chapter eleven is what we call the "Hall of Faith." Verse after verse tells us of men and women who left all, to follow God. Towards the end of the chapter it talks about many unnamed heroes of the faith. Some were stoned, sawn asunder, tortured, slain with the sword, mocked, scourged, imprisoned, tempted, and tried.  Not only that, some were destitute and tormented, and wandered in deserts, dens, and caves.  But the phrase that caught my eye was, "not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection." (Heb. 11:35, KJV) They DID NOT ASK to be delivered? Hmm. Interesting. We sometimes go through the smallest trial and ask God to deliver us. When was the last time you were stoned or sawn asunder for the cause of Christ? No, today's Christian knows little about real sacrifice, and when asked to do without the smallest thing, or give up their most precious, they whine, cry, and complain to be sure that EVERYONE knows they're suffering. We ALL have done this. The chapter goes on to say, "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith," (Heb. 11:39, KJV) I think "good report" might mean they didn't complain and they didn't give up.

The Bible does not name these heroes but this chapter says the world was not worthy of them. WHY? Why did they do all of that? Why did they go through all of that? Why did God allow them to suffer so? I think verse 40 answers it. "God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." God had something better. Yes, it was long. Yes, it was hard. Yes, it was hurtful. No, they didn't deserve it, for some wrong they had done. God needed them to be an example for us. Trials are going to come. Some we choose, others are thrust upon us by the choices of others, but God is still God, no matter what. 

My four children, are close to being grown (so to speak.) :-) They are 19, 17, 16, & 15. Life has not always been easy, but God's been good. I haven't always known what to do, or made the right choice, but God's been there. I haven't always understood why God allowed some things to happen that put me on this path (that HE KNEW I'd be on) but God's been faithful. I have no idea what the future holds, but God is already there. Sometimes, its hard to think that the thing God allowed to happen, though hurtful to you, was helpful for someone else. When I read the above quote, from George Muller, along with Hebrews 11, the Lord reminded me that He has never left me. He knew that if I had not gone THIS way, that myself, or my children might have been harmed. I wish I could tell you that I never asked to be delivered.:-( But over the years, the Lord has shown me,... I was. He's a great and faithful God, and He had (or has) provided "some better thing." Wait for it.

Today's Choices = Tomorrow's Consequences

Our church supports a faith-based, addictions program called, Reformer’s Unanimous. There are Ten Principles that are taught, learned, and memorized by all those who participate in the program. These principles are not just for the drug addict, cigarette smokers and sex offenders. They can and should be applied to the every day life of any Christian who truly wants to be right with God and man. Regardless of who you are (or who you ‘think’ you are) we all sin and are in need of a Savior. Gossip, back-biting (or stabbing,) anger, adultery, stealing, haughtiness, selfishness, etc., these are all just as much an addiction as any form of substance abuse. We try to make one worse than the other but it is not so in the eyes of God. Anything that goes against His Word is sin. 

The principle that I’d like to talk about today is #7. “Our sinful habits DO hurt those who follow us.” I had taken it upon myself to teach the RU Principles in my Sunday School class, and while going over this one I asked the teen girls a question. “Can you name one person in the Bible, who went against God, or disobeyed their authority, and God blessed them for it?” Most said no, but two girls had an answer. One said, “Moses.” She talked of when Moses struck the rock and water flowed. She said, “Even though he struck the rock, God allowed the water to come forth.” She went on the to say that she knew Moses didn’t get to go into the Promised Land, but still God allowed the water. The other teen girl said, “Joseph’s brothers.” She said, “Even though they sold Joseph into slavery, God still allowed them to come to Egypt later, and used Joseph to take care of their families.” She acknowledged the fact that they went through famine and all the trials that they went through when they first came before their brother, but still God took care of them and their families. I thought both girls gave good answers. However, they seemed to focus only on the blessing that came AFTER much consequences had been suffered. Consequences suffered, not only by the men who disobeyed, but by their families as well. The girls were not flippant in their answers or disrespectful. They answered well. However, it is the attitude of today that the consequences are worth the fleeting moment of enjoyment, or gratification. “It is easier to ask forgiveness than permission.” That is the motto of this generation. I got what I wanted, I’ve said ‘I’m sorry’, now you have to forgive me and move on. No true repentance. No true remorse. More like a satisfaction in knowing they actually COULD have their cake and eat it too.  But, they learned it from someone, somewhere, didn’t they? I think if we had the advantage of asking a few folks today what they “would have done”, if they had considered the consequences, we’d be surprised by their answers. 

Adam & Eve = Cain & Abel

Abraham & Sarah = Isaac & Ishmael

Jacob &  Leah = Dinah & her brothers

Moses = The Promised Land

David & Bathsheba = newborn child, Absalom, Tamar & Amnon

These are just a few folks whose decisions are well in the past, and STILL affecting us today. Their choices did NOT just affect them.  Oh, but wait… ALL is and was forgiven, that’s true, but the consequences have remained unto this day. So tell me, WHO or WHAT are you willing to sacrifice to have what you want? Your marriage? Your children? Your grand-children Your great-grand-children? Our sinful habits and choices DO affect those who follow and watch us. Who is watching YOU? And WHERE are you leading them? In the paths of righteousness, I hope. Or, down a road of destruction, unhappiness, bitterness, family or church discord, deceitfulness, etc. You’re right, it is YOUR choice, but at WHOSE expense?

Immediate Change

Mark 1:41, "And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean."

In the previous verse, a leper had besought (to ask or pray with great urgency) the Lord, that He might make him clean. Jesus grants his request, and the following verse says, "And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed." What a wonderful God that can cleanse us immediately. When Jesus came across those who were deaf, dumb, lame, blind, etc, He was always moved with compassion because He knew they could not heal themselves. These folks SOUGHT Him in order to be made whole. They followed Him because they wanted what He had, not because He was just like them. He was different. Though in the flesh He was still a perfect, holy God. He still is! A compassionate, uncompromising, loving Saviour. When the unclean sought Jesus, 

BLIND men received their sight, not just "a vision."

LAME legs were restored, not just "repaired."

DEAF ears were touched, not just "tickled." 

You see, when Jesus makes you clean, you are made WHOLE, there is a LIFE CHANGE. There is a FOREVER CHANGE. What a great Saviour, who can cleanse you IMMEDIATELY!

The Island of Buried Hopes

“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev.1:9)

Can we not imagine how eagerly John would lay himself out for a life in the incessant service for His Divine Master and Lord? No task would seem too great, no toil too arduous, if only His Lord might be glorified; and we can well imagine how all his plans, ambitions, desires would center round the extension of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Then, suddenly - - Patmos! What now became of all his hopes and longings, his plans and projects? Surely he buried them all as he set foot on Patmos. They died when he first heard his sentence; they were interred with no prospect of a resurrection. Patmos was, for the beloved disciple 

The Island of Buried Hopes!

 But John soon discovered that Patmos had its compensations. True, he could no longer entertain the hope of carrying out all his plans, yet he learned in Patmos that the truer and nobler service would yet be his than any he had ever contemplated. To him came the assurance that not only has the Lord loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, but He hath set us apart as both kings and priests, and nothing can ever terminate that royal priesthood. John had caught sight of a far greater honor and holier service awaiting him the land that lies beyond.

It might have been thought that John in his dreary exile was terribly isolated. Someone has said not isolated, but insulated, and there is a world of difference between the two. True, the island was small and his confines narrow, but that was only the outer circumstance of his life, his daily environment.

Nothing to see! Alone! Ah, but John found it not so! The overwhelming glory of the sight of his risen Lord robbed him of his strength until he felt the gracious gentle pressure of the pierced Hand resting upon him. Again and again he tells us that he heard a Voice speaking to him. Whilst these things were so he could never feel that there was nothing to see! He could never feel alone! And the Spirit so insulated John that God’s messages might pass through him to the entire world!

Most of us are well acquainted with this experience. We may not have had to suffer at the hands of any earthly potentate, but there must be comparatively few who have not, at some time had to bury their fondest hopes, their most eager desires. Oh, weary troubled heart, if God has led you to the Island of Buried Hopes, it is that He may show you yet more wonderful things. He has not failed you, not forgotten you, but has led you into the darkened room because, in His own time and way, He would reveal to you the unsuspected glory of His grace and power.

Is our life lonely? Monotonous? We need opened eyes. Standing near us all the time is the same wonderful Lord who stood by John in Patmos. Oh, the joy, even of Patmos, when it is filled with the presence of Jesus! 

Patmos HAS its compensations!

But if we would share in them, and Patmos is to be a blessing to us, we must fulfill certain conditions. Here is the secret that transforms all disappointments, suffering, monotony, loneliness -- love to Christ, that impels us to learn of Him day by day, to lean upon Him in constant communion, to look upon Him as the all-sufficient Saviour.

To those who fulfill these conditions there is no Patmos that is not irradiated by a glory that is not of earth. 

Our Father makes no mistakes!

(-- copied, Mrs. C.E. Cowman)

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Note From Author: 

Typically, I do not like to copy other people’s work without giving them the credit. To my knowledge I have noted the original author. I hope this post in an encouragement to others who have been forced to “The Island of Buried Hopes.” You CAN survive with the Saviour. Let me encourage you to focus on Him. Fill your heart with His Word, your life with His work, and your days with His service.  Guard your heart, and don’t forget that God loves you, and He cares. He will NEVER leave you alone with your broken dreams, and buried hopes. He ALWAYS has something better for you.

To Be Like Jesus

   I remember a chorus we used to sing at church, when I was growing up, called "To Be Like Jesus." It went like this, "To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, all I ask is to be like Him. All through life's journey, from earth to glory, all I ask, is to be like Him."  Until recently, I only had one idea of what being "like Him" really meant. As Christians, we should strive to be like Jesus. I have heard many a message on this subject. We need to love like God love's. We need to have compassion like God has compassion. We need to live a righteous life, because we serve a righteous God. We need to be a shining example of our Lord, who loved us and gave Himself for us. We need to go out into the highways and the hedges and compel them to come in. We need to lead and win souls to Christ. ALL of these things are true, and we should do them! I could go on and on. I have heard many messages in my life time, but there is not that much space here, and sadly, my memory is not what it used to be, so I will not try to quote a line from each one. :-)

   I grew up in a Christian home, with godly parents, who were a shining example of true servants of Christ. It was not until I became an adult, with children of my own to raise for Christ, that I realized how much "like Jesus" they were (and still are) and how little I was "like Him." Oh, I am not saying I have not lived for Him, because I have tried my best to, and I am still trying. I am not saying I have not spent my life in service to Him, because I have(and failed,) and I am still serving as best I can. I love the Lord. I have been so blessed by Him that living a life without Him would be foreign to me. I am not bragging on me, I am bragging on HIM. I gave my heart to Jesus at age thirteen, and thank God, He has been my best friend and never left me. I am so underserving of His constant companionship, and undying love. I will never understand why God would give His most precious, for this faltering, failing servant, (I could spend the rest of this page just bragging on HIM! He is so good!) Yet, all these years I have strove to serve Him, to witness about Him, to worship Him, and yet I never fully grasped what it mean to be "like Him." 

   Serving Jesus is not just about singing praises, teaching sunday school, being in His house every time the doors are open, going door knocking week after week, living a righteous life, having Godly standards and principles, encouraging others to know Him or be faithful to Him, cleaning the church, working on the bus, teaching children's church, showing up at EVERYthing that the church schedules, carting bratty children and unthankful teenagers to camp, picnics, and amusements parks, giving to missions, playing the piano or organ, taking care of crying babies in the nursery, praying daily, and having devotions every day. All those things are wonderful places of service for Christ, and you are commended for having participated or taken part in any or all of the above, but...... where are your scars?

   When I look at my blessed parents, my gracious father & mother-in-law, my precious grandparents, and some very faithful servants of God that I have been privileged to know and learn from, I see scars. I see wounds. I see tears. I see broken hearts. I see lives that have done all those things I listed above, while fighting battles within the church or personal battles with their children or grandchildren. They continue on while being falsely accused of horrible things, by people who have yet to walk a mile for Jesus in their own life. They trudge forward while the darts are being thrown, and they hold their shield of faith high over the heads of some of the most unthankful, ungrateful people. All the while hoping that their faith will help others to see Jesus. They don't look for trophies, gratitude, men's applause or praise, they just look up, because that is what Jesus did. When in the midst of persecution, slander, suffering, heartache, and pain, Jesus looked to His Father. And even though He could have come down off that cross and proven to them that things they were saying were  untrue, and the punishment they were giving him was unjust, and undeserved, He didn't. "..and as sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." (Is. 53:7) He bears in His body the marks, the wounds, and the scars. Where are your scars?

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." (Gal.6:14)

"From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." (Gal.6:17)

Continue Thou

II Timothy 3:14-15 "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

I have a friend, whom the Lord has blessed with a great many talents. One of those is the gift of song writing.  Two of the songs she has written, have become very close to my heart, as I grow older and learn more about the grace and mercy of God. The songs are titled, "Keeping Grace" and "Goodly Heritage." Both tell a story of being born into a home with parents that are already born again, and being raised to know the Lord, thus becoming a child of God at an early age. I am doing them very little justice really, they are tremendous songs that have touched my heart, over and over. 

I, like the author of these songs, was blessed to be born in to a Christian home, raised by Godly parents, and taught by example to serve the Lord. Thus, coming to know the Lord at an early age. I was able to hear some of the greatest preacher's while growing up. I was able to glean from many a Godly woman in my life, especially my mother.  Though I am grown now, I am still able to hear good, sound Gospel preaching at my own church, Faith Baptist. My pastor also has in other great preacher's and evangelists on occasion, so the Word of God (KJV 1611) is preached openly and without reservation, and I am blessed to hear it, and glean from it. By God's grace, I plan to continue to serve Him, and hear what He has for me, and try to be what He wants me to be, until He calls me home. 

So what's my point in all this? By God's grace, I want to grow better, more and more, every day. It is not enough to just learn what is right, you have to continue in it. You have to persevere to the end. Just as Paul is telling Timothy here to stick to the truth of the word, and it would protect him from the snares of the devil. It will keep you from being lured away. Also to remember who had taught him - - "knowing of whom thou hast learned them" - - not evil, wicked men, but men who had experienced the power of God and knew the truths they had taught him. He also reminds him - - "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures."  In order to know the things of God, you must know His Word. What a joy! What a blessing, to know the Scriptures from your childhood!!! That is when true learning begins. 

"It is a great happiness to know the certainty of the things wherein we have been instructed." 

(Matthew Henry) 

So if you have been blessed, as I, by growing up in a good, Godly home - - Be thankful. Praise the Lord for it, and CONTINUE in the things that you were taught. It is a blessing. It was by God's grace you weren't born to a drunkard, or drug addict, or even worse! Praise God that He has saved many from those places, but you and I, through NO GOODNESS OF OUR OWN were graciously spared. Like the song says, "No righteousness nor good have I, that I could glory in. Amazing grace, has kept me from, what I might have been." (words from "Keeping Grace" written by Leah Sandlin)

REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAY!

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (Phil. 4:4)

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Sing a little song of trust,

O my heart!

Sing it just because you must,

As leaves start;

As flowers push their way through dust;

Sing, my heart, because you must.

Wait not for an eager throng - -

Bird on bird;

‘Tis the solitary song

That is heard.

Every voice at dawn will start,

Be a nightingale, my heart!

Sing across the winter snow,

Pierce the cloud;

Sing when mists are dropping low - -

Clear and loud;

But sing sweetest in the dark;

He who slumbers not will hark.

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“An’ when He hears yo’ sing, He bends down wid a smile on His kin’ face an’ listens mighty keerful, an’ He says, ‘Sing on, chile, I hears, an’ I’s comin’ down to deliber yo’: I’ll tote dat load fer yo’; jest lean hawd on Me and de road will get smoother bime by.’” 

(-- copied)

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(Note from CJ: Hang in there Christian! The battle is only going to get harder, as the night weares on, and the enemy rages. HOWEVER, were on the winnin’ side! Praise the Lord! And when you think the battle is getting to hard, the road to rough, and you can feel the breath of the enemy on your neck…… SING! Sing a song for the One who saved you, and IS COMING for you. Praise the Lord!  He is near, and He is able to deliver you. Praise His Name! There isn’t anything the enemy hates more than when he attacks, hoping to wound his prey, and when he comes close to hear the cries of the wounded, hears only the sweet song of the saints…. “He is able to deliver thee. He is able to deliver thee. Though by sin oppressed, go to Him for rest, our God is able to deliver thee.”)

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (Gen.18:14)

Here is God's loving challenge to you and to me today. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, worthiest desire and longing of our hearts, something which perhaps was our desire for ourselves or for someone dear to us, yet which has been so long unfulfilled that we have looked upon it as only a lost desire, that which might have been but now cannot be, and so have given up hope of seeing it fulfilled in this life.


That thing, if it is in line with what we know to be His expressed will (as a son to Abraham and Sarah was), God intends to do for us, even if we know that it is of such utter impossibility that we only laugh at the absurdity of anyone's supposing it could ever now come to pass. That thing God intends to do for us, if we will let HIm.


"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Not when we believe in Him enough to go forward and do His will, and let HIm do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve.


The only thing too hard for Jehovah is deliberate, continued disbelief in His love and power, and our final rejection of His plan for us. Nothing is too hard for Jehovah to do for them that trust Him.


(copied - For The Morning Watch)

Focus, Focus, Focus

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to focus on first.

Over the coarse of three months, many changes have come to our home. The biggest changes came when my oldest son, Jon Groves 2, graduated from high school, turned eighteen, and decided to leave home to travel with his father. The next change came when my second born, Kaycee, turned sixteen and spent her first summer away from home, working at Camp Victory in Somerset, Kentucky. This had been her dream since she was a little girl, and she had a great summer! That left me at home with my two youngest children, Laurisa (who just turned fifteen) and James (who is thirteen “and a half.”) This all began in

May, and now it is August. Looking back, it seems like it all happened so fast! It is just a blur. And now, school has started, again. Having four teenagers that need to be fed and clothed, physically and spiritually, can be a little overwhelming at times. Sometimes it is hard to know what to focus on first.

While reading, I Kings 17:8-24, I came to realize that I can COMPLETELY RELATE to this mom, better known as, the widow of Zarephath. For a moment, she lost her focus. When you’re a wife, your focus is (and should be) on your husband. When you become a mother, your focus should still be first on your husband, but you add another human being to your life, and they are helpless without you. Your heart becomes entangled with this little person, and you fall “head over heels” in love. As the parent, you become their soul provider and protector. Eventually, you may find yourself trying to remember what or whom to focus on first.

This mother, however, is widowed. Whatever your status is, whether single, married, divorced, widowed, or perhaps deserted, there is still one main factor….. There are children and they MUST be cared for. (To whom it may concern: I am aware that God should be first in our lives, and I am NOT discounting that, I am just trying to stay “focused” on the story at hand.) With new life, comes new responsibility. Your child and/or children have physical, financial, spiritual, and emotional needs, that can only be supplied by you, the parent.

The Scripture tells us (I Kings 17:9) that God had already “commanded a widow woman” to sustain the needs of Elijah. This is God’s man, and he has been dwelling at the brook Cherith for some time now. The brook has since dried up and God has told him to get to Zarephath, with the promise that he will be “sustained.” When Elijah calls to her, asking for a drink of water, she immediately turns to go fetch it for him. I might even say she was happy to do it. BUT, “as she was going to fetch it,” he asked her for a morsel of bread. While picturing this in my head, I can almost see her stop dead, in her tracks. She cringes. She slowly turns to face him. Immediately she begins to explain why she cannot possibly offer him food. I mean, after all, there’s been a famine in the land, and all she has is just enough for herself, and her son, and then they’re gonna die because it’s all she has!!! (As women we tend to have a flair for the dramatic.) Then, the preacher asks her not to fear (v.13), and to sustain him FIRST. Now, I would neither “add nor subtract” from the Word of God, but I CAN “think” like a mom. ☺ Here’s what most moms would’ve thought: “WHAT?!?!?! Give to the preacher BEFORE I give to my CHILD? I mean, my baby is helpless and starving. Doesn’t the preacher know we have fallen on hard times? There’s been a famine for heaven’s sake! Seriously? He wants me to feed him before I feed my own flesh and blood? Really? He’s an adult! He can live without a meal but my baby might die!”

Most people do not mind sharing of their abundance, to meet the needs of others. However, when the hard times come, we tend to forget faith and live with an “every man for himself” kind of attitude. We can’t decide what to focus on first. And as far as the preacher goes, well he can just go get ANOTHER job to fend for his own. I grew up in a preacher’s home, married into a preacher’s family, and still serve the Lord faithfully with my pastor & his wife. The ministry, like any job, can be hard sometimes. A few years ago, I was home visiting my parents, who are in the ministry too. I heard a man say to my daddy, “you just need more faith preacher. Where’s your faith?” While I realize we are to “be angry and sin not,” this got my ire up. I had seen my parents live on faith my entire life. I saw them sacrifice ALL they had for the cause of Christ. My parents would give their last dime to a person in need, knowing that they had three kids that needed fed and clothed. I watched God supply our needs. I know He is still capable of that, but this individual was way out of line. I stepped up and said, “You talk to me about faith when whether or not your kids eat or your bills are paid, depends solely upon whether or not I tithe! THEN, you talk to me about faith!” My Daddy, God love him, stepped in though, and told this man he would pray harder for him and the church. My dad did that, and God blessed like He always does. That is why individuals STILL call on him today to pray for them because they know he can pray the heaven’s down. (ok, I might love him some.) ☺

What am I trying to say here?

Even though times are hard, and we become fearful and faithless we still need to focus on God. Had this widow woman not done what the Lord had commanded her to do, she would have missed out on a huge blessing. She was commanded to care for God’s man FIRST. When she sacrificed all she had for the cause of Christ, for the taking care of God’s man, the Lord made sure that her EVERY need was supplied.

1. She gave him water to squelch his thirst. (John 4:14)

2. She gave him bread to satisfy his hunger. (John 6:35)

3. God supplied all her needs (and her son’s needs too.) (Phil. 4:19)

Sometimes, it’s hard to know what to focus on FIRST. We need to be careful that the daily pressures of this life do not blur our focus. The physical, emotional, and especially financial needs of this world can weigh heavy on our hearts and minds each day. We get so focused on those that we forget about the spiritual needs of life. But ultimately, if keep our focus on Christ, and follow His commands first, He will supply all our needs. Let’s keep our eyes focused on the prize, … JESUS.

"Wit's End Corner"

Are you standing at "Wit's End Corner,"

Christian, with troubled brow?

Are you thinking of what is before you,

And all you are bearing now?

Does all the world seem against you,

And you in the battle alone?

Remember - - at "Wit's End Corner"

Is just where God's power is shown.

Are you standing at "Wit's End Corner,"

Blinded with wearying pain,

Feeling you cannot endure it,

You cannot bear the strain,

Bruised through the constant suffering,

Dizzy, and dazed, and numb?

Remember - - at "Wit's End Corner"

Is where Jesus loves to come.

Are you standing at "Wit's End Corner"?

Your work before you spread,

All lying begun, unfinished,

And pressing on heart and head,

Longing for strength to do it,

Stretching out trembling hands?

Remember - - at "Wit's End Corner"

The Burden-bearer stands.

Are you standing at Wit's End Corner"?

Then you're just in the very spot

To learn the wondrous resources

Of Him who faileth not;

No doubt to a brighter pathway

Your footsteps will soon be moved,

But only at "Wit's End Corner"

Is the "God who is able" proved.

(Antoinette Wilson)

A Flower Called "Heartsease"

Normally, I would not use someone else's material on my blog. Typically, I pride myself in being "original." However, when I read this story in a devotional book, it encouraged my heart in such a way that I could not help but share it with others. I wish I knew the original author, but I do not.

"...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Phil.4:11)

Paul, denied of every comfort, wrote the above words in his dungeon. A story is told of a king who went into his garden one morning, and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine was all out of heart because it could not bear grapes, like the vine. The vine was going to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and have as fine a fruit as the peach tree. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac; and so on all through the garden. Coming to a heartsease, he found its bright face lifted as cheery as ever. "Well, heartsease, I'm glad, amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened." "No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would have planted one; but as I knew you wanted a heartsease, I am determined to be the best little heartsease that I can."

Others may do a greater work,

But you have your part to do;

And no one in all God's heritage

Can do it so well as you.

They who are God's without reserve, are in every state content; for they will only what He wills, and desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do; they strip themselves of everything, and in this nakedness find all things restored a hundredfold.

(Note from author of The Soloist Voice: I looked up pictures of "heartsease", as I had never seen nor heard of the flower before. It is a form of the violet, small and quite beautiful. I just want to be a brave, little flower for the King.)

TEENAGE THINKING

I am the mother of three teenagers, with a fourth one closing in. I have also been working with, and teaching teens for over eighteen years now. It never ceases to amaze me how all things change, except “teenage thinking.” (Though technically, the term is an “oxy-moron.”) All kids enter their teenage years with the same thought… “My childhood is behind me, adulthood is within my reach, I know it all and NOTHING can stop me now!” Evidence of this “teenage thinking” is in the Word of God. 2 Samuel 13 is a very sad story of how people “think” they can handle anything. They always underestimate the powers of this world. Amnon is a perfect example of this.

I. The power of the flesh. (II Sam. 13:1-2)

Amnon thought he was invincible, and old enough to handle whatever came his way. (Heads up parents, there are full grown adults, over 30 who cannot handle some of the situations that life throws at them.) Like any young person, he battled with self-control. He may very well have longed to be Spirit-controlled, but on this day he was not. The Bible says he “fell sick for his sister.” We know he battled because it also says he “thought it hard for him to do anything to her.” One would hope that if your son or daughter found themselves in such a state that they would seek “wise” counsel. Such was NOT the case with Amnon (nor most teens.)

II. The persuasion of the friend. (vv. 3-5)

Jonadab was subtle. He said wise things like, “God wants all his children to be happy.” Or “you deserve to be happy.” Or even better, “it’s just this once.” The next thing we know, Amnon has raped his sister. Over these past 18 years, I can’t even tell you how many teens have been led away by a “friend.” Sometimes, it is the teen’s fault but a lot of times the situations could have been avoided had they been properly monitored by their parents. Parents fail to find out where their teen is, and WHOM they are with. Knowing your children’s friends is not enough. You need to know that teenager's parents too. If they are not “like-believing” then your teenager’s time with them should either be limited or monitored, and maybe even discontinued should their influence be more worldly, than godly. If the parents do not believe the same, then your child may very well learn things that you never intended them to learn. Teenage years are FULL of life-changing choices, and vulnerability. Even though teenagers claim they know everything,… they don’t! And when they need advice, they may not ask you, they might ask their friend, or their friend’s parents.

III. The penalty that follows.

Amnon had NO WAY of knowing where this choice would take him or how it would affect others in his life. He has marred his sister and now his brother is angry. This one CHOICE caused Amnon to lose his own life. Young people have a tendency to be very near-sighted. Everything around them looks fun, and exciting. If you are a parent who sets boundaries, then everything looks even more inviting to your child. You have probably heard, or will hear, “everyone else is going, or doing it, or wearing it, Etc…” Teens seldom consider the effect that a last minute decision will have on their future. (Well, did you?) That is why they need good, Godly leadership. They need godly parents who will keep them faithful in a KJV 1611 Bible, preaching church, with a hell-fire and damnation pastor, and God-honoring teachers. (Hint: you want your kids to have the kind of teachers that would protect your child, like you would, when you are not around. The kind that is not afraid to say, “no”, no matter who you are.) Godly music matters too. Please do not try to tell me that music was never a part of your teen years. PLEASE! If you start them out with the right kind, it is a little easier, I’ll admit, but if you didn’t, then start now. Music does affect your child’s soul and attitude. Most parents (including Christian ones) think “not my kid” and say things like, “My kid would never…..” Listen, there is not a teenager alive that cannot do wrong. Nor is there one that will not make a wrong choice once in a while. And they ALL lie! (eyes rolling here) Parents who believe their kid will not lie make working with teens even harder (especially the Christian ones.)

IV. The pain that affects the family.

When we reach the end of 2 Samuel 13, there is soooo much turmoil. We see a soiled daughter, which causes separated brothers, that leads to a son’s death, and ends with the sadness of parents.

If I could get just ONE thing through to teenagers it would be this. “NOTHING YOU DO AFFECTS JUST YOU!” In all fairness to teenagers, there are soooooo many adults that think they can just do and say whatever they want. They trample the grace of God and test his mercy right in front of their own kids. So it is not a wonder to me when a teenager thinks they can do the exact same thing. The polluted mind thinks, “Hey! I am saved, so I am safe.” WRONG! While we do serve an awesome God, who died for our sins, and loves us beyond measure, and keeps us saved,…. He is still a jealous God. He does NOT like it when we put anything else before him. If you want your kids to do right, then as the parent, YOU have to do right, FIRST, and in front of them. Don’t you just know that David was wishing he could take back all that happened in 2 Samuel 11 & 12? Any good father would have. Don't you believe that had David known how his choices were going to affect ALL his children, that he would have reconsidered them? I would hope so.

Now, I am preaching to myself here too. I am not done raising children. I still have seven years before my “baby” will be twenty. But that time will fly! I am sure that I will make mistakes, as a parent. I am sure they will make some mistakes as teens. How could they not? They are 50% their dad and 50% their mom, neither of which are perfect, they are BOUND to mess up! I have told them that I will give them every opportunity, that I can, to do right. But I promise you this…. If they decide to purposely do wrong, they will have to trample over the Word of God, knock down their praying mother, push aside their godly grandparents and walk over a pretty tough great-grandmother to do it. Not to mention the numerous, godly men and women that they have been privileged to meet along our life’s journey. These are people who I KNOW pray for them every day, and not just that, but LIVE IT in front of my children. The fight is on Christian parent. The devil wants your teen so that he can sift them like wheat. To quote a great song, “Gird your armor on, and polish up that sword! If there ever was a time to fight, it’s now!”

Lent or Loaned?

I Samuel 1:27-28 “For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD.”

Most parents know little of what it is they do, when they stand before a church congregation and dedicate their children to the Lord. If they were to go back to Hannah’s day and live in accordance with what she meant when she uttered these words, they might actually think twice before doing it. Today’s dedication of children is more “ceremonial” like that of a Catholic baby baptism than it is an actual “dedication.” They want to stand in front of the church and show off their precious newborn infant, and have their picture taken as the pastor prays over their family, but most (I will not say all, …but most) have absolutely no idea what true dedication is. Dedication defined is, “The act of consecrating for a sacred use; giving wholly to; to set apart.” Let me define “consecrate” for you while I am here. Consecrate means, “To set apart, or devote to the service and worship of God.”

Giving back to God this precious life that he has allowed you to bring into the world, is a serious matter. (See Ecc. 5:4-5) And doing it before “these many witnesses” is important too. It is as serious as the marriage vow you take! (Maybe that is the reason they don’t get it. Most people today have no idea what a “vow” is either…. But I digress.) When Hannah made this vow (I Sam. 1:11) to God, she knew exactly what it meant. So much that she packed her precious baby boy up and sent him to live with the preacher! She knew that making a vow to the Lord was a serious matter! God had given her the child for which she had prayed and she had to keep her end of the bargain, and give him back! She says, “…as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD.” So let me define “lent” for you. Lent means “to permit to use for another’s benefit.” Today’s parents want to “loan” but not “lend.” The difference is about who gets the interest, and the glory from it all. When you “loan” something, it is because you want something in return. Some sort of compensation, or condition is attached to the agreement or else you want what is yours back! That, my friend, is NOT “dedication or consecration.”

I am not the perfect parent, and my children are not fully grown, so I have many miles to go in this life, when it comes to raising children. They are not the perfect children either. How could they be? They have the same sinful nature that their parents were born with. I am sure that there are parents that could share their heartaches, and war-stories, that have been at this far longer than I, and I appreciate that fact. However, the point here, is that when you give your child to God, you have to LET God have him! Yes, it is going to be hard. Yes, the road is long. Yes, they do not always take the path that is right. Yes, you will have to punish them and even see God punish them. All that is true, but if you vowed before God Almighty, and a congregation of witnesses to give that child wholly to the Lord, for HIS honor and glory, then you better LET GO and LET GOD (to use a common phrase.) This does not mean that you walk along in silence and let your child say or do what they want. This does not mean that you have to let them “taste of the world” because of whatever stupid choices YOU made when you were their age! It means you follow God, while your child follows you. And you GUARD their steps (as well as your own) and REMOVE the obstacles, or stumbling blocks, whenever it is within your power to do it.

This past Sunday, my oldest son, Jon Groves, preached the Sunday morning message at our church. As he entered the pulpit, it dawned on me that this very day EXACTLY seventeen years ago, I brought him to church for the VERY FIRST time (he was 5 days old.) The thought overwhelmed me to tears. When I dedicated Jon to the Lord, I had no idea where I would be seventeen years later. Little did I know that day the many joys this child would bring me. Little did I know the heartaches, and disappointments that he would have to suffer on his own. Little did I know he would have three siblings soon to follow. Little did I know what God had in store for us. To God be the glory!

Though I like to reminisce of first words, first smiles, first steps, it is Jon’s spiritual growth that amazes me the most. God has allowed me to be present at almost every one. I was there when he quoted his first verse (Eph.6:1) and actually KNEW what it meant! I was there when he accepted Christ as his Saviour (age 4 1/2), and when he was baptized. I was there when he sang his first solo, played his first offertory, and played for the congregational singing too! I was there (at McDonald’s play-land, age 7) when he led his first soul to Christ. I was there when he surrendered to preach, and when he preached his first message. There are even some evangelists out there that have taken Jon's outlines from his blog and preached them at churches in other states! (A little bragging there:)) I have watched over the years as the Lord has allowed him to master several instruments, most of which he taught to himself. I am not bragging on me, I am just glad I got to be there. To God be the glory!

That afternoon, July 5, 2009, after he preached, I had to return Jon to Kentucky so he could finish his summer, working at Camp Victory. As I was thinking about all the many blessings over these seventeen years, I turned and smiled at him. He asked, “What?” I just said, “It seems appropriate that on this day, it’s just me and you.” To God be the glory!

Watch Your Step!

I John 2:10 “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.”

Last week I attended Jr. Camp at Camp Victory, in Somerset, Kentucky. I was privileged to hear several men of God preach. One evening, I listened to the man of God preach to the young people that they needed true repentance in their life if they were to ever have any type of walk with the Lord. He the gave them “Seven Proofs of the Repentant Life.” As I listened to him, and watched him, he paced back and forth across the platform, and I began to notice something. A small rug, that been placed beneath the pulpit for extra cushion kept rolling up in front of him, each time he passed it. He would turn and kick at it a little, so as to flatten it. This was so that he would not trip over it next time he passed that way. However, it seemed each time he passed it, he managed to catch the rug somehow and it would roll or wrinkle up again. Finally, he wearied of it, bent down and fixed the rug completely so that it would lie flat. Furthermore, I noticed, from that time on he kind of “side-stepped” that area or took a taller step so as not to let it happen again.

This was truly an example of this man’s life, for those of us who know him. Though I don’t even know that he ever gave the rug a second thought. This man of God speaks with regret when he talks of his life before he was 21 years of age. However, he was saved back then and has served the Lord faithfully now for 50 plus years. He would be the first to tell you that his life has not been a perfect one, and that he has even stumbled, and fallen a time or two. But today, his testimony is a shining light to those who choose to follow in his footsteps.

Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD; and he delighteth in his way.”

Though the illustration may seem silly to you, it spoke to me. I have four children whom I love dearly. My heart’s desire is for them to grow up and serve the Lord with their whole heart. I am also a Sunday School teacher, and I love my students very much too. I want to see them serve the Lord, as well. Do I pay close enough attention to the steps I take each day? Do I kick at that wrinkle in life just enough to keep myself from falling down? Or am I the type of person who takes the time to stop and fix the wrinkle completely, remembering even to side-step that “problem area” the next time I have to walk that way so that those who are following me (or watching me) will not trip? How about you? How many people have stumbled over the wrinkles you have left in the rug? According to Evangelist Preston Griffis’ life example, all you have to do is bend down, fix the problem, and walk on. And while we’re there, we might want to help the others who have tripped over the mess we left behind. It’s just a thought.

Isaiah 57:14-15 “…”Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

HERE! Taste This!

People are funny. We tend to do some very strange things. For example, when you taste something nasty, do you spit it out and throw it away? No. Most times we will hand it to someone else and say, “This is AWFUL! Here! Taste it.” And when something smells bad, do you leave? Not usually. Most times we’ll say, “OH THAT smells GROSE! Can you smell THAT???” And inevitably the person next to us will begin sniffing and trying to smell it too. WHY do we do that? If it tastes bad, or smells awful, why do want someone else to taste it and smell it to? We are just funny that way. I have even said before, when trying to describe a particular taste, “this tastes like the smell of something.” We call that a “stink-taste.” ☺

By God’s grace, I was born into a Christian home. My parents were saved as teenagers. They did share a few things about their young adult lives with us. Choices they wish they had not made, things they wish they could do over, in other words, they had a few regrets. Not many, praise the Lord, but a few. Thankfully, because of their teaching and training, there are many things that I have never tasted or even smelled! Subsequently, there are actual odors that I do not recognize. See, my parents did not feel that experience was always the best teacher. They never handed us something they knew would be bad for us and said, “Here, taste this or here, smell this!” In fact, they made sure that we knew that there would be severe consequences if we ever did! I can’t tell you what those consequences are because I took them at their word. I am not bragging on myself, I am bragging on my parents. They didn’t lead hard, riotous lives, but what little sin they had dabbled in, taught them enough to know to stay away from it. AND to keep their children from it too! They knew that worldly tastes and smells would leave bitterness in my mouth, or a stench in my nostrils, so they trained me to STAY AWAY from them. Instead they showed me “the way” that I should go. (Pro.22:6) They took me to church where I learned, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” (Ps.34:8) And at thirteen years old, I came to know Christ as Saviour. They read me His Word, and I found out, “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps.119:103) They showed me by example, “Be ye followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.” (Eph.5:2)

When I left my parents home, as an adult, I had a choice. I could continue in “the way” that they had showed me, or do it “my way.” Proverbs 19:26 says, “He that wasteth his father and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.” Why would I want to waste my teacher or chase away my trainer? The very thought of it turns my stomach, as if I had eaten something that just didn’t sit right. 

How about you? What are you teaching your children, or those who follow you? Do you offer them those “sweets to the soul?” Or are have they just gotten used to having a certain "stink-taste?"

WHAT IS YOUR ISSUE?

Mark 5:25-34 “And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”

This woman had an “issue of blood” for twelve years. TWELVE years! I can’t even imagine that. Twelve years of going from doctor to doctor, with a problem of bleeding out, and NO ONE being able to help. The Bible says that she had “suffered many things of many physicians.” She was so desperate for relief that she was willing to try ANYTHING! She had spent all she had and was none the better for it. In fact, she grew worse everyday. Then, she heard about a man who had healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and possessed with devils. How he freed a maniac of the unclean spirit that controlled him. There was even a leper that ran about telling of how this man, Jesus, had healed him of his leprosy! She figured, “I have nothing to lose. Why not see what this man can do for me?” No, quite the contrary was her attitude. This woman was weary of her sickness, and desired greatly to be healed. She was desperate for relief. She was tired of searching for answers, only to walk away the same as when she came. There wasn’t ANYTHING she wanted more than to be rid of her “issue.” She sought Jesus out with a heart that said, “This HAS to work! I’ve heard the stories. He has healed others, please let him heal me!” Determined to find the One who could save her, she made her way through the crowd. At last! There he was! With a beggars heart she reached out to him but was able only to touch the hem of his garment. Relief was IMMEDIATE! As if a burdensome weight had been lifted from off her shoulders, her tired and weary body was…. healed. Not just healed, but whole. She had gone to her only hope for life, --- Jesus, and he had given her his strength, his very virtue! As his eyes met hers, she fell at his feet. With fear and in reverence of his miraculous power, she gave him her heart. No longer just another face in the crowd but “Daughter,” Jesus had called her, “thy faith hath made the whole; go in peace, and be whole of the plague.”

How often have we had an “issue” in our life that seemed never ending? Perhaps you’ve been wounded without cause and yet you cannot seem to release the resentment. Maybe you were injured without provocation and yet you cannot find relief. You’re hurt and heartbroken and the pain is just relentless. Or maybe you have an illness for which there seems to be no remedy. Your life is plagued with turmoil, and sorrow as you search for answers. You’ve tried everything, yet your condition remains the same. Search no further, my friend. Take your “issue” to Jesus. Reach out in faith and let him make you whole. Fall at his feet and find sweet relief. You don’t have to be just another face in the crowd. He will make you His own. 

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

Let There Be Light!

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." (Genesis 1:1-3)

We have officially begun a new year, 2009. It's here! Many people have spent the last few days making "new year's resolutions." It is a common thing that people do. In fact it is a common question that people ask you when the new year begins to draw close, "So what is your new year's resolution?" There is nothing wrong with making them. I have made a few of them myself over the years. Some folks vow to exercise more, and to eat less. Some vow to quit things like drinking, smoking, or abusing drugs. Others vow to watch less television and read more books. Some vow to mend broken relationships, and some vow do more for others.  A child of God might vow to win more souls to Christ, or read through their Bible in a year. The problem is not in the making of the resolution, it's in the keeping of it.  The most common phrase I hear toward the end of a year is, "I'm gonna turn over a new leaf." The problem with that is, a leaf turns over and over with every little breeze that passes by. The thing that keeps most of us from doing what we vow to do, is trying to do it in our own strength. 

My Daddy, Pastor Charles Savage, always says that he loves the beginning of a new year. He says that the new calendar is like a new slate, or one that has been wiped clean so that you can start over. The "new" year does not have to be like the one before it, unless you so choose.  If you are a drunkard, you can stop drinking. If you are a smoker, you can stop smoking. If you are a drug addict, you can stop taking drugs. If you have a problem with bitterness or holding a grudge, you CAN get over it. All you have to do with any problem, as well as any resolution, is turn it over to God. 

Perhaps you feel like your life is like the verse written above. Is your life without form and void? Have you tried everything, and everyone, but found nothing that can fill this void? Maybe you feel as though you are stumbling in the darkness, all alone, and no help can be found. Give yourself a REAL, new beginning this year. Let God shine His Light upon your heart. It is yours for the asking. John 8:12 says, " Then spake Jesus unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Jesus doesn't want your life to be without form and void. Why not come to the Saviour today, and confess your sins, and receive his Light into your life? Make the best decision you'll ever make in your life, on the first day of 2009.  Let there be light!

PEACE

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.” Philippians 4:6-7

Last week my youngest son asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I replied, “world peace.” It is an answer I commonly give when asked what I “want” because I know that it is as unattainable. He smiled and said, “I gave you that last year and it didn’t work out to well.” We laughed. Then I will usually say, “What I want only God can give me.” My kids hate that. (Well, it’s not like I am hard to buy for….Hello?....CHOCOLATE! ......Anyway, back to “peace.”)

Peace is something that many people seek, and some long for, but few find it. Oh, they think they can attain it by works, but they can’t. They print the word on Christmas ornaments, and wrapping paper, but it is just a word that is associated with Christmas. Few people truly know what it is. Most would pay top dollar for it, if they thought they could buy it. Rest assured that if there was a way a store could market it, they would. Can you imagine a store advertisement that reads, “If you want peace you can buy it here? Only $9.99 for a limited time.” I am being silly, of course, but in today’s world people think they can buy and sell anything! Most think that true happiness and joy can be bought for a price, so why not peace? 

Real peace only comes from God. If you are reading this and you have never accepted Christ as your Saviour, you will never know real peace or joy until you do. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for your sin, dear soul, and He wants to have a relationship with you. He wants to share real peace and joy with you but you must repent of your sin and ask His forgiveness before you will ever know this peace which I am about to speak of. Real peace and joy come only after salvation.

The world thinks peace means the absence of conflict, but they are wrong. If anyone wants to have peace with God or that comes from God, they must first do what God commands. In the beginning of Philippians chapter four, Paul is telling the church at Philippi to stand fast in the Lord, to help their fellow laborers in the Gospel, and to rejoice in the Lord always. Then he tells them to let their requests be made known unto God. Christians like to take verses like this and turn them into a “spiritual buffet” where we pick and choose what we want and leave the rest for others. For example, one might like the part about standing fast in the truth but he doesn’t want to be of the same mind in Christ. You will not find true peace in this kind of an attitude. God’s Word is for ALL of us and there is nothing in it that is not needed. He expects ALL his children to listen to ALL he says, and do ALL he commands. We should all stand fast. We should all help others. We should all be moderate. We should all be of the same mind in the Lord. We do these things because they are right. But when we do, peace and joy come to our heart whether we were looking for them or not. 

God’s peace is not temporal like that which you would get from the world. The things of this world will work for a little while, but they will not actually make anything better. God changes things. God changes people. God makes all things NEW! He doesn’t save us and just expect us to take on the world by ourselves. He gives us the spiritual tools to fight the fleshly lusts that would cause us to go astray. These are the tools that will help “keep your hearts and minds.” Sin is everywhere, but so is God’s grace. It’s all in the attitude of our heart. We have to control what we think. (Phil.4:8) Everyday we see adultery, fornication, theft, and murder on television and in movies. No matter what the “hero” does he always comes out okay in the end. Real life is not like that. There are consequences for our sin, and it is never a happy ending. These consequences rob us of our peace and joy.  Everyone that is a Christian can have peace, but it depends on US, and how we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. If you are lost, you NEED Christ as your Saviour in order to have peace. If you are a child of God, you NEED the Word of God as your constant guide. Peace and joy are REAL virtues that can only be found in Jesus Christ.