Good morning and happy Monday my bloggy friends! All my excitement on Friday was over a date with my hubby and what a great date we had. It started about 5:30 on Friday evening and didn't end until about 5:00 Saturday evening. It is so refreshing to have the opportunity to spend that much quality time together - it happens so rarely, but when it does, we treasure every moment. What have you been doing to connect more with your spouse? Remember, after God, our marriage is our #1 responsibility - yes, even before the kids!!

We are in the midst of membership class at our church (http://www.pontiacbible.org/) and each week we have memorized a new Scripture. For this week, we will memorize 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Sometimes, we may only think of the "big" sins (murder, adultery, stealing) when we read about being tempted but have you been tempted to fear, worry, gossip, think or say negativity, feel hopeless, etc. lately?

You and I are not alone. We may feel alone, but that is only another lie from satan. Not only have other people felt every feeling you are experiencing, but Jesus has too. Jesus' emotions were the same emotions we have. He felt everything we feel but He did not sin. He was able to keep His emotions in check with God because of His relationship with His Father.

As humans, we are selfish and sinful. No matter how hard we try, we will eventually mess up but the sweet truth is that Jesus understands what we are going through.

Although God allows satan to tempt us, He is still in control. He gives us a way out. Just like Jesus, we can keep ourselves in check through our relationship with God. When you are tempted are you looking for the way out or feeling like their isn't one?

God's Word is true - there is a way out - there is another path. Ask God for directions.

Have a great day
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

Seconds after I posted this blog I read a devotion put out by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Do you think God is trying to tell me something???
I Know How I Designed It
6 Apr 2009Van Walton"…we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus…" Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)My amazing husband can do anything. He's a fix-it man. There isn't anything he can't repair or create. He rebuilds damaged computers for family and friends, repairs weed eaters and garage door openers for neighbors, and rescues broken furniture from trash heaps. Recently he brought a chair home from a dinner party. It wasn't a gift and we didn't steal it. Someone sat in it and broke it!After two days of taking the chair apart - performing what looked like orthopedic surgery to me, you know when pins and screws are inserted to keep bones and joints from further damage – followed by a little gluing, sanding, and staining, the chair looked brand new."Wow!" I said, impressed."Sit in it and rock back," he encouraged."Rock back? I don't think so! What if I break it?""Oh, believe me. You won't.""How do you know?" I asked, not convinced."I know how I designed it. I know the pressure points and how much stress it can take" he responded with a smile of confidence. "Go on. Sit in it and rock back."I sat down and rocked back.The chair was solid. I don't care who sits in it, or how they land in it now, it will not break.I think about the times we don't believe we can handle any more stress. The pressure seems overwhelming and we cry, "Time out! I can't take any more!"God responds, "Trust me. You will not be destroyed. I know your pressure points. I know how much stress you can take. I know how I designed you."I cannot describe the peace I felt when I related the work of my husband's hands to the work of God's hand.Of course He knows how much I can take. After all He is my Creator, the one who bent down by the river and fashioned me with His hands. He's the one who knit me together in the depths of my mother's womb, the one who is called the Potter.He knows the exact temperature needed in the kiln to create the perfect clay vessel. He knows how hot the fire must be to separate the dross from the silver and gold. He knows how much pressure a diamond or emerald must withstand in order for it to come forth solid and brilliant. He knows how long the irritant must sit in an oyster before it becomes a pearl.My Father knows exactly how much I can take. He knows because He designed me. With that realization I am able to trust Him and smile at the future, no matter how hard life is today.Lord Jesus, You are the Carpenter. You know exactly how to build a piece that will withstand pressure and stress, a work of art that will not easily crumble. You created me the same way. Rather than tremble in the fac e of despair, help me trust in Your design. In Jesus' Name, Amen.