Something to Think About

• God knows all, sees all, is all powerful, and ever present.
• God is never stupid.
• He created me to be a human being.  He knows I'm fallible, fragile, and vulnerable.
• He knows that because of my humanity I have a principle of sin, which indwells me.
• God knows what I will think, say and do a bazillion years before I do.  Nothing surprises Him.
• Does God allow me to sin?   He has the power to convict me before I do what is wrong?  He could easily force me to follow Him perfectly.
• Does He wait to see if I will use my free will to choose His way over my way?
• Would God ever allow me to sin because He knows that in my brokenness He can capture more of my heart for Him?   
• God uses my failures and brokenness to turn my heart, mind, face, and will back toward Him.
• When I fail, I'm reminded of my deep, complete need for my Heavenly Father, my Savior ... Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, my heavenly Power Source.

Murphy Toerner

Easter Season - 2012

John 3:16 -- For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 10:17-18 -- For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I receive from my Father.

John 15:13 -- Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

Romans 5:6 & 8 -- For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Prayer by Dale Taliaferro --

"I don't remember what the circumstances were that led me to prayer -- 'Lord, I want to be changed. The rest of my life I want to be know for expressing Your love and grace in all situations while holding fast to Your Word.' Loving others is supposed to be a testimony to the world that we are followers of Jesus. Showing grace to them overcomes their resistance to the spiritual realities centered in Jesus."

Thinking of You!!!

To all my friends and family ...

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Small Victories

(Photo by Murphy Toerner, San Diego, CA)

As best you can, take note of the small victories in your life.

"A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step."

The accumulation of innumerable "I'm doing better," will ultimately

bring you to the place of, "I'm well."

Murphy Toerner

Psalm 3 - A psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. A Morning Prayer of Trust in God

Psalm 3

1. O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me.

2. Many are saying of my soul, "There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah

3. But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.

4. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah

5. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.

6. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.

7. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.

8. Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be upon Your people!!!! Selah

Always remember that your enemies are not flesh and blood.

Your enemies are Satan, his host of fallen angels, and the principalities of this world.

Your family, friends, co-workers, authority figures, spouse, children and others are not your enemies.

Also remember, what Satan means for hard, God ALWAYS means for good.

Therefore, look for the good in every situation. God is working in every detail even when you can not see His hand.

Much love, Murphy

God Has My Back

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at the Jefferson Baptist Women's Tea in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It was a wonderful experience.

The tables were gorgeous and the atmosphere was delightful. The name of the talk was, "Finding Rest in the Chaos of Life."

The very next week I had an opportunity to practice the very lessons that I shared with the ladies attending the tea. Although initially, I felt off-balance in a certain situation, I realized that God was giving me an opportunity to trust Him in the midst of a chaotic situation and when I chose to trust Him, I was able to regain His peace and His sense of perspective in the middle of a jolting situation. It was a divine experience.

If you are facing a chaotic situation, I hope that you know "God Has Your Back!!!!" If He is watching out for you, what do you have to fear? Nothing at all.

Bless you all,

Murphy