It has been quite sometime since I have posted. I pray that all is well with everyone. I had a fulltime job of losing weight and I have been very succesful thus far. I have lost 47 lbs. I feel great and am so excited that both my daughter and Aunt have joined the Weight Watchers program with me. I know that this step will have long term health benefits. I promise to get back posting in a few weeks.
Be Blessed.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
What do you really know about God or His Word?
On Monday morning I watched the movie "Oh God" starring George Burns. In His depiction of playing the role of God, he stated that God has no interests in the day to day affairs of humans. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is indeed interested in the lives of ALL people. If He were not he would not have sent His Son to die so that ALL who believe in Him would be saved. Further, He also sent the Holy Spirit to reside in the hearts of ALL who trust in His Son. The Holy Spirit is the deposit on the redemption that will come upon Christ return. In the movie there was another profound statement that "God has given us all that we need--each other". This statement is half true. God has given us each other, but without the love of God in our hearts (which everyone does not have) we cannot really be THERE for each other. I pray everyday for people to stop trying to "please" themselves when they make statements such as "I'm doing me". What does that mean anyway? Who else would you be if you aren't you? Is this statement supposed to mean that you whatever you do, you only have yourself in mind? Because I don't understand this statement, I won't address it any further. What I can say is that if you really know who God of the Bible is--then your viewpoint would change considerably.
The "fear" of the Lord is defined as reverence. He expects us to reverence Him, His Word, His Son, His Holy Spirit. Do you read the Bible to get understanding? Do you read the Scriptures and say to yourself--Help me God because I am sure in need of your forgiveness, direction, comfort and peace? Do you understand that if you have a sinful life that He does not hear your prayer unless you first ask Him to forgive you for your sins? So many Christians and many more non-believers think that they can go to God anytime, anyhow, and anyway. Believe me, "reverence" for God should tell you that you cannot go before THE Holy God any kind of way. Before Christ came, the Priests were the only persons who could go directly to God in prayer and even he had to atone for his sins before he could go into the Holy of Holies. Psalm 66:18-19 states, " If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear. 19 But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer." This is not to be confused with the "OUTCRY IN PRAYER" of the many Prophets with whom God made His presence known because of their righteousness (defined as "right standing with God"). All of those men were so humbled by God that their words--when speaking to God denoted reverence for Him, because they respected His Ultimate Authority to answer their prayers. Never once did they talk to God as though he OWED them something--as so many do today. God is not our personal Jeanie or a Spiritual Santa Claus. We don't tell Him what we want then force Him into agreement. I can tell you that after more than twenty years since giving my life to Christ and trusting Him to direct my path, I no longer struggle to remember this. Jesus said "Whatever you ask for in my name, believe that you receive and you shall have it?" but he also says "Your Heavenly Father knows what you have need for". I sincerely believe that many ask for things that He knows that we don't need and that it is why it seems as if God has not heard us or has not answered our prayers--when we don't get what we prayed for. Just imagine for a minute what it would be like if God gave us everything we asked for--- I mean seriously speaking could you stand it if everyone was rich, handsome/beautiful, had the best house on the block, wonderful children, wonderful spouses. We would ALL have EGO's!!! We would be like those who have EGO's they have essentially - Edged God Out--Out of their lives. We would have no need to pray to God anymore. We would not need each other. 1 John 4:20-21 states If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (NKJV)
Finally, George Burns told the man with whom he decided to communicate with to give a message to a preacher who was not preaching his words to "stop preaching because he was not pleased". This was very fascinating because if this were to happen today, I believe many churches would be closed this Sunday. So many Pastors have gotten away from "Thus says the Word of God" and instead choose to preach "Thus is MY WORD to YOU" that those who sit under them are NOT getting fed with God's Word. The only agenda that should be on any Pastor/Preacher's mind when they address God's people is God's Agenda--HIS WORD. He said feed MY people!! The people perish because there is a lack of knowledge---the knowledge of the TRUE WORD OF GOD....
BE BLESSED GOD'S PEOPLE. REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED THEN GET DISCIPLED, THEN MULTIPLY. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!
This is just the first in a series regarding "What do you really know about God and His Word?" By Koralee Nisbett
The "fear" of the Lord is defined as reverence. He expects us to reverence Him, His Word, His Son, His Holy Spirit. Do you read the Bible to get understanding? Do you read the Scriptures and say to yourself--Help me God because I am sure in need of your forgiveness, direction, comfort and peace? Do you understand that if you have a sinful life that He does not hear your prayer unless you first ask Him to forgive you for your sins? So many Christians and many more non-believers think that they can go to God anytime, anyhow, and anyway. Believe me, "reverence" for God should tell you that you cannot go before THE Holy God any kind of way. Before Christ came, the Priests were the only persons who could go directly to God in prayer and even he had to atone for his sins before he could go into the Holy of Holies. Psalm 66:18-19 states, " If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear. 19 But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer." This is not to be confused with the "OUTCRY IN PRAYER" of the many Prophets with whom God made His presence known because of their righteousness (defined as "right standing with God"). All of those men were so humbled by God that their words--when speaking to God denoted reverence for Him, because they respected His Ultimate Authority to answer their prayers. Never once did they talk to God as though he OWED them something--as so many do today. God is not our personal Jeanie or a Spiritual Santa Claus. We don't tell Him what we want then force Him into agreement. I can tell you that after more than twenty years since giving my life to Christ and trusting Him to direct my path, I no longer struggle to remember this. Jesus said "Whatever you ask for in my name, believe that you receive and you shall have it?" but he also says "Your Heavenly Father knows what you have need for". I sincerely believe that many ask for things that He knows that we don't need and that it is why it seems as if God has not heard us or has not answered our prayers--when we don't get what we prayed for. Just imagine for a minute what it would be like if God gave us everything we asked for--- I mean seriously speaking could you stand it if everyone was rich, handsome/beautiful, had the best house on the block, wonderful children, wonderful spouses. We would ALL have EGO's!!! We would be like those who have EGO's they have essentially - Edged God Out--Out of their lives. We would have no need to pray to God anymore. We would not need each other. 1 John 4:20-21 states If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (NKJV)
Finally, George Burns told the man with whom he decided to communicate with to give a message to a preacher who was not preaching his words to "stop preaching because he was not pleased". This was very fascinating because if this were to happen today, I believe many churches would be closed this Sunday. So many Pastors have gotten away from "Thus says the Word of God" and instead choose to preach "Thus is MY WORD to YOU" that those who sit under them are NOT getting fed with God's Word. The only agenda that should be on any Pastor/Preacher's mind when they address God's people is God's Agenda--HIS WORD. He said feed MY people!! The people perish because there is a lack of knowledge---the knowledge of the TRUE WORD OF GOD....
BE BLESSED GOD'S PEOPLE. REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED THEN GET DISCIPLED, THEN MULTIPLY. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!
This is just the first in a series regarding "What do you really know about God and His Word?" By Koralee Nisbett
Friday, February 18, 2011
What If?
What if you were told you had one month to live? This prognosis would not include that you were sick in anyway, just that in one month your life would be over. This question may sound ridiculous or impossible, but I suspect that most of us would probably want to change our perspective or do something different from what we are currently doing. I believe that we ought to LIVE like this could be the case. Why do we make long range plans, when we know that tomorrow is not promised to anyone? It is necessary and Biblical to be good stewards over what God has blessed us with, but just how much we should be "saving" should be determined by the plans that you have for your future, not by the plans of others. If your desire is to retire with wealth, then you would need to save very aggressively. But be careful not to spend your entire life saving for the future while not enjoying your "now". If your desire is to provide for your family when you are gone, then by all means, buy a life insurance policy. It is really not wise to pursue "things" or wealth only to leave it all behind when you are gone. If you choose not to pursue things, then you will need to pursue something or better yet someone. I would like to suggest that you pursue the righteousness of God. As you seek righteousness, it will drive you to live peaceably with others. Read God's revelation to mankind- His word, The Holy Bible. Reading it will cause you to live in obedience to God. I found that when I decided to live in "subjection" to God it caused me to humble my-self, my plans, and my wants to God's will. I encourage you as well to lay aside your some of your plans and trust in God to make your journey through life more enjoyable and fulfilling. Try to find time to enjoy the simple things in life. There is but one advantage you and I have over a dead person--we still have hope. Where there is life, there is hope. I certainly do not look forward to death because I am too busy living. Do what I do, stop to smell flowers, look up to see the formation of clouds in the sky. I have begun to watch my husband and daughter as though I am looking into their souls. There is a difference between spending time together and actually enjoying time together. Hug, kiss or smile with those that you love and even with those that you don't because they may need it more than you know. Finally, if you need a hug, kiss or smile ask for it--most people are not mind readers. "You have not, because you ask not." I ask again, "What If" you were told that you had one month to live? What would you do differently?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Weight Loss Encouragement
Hello All:
I pray that All is well with you all. I have been very busy of late with so many things. I really wanted to be able to post every week, but as usual plans do go awry.
A little over three weeks ago, I decided to join Weight Watchers after following the advice of my doctor. She knew that I already had a good diet and exercise routine but it was only allowing me to maintain my weight. After only 3 weeks, I have lost 12pounds. I have a long way to go, but I am determined to continue until I am at healthy weight. I am sharing this with you all to encourage someone to take control of their health. Even if you are not overweight, that does not mean that you are healthy. For those of you may not have heard, in July of 2009, after my annual physical showed that I was pre-diabetic, I changed my diet. Three months later, I re-tested and my glucose levels were normal. I credit the book "Reversing Diabetes Cookbook" (can be ordered online through Amazon.com. for around $11) In this book, it advises replacing the sugar in our diet with the following: Stevia, Xylitol, Brown Rice Syrup and Agave Syrup. The writers of the book also warned against things like Splenda and other artificial sweeteners which are not natural. I also started using Steel Cut Oats (soak overnight before cooking) instead of Rolled Oats and my husband who was diagnosed with high cholesterol--saw his numbers decrease to normal levels. There are many other valuable tips and recipes in the book to attain overall good health, it is not just about reversing diabetes.
A word about Weight Watchers for anyone wanting to try it. I have been able to lose weight rapidly because I have incorporated my lessons from the cookbook into the program. WW program is not considerate to those who were "pre-diabetic", they are into weight loss. I mention this as a caution, because many of the snacks that they offer for sale contain corn syrup, sugar, dextrose and other ingredients that the cookbook states not to eat. It would make no sense for anyone to lose weight and then end up with diabetes.
I thank God for my family and friends who have encouraged me ever since I shared that I was joining WW. God bless you all--and I look forward to having all of you see the NEW me in a couple of months. Be encouraged and pray for me as I pray for you.
I pray that All is well with you all. I have been very busy of late with so many things. I really wanted to be able to post every week, but as usual plans do go awry.
A little over three weeks ago, I decided to join Weight Watchers after following the advice of my doctor. She knew that I already had a good diet and exercise routine but it was only allowing me to maintain my weight. After only 3 weeks, I have lost 12pounds. I have a long way to go, but I am determined to continue until I am at healthy weight. I am sharing this with you all to encourage someone to take control of their health. Even if you are not overweight, that does not mean that you are healthy. For those of you may not have heard, in July of 2009, after my annual physical showed that I was pre-diabetic, I changed my diet. Three months later, I re-tested and my glucose levels were normal. I credit the book "Reversing Diabetes Cookbook" (can be ordered online through Amazon.com. for around $11) In this book, it advises replacing the sugar in our diet with the following: Stevia, Xylitol, Brown Rice Syrup and Agave Syrup. The writers of the book also warned against things like Splenda and other artificial sweeteners which are not natural. I also started using Steel Cut Oats (soak overnight before cooking) instead of Rolled Oats and my husband who was diagnosed with high cholesterol--saw his numbers decrease to normal levels. There are many other valuable tips and recipes in the book to attain overall good health, it is not just about reversing diabetes.
A word about Weight Watchers for anyone wanting to try it. I have been able to lose weight rapidly because I have incorporated my lessons from the cookbook into the program. WW program is not considerate to those who were "pre-diabetic", they are into weight loss. I mention this as a caution, because many of the snacks that they offer for sale contain corn syrup, sugar, dextrose and other ingredients that the cookbook states not to eat. It would make no sense for anyone to lose weight and then end up with diabetes.
I thank God for my family and friends who have encouraged me ever since I shared that I was joining WW. God bless you all--and I look forward to having all of you see the NEW me in a couple of months. Be encouraged and pray for me as I pray for you.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
New Year New Possibilities???
I know many people who plan every New Year to start new projects or to make new year's resolution. If you are one of those persons, stop for a minute and meditate on how often you did so and failed. There is an old adage that says "if you keep doing the same thing the same way, you cannot expect a different result". Because I heard this some years ago, I decided never to make such declarations. I learned that it was better to purpose in my heart to DO what I can and to pray that I stay in God's will for my life.
The possibilities that we have in a new year are no different from what we have each day. We can do something that we have never done before everyday. We can live each day with purpose. Plan it and then DO it. Stop blaming others for your lack of success but remember those who have helped you if you are successful. Get busy preparing yourself if you haven't already for your next step. Life is truly a journey and preparation makes your journey much more pleasant.
Be prepared and encouraged everyday to walk, run or soar above all the issues of life and keep your focus on enjoying each day---one day at a time.
The possibilities that we have in a new year are no different from what we have each day. We can do something that we have never done before everyday. We can live each day with purpose. Plan it and then DO it. Stop blaming others for your lack of success but remember those who have helped you if you are successful. Get busy preparing yourself if you haven't already for your next step. Life is truly a journey and preparation makes your journey much more pleasant.
Be prepared and encouraged everyday to walk, run or soar above all the issues of life and keep your focus on enjoying each day---one day at a time.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Why didn't your mother abort you?
This is the provocative question that my friend Pastor Michael Woods asked during a recent Sermon. In discerning your purpose in life, think about the grace of God that kept your mother from aborting you. We are all here for a purpose. If we consider the many experiences in our life that didn't end our lives--we would start to see that God allowed us to survive many things when others didn't. I don't believe that it was luck that allowed us to survive, because luck isn't a biblical concept. I believe in destiny. We are all destined to do something. The amount of time it takes for that "something" to come to fruition is determined by how soon we recognize our purpose. If we live each day allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our paths, then and only then can we truly say that our purpose is being lived out. God created us with "free-will" so he is not surprised when each day we rise only to ignore His will and put our will into play. How about that? What a wonderful God! I certainly appreciate that God would allows us to be ignorant by choice, but I am also thankful that He forgives that ignorance once we realize our mistakes. Hopefully as you consider what is your purpose, I pray that you will be assured, that what He has for you to do is just for you. Never try to live out anyone else's purpose. Be encouraged that God is able to help you discover and walk in your purpose. Pray today for discernment and listen for His voice, His answer, His calling..........
Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight, Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and turn away from evil, It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight, Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and turn away from evil, It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Do You Really Want to Hear the Truth?
It has been awhile since I have written. I have been working on an ongoing project. Today I ask the question, "do you really want to hear the truth?" If you ask someone to tell you the truth, why is it when they do, you go into denial upon hearing it? Is it possible that most of us do not even ask for the truth anymore? Let's take going to the doctor for instance, if your doctor tells you the truth about health issues, do you: 1) Take it serious and make lifestyle changes immediately 2) Ignore what the doctor says, or 3) Start making excuses for why you can't or won't make changes? The truth is we must start holding ourselves accountable for the choices we make after we hear truth.
How many times have you heard what the Bible teaches and left church, Bible Study or Sunday school only to return home even more emblazoned to keep living the same way? The truth is that we grieve the Holy Spirit when we hear the truth and "exchange it for a lie" (Rom.1:25) The lives we live demonstrate to God whether or not we really trust His Word as Truth. If we live contrary to His teachings then we send a statement to God that our will for our lives is better than HIS!!
The Bible teaches that "if we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1 John 1:10) We however, must never choose "to continue to sin that grace may abound".(Rom. 6:1) Lying is sin, truth is NOT sin. When we live our lives in the TRUTH of God, we choose not to surrender to the bondage of SIN. That's right, sin is bondage, it keeps us from living righteously in freedom and the opposite of that, is living unrighteously in the bondage of SIN.
If you wonder sometimes why it seems so difficult to live right, check your relationship with God. Have you fully surrendered to His leadership? Or are you still holding on to hurts and issues which do not allow you to live with contentment? It is much more fulfilling to trust Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to give you daily direction.
Be encouraged that Christ died so that all who trust in Him may live eternal and that eternal life begins while you are still here on earth. Why waste a moment of time living a lie when you can live in truth?
How many times have you heard what the Bible teaches and left church, Bible Study or Sunday school only to return home even more emblazoned to keep living the same way? The truth is that we grieve the Holy Spirit when we hear the truth and "exchange it for a lie" (Rom.1:25) The lives we live demonstrate to God whether or not we really trust His Word as Truth. If we live contrary to His teachings then we send a statement to God that our will for our lives is better than HIS!!
The Bible teaches that "if we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1 John 1:10) We however, must never choose "to continue to sin that grace may abound".(Rom. 6:1) Lying is sin, truth is NOT sin. When we live our lives in the TRUTH of God, we choose not to surrender to the bondage of SIN. That's right, sin is bondage, it keeps us from living righteously in freedom and the opposite of that, is living unrighteously in the bondage of SIN.
If you wonder sometimes why it seems so difficult to live right, check your relationship with God. Have you fully surrendered to His leadership? Or are you still holding on to hurts and issues which do not allow you to live with contentment? It is much more fulfilling to trust Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to give you daily direction.
Be encouraged that Christ died so that all who trust in Him may live eternal and that eternal life begins while you are still here on earth. Why waste a moment of time living a lie when you can live in truth?
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