It’s Not Fair! / I never promised you a rose garden

Life is not fair. It is filled with pain and sorrow. You can do everything right and everything can still go wrong. You obey the rules and laws and still be the one to be persecuted while those who break the law get away with it and even prosper. None of this is fair. You believe in God and Jesus is your Lord and Savior but you still suffer. It is not fair. It is not right.

We live in a broken world and there are many who call good evil, and what is evil good. So how do we hold onto faith, and how do we continue to believe in our loving God? You would think that coming into a relationship with Him that our lives would improve, right? Right now your life may be in rubble and you are wondering how could this happen. You have been faithful and obedient yet everything that could go wrong has. A relationship with Christ does not mean a life without trouble. He did not promise you a rose garden in this fallen world. he did tell us in this world we would face various trials and tribulations, and that there would be those would not only hate us but seek to destroy us. So you might be thinking then why bother having a right relationship with Jesus. I will tell you why, we choose this relationship not to escape the troubles in this world but to have the only One who will faithfully stand beside you no matter what you are going through. He will never abandon or reject you, even when fall He will be there to pick you up. He will not condemn you for the wrongs you have committed but love and forgive you, accepting you as you are. He will give you the strength to make it through this life with the promise that this world we live in is temporary and He has gone to prepare a place for us and that He will come back for us.

He did not promise us a trouble free life, but that He will always be there for you no matter your circumstance. He also promised you eternal life for those who believe in Him. Life in this world is temporary, no matter how long your story in this world will be, it will not end with this world but continue through out eternity with Him.

Life in this world will not be fair and like a rose garden life has its’ beauty but it also has thorns. When your faith is tested and you can barely hold on to hope remember that Jesus did not live a trouble free life on this earth. He was rejected, mocked, abused, hated and suffered the cross. He did not have to do this but because he loved us He chose to, so that we are forgiven and have the promise of eternal life with Him. He overcame the grave to give us the keys to life. Hold on and don’t give up, he will see you through this life.

John 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil.

John 15:18-19 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Isaiah 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Prayers Of A Nobody

It has been a few weeks since I last posted here and a lot has happened. Most of you who have been reading my posts know that I have not been able to work since last September because of an injury that happened at work. So I had decided to try and use my down time to do something productive. I began writing ‘Prayers Of A Nobody’. Over the past month I have faced many obstacles due to what I was told a computer error that had terminated both my employment and workers comp claim. Which also interfered with my writing time since my pain level limits my computer and writing time. I am happy to say that with God’s help I endured and not only was reinstated and my medical care has begun again, I was also able to finish writing this short book on prayer.

Now it is not your conventional prayer book and will probably not be accepted by those in the religious field. It is a book for those who feel that they cannot pray. Some feel that they are not good enough and that God wants nothing to do with them. Others may look at the what happens in this world and think if there was a God why is He letting all these terrible things happen. Others are too angry or depressed to pray. The list goes on. This book is for them and for those of us who want to reach out and let them know that God does love them, and He is listening.

This book is raw and filled with emotions that most do understand. The prayers included are not religious but they are real, and from the point of view of people who struggle with pain and suffering. People who feel rejected, unloved, and unwanted. You can find it on Amazon kindle books. Until this Friday June 18th you can get it for free. I hope that many of you will take some time and read it. I am sure there is someone you know who this book may help. Please feel free to share. Thank you and God bless.

Free for until June 18.

Fire and trials

Thanks to all of you who have read my posts, kept me in your prayers and offered words of encouragement and comfort. A couple of the recent comments had reminded me of a word God had given to me some years ago.

A sword when formed the materials chosen are put through the fire, stretched, folded, and hammered. This is done over and over until the blade is formed. The more the blade is folded the stronger it becomes. The part I am focused on today is the fire which inspired by both a recent painting I had posted, ‘Going through the fire’, and a current one that I have been working on for a client, ‘Risen’. Risen is not ye finished and neither are the rest of us. I like to say we are a work in progress and God is not done with us yet. Both paintings represent fire.

Risen unfinished by Julie Sheppard

Through the Fire by Julie Sheppard

First thought of fire you think of destruction. Homes and forests burned to the ground. Getting burned. Yet fire is not just destructive. You cook with fire. Create with it. Fire can be scary but look at Daniel’s friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abed Nego. They refused to bow down to and idol and were thrown into a fiery furnace. They did not burn and they came out not even smelling of smoke. Then think of the Holy Spirit Fire. We grow when we go through the fire. We are refined. We are made stronger. In the painting immediately above I had explained in a previous post. The current painting which is unfinished I will tell it’s story when it is finished. Clay pots are put into kilns and baked. God is referred to as The Potter and we are His clay, to be molded and shaped into vessel He can use. This also means to be made solid we too must go through the fire. I am not sure how long it is going to take for me to finish my current painting but I will post it when it is finished.

Remember His fire will not harm you but make you stronger!

Who is the ruler of this world?

For every believer and child of God, redeemed by the blood of our Savior Jesus, our Lord is Jesus, God Almighty and His Holy Spirit. So the logical answer to the question, “Who is the ruler of this world?” is God.

Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. Why would He have to go to another place if this place is our home? After Jesus had been baptized He went into the wilderness and fasted for forty days. During that time Satan came to Him to get Jesus to bow down and worship him. One of the things he used to try to tempt Jesus with was giving Him all the kingdoms of this world.(Matthew 4:8-10) In John 14:30 Jesus tells us that the the ruler of this world has no power over us.

Now look at Ephesians chapter 6. We are told to put on our armor daily. Do soldiers when they are at home put on their armor/uniforms? Only if they are dressed to go to their base or some other military function, but in their home they dress like everyone else does, because the wars they engage in are not in the home. Yet we as children of God are to put on God’s Holy armor daily. The helmet of Salvation, the breastplate of Righteousness, the belt of Truth, the shoes of the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, and we take up the shield of Faith, and the sword of the Spirit. Our homes are a place of shelter and safety, so why do we have to dress in armor daily? While we live in houses, apartments, trailers, etc… and whether own them,or rent our home, this world is not our home. This is why we must be vigilante and be on guard daily because we are in a way living in the enemy’s camp so to speak. The United States has been criticized for getting involved in wars on foreign soil many times, and for what ever the reasons these wars and battles have gone on we have been told it is to keep us safe here. In a sense that is what is happening with this world and our daily battle. The war is here, keeping the home He is preparing for us safe from the enemy. Jesus is our Commander and Chief, God has His Warring angels, and we are His soldiers. We stand guard, and have watchmen posted and stand in the gap, fighting for and protecting those who cannot defend themselves, because the enemy is out there seeking who he can kill and destroy, and stealing what ever he can. He may be the ruler of this world, but I thank God that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and one day He will return to take us home with Him.

I didn’t write this to cause fear but to give understanding when things keep going wrong in your life. It is not because you have done something wrong or have not done something you were supposed to do. In Ephesians 6 it says that once you have done everything just stand. Remember this no matter what the enemy may have plotted against you, God is always for you. No weapon formed against you will prosper, and the shield of Faith will put out every fiery dart of the enemy. Even if you feel surrounded, do not fear, God has already made a way out for you.

scriptures to read

John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11 / 2 Cor 4:4 / Matt 4:8-10 /John 14:30 / Eph chpt. 6

1 Cor 16:13 / 1 Peter 5:8

Isaiah 43:16 / Ex 14:13-14, 21-22 / Isaiah 43:2

Psalm 118:6 / Psalm 27:1-3 / Heb 13:6 / Isaiah 54:17

January 14, 2021

It has now been a little over four months since I hurt my arm and shoulder at work. I still do not know when I will be able to return to work and waiting for approval to see an orthopedic doctor. It has been difficult not being able to work and still not able to drive. I feel like I have been grounded, and the lack of use of my prominent arm has made being home not being able to do the simplest task aggravating, but I am thankful that God has been with me through it all and He will remain by my side. Through the pain and sleepless nights I have had Him to count on. So today I just want to thank God for His faithful love and that no matter how I may feel I know He loves me.

Days of Noah

Read Genesis chapters 6-8

In the days of Noah God saw that man had become truly wicked throughout the Earth. He was so displeased with man that He had regretted creating him. God had felt that He should destroy all men and even all the creatures because of the wickedness that was covering the Earth by the sins of mankind. But God looked at Noah and Noah had favor in God’s sight so God came up with a different plan. God chose Noah and Noah’s family to build an ark. Not only were they to build an arc, they were to gather the animals throughout the land. God had given Noah warning saying that when the rains would come that he and his family would enter into the ark. And that the ark would carry them safely throughout the storm. The rains came and the Earth flooded. After 40 days of rain the waters did not immediately subside. I’m not quite sure how long it took exactly but one day a dove did return to Noah with a twig from an olive tree. Then Noah and his family and all the creatures within the ark exited.

God is the place of protection we are to seek in the storms in our lives. Listen to His instructions. He is our protector and shelter in the storm. If we abide in Him, He will abide with us. He will never fail you or me.

Agree to Disagree / A thought for the moment, Oct. 28, 2020

With all that is going on in our world, there is much hatred and fighting that nothing is really getting done. I am thinking about 1 Corinthians 13, the chapter of ‘Love’, and how one of the things listed on love, is that Love does not demand it’s own way.

There is a lot of yelling and screaming but nothing is being heard because of all of the noise. I see a world filled with a bunch of children throwing temper tantrums. Basically saying I want what I want, and you are going to give it to me! A good parent would not reward their child by giving into their child’s tantrums. They would discipline their child. Wrong behavior should not be rewarded. Just because you do not agree with the other does not mean that you can bully your way into getting what you want.

There is no true winner in any fight. Both parties get hurt one way or another. Listen to what each other is saying even if you do not agree on what is being said. I can hear a person yelling at me, but that does not mean that I am going to listen to what they have to say because they have screamed their demands at me. I am sorry I am not a soldier and you are not my drill sergeant where I have to do what you yell at me. I am a person who has free will to think for myself and just because I do not agree with you does not give you the right to yell or scream your demands at me. There is a saying you attract more flies with honey than vinegar. You have the right to have your own thoughts and desires, but you nor I have the right to make you think or do as I do. Fighting will never accomplish anything. Sometimes you have to agree to disagree.

I can respect you without having to agree with you. Respect does not mean I even have to like you. It does mean I can exist without doing you harm. I can listen to what you have to say without being offended and raising my voice and slandering you for what you have to say. I should not demand that you agree with me, but show you the respect that will hopefully have you show me the same respect. Instead of getting angry because I do not like what you have said, understand that is your point of view and that I do not have to cuss at you or call you names. Doing that will never get you to listen to me if I did, it would just lead to more fighting.

Jesus taught us to love our enemies. That does not mean we agree with them, but that we give them the love that He gave to us before we even knew Him. A love that none of us deserved. He gave His life to save us while we were His enemy. Through His sacrifice we were given grace, mercy, and salvation. Yet we withhold this grace and mercy from anyone we do not agree with. Forgetting that none of us are truly righteous and that we all sin and are far from perfect. Remember our ways, are not His, and our thoughts are not His thoughts. It is not our way of doing things that we should be seeking but His. He has so much better for us if we would only stop fighting, but listen to Him and love each other as Jesus has told us we should.

Well these are just my thoughts for the moment and you do not have to agree with me or even listen to me, but I pray that you open your hearts and ears to Him and listen to what He is saying.

God bless and keep you in His peace.

Call To Prayer / Praying for peace, when you cannot find it.

In the world today the subject of peace seems to be a foreign concept, that people cry out for, but fight against. Riots and violent protests, are happening so frequently, and at the same time these protests seem to be anything closely related to peaceful. I live in a rural community and protests even made it to a local town square. A group of bikers, stood guard and kept violence from breaking out, without interfering with the protests. A local church even prayed with some of the protestors. A small business was even threatened by ANTIFA. Thankfully do to community protection no harm came to the business owner. Who had been confused why she had been targeted. You will hear at some of these protests people yelling, ‘No justice, no peace’. Our land is filled with hatred and violence. Too many seem to care only for themselves, and do not care if anyone gets hurt. They make demands, but give nothing in return. It is like our nation is being held hostage by fear and hate. Peace seems to not exist here.

Psalm 35:20 For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land.

Jeremiah 8:11 For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

Romans 3:17 And the path of peace they have not known.”

Only in Christ Jesus will we find true peace. The Ho;y Spirit is our Comforter and our Helper. We need to repent and return to God as a nation, so that He can heal and bring peace to this land and its people. Let us pray together for the Peace of our Lord Jesus to flow through out our nation.

John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 4:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Let the love and peace of God flow freely from us all.

PRAY FOR PEACE WITHOUT CEASING!

Call To Prayer / Is It The Least We Can Do?

Many times in the past has my body been laid up because of injury. I finally learned that just because I could not move and do normal daily activities, there was one thing I could still do, and that was pray. It may seem like it is not much, especially to someone who has little to nothing that they can do. Think about the parable of the widow and the two mites.

Luke 21:1-4 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, ² and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.³ So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; ⁴ for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

There were those who judged her, but Jesus sees that she has given all she had. Prayer is important, and right now I have been reminded that my body has it’s current limitations, and I am not able to to the simplest chores and even having difficulty feeding myself, but I can pray. I am not to think less of myself because I cannot labor in the physical, but in the spirit I can do all. Praying not just for my own needs, but for others through out the world and all of the needs of the people in this world.

Now for those who can do more than pray, I pray that you do all that you can, but please do not look down on those who have only prayer to give.

Call To Prayer / Personal request Sept. 2, 2020

I have previously shared a global prayer request for victims of human trafficking. Today I am requesting prayer for myself. Yesterday, for the third time in the past four weeks I have injured my right shoulder while working, I am going to be seeing a doctor today thanks to workman’s comp. Something I would not be able to do if they were not providing the medical care. My request is not only for physical healing and for the extreme pain shooting through my right side which is now effecting my left arm as well, but for my mental state. Pain is a trigger for anger in me. When I am in consistent pain for long enough my thoughts and then my words go to a bad place that I do not like and the I repent a lot! As the saying goes ‘hurt people, hurt people’. Thankfully I am usually alone when I have one of these episodes, but I do not forget what Jesus taught about even thinking of a sin, is to have committed the sin, like hatred being equal to murder. I also think about what Paul said about doing what he knows is wrong and wanting to do what is right. I want to do what is right and not lash out because of my pain. As a woman who God saved from abuse and the long term physical effects that abuse left both my body and mind to heal from I do not want to go back to being the person I was before I let Jesus into my life.