Saturday, May 30, 2015

Non-debatable

If you are looking for the posts about
God's Amazing Blessing
Announcement—I'm moving!
here's the link to the first Part: 
Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.
There are 10 parts in all. 

 _______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians. 

For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature]. Colossians 2:9 (AMP)
This word "dwelleth" notes out to us the joining together of those natures, so that God and man, is one Christ. These words declare that the perfect Godhead is in Christ. The union of God and man, is substantial and essential. Geneva Study Bible
Paul states emphatically, that JESUS is God. Jesus was not merely a "good man"—rather He is God. That is vital because only a perfect, holy, sinless sacrifice could be accepted for our sins. 

The truth that Jesus is God is non-debatable. It's Truth. Oh, I know that people debate it and say that Jesus was just a "good guy". However, the standard for Truth is God. God made it very clear that Jesus is God. 

Throughout the entire time Jesus was on earth, His actions, words, His entire being declared Him to be God. The miracles He did. The Truth He taught. 

Being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), begins with understanding and believing that Jesus is God. 

Friday, May 29, 2015

Dazzle Me

If you are looking for the posts about
God's Amazing Blessing
Announcement—I'm moving!
here's the link to the first Part: 
Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all. 

 _______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians. 
See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy andintellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah). Colossians 2:8 (AMP)
Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. (Col 2:8 MSG). 
Again Paul warns the believers to not be caught up with what men are saying (see, Col 2:4). I like how the Message translated it: "dazzle you with big words." This is ever so present in our World today. Men are saying that the "Bible needs to be re-written because times have changed." Men changing the text of the Bible or ignoring parts of the Bible, because it doesn't fit their ideas. 

On the surface ideas may sound good. But remember, it's not about what SOUNDS GOOD, it's about GOD'S TRUTH. And no matter how much "times change" or how much we "like what we hear"—the fact remains that God does not change and He is the standard by which Truth is determined—for HE is TRUTH. 

It's easy to justify sin and actions by ignoring the Truth and "re-writing" the Truth so that it fits a specific agenda. However, disregarding the Truth does not change the fact the Truth remains! There are consequences for ignoring the Truth. There are consequences for sin. 

How do I know what is Truth and what just "sounds good"? Study God's Word—all of it, not just a verse you find that you can "make fit" your idea. Compare Scripture with Scripture. Learn. Ask God to teach you and show you His Truth as you study HIS WORD. 

If I want to guard against believing those who dazzle me with good sounding words, I must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG). 

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Announcement Part 10—I'm moving!

Announcement Part 10—I'm moving!


Announcement Part 5— I'm moving! Announcement Part 6— I'm moving!



The Inspection report was reviewed. A few things needed to be addressed in the near future (exterior painting, etc) but overall the house was fine. 

Stop. Pause. What? Does that mean that I'm a homeowner? I have responsibility? YES!!! Closing is scheduled for June 16! 


Remember how I said that

God is a God of details? 
Here's my list from Part 4: 
  • 3 Bedrooms — a need. A bedroom for me, and one for my parents and the 3rd would be a study for my Dad. 
  • Walk in shower — a need. As my parents age, it is safer for them. And in the years to come, it will be easier for me too, with my back and leg injury. 
  • Location — a need. Within my driving distance to Church, Drs, and grocery stores. 
  • No or very small step at the entrances — need
  • Pool — a need, no make that a want. The pool is great therapy for my back/leg. But there are other resources for a pool, such as the local YMCAs.

God provided a home with the following:

  • 2 Bedrooms and a study
  • A walk-in shower
  • Location—perfect! Very close to Church and still close enough to my doctors.
  • Very small step at the entrances.
  • And those wants: wood floors and a lanai, not to mention the fireplace! 



BUT.......

God also provided something else. 




This is a picture of what will be my home, after June 16th. 

See that fence to the left of my home? 

Behind that fence is the HOA ..........pool! 

Yes, that is correct! God not only gave me a wonderful home beyond ANYTHING I could have ever imagined.... He in His graciousness gave me a pool too. And not just a pool, a pool LITERALLY right next door! 

God didn't miss a single detail!
He is so awesome! 

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

I will post pictures of the inside of MY HOME, after June 16th. (Links to the inside of the Castle, are now posted below.)
Please pray with me as I prepare to move and take care of the arrangements that go into owning a home. 
Excited.
By the end of June,
this Princess will be living
in her very own Castle
given to her by the King of kings
located on Kings Crossing! 





If you'd like to see some pictures of the inside of the Castle
visit this link: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-king-of-kings-castle.html

The inside of the Castle has been painted!
http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/06/castle-painted.html

Announcement Part 9—I'm moving!

Announcement Part 9—I'm moving!


Announcement Part 5— I'm moving! Announcement Part 6— I'm moving!



After leaving the "new King" home, a bid price was decided. A call to the realtor with the offer. Then the waiting began. 

There are multiple offers, want to raise your bid? Yes, this is my highest offer. And more waiting. 
Then word came that a meeting was going to take place to review the bids. More waiting. 

In my mind, I kept going over the details. Compared to the other houses I THOUGHT were perfect.... this one was BEYOND perfection! 

But I knew that although I saw PERFECTION, God knows the details of the house, the details of my future, and He knows if this house is  "The One." I had to simply wait upon Him. 

Then word came..... you are the high bidder... BUT. 
My heart sank. Another "BUT"! However, I listened to the words AFTER the BUT. There was a request of the homeowner, would I allow it? 
Yes, it would be allowed—with a condition. Would the homeowner accept the condition? 

More waiting. 
No, the homeowner would NOT accept the condition, rather she is dropping her request. Therefore, you are high bidder—Period! 

My heart was about to burst! BUT... there was still the inspection. So more waiting and more talking with God about this house. 

The Inspection day arrived. As the inspector was checking things out, he shared some knowledge with me about various things to look for and how to save money on future repairs, etc. Very helpful and great to learn new things. But what I REALLY wanted to know was there anything "wrong" that would prevent the sale of the home?

More waiting.... then the report arrived. And not just a "It's fine or No, it's not fine" report — there was 44 pages of report! That takes a while to read and decipher..... so more waiting. 

Announcement Part 8—I'm moving!

Announcement Part 8—I'm moving!


Announcement Part 5— I'm moving! Announcement Part 6— I'm moving!



I arrived at this new "King" street home ahead of my scheduled appointment time, but the Realtor was there too, so we went into the house.

The first thing I saw was the beautiful wood floors. And not dark wood like the Kingfish house. This was light wood, which I like much better.  
Then I saw it. A beautiful fireplace. Brick and wood all the way up to the vaulted ceiling. Beautiful. 
I looked at the kitchen. A nice breakfast bar, which would provide a nice place for me to stand for my meals while enjoying the company of those in the dinning area. 
Looked out the sliding doors off the kitchen and saw a large beautiful lanai facing a wooded area. 
Walked down the hallway, bath-check. Bedroom-check. 
Walked over to the Master bedroom. Nice and the bathroom had a walk-in shower-check. 

Ok. Stop for a second.......
Bedrooms— 2
Walk-in Shower —yes
Small entrance step —yes
Close to church, Drs, grocery stores — yes
Wood floors (a wish) — yes (and light wood floors!)
Lanai (a wish) — yes
A fireplace (a wish; that I never dreamed possible in FL) — yes

Oh, but remember God is a God of details... NOTHING escapes Him. 
There is also a study in this house! Yes, 2 bedrooms and a study! 

As I'm standing in the middle of this home... my Dream is interrupted.... another realtor has arrived with more people to look at this home. (Remember, how I arrived early? God knew that I'd need more time to look around! His timing is always perfect.) 

I left the home... thinking that this was THE PERFECT HOUSE... but I knew from the lessons learned on the other two "King" homes, that I had to wait upon God for what He would do.
Rhonda saw PERFECT—BUT what did God think? 

Announcement Part 7—I'm moving!

Announcement Part 7—I'm moving!


Announcement Part 5— I'm moving! Announcement Part 6— I'm moving!



So, it was time to renew my apartment lease. What should I do? Following the wise counsel of a friend, I renewed for 90 days since there was no penalty or extra cost. Then at the end of those 90 days, I could see what God wanted me to do. 

On May 6th, I renewed my apartment lease for 90 days. I realized that house hunting would wait for the time being. God had closed—SLAMMED—the doors to each house that I thought was "perfect". 

But I knew that God had a plan. He has never failed me. He loves me. And since He is the King of kings and I am His child, that makes me His Princess! 


Several years ago, when I was looking to buy a new car, God led me to this verse: "The desires of good people lead straight to the best." Proverbs 11:23a (MSG). As I talked the house buying over with God, I knew that in His time, in His way, He would lead me straight to, not just THE best, but HIS BEST. 

On May 8th, I received a notice about a house that fit my parameters. I looked at the listing, and liked what I saw. However, the timing just didn't seem right. But receiving the listing was a GREAT reminder that God has unlimited resources and He will supply the BEST house at the BEST time. 

Even though I thought I was done looking at houses, God knew that I needed to see THIS house. So, God arranged it and on May 9th, I went to take a look. This house was located on another "King" street. 
That caught my attention. What better address for a Princess of the King of kings to live—than on a "King" street. What awesome reminder each time I drive down the road—that God supplied HIS BEST. 

But, I was getting ahead of myself. First, I had to take a look at the house and then see what God does. 

Cause-Effect

As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. Colossians 2:6 (AMP)

Cause-Effect. Having accepted Jesus Christ as THE Lord, then the result should be a life that is lived in accordance with Him and His Word. Sounds simple enough. 

The word for "Walk" means to continue walking; carry into practice the Christ-unified life in your walk. It's a continual action. It's not "I'm saved—period, so I'll live my life as I please." 

If I truly recognize Jesus Christ as THE LORD, the Messiah, the Son of God—then that should have an effect on how I live. 

Unity. One. Not at odds. 

How do I conform to Jesus Christ? How is that unity created? It begins at the moment of trust Jesus Christ as my Savior. Then I am to continue to get to know Christ through reading His Word, so that I can live a life that honors and glorifies God. 

Cause-Effect. To conduct myself in conformity to Christ, I must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Announcement Part 6— I'm moving!

Announcement Part 6— I'm moving!

Announcement Part 5— I'm moving!



As I was struggling to trust God that the "Kingfish" home was Not HIS Best for me, God made sure that I was at church for a service which the song and message were "just for me". 

The Song: "Rejoice in the Lord" by Ron Hamilton

God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the LORD though your testing seems long;
O Rejoice in the LORD
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried
And purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
Pastor Osborne's sermon from Sunday Night, April 26, 2015. 

"We must cultivate a strong desire to go deeper Spiritually.
We must trust God to control the circumstances around us.
God is sovereign.
God is in charge of all things.
God's plan will be done. So trust it.
You don't have to manipulate people, Trust God, love people.
Spend time daily making ourselves beautiful for the King of kings
with spiritual strength, spiritual dignity, and spiritual humility. "


Once I was wiling to give up "Kingfish", God led me to another home on a "King" street.

There were very nice features about this house. It was very close to Church, it had 3 bedrooms, carpet throughout, a small screened in porch, and enough room for my parents and me. No pool, but as I said before, that was a want, because there were other options for a pool. 

Overall this home looked like it was now the "perfect" one. It needed a good cleaning, but other than that, it was move-in-ready. So, placed a bid and waited. 

Could this be THE HOME!?? 

As I waited, I was excited to how close to Church it was. It would allow me to even go home and do a pain treatment between SS and the Morning Services when necessary. And it was still within the driving distance to my Drs. 

I was trying not to "move in" to this home. But in my mind, I thought it was so right. I've said before that I'm not a good 'waiter', but God knows that during the waiting time, He can teach me to trust Him and remember that He makes no mistakes. He knows what is best. 

I finally heard the news on this "King" house.... I was the High bidder! Wow! That's great.... BUT..... 

BUT.... BUT.... BUT..... I don't like that word... BUT... that means a problem. And yes, there was a problem. They could not guarantee a clean title. So, the answer was "No, thank you". And there went another "perfect" house. 

Back to house hunting. I was having trouble understanding what God was doing. First, "Kingfish"—a pool but not enough rooms, then this "King" home—enough rooms, but no pool. 

Perhaps it was time to step back and take a break from house hunting. It was time to renew my apartment lease and maybe waiting until next year to pursue  buying a house is the best plan. 

Announcement Part 5— I'm moving!

Announcement Part 5— I'm moving!


If you missed parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 you can find them here:

The house hunting continued, and God was busy teaching me many things. The most important is to fully Trust God. God is GOD! He is the one who is making the entire house buying a possibility. This is only possible because of what God is doing—not Rhonda. 
I was overwhelmed by God's blessing and generosity. God was blessing me in a huge way. 

Trust. That can be an easy word to say, but such a hard action to really practice.

As I continued discussing the house hunting with God, I continued to focus on the fact that God KNOWS my needs. That fact would give me the confidence to let God lead and direct me to the home of HIS choosing—I only needed to fully trust God—period.

If I picked a home—I would be choosing one for what I WANT RIGHT NOW—not for what the needs are years from now—for I do not know the future. 

To be honest as I continued house hunting, I continued to ask God, "Why didn't you give me that home on Kingfish?" It seemed so "perfect". Yes, I know it only had 2 bedrooms, and the bathroom needed work... but I would have made it work.
Notice that "I would have made it work"? Not that I'd let God make it work, or that I would trust God to supply a home. God closed the door to "Kingfish". And I needed to trust that God in His wisdom had a good reason for doing so. 

God continued to work in my heart and I finally was willing to surrender and truthfully say, "Yes God, YOU know best and will supply the PERFECT home in accordance with Your wisdom and in Your timing. I will trust YOU." 

Once I was wiling to give up "Kingfish", God led me to another home on a "King" street. 

Steadfastness

For though I am away from you in body, yet I am with you in spirit, delighted at the sight of your [standing shoulder to shoulder in such] orderly array and the firmness and the solid front and steadfastness of your faith in Christ [that leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. Colossians 2:5 (AMP)

Steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 
Steadfastness: unwavering, adherence, faithfulness, determination, fortitude, moral fiber, resolve, tenacity

As I studied this verse, I couldn't have explained the truth better than John Gill's did here: 
and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ;
either in the grace of faith, and the exercise of it on Christ, in opposition to doubtings and unbelief; whereby God is honoured, and with which he is well pleased; souls are filled with peace and joy; Satan is resisted and overcome; and the hearts of others, particularly ministers of the Gospel, are comforted: or in the doctrine of faith respecting Christ, in which they stood fast; notwithstanding there was a majority against it, the wise and learned, the rich and mighty, did not receive it; and though it was opposed by false teachers, persecuted by profane men, and loaded with reproach and obloquy; and also in the profession of it, which they held without wavering: now to see a set of Christians, a church of Christ walking together in Gospel order, steady in their faith on Christ, abiding by the doctrine of faith, and maintaining an honourable profession, how beautiful and delightful is it! John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

What a great testimony... steadfastness of your faith, whereby God is honored, and with which he is well pleased; souls are filled with peace and joy. 

And that is only possible, when hearts are permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG). 

Monday, May 25, 2015

Announcement Part 4— I'm moving!

Announcement Part 4— I'm moving!




The thought of buying a home was overwhelming. The cost, the responsibility, the cost. Yet, all I could hear from God was,
"Chill Rhonda, I have it under control." 
God

And as I stopped to think of all God has done for me, especially over the past 14 years since my initial back injury—I knew several things:
  • 1. God is faithful.
  • 2. God has unlimited resources.
  • 3. God is VERY creative in supplying all my needs.
  • 4. God is a God of details. Nothing escapes His attention. 
  • 5. God knows my needs today, tomorrow, and in the future. 
  • 6. God loves me.
  • 7. God is trustworthy. 
  • 8. God has blessed me abundantly in the past, and if He chooses, He can do it again. 
  • 9. God gives wisdom and will guide me in making the right decisions. 
  • 10. God will never abandon me.

So, as I continued to pray about the home that God would provide, I thought though my needs and wants. 
  1. 3 Bedrooms — a need. A bedroom for me, and one for my parents and the 3rd would be a study for my Dad. 
  2. Walk in shower — a need. As my parents age, it is safer for them. And in the years to come, it will be easier for me too, with my back and leg injury. 
  3. Location — a need. Within my driving distance to Church, Drs, and grocery stores. 
  4. No or very small step at the entrances — need
  5. Pool — a needno make that a want. The pool is great therapy for my back/leg. But there are other resources for a pool, such as the local YMCAs. 
After seeing the home in Part 3... I had a few wishes
  1. I really liked the idea of wood floors. Vacuuming carpet is a pain for me literally. But, most homes in the price range I was considering had carpet. 
  2. I liked the lanai. A great place to enjoy the outdoors protected from bugs.
So the hunt for a home continued, and I needed to remember God's message: "Chill Rhonda, I have it under control." 



Click here for Announcement Part 5—I'm moving!

Announcement Part 3— I'm moving!

Announcement Part 3— I'm moving!

If you missed parts 1 and 2, you can find them here:





As I was looking for a home to rent, there were some things which I wanted: 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, small or no steps, and a walk-in shower.

God led me to a home which I fell in love with.... hard wood floors, beautiful kitchen, lanai, and it had a neighborhood pool.... BUT it only had 2 bedrooms and the shower although "walk-in" would need a bit of work. BUT it had a neighborhood POOL!

As I was working on the details to rent, I learned that the HOA required the homeowner to live there, no renting. Ok. Step back and evaluate. God in His provision and wisdom said, "Put an offer to buy, so I did." And waited.

Although I loved the home... it had a neighborhood POOL... it did not have the 3 bedrooms which would allow for a study for my Dad. God in His great wisdom, shut this door—I was outbid. 

I was disappointed, but knew that I could trust God with the needs and He really knows best. I went back to praying and researching other pool options and found that yes, the local YMCAs had pools.
The search for a home continued... only now, I was looking to.... are you ready for this????......buy a home, rather than rent. 

God has a way of changing our plans and teaching us to trust Him with all the details. And I was excited to see what God had planned in providing a home for me and my parents. 



Announcement Part 2— I'm moving!

Announcement Part 2— I'm moving! 



As I said in Part 1—I'm moving. The original plan was to move into a 2 bedroom apartment as my parents come to live with me. But God had some different in mind! 

God presented the possibility of renting a home for as long as my parents and I needed it. Then after God called them Home, I'd move back into an apartment. Wow, that would provide more room for us. However, I did have to realize that "my pool" would probably not be possible. Therefore, I started praying and researching to see what other options God would make available for access to a pool. 

There were several homes that would be possibilities.... However, God had something totally different in mind than just renting a home. 

Click here for "Announcement Part 3—I'm moving!" to hear more of God's amazing blessing!


Announcement Part 1— I'm moving!

Announcement Part 1— I'm moving! 


Yes, I'm moving. I'm staying in Winter Haven, just moving to another section of town. In fact, I'll be closer to my church, so that will be very nice. 

When I moved down here, I knew in time, that my parents and I would be moving in together, so that I could help take care of them as needed. We decided to make that move while they are still able to do things for themselves, so that when they need help, I'm nearby. 


The original plan was to rent a 2 bedroom apartment in my current Apartment Complex. But God had something different in mind. 

Stay tuned for the place God picked for me and my parents to live.