I asked several friends what the difference was between trials, tests, and temptations. Some people called, others caught me walking in the hall at work, but my Sunday School teacher took the time to thoroughly explain. I hope this will help someone…
Temptation, Trials and Testing all go hand in hand. There can be no temptation without a test or a trial. Testing is for us and the proof of our knowledge of the word. What we have learned and how we apply it to our life. Temptation (a testing), generally understood as the enticement of a person to sin by offering some seeming advantage. The source of our temptation is Satan, the world, and the flesh. Read James 1:14-15
Trials are the testing of our character, it's also a temptation or an adversity, the enduring of which proves the merit of an individual's faith. Adversity puts a Christian's faith to the test, either true or false. Understand, a test of faith brings patience or stamina by suffering or temptation.
Temptation has two meanings: 1. solicitation (entice) to sin and 2. trials from providential (future) situations.
Also read: Matt. 6:13 (preventative request), the servant request for prayer in dealing with sin. As the servant grows in purity and obedience, they should rely less on prayer for forgiveness and pray more for protection. Lessons learned should help avoid the traps of temptations.
Mark 14:38 - the formula for conquering temptation is to stay alert and pray. No matter how willing we are to do the right thing our flesh is weak.
Luke 8:13 - pleasure seeking overcomes eternal pursuit. No time for God's word, they don't mature in God.
Friday, February 15, 2008
A Different Look At Job (Anonymously Submitted)
A different look at Job…
When God is kind enough to reveal to us, we should be grateful. We should know, however, all that he reveals is not pretty (or as we may wish) but it is always beneficial.
I have always thought about Job as the man the Lord allowed to be tormented by Satan. I have wondered if he did the same thing to me. Perhaps my words are harsh and my outlook has been skewed. In learning about myself and learning about how, in some ways, I was like Job, I was reminded:
· God can't agree with a lot of the "stuff" we do - he is righteous and we are not
· We, us, me, you break fellowship with God
· God never breaks fellowship with us, even though it may feel as if he has
I have long misunderstood the difference between covenants and contracts. God had covenants with various people in Biblical days and covenants are not meant to be broken- a covenant is a promise. Promises from God are never broken. We always want to promise something, but we are unable to keep our promise to HIM. He does not require of us a promise, we just go running out there to do it. He loves us unconditionally, but we don't get it. For example, God had a covenant with Abraham. Remember, he promised him a son. Even though Abraham could not keep his end of the bargain (waivered in faith), God kept his covenant and blessed Abraham in spite of what he did (baby's momma and baby). Now Abraham broke the covenant and as a result there were consequences for his sin.
Contracts on the other hand can be broken. Okay, so here is what I learned about Job. God had a covenant with Job. We don't really know the details, but the Lord blessed Job tremendously. He made promises to him and kept them. Job walked uprightly before the Lord, but Job's heart was not always right. Job thought the Lord did a raw deal to him, we all did. We all get there, don't we? I know I've felt that way often especially about a decision I (Me, myself) made because it did not work out. I've broken covenants and well, consequences have followed.
We learn, if we really read about Job that he was angry about those who he deemed unrighteous and their lack of punishment. Now if that does not sound like me, what does? I have lived in that space for many years. I watched a man receive countless blessings from the Lord and I deemed him unworthy because he did not even acknowledge the Lord or thank him for all the tremendous blessings I thought he did not deserve. Job and I have a lot in common. When every old covenant was broken, curses were released. Who am I do deem someone else unworthy of what God has for them?
Towards the end of the chapters in Job, we learn that he does repent. Yes for his disgust or judgment of those he (Job) deemed unrighteous. Hallelujah Yes, I have learned about my judgment of others. I never realized how deeply rooted it was. I never meant to be so judgmental. It has permeated many aspects of my life.
But God is merciful and he does forgive. Remember, Job received many blessings in the end. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
When God is kind enough to reveal to us, we should be grateful. We should know, however, all that he reveals is not pretty (or as we may wish) but it is always beneficial.
I have always thought about Job as the man the Lord allowed to be tormented by Satan. I have wondered if he did the same thing to me. Perhaps my words are harsh and my outlook has been skewed. In learning about myself and learning about how, in some ways, I was like Job, I was reminded:
· God can't agree with a lot of the "stuff" we do - he is righteous and we are not
· We, us, me, you break fellowship with God
· God never breaks fellowship with us, even though it may feel as if he has
I have long misunderstood the difference between covenants and contracts. God had covenants with various people in Biblical days and covenants are not meant to be broken- a covenant is a promise. Promises from God are never broken. We always want to promise something, but we are unable to keep our promise to HIM. He does not require of us a promise, we just go running out there to do it. He loves us unconditionally, but we don't get it. For example, God had a covenant with Abraham. Remember, he promised him a son. Even though Abraham could not keep his end of the bargain (waivered in faith), God kept his covenant and blessed Abraham in spite of what he did (baby's momma and baby). Now Abraham broke the covenant and as a result there were consequences for his sin.
Contracts on the other hand can be broken. Okay, so here is what I learned about Job. God had a covenant with Job. We don't really know the details, but the Lord blessed Job tremendously. He made promises to him and kept them. Job walked uprightly before the Lord, but Job's heart was not always right. Job thought the Lord did a raw deal to him, we all did. We all get there, don't we? I know I've felt that way often especially about a decision I (Me, myself) made because it did not work out. I've broken covenants and well, consequences have followed.
We learn, if we really read about Job that he was angry about those who he deemed unrighteous and their lack of punishment. Now if that does not sound like me, what does? I have lived in that space for many years. I watched a man receive countless blessings from the Lord and I deemed him unworthy because he did not even acknowledge the Lord or thank him for all the tremendous blessings I thought he did not deserve. Job and I have a lot in common. When every old covenant was broken, curses were released. Who am I do deem someone else unworthy of what God has for them?
Towards the end of the chapters in Job, we learn that he does repent. Yes for his disgust or judgment of those he (Job) deemed unrighteous. Hallelujah Yes, I have learned about my judgment of others. I never realized how deeply rooted it was. I never meant to be so judgmental. It has permeated many aspects of my life.
But God is merciful and he does forgive. Remember, Job received many blessings in the end. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
There Is No "If"
I just returned from 5:30 p.m. mass. This is not the mass I usually attend, rather, it is the mass which is put on by the teenagers in our parish once a month. While this mass is sparsely attended, I always enjoy the homily as the priest, Father Michael, always has such pearls of wisdom.
Today, the sermon came from the book of Genesis in which the serpent is tempting Eve in the garden. The serpent says, "If you are a child of God, then what would it hurt to eat the forbidden fruit?'
Father Michael reminded us that most of the trouble we get into, or sins that we commit, are predicated upon the word, "if."
There is no 'if." We are children of God. No, 'ifs,' ands or buts about it.
Have a blessed week!
Love,
Dot
Today, the sermon came from the book of Genesis in which the serpent is tempting Eve in the garden. The serpent says, "If you are a child of God, then what would it hurt to eat the forbidden fruit?'
Father Michael reminded us that most of the trouble we get into, or sins that we commit, are predicated upon the word, "if."
There is no 'if." We are children of God. No, 'ifs,' ands or buts about it.
Have a blessed week!
Love,
Dot
Monday, February 04, 2008
Thank God It's Monday
I always say at the end of the week, "Thank God, It's Friday." When I woke up this morning and said to myself, "Argh, it's Monday," I stopped and realized that - hey, God woke me up. I'm in my right mind (well, kinda), I'm in good health, my family is still with me and I have a place to go today."
Sometimes, we forget to thank HIM for each and every day. It's so easy to complain about what's wrong, we forget to rejoice about what is right.
Today the sun is shining. It rained all weekend. So, as I look out the window at the sun, contemplating the challenges of the week ahead, I remember to "Thank God, It's Monday!"
Love,
dot
Sometimes, we forget to thank HIM for each and every day. It's so easy to complain about what's wrong, we forget to rejoice about what is right.
Today the sun is shining. It rained all weekend. So, as I look out the window at the sun, contemplating the challenges of the week ahead, I remember to "Thank God, It's Monday!"
Love,
dot
Friday, February 01, 2008
A Birthday Prayer for Linda
God, another year is gone.
Am I any wiser? Maybe a little.
One thing I know for sure: You walked with me through every hour of every day, though I could not always feel your presence.
Thank you for what has passed, and thank you for what is to come.
Amen.
(From Hallmark "Little Book of Prayers for Busy Women" - thanks, Mercelle - I'm loving this book!!)
Mochadot
Am I any wiser? Maybe a little.
One thing I know for sure: You walked with me through every hour of every day, though I could not always feel your presence.
Thank you for what has passed, and thank you for what is to come.
Amen.
(From Hallmark "Little Book of Prayers for Busy Women" - thanks, Mercelle - I'm loving this book!!)
Mochadot
Thursday, January 31, 2008
In Memory of Thelma Traylor Seale - Beloved Matriarch
Dear Christian Community, Family and Friends:
I am requesting prayer for the family and friends of Mrs. Thelma Traylor Seale, who went home to be with the Lord on January 25, 2008.
Mochadot
Happy Birthday, Daddy
Daddy would be 87 today if he had lived. It's been 11 years and it still feels like yesterday. I know he is in a better place, but I still miss him dearly.
I love you, Eddie!!
Mochadot
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Goats and Fattened Calves
Written and Submitted by Mercelle in Colorado
Goats and Fattened Calves
If you've ever read the Prodigal Son, like I read it, you probably could relate to the older brother who felt as if he had done everything to earn the Father's love and felt jilted when he learned that his younger brother had returned after being among swine to be greeted with open arms, a new robe, a ring, and a huge feast. How could this be you might wonder? The point being that you have always been with the Father and everything he has is already yours (it is ours). You, like I, just got it twisted and thought we needed to do something to earn the Father's love and there is absolutely nothing we can ever do to earn HIS love. HE just loves us, a very simple concept but hard for to grasp.
Remember, the older brother was even willing to take a fattened goat? He said something like you never even gave me a goat but you gave him a fattened calf. He was willing to settle for a goat just to get the Father's love because he had been working so long for it, trying to earn it. But the Lord did not give him a reward for his works. if HE did, he (the older son) would be no different from a slave. We don’t need to earn the Father's love, we just need to accept it. Remember, in the beginning he divided the inheritance among both sons? Yes, he gave to both of them freely, but the older one thought he had to work to prove his worth. He did not! The Father loved them both.
Now before I talk about the younger brother, let me share something I learned. Fattened calves were used or kept in the event that royalty came by. Only wealthy individuals back in the day had them. They would be used for a feast if someone of royalty or nobility should come by. They were not used at other times for the sake of throwing a party. Only the highest of the high would get to eat the fattened calf.
Oh yes, now let's talk about the swine the younger brother began living with, and feeding, and eventually eating with. Swine are not clean animals. Imagine a wealthy Hebrew young man from "the right kind of family" living among swine. Hello, that's a no no. That would be considered the lowest of low. Some of us have to get to the lowest of low before we return to the Father. Thank God, HE is willing to accept us with open arms, give us his many blessings, and sacrifice HIS fattened Calf for us.
Now, let's get back to our story and what else I have learned. The very best the Father gave to the young son. He (the young son) needed a sacrifice, bloodshed for his filthy living. So the Father gave of HIS very best to save him. He (the younger son) needed to be saved. God has given us HIS very best, HIS son Jesus Christ and sacrificed him to cover our sins (our filthy living). Our sins have been covered with HIS blood- the very best, what is only fit for royalty was given to us.
I learned that I was willing to settle for a goat in an attempt to earn the Father's love. I worked so hard and miserably failed so many times trying to earn the Father's love (like the older son). I did not need to earn it. I was always welcome to the best (everything he has is mine) but I got derailed and settled, even living among the swine (like the younger son). A prayer was offered on my behalf today that whatever was blocking me (probably through self preservation) be removed so that I could truly experience the Father's love and how I should be loved as HIS daughter. Don't settle for second best when the Lord has only the greatest blessings for HIS children.
I pray, Father, that all who read this will be able to recognize your very best for them. I pray they will accept your free gift of LOVE which is the very best and return to you. Amen.
Goats and Fattened Calves
If you've ever read the Prodigal Son, like I read it, you probably could relate to the older brother who felt as if he had done everything to earn the Father's love and felt jilted when he learned that his younger brother had returned after being among swine to be greeted with open arms, a new robe, a ring, and a huge feast. How could this be you might wonder? The point being that you have always been with the Father and everything he has is already yours (it is ours). You, like I, just got it twisted and thought we needed to do something to earn the Father's love and there is absolutely nothing we can ever do to earn HIS love. HE just loves us, a very simple concept but hard for to grasp.
Remember, the older brother was even willing to take a fattened goat? He said something like you never even gave me a goat but you gave him a fattened calf. He was willing to settle for a goat just to get the Father's love because he had been working so long for it, trying to earn it. But the Lord did not give him a reward for his works. if HE did, he (the older son) would be no different from a slave. We don’t need to earn the Father's love, we just need to accept it. Remember, in the beginning he divided the inheritance among both sons? Yes, he gave to both of them freely, but the older one thought he had to work to prove his worth. He did not! The Father loved them both.
Now before I talk about the younger brother, let me share something I learned. Fattened calves were used or kept in the event that royalty came by. Only wealthy individuals back in the day had them. They would be used for a feast if someone of royalty or nobility should come by. They were not used at other times for the sake of throwing a party. Only the highest of the high would get to eat the fattened calf.
Oh yes, now let's talk about the swine the younger brother began living with, and feeding, and eventually eating with. Swine are not clean animals. Imagine a wealthy Hebrew young man from "the right kind of family" living among swine. Hello, that's a no no. That would be considered the lowest of low. Some of us have to get to the lowest of low before we return to the Father. Thank God, HE is willing to accept us with open arms, give us his many blessings, and sacrifice HIS fattened Calf for us.
Now, let's get back to our story and what else I have learned. The very best the Father gave to the young son. He (the young son) needed a sacrifice, bloodshed for his filthy living. So the Father gave of HIS very best to save him. He (the younger son) needed to be saved. God has given us HIS very best, HIS son Jesus Christ and sacrificed him to cover our sins (our filthy living). Our sins have been covered with HIS blood- the very best, what is only fit for royalty was given to us.
I learned that I was willing to settle for a goat in an attempt to earn the Father's love. I worked so hard and miserably failed so many times trying to earn the Father's love (like the older son). I did not need to earn it. I was always welcome to the best (everything he has is mine) but I got derailed and settled, even living among the swine (like the younger son). A prayer was offered on my behalf today that whatever was blocking me (probably through self preservation) be removed so that I could truly experience the Father's love and how I should be loved as HIS daughter. Don't settle for second best when the Lord has only the greatest blessings for HIS children.
I pray, Father, that all who read this will be able to recognize your very best for them. I pray they will accept your free gift of LOVE which is the very best and return to you. Amen.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Full Bloom - In God's Time
Everything has a season. The weather has been so rainy, cold and quite frankly, depressing.
However, 'This too shall pass,' and the rain will dry, the sun will come out and the plants, flowers and trees will bloom again.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Four Blessed Looks
1. Look back and thank God.
2. Look forward and trust God.
3. Look around and serve God.
4. Look within and find God!
(Author Unknown)
2. Look forward and trust God.
3. Look around and serve God.
4. Look within and find God!
(Author Unknown)
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Love of the Lord
The LOVE of the LORD
Even when we don't and can't see how God is going to accomplish HIS plan, HE is still going to accomplish HIS plan. When we are so angry, we want to scream, God still loves us. When we can't image him loving us, HE still loves us. When we question HIS love for us, HE still loves us. When we can barely get up and function, HE still loves us. I want to know the Lord most intimately. I have struggled with this and even questioned HIS love for me, or HIS plan for my life. I ask for agreement in prayer from all those out there who understand the LOVE Of the LORD.
(submitted anonymously
Even when we don't and can't see how God is going to accomplish HIS plan, HE is still going to accomplish HIS plan. When we are so angry, we want to scream, God still loves us. When we can't image him loving us, HE still loves us. When we question HIS love for us, HE still loves us. When we can barely get up and function, HE still loves us. I want to know the Lord most intimately. I have struggled with this and even questioned HIS love for me, or HIS plan for my life. I ask for agreement in prayer from all those out there who understand the LOVE Of the LORD.
(submitted anonymously
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I Was Reminded Today That God Made Cousins, Too :)
"My dear cousin has been helping me through a difficult time. I am grateful for all of the wonderful angels God placed in my life, including my cousin. She has always sent the Word or encouraging words to me. She recently sent this song to me. I hope someone else will be blessed by it."
Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
Refrain:
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you.
No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.
Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
Refrain:
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you.
No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
True Friends Are Like Diamonds. . .
Precious, But Rare. . .False Friends Are Like Autumn Leaves, Found Everywhere (author unknown)
Here's to true friends!
Love,
Dot
Monday, January 21, 2008
Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King
Happy Birthday To You! Happy Birthday To You! Happy Birthday.
We've come so far. . .yet so far to go. . .keep the dream alive.
We've come so far. . .yet so far to go. . .keep the dream alive.
Behind Every Good Man. . .RIP, Mama
Circa 1966 - Linda and Mama at the Grand Canyon. Can you imagine a man driving across country from California to North Carolina with three women in the car!!!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
God Made Sisters
I thank the Lord for my two wonderful sisters. I have been away from this blog for a long time. Mama passed away and I have felt very sad. However, when my sister emailed me this picture, I thought about how my mama and daddy will always live on in our hearts and memories.
Aw, what sweet memories these were.
Photo circa 1957
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Bedside Manners by Christopher Wiseman
How little the dying seem to need–
Adrink perhaps,
a little food,
A smile, a hand to hold, medication, Achange of clothes,
an unspoken Understanding about what's happening.
You think it would be more, much more, Something more difficult for us To help with in this great disruption, But perhaps it's because as the huge shape Rears up higher and darker each hour.
They are anxious that we should see it too And try to show us with a hand-squeeze.
We panic to do more for them, And especially when it's your father, And his eyes are far away, and your tears Are all down your face and clothes, And he doesn't see them now, but smiles Perhaps, just perhaps because you're there.
How little he needs. Just love. More Love.
Bedside Manners Christopher Wiseman
Sunday, November 11, 2007
You Say Tomato, I say ToMAWto
It is far better to give than to receive. However, I ended up on the receiving end of a delicious Italian meal prepared with love and blessings. I was invited to attend with my husband and daughter - okay, so I was a guest, but it really motivated me to - VOLUNTEER.
St. Mary Magdalene Parish had a wonderful feast for all the volunteers at the church; ushers, lectors, those who help feed the poor - everyone.
Good food and fun was shared by all. I'm looking for a new church ministry. I'd love to hear about yours.
Dot
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Mahalia Brought Me Back!
Good morning! God is Good ALL THE TIME.
After a long absence, I'm back. Brought back by the sounds of Mahalia Jackson. While working this morning I slipped my "Mahalia Jackson's Greatest Hits" CD into my computer. I love everything this woman has recorded, and the sounds of "Calvary," made me realize that I'm not too busy to blog and I'm not too busy to put my feelings into words and no matter how burdened I feel - "Jesus Died On Calvary," FOR ME and FOR YOU, which means that I need to take this time each day to remind myself of the goodness of the Lord!
Have a blessed day!
Love you,
Mocha Dot
After a long absence, I'm back. Brought back by the sounds of Mahalia Jackson. While working this morning I slipped my "Mahalia Jackson's Greatest Hits" CD into my computer. I love everything this woman has recorded, and the sounds of "Calvary," made me realize that I'm not too busy to blog and I'm not too busy to put my feelings into words and no matter how burdened I feel - "Jesus Died On Calvary," FOR ME and FOR YOU, which means that I need to take this time each day to remind myself of the goodness of the Lord!
Have a blessed day!
Love you,
Mocha Dot
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