I remember reading the best-selling book, "The God Chasers" by Pastor Tommy Tenney, and even today, I wonder... Are there any God chasers in the Catholic Church?  How about the Baptist or Methodist or Full Gospel churches?

I'm not talking about Church goers or man pleasers, but God seekers. 
 
The Bible says that "God is no respecter of persons." 
 
Why are we? 
 
There are seven things God hates, one of which is "one who sows discord among the brethren." 
 
Why do we?  Why do we judge and criticize those who are not of the same "faith" as we? 
 
Jesus said, “Judge not lest ye be judged.” I try to live my life by that Scripture as well as my own personal motto which is: Don't mock what you don't understand.
 
Many of us used to wear bracelets that encouraged us to think W. W. J. D. We spout the phrase, “What would Jesus do?” We don our pins and proudly display bumper stickers, crucifixes and key chains, but how often do we really consider what Jesus would do in our situations?  How many of us talk the talk but don't walk the walk?

Even Jesus praised the Canaanite woman for her faith. Why can't we praise each other? How many of our church doctrines and church laws (regardless of the denomination) are Scriptural based but man enforced without the love, mercy, and forgiveness commanded of us by Christ? 
 
Why have we made love and forgiveness a job instead of a joy?  
 
How often do we approach the altar of God with sin in our hearts, minds and lives?  How often do we really repent whether through the Sacrament of Reconciliation or on our face before God?  How often do we go to church without really going to God?  How often do we seek the approval of man, or seek God's hand and not His face?  How often do we really worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, instead of ritual and tradition?  How often do we put church over God?  How often do we really minister to Jesus?  Do we sit at His feet, seek His face, serve Him with our whole hearts or do we become enslaved by what we once loved?  How many of our priests and ministers have lost their reverence for God and simply perform rituals?
 
Some say the Catholic Church is the one TRUE church, started by Jesus, but how often do Catholics practice what they preach?  How often do we fast and pray other than lent?  Do we really hunger and thirst for righteousness?  How often do we fast from negativism and feast on the positive? 
 
What about you?  What about your church? 
 
I AM NOT writing to judge or condemn any religion or denomination - I am writing to encourage ALL people, all religions and denominations to become more lovingm more forgiving, more accepting.

In other words, to be more like God.
 
So, let us pray.... Dear God, we cry out to You.  From the bottom of our hearts and the depths of our souls, we repent of our judgements and ask your guidance on changing our minds and hearts to love our neighbors as ourselves. Open the floodgates of heaven, Lord, and make us one heart, one mind, one in our desire to be an instrument of Your peace, a vessel of Your love, a fount of Your wisdom, a channel of Your blessings and a conduit of miracles. AMEN and Thank YOU.

Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge! ™
"Coaching in Pjs" ™

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Hi, Pamela. Thank you so much for including me on your blog. I was excited to get the email about opening up to guests about their lives and faith. Our walks are vast and varied while remaining connected with the thread of salvation. I’ve been a Christian for thirty years. There were no shouts and trumpets. No visitations from angels or flashes of light. Only a conversation between me and God about where I’d been and where I wanted to go. Since that moment, my life has been not only on paths, but roads, highways, and even wandering through the woods. The only constant was that no matter where I found myself, Jesus was beside me. 

I’d like to share a story about my first mission trip to Appalachia.

I’ve visited inner cities, worked in food kitchens, and collected food and clothing. Then an opportunity arose to visit West Virginia. The primary focus of the group was similar to Habitat for Humanity. Those who were able were assigned to rescue a nearly uninhabitable house.

 (*Note to reader* Many, including me, have a vision of what unlivable is. Most have no idea of how some people live. It was eye-opening and heartbreaking. It taught me not to feel guilty of the blessings I’ve been given, but never to take them for granted.) 

My “job” was to be a version of housemother, cooking for a group of about thirty and handling any problems that arose. This was in my wheelhouse. No problem. I’d also agreed to help with vacation bible school and other outreaches because why not, I was doing “the Lord’s work.” 

You know what, Pam. Wrangling thirty Christians is not much better than herding cats. We’re not perfect as believers, only saved by grace and mercy. I found myself stressed and wondering what I’d gotten into. My temper was short. Exhaustion led to discouragement, which pointed the way to self-pity. After another clash of someone messing around in “my” kitchen—not God’s kitchen—I left and went for a walk. 

A few minutes later, I found myself on a wooden bridge leading into the nearby park. I stopped and leaned, looking down into the water, questioning my decision to come here. I wasn’t making a difference. I hadn’t accomplished any “missionary” things, i.e., leading people to Jesus. In fact, I was probably getting in the way. 

After a full bathing in woe-is-me, a younger woman approached asking if I was okay. My response? “Of course,” with probably a bit more attitude than acceptable. She only smiled and leaned next to me. 

We ended up in a long conversation. The gist? What does the Lord require of you?

Is it to make sure everyone has and appreciates your food? He fed the crowd with five loaves and two fish. 

Was it to be everywhere doing everything? Be still and know He is God. It wasn’t my job to be everywhere doing everything. He is the One who is in control. One of my favorite verses came to mind. What does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? I wasn’t doing any of this. 

We eventually said goodbye. I don’t know who this woman was. I never got her name. But I learned more from her than from any person I’ve ever met. I went to minister to others. Instead, I was ministered to. I learned more about walking humbly. I learned that it’s not about me. 

That was many years ago, and I returned to this place often in the following years. I never saw her again. But the lesson I learned carried me to a better relationship with God and other Christians. Do I sometimes forget? Yes, I do. But when it happens, I turn around. Because you see, I realize it wasn’t because He left me to my own devices. No. It’s because I wandered. 

Because of some medical issues, it’s been a while since I’ve been back to this town. But this November, I’m returning with a small group to distribute 240 Thanksgiving baskets to those who need them. Do you want to bet I’ll be looking for her?

Hebrews 13:2 New King James Version: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some have unwittingly entertained angels.

*Update: We distributed 260 Thanksgiving Baskets this year and received enough donations to refill the food pantry. I had concerns since the signups last year for baskets were about 150, almost double this year, but I kept repeating loaves and fish. 

Although I did not run into my Angel Lady, God certainly provided!

Ephesians 3:20: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

D. V. Stone is known for her engaging and captivating storytelling, often weaving elements of romance, fantasy, and adventure into her novels. Her official website, dvstoneauthor.com, serves as a central hub for fans and new readers alike to explore her literary works, learn about upcoming book releases, and gain insights into her creative process. The site typically features detailed book descriptions, author blogs, and exclusive content such as interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at her writing journey. Additionally, visitors can find information on where to purchase her books, sign up for newsletters, and connect with DV Stone on social media. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new to her stories, dvstoneauthor.com offers a comprehensive and inviting space to immerse yourself in the world of DV Stone’s imagination.

Thank You, SO Much, DV for sharing your awesome story with us today! Boy, angels have sure been getting some recognition on here lately LOL!

I hope you enjoyed DV's message as much as I did, friends and that you'll come back to Rainbows, Potholes and Nuggets of Gold every 2 weeks for another beautiful, faith-filled message.

Until next time, take care, God Bless and remember... You are never alone because angels surround you.

Good Morning Dear Ones,

I started this blog to share my spiritual journey and people, books, movies, etc., that speak to me on a faith level. As you've noticed in the past, I occassionally posted something from a friend that was meaningul, beneficial, and fit into these guidelines. Today is one​ of those days and you'll see them more often as I've invited folks to share their spiritual truths with us. I hope you'll enjoy these visits as much as I do and welcome our guests.

Jill DeVille is a devout lover of Jesus, multi-published Author, Motivational Speaker, the Pastor of Gift Minsitry of Louisiana and my dear friend. In her latest book, This Holy Day: Be the Light in the Darkness, Jill reveals what the Lord showed her about being the light on even the "darkest" holidays and that every holiday should be a holy day.

I feel the same way! In fact, after Jill's book came out, I shared with her a poem I wrote years ago about this very subject. I'll share it with you now and then we'll hear from Jill...       
​                                  

Once I truly surrendered all to the Lord, I began reading the word of God a lot. Within four months, my bible looked like I’d had it for decades. I was seeking and wanted answers. Why did I feel like I could do some things that religion was saying, “no” to?

Why did I feel God saying, “you can be the light in the darkness”?

With my attempts to be the light, pastors or Christians would look at me funny or make comments when I carved a pumpkin for Halloween. Matthew chapters five, six, seven, and twelve stood out to me the most in regard to the Holidays. That is where God would take me. God’s voice sounded like this, “be the Light in the darkness.”

“How can I be the light in the darkness,” I would ask? Holidays look like the celebration of self or sin to me. I wondered and asked God, wouldn’t others think I am trying to have the holiday another way to please myself?

Then He would take me to Matthew six, in all things do it for Me so I can see you and I will bless you. Seek me first and my right standing then all will be added to you.

All and first stood out to me. All…So all things? Interesting, right? All things that would still honor and please the Lord, to be clear.

If we take all the things that God has given us access to and turn them for the good of God, others, and us, like He taught us, traditions and religion would change. Then when our children come into this world knowing the way, truth, and life of the Lord in our traditions, they will naturally follow Him in all things without feeling uncomfortable. It will be what they know and believe naturally. It will allow them to be the light in others’ darkness too.

Many will give up what appears to be the worst of sin. While they keep a death grip on a tradition like a sport event or holidays like Halloween or Christmas. They will pray, like I used to, for the Lord not to come each year during that season. Crazy right? I know!

Maybe I am the only one. Ha!
​
Why not find a way to serve the Lord in all things and be that very light for others to see their way through it too?

This Holy Day: Be the Light in the Darkness can be found at Amazon and at The Charmed Page bookstore in Lake Charles, Louisiana & Gospel Book Store in Gretna, LA.
​

​Pastor Jill Deville is the Speaker, Founder, and CEO of Jill Deville Ministries founded in 2023. Through Jill Deville Ministries, Jill is a speaker at conferences and events throughout the world both online and in person with God’s Girls and Book It! Conferences and Events.

​You will find her on Tik Tok, YouTube, Facebook and in your community. If she is not there then she will be, just ask her!

​Email Jill at:  [email protected]

Going through boxes of stuff I moved from storage, I found a trio of battery-operated candles that said Faith, Hope and Believe. The ‘believe’ one was bent and when I took it out of the box to set it along with its mates on a shelf, it broke. I taped it but it’s still bent and broken.

This started me thinking…

How often are our beliefs tested so strongly we wonder what we’re believing for anyway?

Have you ever had faith in or for something so long, you’re tempted to just throw in the towel and forget it all?

Have you ever gone off on a spiritual tangent, clinging to a certain promise (or promises) in the Bible until you know them so completely and yet…nothing changes despite the ‘belief in your heart and confession of your mouth’?

Ever ask God, “what do you want me to do in this situation, or to help this along?”

Yeah, me too. I’ve been so high on my faith and belief, especially when I feel God has shown me something or given me a promise of something to come, that I doubt I’ll ever come down much less be disappointed.

I’ve also believed and waited so long for some things, I doubt the visions or promises will ever come to fruition. So long that I’ve gone from hope and faith to doubt and despair and then something will happen, or I’ll hear a message and go right back around to believing again.

So, what are we supposed to do in such situations?

In Mark, 9:23 Jesus said, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

And in Mark 11: 23-24 He said, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” AND “Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

Eintein said, "imagination is the preview of life's coming attractions." 

Psalm 37:4 says that when we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart."

Know that if you truly, honestly, deeply desire something that will not harm yourself or others, you are worthy to receive it.

So, when you’ve done all that you can do, the only thing you can continue to do is just believe.

Believe and Wait for it with patience, joy and expectation. After all, Habakkuk 2:3 reminds us that the vision is for an appointed time. 

Don't give up and trust in Divine timing.

Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge! ™
"Coaching in Pjs" ™

In the wake of last week’s tragedies and the social media trolls bashing, cursing, blaming, celebrating and all the other nonsense that came along with the senseless murder of a young father, husband, son, sibling, and friend of so many, I have labored over whether to address this. But my heart, soul and conscience will not allow me to just let it go.

In the days since Sept.10th, I’ve had the following thoughts run through my head like a ticker…

What If…

What if when we get face to face with Jesus, He doesn’t say, “well done,” like many believe?

What if He says we’ve got it all wrong?

What if His words are, “What part of Love your neighbor as yourself did you NOT understand?”

I can hear us now. “But, Lord, the bible says… yada, yada, yada. I was only defending Your word!”

My Words were, forgive everyone, pray for your enemies and bless those who persecute you.

But, but…the bible says this and that and they are an abomination!

And, I said Judge not lest ye be judged for by whatever judgement you mete, You will be judged!

Have you even read MY Words? Have you followed My example? Where is it written in RED to maim, defile, slander, defame or murder anyone? Depart from me you cold-hearted, evil, wicked being.

But, but…Lord, I’ve worshipped you my whole life. Where is the mercy your word promises?

Where is it written in RED to worship me? I never said worship Me. I said worship God and follow me. Learn by my example. Do as I did. Do even greater. Are you doing this? Where is the mercy You’ve shown? 

And the list goes on and on of possible questions and rebuttals between a soul and its maker and Lord.

The ONE Truth that keeps coming to me is this: God is the all-powerful, all-loving, supremely intelligent being that created the universe and everything in it.

1John4:16 says, “God is love and he who dwells in love dwells with God.”

1Corinth13:4-8 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Honestly, I had no idea who Charlie Kirk was until my daughter texted me about what happened and asked for prayers for him and his family. So, for those of you who followed him closely and think you know him, ask yourself: Was he acting out of love? Was he debating with compassion and love or simply spouting some anti-anything-but-Christian/Judeo-Christian agenda?

A better question to ask yourself might be: How am I acting/behaving/speaking since listening to him or any person with a platform?

Ask yourself and be honest with your answers. You might not like what you discover but it will be the start of your healing and growth.

Besides, do we honestly, truly, deeply know anyone? I don’t. People surprise, shock and sadden me all the time but what I DO know is this senseless violence must stop!

Humanity as a whole has lost its ever-loving mind. When will it end? HOW will it end?

It will end when we think, study, and pray, FOR OUSELVES.

Not based on what a pastor, preacher, rabbi, guru, evangelist, teacher, professor, politician, public servant, or anyone says. Not from the rhetorical bullshit we are brainwashed with daily and have been spoon/force-fed for centuries says.

But For Ourselves.

How can we do this?

BE STILL. Get quiet and seek God, Wisdom, Knowledge, Truth within your heart, mind and soul. After all, aren’t we born with an inherent moral compass and an innocent love for everyone until we’re taught differently?

READ extensively something other than a book that has been dissected, dichotomized, edited and revised hundreds of times over the past twenty centuries. One that is quoted and misquoted, idealized, idolized and weaponized every singe day, all over the world. Read ministers outside your chosen religion or theology, read the mystics, read and study and pray but most of all do this with a pure intention. Not to prove anything to anyone except yourself.

RESEARCH what you read. Nearly every spiritual book I encounter sites other texts from which they – with prayer and contemplation – base their beliefs on. And almost every author leaves the interpretation of what they know and believe open for growth and expansion. Which leads me to my next suggestion…

BE OPEN minded and open hearted when you read, study or speak to someone. Listen to their heart not just their words. Ask and allow God to speak through you and if God knows nothing you can say will change a person’s heart or mind, ask that your mouth be sealed shut. Do NOT get into an argument or make war with anyone over your beliefs vs theirs.

RESPECT: Everyone else’s right to speak their truth as long as it’s done respectfully and without malice.

Walk AWAY when you feel uncomfortable and then Pray and ask for wisdom and understanding.

STOP jumping on the bandwagon of someone else’s opinion or “truth.” NO One has a monopoly on any truth except for the TRUTH that Love is the answer. Love created the universe. Love holds the universe together. Love is always growing, always expanding just as the universe is. Love is big enough to hold space for diversity. I’d be so bold as to say that Love loves diversity. Otherwise, we would all be little robots walking around saying the same thing, wanting the same thing, believing the same thing… You get my drift.

STOP letting the political and immoral propaganda floating around the stratosphere shake your foundation so that you waver in the wind like chaff and don’t even know what you do believe anymore.

CHOOSE peace instead of anger, love instead of hatred, compassion instead of disgust or disinterest.

PRAY for an open mind, soft heart, bridled tongue, and let everything you do or say be done in and with LOVE.

Finally, remember Mother Theresa said, “It is never between you and them, it is between you and God.”

Therefore, BE the change you want to see in the world. After all, change starts with and in You. God cannot and will not change anyone until You allow the change you’re wanting “them” to make or be, take place in your heart, mind, thoughts and beliefs about them first.

The world cannot go on like this, folks. If there isn’t a major change of heart, change of dynamics between humans, God, and nature, we’re going to self-destruct.

I would say, like so many do, “God” will destroy the world and start over, but I don’t believe that’s true. We will spiral into extinction and another, more loving, more intelligent being will rise out of the remnant and create heaven on earth as we were supposed to do.

Something to think about.
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™
“Coaching in PJs”