Reinforcement Needed

You asked what has changed in our heart and action since coming to Christ. My life is totally changed. I want to please God. It is kind of funny for me how this devotion came right at this time, maybe in God's timing I would say.
My family is not happy with the change the older they get, the more they fight against the change.
The only way I am seeing it, is if your life looks and is different from the "normal" way, people will fight against it.
I have a very hard time with the family fighting against it.
My prayer is that I hold on strong to God and His ways.
I am here to please God.

Anybody with advise?
I am going to wait upon the Lord.

Since I was saved, I think everything in my life has changed, although to the casual observer, it might not appear that way. I think the way I view/cope with different situations has radically changed. I used to be plagued with anxiety and fear, but God has helped me to trust Him and know that He is always with me. (That's just one example--there are many more--too many to relate in a blog.)

Anonymous, I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulty with your family. I want you to know that I am praying for you, too. My prayer is that you will continue to walk with the Lord, as He has His plan for you and will answer your prayers in His way and time. I hope it helps to know that there are others out here who care.

My comment is: What stood out to me is how the blessing is repeated where the younger son receives the blessing as if he is the firstborn. Something to look closer at.

Anonymous, Please be encouraged by the story of Jacob's family. There was not always peace in that family either, but God used them for his glory. It is always darkest just before the dawn. You are doing the godly thing by waiting on the Lord. Ask God to love your family through you. I was saved at a very young age so I cannot see contrast in my life but I agree with Jacob "...God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil..." has made all the difference.

It is so refreshing to read these daily devotionals and people's comments. It makes me realize that I am not alone in my closet; especially as I meditate on the Word and focus on other people's life experiences. I am a divorcee, with two adult children and now reside with my mother. I am an epileptic and unemployed. The problem though is the relationship between my mother and I. She is over-protective; very controlling and I feel frustrated. I feel humiliated sometimes. I have sought the Lord about how to handle the issue, as I get very defensive - having been in control of my own affairs for years. What I am happy for, though, is to be a part of P4 - I tell others about this wonderful group of believers. I'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much.

Gayle,
Thank you so much:)
Thank you for your prayers.
Yes, it means so much to know there are other people who care and are praying, God is GOOD. Thank you so much for your kindness.

Bea,
Thank you for your encouraging words, thank you for being a good friend to someone you don't even know, thank you:)

You both, have a wonderful day.
God Bless

Sharon,
I will be praying for you.
I know it can be hard between your mom and you.
I just encourage you to remember every day is a new day.
A friend of mine told me one time......This too, shall pass.
Have a good day.

My reinforcement comes from my wife and mainly from other Christian men. Proactively surrounding yourself with positive Christian influences will take you far. I moved recently and I can see such a huge difference just by making this a priority. We all need help sometimes and it gets tough on your own. Eventually Satan will bring you down if you take your eyes off Jesus for just one second. Iron sharpens Iron - surround yourself with other strong Christians.

I wanted to respond yesterday, but was driving all day. Anonymous, and Sharon, Sorry to hear about the family troubles. You are not alone. Many of us have issues with those around us. A couple of things I have learned... Try to be the man or woman God desires you to be. Keep your eyes on the finish line and try to please Christ in each decision you make throughout the day. I believe we can feel the pleasure of God when we are striving to please him. This brings strength in trial. Also, Joel's comments are good. Get involved in the community of faith (your local church). God has not designed us to be islands out there. In fact it is His plan for each believer to be plugged into His institution of the church. We are the family of God and we are here to strengthen and encourage one another. Scope out the godly people and determine to be friends with them. Men with men and women with women. You may have to take the initiative and be a good friend first to them first, but in it you will find much strength.

Thank you Joel and Curt for your comments.
They were very encouraging.

In Answer to Tami's P4 Questions . . .

P4: So where, or from whom, do you get your reinforcement?

Right now, besides God’s Word, just Christian Radio (for which I am EVER so Grateful – I don’t know how I could have lived through the past year, without it). Since moving here, I have tried repeatedly to find fellowship from a church... But once the service is over, everyone’s too busy-busy, they “just don’t have the time.” This has been true in any church I’ve attended, since moving here years ago. What I wouldn’t give to be part of a small group...where we could study, interact, share, pray for, and just care about each other. I’ve even tried to start one – but no one was interested...no one had the time. From what I can see, people just don’t take time to fellowship outside of a church building, anymore. I think it must make God sad.
(Originally, took the time to describe the actual (though surprising & rather unbelievable) Experiences Encountered during these past several years’ “Futile Search for Christian Fellowship” . . . but then, remembered one thing those experiences taught me. . . Nobody would have the time to actually read them. So, to be considerate, edited those out.)

P4: Who can you be an encouragement and reinforcement for this week?

That’s a lot harder than it use to be – when I was always “out-and-about.” Now, I don’t get out much, due to the MS... I used to make it a “mission” to look to “Encourage Anyone Who Crosses My Path” . . . A Few Ways, were: Stopping to engage in conversation, then finish by asking if they had any prayer requests (praying with them right then&there, if possible)(then upon returning to vehicle, write down prayer requests shared, recording in notebook or calendar, for purpose of following up with a phone call, to “check up”—you wouldn’t believe how much that can mean to someone) . . . For a too brief encounter (as in seconds only), I would look for a sincere compliment (no empty flattery) which could be given on their appearance (you might be the only one who noticed!) – the resulting look of appreciation lighting up their face, made me realize I might have just made their whole day (or at least, given them a self-confidence boost). . . If nothing “complimentable” found, just giving out a “Good to See You!” or “Give me a Call and tell me what’s going on in your life!” can help someone feel Cared For, even if for a moment (also, making note in that notebook if someone you encounter has a sad or dejected look, later giving them the gift of a “Check Up Call”). . .For All Those Who you do not know, and only pass them by, a Smile can Go quite a Long Way, to lift their spirits High. . .

(Not sure if I heard that somewhere, or if God just now gave me that to write down…
Either way, let me tell you, it works – you might be the only bright spot in that person’s day!)

P4: How will you go about this important task?

How I did – See above. How will I now? That’s a good question. I would so LOVE to be back in full-time ministry, part-time ministry, volunteer ministry – any kind of ministry. Now, I can no longer do much of anything . . like, be able to work (For Real-- Worked 16+ hrs. daily for the vast majority of my life – believe me, it’s easy to feel Useless when you no longer have any kind of dependable control over your own body), like, no longer being able to get around . . . When you ARE able to freely move about your community, you also have the Capability to be the Lord’s “Helpful Hands” (in my case, people called it “trying to come to everyone’s rescue”)… But I felt the Joy of being Totally in the Lord’s Will, so Privileged that He saw me Worthy of being used as His Vessel – for simple, sharing things like giving a ride, running errands, fixing “handyman” problems, dropping by and visiting with someone depressed, or lonely, or “down and out,” praying, and at times even fortunate enough to lead someone to the Lord (letting the Holy Spirit do the Rest- and Best– a Real, Lasting Change made deep in their Heart) . . . As long as I was Open to the Lord, simply Willing for Him to use me however He saw fit . . . I discovered God so wanted to touch hurting people, He would utilize me if I just made myself Available...
What I’m trying to say, is – If you find yourself currently possessing Good Health, with a competent body . . . Please, make yourself Available to the Lord . . .While you ARE Able . . . You won’t regret it -- Trust one who Knows. . . you will feel No Greater Joy, than When our Lord is doing His Will through you, in His service.