Lisa Buffaloe's Blog, page 8

What if?

Before the sun had risen, I stayed in bed worrying about things that needed to be taken care of, and I also worried about the possibility of a difficult conversation I might need to have with someone. And to top it off, I started worrying about other problems and all the many, many, many problems in the world. The ���what if��� scenarios rolled around in my mind taken away my peace, comfort, and joy.

Then I had a gentle prompt in my spirit to stop worrying about the ���what if��� and remember that whatever happens God is with His children.

Confidence, peace, comfort, and joy, come from our great and awesome God. We need to remember who God is ��� He is all-powerful, almighty, He loves with an unfailing love, He is the God of all comfort, He is always in control, and He promises to never leave or forsake us. We need to also remember if we have Christ as our Savior, we are a child of the King of kings, and oh how He loves His children!

Whatever happens, whatever comes, God is with you through it all.��

���Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice��� (Isaiah 41:10, AMPC).

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Renew the view

Stop the world, I want to get off! Anyone else feel that way? Goodness, it���s crazy out there. People are worried, fearful, and angry, and with the mess of the world it���s easy to get caught up in the messiness.

However, I need to remember to renew the view by viewing from the proper perspective of God���s truth. Jesus prayed, ���Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth.��� ~ John 17:17 (AMP)

We are to be sanctified in God���s truth — set apart, dedicated, holy. As Christians, we are not of this world, our citizenship is in heaven and in that truth we are overcomers, united and grounded in the solid rock of God���s love. ��

We don���t have to fear, because God���s perfect love casts out fear. Although we are subject to government, we need to remember on Whose shoulders rests the government. Pray for those in authority, living lives that show the love of God. Some trust in chariots and horses (political parties), but we can completely trust in the Lord.

Take a deep breath, cease striving and remember God is in control and over all nations. No need to be anxious or worried, God knows what you need and He���s got all you need. Trust in the Lord, He���ll direct your paths. Trust in God, rely on Him, do good, dwell in the land and be faithful. Love one another. Don���t fear, God is with you. Don���t be afraid. Don���t fear men.��Rejoice in the Lord. Rest in the Lord. Trust in the Lord. You are safe forever in God���s loving hands.

Romans 12:2, Philippians 3:20, 1 John 5:4, 1 John 4:18, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, 1 Peter 2:13, Romans 13:1-7, Isaiah 9:6, Psalm 20:7, Psalm 46:10, Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:25-34, Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 37:3, John 13:34-35, Isaiah 41:10, Proverbs 29:25, Philippians 4:4, Psalm 91:1, John 10:28-29

From One Lit Step:�� Devotions for your journey,��http://amzn.to/2FzWR7G

 

 

 

 

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Through the pain

I’ve struggled for years with neck issues. Last week I returned to the surgeon to discuss what could be done. My neck is a mess with some areas collapsed and so arthritic in the lower areas that the discs are starting to fuse together. Nerves are pinched in some areas, squashed in others. The entire neck now curves in the wrong direction. Even though several surgeries could be done, the surgeon doesn’t believe any of them would alleviate the pain.

God can do anything. He can heal. Nothing is impossible for Him. I don’t know His plans, but I do pray for healing. Would you be willing to pray for healing but also for strength to go through whatever is next?

Healing is the goal, however at times we walk through hard things. Sometimes, healing doesn’t come until we are in heaven. Sometimes, life hurts.

Many of you are going through health issues, the loss of loved ones, and a myriad of difficulties. God promises, ���When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you��� (Isaiah 43:2, NASB).

God is with you through the hard things, through the pain, and through the tears of loss. He is the God of all comfort, and His mercies are new every morning. Even when things look hopeless, God���s hope never fails. Hold on to Him, for His loving and tender arms will never leave or forsake you. One day, all pain will be gone, all tears dried, all questions answered, and our true life will begin in joyful eternity.

���Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you��� (1 Peter 1:3-4, NASB).

���And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ���Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, ���Behold, I am making all things new.��� And He said, ���Write, for these words are faithful and true.������ (Revelation 21:3-5, NASB).

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Longing for Heaven

My sweet Mom passed away September 23rd. In the last six years, we have lost five family members to death. How grateful I am that God is the merciful God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3). God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow] (Psalm 147:3, AMP).

We mourn because we miss our loved ones, yet we have the reassurance that our earthly loss is their heavenly gain. Jesus said, ���In My Father���s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be��� (John 14:2-3, NASB).��Jesus Christ has prepared in His Father���s house an eternal custom-made place for those who follow Him as Savior. And, ���God has given no promise that He will not redeem. He does not offer hope that He will not fulfill.��� ~ Charles Spurgeon

We have the comfort knowing our loved ones who love the Lord are in Heaven with God. We can���t imagine the beauty and joy they are experiencing for all eternity. For just as it is written: ���Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the human heart, All that God has prepared for those who love Him��� (1 Corinthians 2:9, NASB).

���Heaven is not the best the world has to offer. Heaven is the best God has to offer. ��� Heaven is the place of supreme beauty because perfection is there. The perfect God, the God of unqualified beauty — He is there, and heaven is going to be beautiful.���- A. W. Tozer

I miss my family, yet one day we will again be together in the joyful, beautiful presence of our amazing God and Savior.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? There are a million roads but only one leads Home to Heaven — Jesus is The Way, the Truth, and the Life and no one comes to our Heavenly Father but through Him (John 14:6). ���For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life��� (John 3:16, AMPC).

If you have questions about Jesus Christ and are longing for the reassurance of heaven, please link to��� https://peacewithgod.net/ or https://lisabuffaloe.com/good-enough-for-heaven/

Tozer, A. W., Delighting in God

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Keep working

Labor day is over and work begins again.

The hard work you do, the sacrifices you make, the constant giving of yourself and your skills, aren���t noticed. The accolades don���t come, your passed over for the promotion, the family doesn���t seem to care, and no one appears to understand how hard you work. Even God seems distant. Working. Is. Hard. Shouldn���t they, and shouldn���t He, reward you? Shouldn���t you at least get a ���thank you��� or a pat on the back? It���s hard to keep working when no one seems to notice. It���s hard when the reward we thought we would get never comes to fruition.

When those questions and doubts attack, I wonder am I working for the praise of man or for God? Pleasing people is a trap, a snare. Working for the praise of man is an empty void that can never be filled, like trying to fill a cup with holes in the bottom. If I work to satisfy my fleshly desires, to please others, to attain earthly treasure or earthly praise, all I���ve accomplished is temporary. Only Kingdom treasures are eternal treasures.

When I feel like giving up, I need to get my mindset back on God, on His purposes and His Kingdom. When I work for Him, keep my eyes on Him, then work is pleasure. Then, work becomes a blessing as I work to bless The One who has eternally blessed me.

To keep my thoughts on the right track, to get back on my feet, and my hands steady to stay at the work I believe the Lord has called me to complete, I run to God���s Word. The Bible gives truth to replenish the weary soul and courage to continue.

Even when no one notices, remember God sees what is done in secret and will reward you. When it���s hard, keep working, don���t grow weary in doing good and remember even those who sow in tears will reap with joyful shouting (Matthew 6:4, Psalm 126:5, Galatians 6:9).

Even when you are under attack from the enemy, remember God��is faithful, He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

Stop paying attention to people and working to please others, don���t fear them, listen to God, He provides��comfort, protection, and is��faithful to help you complete the work He has given you. Don���t work for selfish reasons and empty conceit, work��for God���s interests and the interests of others. Walk in a manner worthy of your calling, keep your hand on the plow and run the race to win the prize (Isaiah 2:22, John 12:43, Isaiah 51:7, Isaiah 51:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:3-4, Ephesians 4:1, Luke 9:62, 1 Corinthians 9:24).

Remember, you are God���s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand. You are seated in the heavenly places, therefore, work for the kingdom of God. Work for God���s glory shining your light for His glory to please Him. Work with God, work for The Eternal for eternal purposes and eternal reward (Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 2:5-7, Matthew 5:16, 2 Corinthians 5:5-6, 2 Corinthians 6:6, 1 Corinthians 3:13-14).

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who doesn���t need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. God gives us victory through Jesus Christ. Don���t be moved. Always be outstanding in your work for God. Remember always, your labor for the Lord is never in vain. Keep working, friends. Keep working! (2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

���Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don���t squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, ���I heard your call in the nick of time; the day you needed me, I was there to help.��� Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don���t put it off; don���t frustrate God���s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we���re doing. Our work as God���s servants gets validated���or not���in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we���re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we���re telling the truth, and when God���s showing his power; when we���re doing our best setting things right; when we���re praised, and when we���re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all. ��� I can���t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn���t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren���t small, but you���re living them in a small way. I���m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!��� ~ 2 Corinthians 6:5-13 (MSG)

Adapted from We Were Meant for Paradise,��https://amzn.to/2PC9f7L
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Emphasis added on scripture.
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Treasure hunt

A missionary mentioned in her writings that she had an ���object service��� for children. The kids were to bring an object (or make an object) that had been mentioned in the Bible and also bring the corresponding verse. Such as…

Bread — John 6:35 ��� Jesus is the Bread of Life.
Grapes ��� Numbers 13:23 ���The Israelite spies carried a cluster of grapes between two poles because the grapes were so big.
Thorns ��� Mark 15:17 – Jesus wore the crown of thorns.
Grass — Isaiah 40:8 ��� ���The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.���
Stones — Luke 19:39-40 When the Pharisees told Jesus to quiet the people who were praising Him, ���Jesus replied, ���I tell you, if these stop speaking, the stones will cry out!������
Seeds ��� Matthew 13 — The parables of Christ about seeds.

Wonderful object lessons are found throughout the Bible. What if we started thinking of verses that correspond with what we see? Every day, every moment, would be a treasure hunt for our eyes and a treasure hunt to feed our souls.

An old hymn by Clara Scott gives voice to my prayer��� ���Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me. Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free. Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!���

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Owed and offended

The devil wants people to believe the world, and God, owes them something, and therefore, they have the right to be offended. Satan wants people to think God is uncaring, insensitive, unaware, distant and is holding out on them. The more the enemy can keep people feeling owed and offended, the more people are provoked. Negativity and offenses spread like wildfire by the pit of hell to send as many as possible to the pit of hell.

The enemy spends his time wreaking havoc in the world, abusing, terrorizing, putting out negative news about the terrible things the devil does, then pointing to God that it���s all His fault.

Anything that causes you to feel owed and offended, did not come from God. If you are a Christian, you are safe from hell, but the enemy can make you think you live in hell on earth if you don���t keep a heavenly perspective. If you are going to think about anything, share anything, ponder anything, let it be God���s truth. Stand on the solid foundation of God���s truth. God���s Word is truth and His truth sets you free.

Don���t let the sun go down on your anger, trust that God knows and will repay evil. Everything done in the dark will be exposed in the light. ���Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ���Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,��� says the Lord.��� ~ Romans 12:19 (NASB)

Forgive. Forgiveness is a gift for yourself, take it, accept it, use it, and live free! ���For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins.��� ~ Matthew 6:14-15 (NET Bible) ���Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.��� ~ Ephesians 4:32 (NASB)

Don���t allow being offended ruin you or anyone else around you. ���Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God���s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it.��� ~ Hebrews 12:15 (AMPC)

Drop your offenses at the foot of the Cross where your debt was paid and all your offenses were forgiven. Live free, unoffended, knowing the Lord is generous, kind, compassionate, loving, and eternally takes care of His children.

Remember, whatever your need God ���will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.��� ~ Philippians 4:19 (NASB) And, what you sow for God���s kingdom will be eternally rewarded in God���s kingdom. Don���t grow weary in doing good, your reward will come.

Therefore, ���live lives [of honor, moral courage, and personal integrity] worthy of the God who [saves you and] calls you into His own kingdom and glory. As Jesus said, ���Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. ��Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.��� ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:12 (AMP), John 13:34-35 (NLT)

���So let���s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don���t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.��� Galatians 6:9-10 (MSG)

(Emphasis added on scripture)

Adapted from Present in His Presence, https://amzn.to/3QInS9G

 

 

 

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God waits

During a morning walk, I thought of a wicked person who has been in power for decades, and I wondered why God had not removed them from that position (and to be honest, I wanted them removed from the earth). God gently reminded, ���The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people���s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance��� (2 Peter 3:9, AMPC, emphasis added).

God also knows that removing someone too early from this earth can hinder others. Jesus told the parable of a farmer who sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat. When the plants sprouted and produced grain, then the weeds also appeared. The servants asked the farmer if they should pull out the weeds. The farmer told them to wait because when ���you gather up the weeds, you might also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At harvest time I���ll tell the reapers: Gather the weeds first and tie them in bundles to burn them, but store the wheat in my barn��� (Matthew 13:24-30, HCSB).

I asked for the Lord���s forgiveness for my thoughts about that person. I need to trust God even when evil people seem to prosper and evil seems to win. There are more souls at stake than I can conceive. Only God knows a person���s heart and if they will repent and come to Him for salvation.

When Saul was persecuting and murdering Christians, how many prayed for his destruction? How many didn���t understand why God would allow such a horrible man to continue persecuting the early believers? Yet, when Saul became a Christian and became Paul, how many lives have been saved because of Paul’s testimony and writings?

Later, when Paul was on a ship being destroyed by a storm, ���the soldiers��� plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land��� (Acts 27:42-43, NKJV, underline added). How many prisoners who were kept from death that day came to know the Lord as Savior? When one is saved, many more may be saved.

Heavenly Father, help me to trust in Your timing and Your ways. Only You know the big picture, the future, and all that is at stake. Thank You that Your tender, gracious, merciful love continues to call to those who are lost. I pray that You would bless that person with salvation and that many would see and also be saved. I ask these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our Savior. Amen.

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The Discovery Chapter – Free Days

Free days on Amazon for The Discovery Chapter (Hope and Grace Series – Book 4)��

Fiction came easy for Susan LeClaire. Working on her manuscripts gave her a safe place to bare her soul and write the true-life wrongs done to others. Keeping God at arm���s length, her author���s name merely an alias, Susan lived hidden in plain sight while the secrets in her own life stayed concealed.

Three years have passed since Steve Smith gazed into Susan���s beautiful face. As the opportunity came for them to meet again, he wondered how she was, and if she had healed from what she���d gone through.

As secrets are uncovered, Susan���s past collides with her future. What will the cost be to find the truth? Will those discoveries bring healing and help her step into the next chapter of her life, or will she be trapped forever in the pain of her past?

#Free on #Amazon #Kindle through August, 2 to read on your Kindle, e-reader, phone, or computer. Click on the link to buy for 0.00 and order now…. https://amzn.to/3cWFmjy

“WOW! This book blew me away! Not only does it have an awesome story, the messages given throughout are messages for the heart. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more by this author!” ~ Amber

“I believe I have read all of Lisa’s novels and I am never disappointed. I downloaded this one just a few hours ago with the plan to read the intro and then come back to it another day. Didn’t happen. I got sucked in and carried away as page after page of God’s truth influenced the characters and me. I mean, who takes notes in fiction! More than a great story, The Discovery Chapter is an invitation to discover the goodness of our Creator and who we could be if we surrender to Him.” ~ Dutchess Horton

It’s personal

Some see God as sitting in the heavens watching from afar, yet God is compassionate, merciful, tender-hearted, and personally cares for each of His children.

Your salvation is personal, and God���s care is personal, ���thus says the Lord, your Creator, ��� He who formed you, ��� ���Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior������ (Isaiah 43:1-3a, NASB). ���Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand��� (Isaiah 41:10, NASB).

God is with��you, He will strengthen you, He will help you, He will uphold you. God is El Roi���the God who sees. God sees��you. No one may seem to notice you. No one may see your brokenness as you sit in the dust of past failures, past sins, or past difficulties. No one knows your silent pain, your deepest needs and longings. No person may know the battle you are going through right now, but God does. He sees you. He knows your heart. He cares for you. ���Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for��you��will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on��you��� (Isaiah 54:10, NIV).

Therefore, ���Be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might��� (Ephesians 6:10, AMP). ���Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go��� (Joshua 1:9, NASB). ���Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread ��� for it is the Lord��your��God who goes with��you. He will not leave��you��or forsake��you��� (Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV).��

God���s unfailing love, peace, and compassion are always with you. God loves you.��Rest in God’s personal love and care.�����Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29, AMPC).

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