See my recent posting on patients like me forum regarding the new MS Therapy recently approved by the FDA.
http://www.patientslikeme.com/forum/show/85957
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Never Satisfied
The other day I was telling my oldest daughter that it is nearly impossible for us to be content as human beings. Case in point, we were discussing all the cars that I have ever had in my life. Chevy Monte Carlo, Mazda Protege, Nissan Altima, Nissan Pathfinder, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Town and Country and currently, a Nissan Quest. From compact to mid size sedan, sport utility to mini van I have received the desires of my heart when it comes to cars. About a year ago, I voluntarily surrendered my Chrysler Aspen because the payments were ridiculous and that was when Chrysler was going down. We were blessed to get a 2002 Nissan Quest for many reasons. Not only is it more affordable, it's perfect for our family of 5. I no longer cringe at the gas pump plus I can zip in and out of parking spots like it ain't nothing. My point is I recently had the nerve to entertain the thought of trading in my little mini van for something "newer" and "more stylish". Then the holy spirit helped me check myself because for one thing, we are blessed to have something reliable on top of everything else that we need in a vehicle. Funny thing is, when I see a Cadillac Escalade roll by me, I am thankful that I don't have something that requires a minimum of $80 for gas. Been there, done that and it ain't for me. For me it is better to be practical than proud and we learned a lesson about being content with what we have. Not only that but humility as well. We have never been able to keep up with the Joneses, and where are they anyway? This crazy roller coaster reminds me of Solomon's futile pursuit of fulfillment through possessions, wealth, indulgence achievements and great fame (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). Not only did all fail to bring enduring satisfaction, it was "vanity and striving after the wind." It was basically futile which means:
1. having no effective result; unsuccessful
2. pointless; unimportant; trifling
3. inane or foolish don't be so futile!
We have all done it in one area of life or another. We have to be reminded daily that we came naked and we will return as we came. We will take nothing from the fruit of our labor that we can carry.
Starla Espinoza
We have all done it in one area of life or another. We have to be reminded daily that we came naked and we will return as we came. We will take nothing from the fruit of our labor that we can carry.
Starla Espinoza
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Angels, Do You Believe?
Do angels really exist? It appears that most people believe in angels. I believe that angels exist. Jesus knew of and taught the existence of angels. In Matt 18:10 Jesus refers to guardian angels for children. Angels are spirit beings and they minister on behalf of believers. To minister is to serve or aid. Angels are distinct from human beings. They do not die and are unable to reproduce. They are innumerable and they were created for specific purposes.
Seraphim were created to worship God while Cherubim guard the holiness of God. In Gen 3:24 it was the Cherubim that God stationed with the flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
The Archangel Michael had a dispute with the devil and argued over the body of Moses but did not dare judge. Instead he said, "Lord rebuke you!" Angels played a large role in the ministry regarding Christ. They predicted and announced His birth, protected and strengthened Him and even announced the Resurrection.
As for us who believe and are saved, angels are involved in answering our prayers and encouraging us in time of danger.
"Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10
Seraphim were created to worship God while Cherubim guard the holiness of God. In Gen 3:24 it was the Cherubim that God stationed with the flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
The Archangel Michael had a dispute with the devil and argued over the body of Moses but did not dare judge. Instead he said, "Lord rebuke you!" Angels played a large role in the ministry regarding Christ. They predicted and announced His birth, protected and strengthened Him and even announced the Resurrection.
As for us who believe and are saved, angels are involved in answering our prayers and encouraging us in time of danger.
"Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
For the Love of Money
Here is the question that I have. What did they think would happen after that night? They were so blinded by all the plans they would make with the money that they failed to think about their love for each other. I guess their love of money outweighed their love for each other. It scares me to think about what we will do and have done for money.
You know what scripture says about the love of money right? Well in case you didn't know, look up the scripture 1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (Note that it doesn't say the love of money is the root to some evil. It says all kinds of evil.)
The married couple was so eager for the money that they caused themselves all kinds of drama for it. As human beings, why do we tend to put more faith in our money than our faith in God? Isn't God the one who made everything? Everything on this earth belongs to Him, so why doesn't that knowledge keep us from putting Him in a box?
Why do we choose to worry about the things which we cannot control?
Can't we just put our faith in the one who knows all, sees all and who is everywhere?
Nothing is too big for God. This is often the pep talk that goes on in my mind almost daily because I need to be reminded that God knows the plans that He has for me. How much is enough anyways? The more money we come across, the more money we spend. We need to learn how to be content whether we have very little, or very much. And remember this, to whom much is given, much is required.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also
Matthew 6:21 is a very powerful and comforting verse to me. It causes me to ask myself, "Where is my treasure?" The first thing that comes to my mind is my family. I care about them and love them so much and they love me back. Of course my number one treasure is God. You see, He is the one that wakes me up every morning. He is the first person that I speak to. I thank Him for not only waking me up, but for waking up my family as well.
As long as I have God, my needs will always be met. My desires will often be placed before me, but only in His timing and His will. But the main point is, my treasures are in Heaven. We work so hard to have material things, but they are temporary and we cannot take them with us when we die. But if we have a relationship with God, then our treasures are in Heaven, which is eternal. Our treasures in Heaven cannot be destroyed or stolen.
That leads to very important question. "What does a relationship with God look like?" Well first, you must have faith and believe in Him. You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and you must believe that the Holy Spirit is God that dwells in us when we are saved. You must acknowledge that you are a sinner and Jesus died for your sins and was raised again to sit on the throne at the right hand of God.
Communication in any relationship is extremely important. By praying and reading God's word, you are in communication with Him. You speak to Him in prayer and He speaks to you in His word. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 12
It is one thing to read the word, and an entirely different thing to apply it to your life and put it into action by obeying His commandments. When we obey God, He blesses us abundantly and sets us up to receive our treasures in Heaven.
Oh, and don't let me forget about trust which ties in with faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Hebrews 11
What does that mean to you? When we send a package to someone, we have faith in the postal system or UPS and hope that it will arrive at it's destination right? When the package arrives, we don't see how it gets there but it took our exercise of faith to send it anyways. So trust and exercise your faith in God that He will keep His promises. Try Him out and see if He delivers.
As long as I have God, my needs will always be met. My desires will often be placed before me, but only in His timing and His will. But the main point is, my treasures are in Heaven. We work so hard to have material things, but they are temporary and we cannot take them with us when we die. But if we have a relationship with God, then our treasures are in Heaven, which is eternal. Our treasures in Heaven cannot be destroyed or stolen.
That leads to very important question. "What does a relationship with God look like?" Well first, you must have faith and believe in Him. You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and you must believe that the Holy Spirit is God that dwells in us when we are saved. You must acknowledge that you are a sinner and Jesus died for your sins and was raised again to sit on the throne at the right hand of God.
Communication in any relationship is extremely important. By praying and reading God's word, you are in communication with Him. You speak to Him in prayer and He speaks to you in His word. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 12
It is one thing to read the word, and an entirely different thing to apply it to your life and put it into action by obeying His commandments. When we obey God, He blesses us abundantly and sets us up to receive our treasures in Heaven.
Oh, and don't let me forget about trust which ties in with faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Hebrews 11
What does that mean to you? When we send a package to someone, we have faith in the postal system or UPS and hope that it will arrive at it's destination right? When the package arrives, we don't see how it gets there but it took our exercise of faith to send it anyways. So trust and exercise your faith in God that He will keep His promises. Try Him out and see if He delivers.
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