Foundations of Faith 9 part series by Doug Batchelor! (See archives)

Exciting News! Do you want to understand the Bible and find out the real truth about what is happening and how that relates to you? Do You want to know why God has you here on Earth? Do you want to experience joy and fulfillment as you live from day to day? Do you sense that there is far more to life than what you might be experiencing now? If you said yes to any of these questions this series is for you! Make sure to share the link with family and friends! Foundations of Faith 9 part series by Doug Batchelor! You can view it here. If you are reading this post please note that the archives to this series are now available at the link above. Blessings! Leila Rose-Gordon 11-4-17

Why Prayer?

Why Prayer?  The reason we pray is because prayer changes things.  Listen to this discourse on prayer by Doug Batchelor.  I hope you will receive great insight into this important subject, and I hope you will be truly blessed by what you hear.

Here it is: Prayer Changes Things.


Leila Rose-Gordon

It's Your Time for a Breakthrough!

Hello Friends:

I was blessed recently with a Facebook post that I really grabbed hold of and the blessings started to pour in.  I am sharing the post with my readers as well as the poem I wrote that this post inspired.




Here's the poem:

Breakthrough

I wait for my breakthrough

As the sun waits for the morning

As day follows night

It’ll soon be in sight

I try not to be impatient

Not to strain or fret

Not to hold on to doubt

for which I’d regret

Having faith in Jesus

My Savior and Friend

Has helped me through

Every twist and bend

Faith is the key

that unlocks the door

To wonderful surprises

God has in store.

Your breakthrough is near

So be of good cheer

Let faith in God

Banish all fear

Pray and read

God’s word everyday

And live your life

The Overcomer's way!

Copyrighted 10-24-14 by Leila Rose-Gordon. All Rights Reserved

I have waded through many waters

I have waded through the slough of despond.
I have waded through the waters of bitterness.
There have been days when the slime of criticism
caused me to lose my balance completely

Teetering near the edge I have fought the darkness
that threatened to engulf me
and the self doubting that slurped up my
confidence like a starving cat slurping milk

Sometimes I could feel my grip losing hold of reasoning
and clutching onto nameless dread and fear
Swept up in a tornado of hopelessness
and despair

My mind spinning and my heart reeling
from the onslaught of unanswered questions
I have fought like a wildcat to keep
my sanity and hang onto my faith

When silence echoed back and I bit
my lip in sore vexation
When my thoughts were at enmity
with my quest for peace

Tasting on my lips the agony of defeat
I cursed my stubborn refusal
to acknowledge that I had come
to the end of  the road

Never wanting it to be said that faith
had died in me
I faced the hurt of knowing
I toyed with the steely chains
of disbelief

Begging your forgiveness
I acknowledged the pain
you bore for me
and bowed my head in grief

Wading through these murky waters
is not easy to do
and these are not places I care
to visit frequently

Seeing sunlight ahead
I summon my last ounce of strength
Feet heavy as lead I move slowly
purposefully towards the thin ray
of light

Dragging myself out of the murky depths
I grab hold of the vine as I am pulled
up the steep, slippery slope
for what seems like eternity

Then at last I feel solid ground
beneath my feet and I have to
put my hand over my eyes so
brilliant and dazzling
is the light

Safe at last I rest
happy and confident
Basking in love and grace
and yes, somewhat shamefaced.

Leila Rose-Gordon (9-12-14)
(c) 2014 Leila Rose-Gordon All Rights Reserved

Are you haunted by fear? There is hope!

Many are living in fear.  Touched by that knowledge, I have been examining this topic in detail.
Today I would like to share an article with you that I stumbled upon which really resonated with me. I hope you like it but even more, I hope it will help someone who is battling fear.

Take A Step Back, Now Move Forward!

Sometimes we need to take a step back.  You know how it is.  When we are too close to the situation, it is sometimes difficult to understand what God is saying to us.

As we ponder the events in our lives, it really helps if we give them an eternal perspective. When we are caught up in the “moment” it is difficult to think clearly. That is why it is so important to remain closely connected with Jesus.

Jesus gives our lives meaning.  When we live purposefully we remain content and at peace.  There will be times when we lose focus but it is so important to be conscious of what is happening in and around us.

It is so much easier to bounce back when we hold firmly to His hand no matter what happens in our lives. It is so much harder to find our “way” when we leave Him to wander aimlessly.  Sometimes because of pride we do not want to admit to family or friends that we are “lost.”

Friend, try not to go wandering off in the woods by yourself!  Too much precious time is lost that way.  Really, there is nothing new under the sun.  Really, Jesus does know the way better than you do!  A spiritually mature man or woman is one who has learned to lean on Jesus, as only by leaning on Him can you gain true independence, true freedom and a true sense of direction and purpose in life.  This is one of the paradoxes of life.  By leaning on Jesus we become tall and strong.

Jesus already has our lives all figured out.  Remember he was with God from the beginning!  He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.  What better person to place our trust in!

It is so much easier to give him the controls. Show me a strong man and I will show you someone who has learned to trust in God with all his heart, and to lean not unto his own understanding.  Show me a strong woman and I will show you someone who has learned to acknowledge God in all her ways.  

When we allow God to direct our path we gain confidence.  We can move about and complete our daily tasks with the assurance that comes from knowing that we have placed our trust in someone who is all powerful yet who truly cares about us.

So take a step back, then move forward! Ask Jesus to take control of your life today!  Let Him lead you day by day.  Let Him give meaning to your life.  Give Him all your cares and trust Him to guide you each step of the way!

Leila Rose-Gordon

9-22-12

DON'T LET SCAMMERS STEAL YOUR JOY!

Okay world, I just got scammed it seems. I did not spend a dime, but that's not the point! It is not a good feeling when you hear that something you were promoting might be a scam. The site seemed like a good thing, it was also for free, so you know me-I hear about a good thing so I start telling everyone!

Then I go to this site and after reading it I decided I am pulling all my references to this site. Luckily no one would have lost money, but sometimes these scammers take more than that. They take your hopes and your dreams. They take your faith in people and your belief that there are legitimate offers out there that work!

Today I want to beg you, if somewhere in your life you became prey to a scam-don't let it blight you for life! I have met too many people who are crippled today because they got scammed or hurt in some way along life's pathway! Don't you see-they have taken more than your money. You have allowed them to take away your confidence, your hope, that part of you that is like a little innocent child who laughs and plays and runs to strangers with open arms!

Come on now! For 2012 you have to wake up and ask yourself if this is the person you want to be-jaded, tired, depressed, cynical, miserable, antagonistic, a whiner and complainer, who refuses to try anything!

You lost money, you lost your boyfriend, you lost something or someone valuable that belonged to you. But you forgot that the giver of gifts has so much more to give you. If you clench your fist at life how will you be able to receive anything else?

Take me now. I am happy, blissfully happy. I have my share of problems, my share of concerns, my share of bills. Who doesn't? But what else do I have? I have so much to give God thanks for I want to just run out there and shout to the world just how good God is! He woke me up this morning-in my right mind! I did nothing to deserve that. But for grace I would not have made it to 2012.

There are so many people who are less fortunate yet they still smile and they still have joy. Why? It is the Jesus factor. You just can't leave it out of your life, however busy you think you are.

Enough of my preaching. I am just saying-don't let anyone steal the joy that remains in the Lord. Trust Him today. Get up, brush off yourself and keep going! Leave the problems to God and watch Him transform your life.

Have a blessed day!

Leila Rose-Gordon

Come Home! Tarry no longer!

It is a new year! Yet some people are already treating it like the old. They find it so hard to shake off the past. They can scarcely hope in new beginnings. They feel they have gone too far, fallen too low, sunk too deep.

For others, they didn't plan to start off the new year badly. But towards the end of 2011 they experienced some type of loss-the illness or death of loved ones, financial failure, divorce, separation, estrangement, unemployment, or some devastating news.

My prayer for you, whoever you are, is that you will try the God of new beginnings. Truly His grace is sufficient, whatever ails you! But you cannot experience it unless you give over the controls of your life to Him. Simply ask Him to take over, to lead, to guide. He truly knows what is best for your life!

There is nothing in your life that is too complicated for Him to handle, or to fix. You see, you can never catch Him by surprise, for when He sent His only begotten Son 'Jesus' and Jesus laid down His life for your sins, He saw all your possible 'circumstances', but chose to die anyway! He died so that you might live! He died so that you could have eternal life-and that includes joy and peace forevermore!

It does not matter how messed up you are, or how lost you feel-He can restore you, if you are willing. Do not delay any longer! Come Home! Taste and see that the Lord is good!

Leila Rose-Gordon
1-3-2012

You can conquer this mountain!

The new year has started and some of us took a big leap of faith and started off with a bang, trying new things, taking bigger risks, forging new links, new friendships, starting new ventures.

A little scary, isn't it? But it sure beats straddling the fence waiting for something to happen. The status quo does not change without effort on our part. We have to step out in faith-walk on the water so to speak, answer the call and walk, not looking at what we can do, but on what God can do!

Truly, without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is our acting as if God is in charge of our lives and we are following His lead. Doubt and fear is our cowering from life, convinced that God has left us alone to our fate, whatever that may be.

In 2012 I challenge all of us to move mountains with the little faith we possess. Let us remove the mountains of fear and doubt that block our path to success. Let us remove the mountains of negative thinking and fear of the unknown that hold us back. Let us remove the mountains of unbelief and cynicism that have shackled us for so long. Let us take the leap of faith now. Let us take up the challenge and move forward, confident that God is leading us and will never leave us!

I do not know what is your particular mountain that you are standing and gazing at. But you will not accomplish anything if you just stand there gazing upward. You have to act in faith. Start climbing. Even if you fall back a little. Rest if you must, but keep on climbing. Some are behind you. You give them courage when you keep moving. Take courage from those who are ahead.

I am confident that you will conquer your mountain when you move forward in faith. As you climb, stop often and help someone who is weary, or faint, or struggling in some way. Pause often to look at the view, and maintain your true perspective.

As you climb, leave markers so others will know that you passed that way and so receive comfort and reassurance as they too toil upwards.

Finally, when you reach the mountain peak, sit for a while, and give thanks. Revel in the moment, but not for too long. Do not forget that the challenge continues. The valley is beautiful, but remember there are other mountains waiting for you to climb.

To your success in 2012 and beyond!

Leila Rose-Gordon
1-2-2012

A song of hope after 9/11

Where were you on that fateful day? We will never forget-we should not forget-as this day reminds us of the utter depravity of man, and at the same time, man at his best in the love, courage, and faithfulness also displayed on that day and many days hence. Many of us have also had our private moments of utter despair. Through it all, remember there is one who cares, who paid it all on Calvary's cross so we could have back everything that we lost. Peace to one and all! This song by Ben says it all: Leila Rose-Gordon 9-20-11

Don't worry-be happy!

Let this text comfort you daily, more and more as you see the day approaching: Phillippians 4:6,7& 8 (KJV) Be careful for nothing: but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Leila Rose-Gordon 9-9-11

Facing fears, weaknesses, and challenges

I have been learning to face my fears, weaknesses,  and challenges head on, as it were, and also to be honest about them. From experience I realize that new situations do not seem as frightening when we step out and face the challenge.  As a result my weaknesses especially are becoming strengths.

Sometimes a slight shift or change in what is normal can create inner turmoil.

Sometimes we do not even understand the reason or reasons for our discomfort. But when we step forward we overcome our inhibitions and our comfort zone widens. As a result our confidence grows.

God will  never let us go into a situation or a challenge alone. Remember Psalm 23:4:-Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

I certainly hope for you today will be the beginning of great things as you too step out and face the fears, weaknesses,  and challenges that confront you. 

Leila Rose-Gordon

Wait On The Lord

The Bible, the word of God, has such precious promises and assurances to help us on our daily walk of faith. I am so grateful that we have not been left comfortless in these perilous times in which we live.

I was reminded just now of Isaiah 40:28-31, (Authorized King James Version)which says:

28: Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29: He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30: Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall;
31: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Yes Lord, whatever our struggles today, teach us to wait on thee, to trust and to put our all in thee, knowing that you care for us, and knowing that there is nothing too hard for thee.

Amen.

Leila Rose-Gordon
5-10-11

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/eagles-wings-hillsong/cb78e3c83e8e6b2c7bd9cb78e3c83e8e6b2c7bd9-605325230631?q=eagles+wings&FORM=VIRE2

When you are off balanced

Sometimes life seems to suddenly speed way out of control, and we find ourselves fighting just to maintain our balance. When this happens we often struggle to keep our composure. Outwardly we might even appear calm to the casual onlooker. Those that know us, however, instantly recognize that we are under a great deal of stress.

In fact our loved ones might not understand what we need at such times. Often we might appear impossible to please and may in fact alienate others by our terse response to inquiries about our welfare. Or they may decide to avoid us until we are out of the doldrums-and what may be an attempt at self-preservation on their part may come across as insensitivity, or lack of care and concern.

At these times it is important to realize that we tend to overreact, whatever the response evoked. Rather than make and others miserable during these times the key is to look to God for answers. What does the word of God say on this. Here are a few texts that can comfort our hearts at these times:

Ephesians 6: 10: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Ephesians 6: 11: Put on the whole armor of God, that ye be may able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6: 13: Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:16: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Ephesians 6: 17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The scriptures offer so much comfort-let us hide these words in our heart and be truly blessed.

New Beginnings

Do not despair! There is always time for new beginnings. With God there are no failures. Start anew. Keep hope alive in your heart. Reach out to someone today. Help someone even in some small way. A smile, a word of encouragement-you just never know how many candles can be lit, from the spark you give. Someone may be inspired to hold onto their dreams. Someone may be inspired to give life a second try. Someone may be inspired to seek out love, seek out truth, look for the path to a life more abundant.

John 3:16 tells of God's love for the world. That means you, that means me. He gave, and He has not stopped giving. What will your response be to Him today? If you are not sure where to start, why not whisper a prayer in your heart. Ask God, from today, to lead your life. Ask Him from today, to be Lord of your life.

You might feel that the picture you have been painting is marred, that there is no hope for beauty, nothing to admire in the ugly, runny colors that you dashed across the page called your life. Give the canvas back to Him, and let Him teach you how to paint beautiful colors. Let Him paint a portrait of you that will be a joy to others. Let Him give your life true meaning, and purpose.

Then stand back and admire His handiwork. Truly from the beginning, what He saw was good. Let Him recreate that image of you that will make you stand tall and proud.

You can do it, but you cannot do it by yourself. Take that leap of faith today. Let go, and let God!