The 46th Mile Road to Redemption
How I Conquered the Roads Less Traveled Through Christ Jesus
A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Before I begin my post, I would like to define the phrase “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.”
Reminding myself of this often helps me get through life’s most challenging moments.
This phrase also stands for friendships within the work place as well as family, Individuals pretending to like you in front of your face, talking about you behind your back.
I call it pure gossip.
Working in Corporate America, coming from a dysfunctional family, I have see this quite often.
They may seem as if their intentions are of innocent intent, however their ulterior motives are camouflaged, sometimes going undetected.
A individual that appears kind to you while conversing with you, may be the same individual undercutting your character to others when you aren’t around.
I consider a wolf in disguise.
Knowing how to spot a potential Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing isn’t that difficult to do.
More times than none it’s challenging, especially if you have been close to the individual for a while or someone that you may have just been introduced to, the signs are present.
Pay close attention to ones actions, conversations as well as body language.
If your gut tells you that a wolf is amongst the group of sheep take heed your gut is almost 99.9 % accurate.
I’m not by any means telling others to become leary of everyone they encounter as to being judgemental or jaded, just know when Wolves are near or present.
Protecting yourself through praise, worship and spiritual warfare will continually build separation from you and the Wolf.
I’m sure we all want to give one the benefit of the doubt but not everyone is for you.
My encouragement to others, be wise in any situation.
As a born again Christian, I sometimes have to remind myself, that I am a changed woman.
When negative situations arise, remembering I can not and will not reflect back to my old ways as to dealing with situational circumstances.
When I feel that I have been wronged or talked about.
I have to remember that the battle is not mine it’s the Lords and leave it at that.
Walking in Christ is the best change I could have ever given myself.
Knowing when to step back and walk away.
Ranging from negative conversations within the workplace to negative phone calls in regards to other individuals.
So when I do get the phone call, I remind the other person on the other end; How about if we pray for them instead of talking about them.
Most christians would agree, some non believing individuals might not be where I am as to spirituality, will quickly dismiss our phone call and hang up. Try it, It works.
As we keep the Bible near pressing to get to know God on a real and truthful level.
We must remember to set our minds on protecting and guarding our surroundings, meditating on the Word, not the falseness of the flesh.
Eventually we become trained as to spotting this Wolf in Sheep’s clothing.
6 Signs Of a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
- Wolves Gossip
- Wolves are argumentative
- Wolves are always right
- Wolves are unwilling to admit their wrongs
- Wolves never apologize or admit their faults or ask for forgiveness
- Wolves are proud individuals
These are just a few signs to look for.
I’m sure there are many more out there.
However I will still pray for the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.
We all fall short of his glory.
#savedbyhisgrace72
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
ROMANS 3: 23 – 24 NIV
Out of the Darkness Into the Light
Many times more than none; we as born again Christians seem to run into that place of darkness and conviction from within, stemming from past or present bad parenting skills to relationship darkness past or present, which may lead some down the road to destruction. I find that It is extremely important factor; for the sake of parenting, as your child grows, childhood development can be influenced by not only what the parent does in life, but how they do it. Poor parenting can be passed down from generation to generation. Some call it a generational curse, I would agree. savedbyhisgrace72
Statistics show the more adverse childhood experiences a person had, the more likely their children were to been troubled too. According to “Poor parenting can be passed from generation to generation study.com” NBC NEWS. “CONN”
“If a child feels loved and supported, regardless of what discipline is used, that can be a game- changer.” NBC “CONN”
I have a great story to tell in regards to what I have just written above, however you will have to wait until next year August 31, 2020 to read about The 46th Mile Road to Redemption How I Conquered the Roads less traveled. How I gained my self assurance, finding faith within my own strength, with the help of Christ Jesus. I had become confident within my abilities to overcome any obstacle and lifes situational circumstances. I knew I was born of uniqueness never utilizing my abilities to rise to occasion until I had to face life head on through challenging changes within my life. I knew in order to deliver my entire self, I had to determine what was needed to guide myself towards the right direction.
I had never realized how afraid of being in the dark I had become even as an adult, in all reality my life was full of darkness from the beginning. My thoughts; How could I be afraid of the dark when the lights were turned off I walked in darkness most of my life, I had become resilient to this darkness.
Having the ability to bounce back from life’s setbacks has made me the woman I am today. There were mountains that I had to climb, battles that I had to fight, If I would have never tried, how could I expect to overcome this fear of the flight. If you should ever be at the point in your life where you end up down for the count, remember you do not have to stay down, pick yourself up and continue on. I call it action orientated, The get up and fight spirit.
As a result I had become conditioned to the risks of extreme pressures the devil kept throwing my way, It was through much failure within my life that I discovered my limitations of what I could and could not do, realizing “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” – Maya Angelou
One might ask how they could possibly become more resilient to life’s set backs.
- Prayer seeking God understanding the situation.
- Becoming more self conscious within your thought process/ State of mind.
- Determine what approach to take when a life situational circumstance arises.
- Becoming mindful not to fall into the devils entrapment of depression/ self resentment. there is life after the circumstance in any situation.
- Just know the Lord has his hands on you at all times.
Savedbyhisgrace72
The 46th Mile Road to Redemption
Lord This is Your Day
After my women’s Wednesday night bible study group I attend weekly, I entered into my place plopped down on the couch immediately reaching for my devotional reading material.“Lord I Give You This Day” I came across a couple of paragraphs that stuck out to me, I would love to share with you all.
The Author of the book Kay Authur, writes amazing devotionals.
I have held unto this daily devotional book for many years, never utilizing the devotionals until I became a born again christian August 14, 2018.
I pray this reaches someone that might be in need of spiritual guidance.
“Are you considering compromise in some area of your Life? Perhaps you have already lowered your standards, when it comes to where you surf on the internet, the conversations you have with friends, Lord is more than a word; it indicates a relationship. The Lordship of God means his total possesion of us and our submission to him as Lord and Master.”
– Kay Authur
Kay Authur, also speaks about spending time with God being made clean of your sins, washing the sins away, spending time interseeding with the Lord through praise and worship.
Standing in the holy shower (In his Word) scrubbing yourself from head to toe, washing your soul within the Bible.
Giving yourself to Jesus Christ our Saviour.
There is a scripture that I like to read Ephesians 6: 10 – 17, in regards to the whole armour of God.
Being protected from the world.
Letting this scripture convict you of any sin clinging from your past or present life.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against the flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your lions grit about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
EPHESIANS 6 : 10 – 17
Allowing the Word of God to purify your heart, mind, body and soul.
When we spend time in confession of our sins and repentance of our souls, we become transformed, your life will be of a sweet smell within the nostrils of God.
I can honestly say, I look forward to my weekly women’s Bible study group.
I have a yearning desire to want to know God on a deeper more personal level as to my salvation and redemption.
I’m not trying to change the world I’m changing Miriam Howe, I’m just the messanger.
Every test and trial there is a revelation, he will set you free.
God will heal and deliver what is promised to us that is eternel life and salvation. Once you trust God and receive his healing you will receive his abundance of grace.
Savedbyhisgrace72
Steps to Sowing a Seed
10 Steps to Sowing your Seed within Christ
The Ideal location would be a familiar place that you know your seed would surely grow if taken care of properly, for example find a Church home, a pastor that will keep you coming back into the congregation, seeking out God’s direction as to spiritual growth from within.
A Pastor that will keep your heart yearning more of the spoken word, seeking not your will but the Lords will.
Displaying obedience walking in faith not by sight.
1. Let there be light, seeds need an ample amount of light to thrive off daily Scriptures / daily devotionals
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
2 Corinthians 9 : 10
2. Pick the best seed to work with. The Holy Bible
3. Prepare the soil, crop your garden, Gather up your thoughts pertaining to where you want to go within this growth process with the planting season. Spiritual preparation / praise and worship
4. Sow the seeds begin the planting process of sowing your seed by giving, tithes and offerings, the growth process.
5. As the seed begins to grow, you must remember to properly water the garden fertilize the soil. Stay focused in the word, nourish your soil by continually abiding in the gospel, through teachings, learning within the scriptures. If you are unsure of what you are reading seek guidance. Wateringing the soil contributes to proper growth within Christ.
Bible studies are the best- #savedbyhisgrace72
“Greater is he that is in me; than he is of the world..”
1 John 4 :4 NKJV
6. Become involved within your church groups such as teen & young adults ministries, women & men Biblical teachings studies, volunteer within your church. Reach out to the communities in need of spiritual guidance. Feed the soil, fertilize, tend to the garden.Â
7. Growth Begins; Spiritual desires as to wanting to become Christ like, just like the seed being planted, developing the desire to grow, due to proper nourishment that had constantly been given to the soil. Nurturing your spirit, walking within the light according to his word.
8. The sprouting begins to take place; you start to see the changes from within your own character. Like the seed; the birth of a new beginning. Your actions become more subtle. You have a certain calmness about life. Individuals will notice a change not only on the inside but the outside as well.
savedbyhisgrace72 
Evolving 
Redemption
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked for whatever a man sows, that he may also reap.”
Galatians 6: 7 NKLV
9. As the sprouting continues, you begin to see leaves forming; buds beginning to form the shape of a flower, keep watering, nourishing your spirit while engaging within the scriptures of both the old and new testaments of the Bible.
You will soon begin to have a different outlook in reference to the old you, your thought process becomes more fixed on living a righteous Christ like way, just like the photo below, as individuals we go though what I call growth seasons.
When we decide that we want to sow a seed as to life’s changes, once we sow a seed; our lifes made brand new; dead to the world, new to Christ.
We also go through a birthing process; we as God’s children become dependent on him just like a new born is dependent upon his mother.
Once we give our life back over to our Heavenly Father, however we are all God’s children.
10. Congratulations, the flower has bloomed according to his word. Keep in mind It’s up to you to continue to water and nurture the seed as to next seasons harvest.
#Savedbyhisgrace72
A New Creation
In the right place at the right time. While I sat there wearing my diamond butterfly ring I had just purchased the day before, along with my beautiful butterfly crystal bracelet my good friend Tamara had gifted me with Christmas day. As I sat with my sister in Christ Jenelle.
Arising early Sunday morning 8:00 am to be exact, I poured myself a cup of coffee that had just been brewed, being that my coffee maker was on a timer I had sat the night before so that I could have a fresh cup before leaving out the door to attend Sunday morning worship.
Hurrying about my place, getting dressed, I had thought about the butterfly ring I had just purchased Saturday afternoon, the day before.
I wanted to wear the ring with the butterfly bracelet I had received as a Christmas gift by one of my good friends Tamara.
Gathering my bible and purse, out the door I went.
Arriving at church thirty minutes before second service would begin, my plans were to get coffee and eat later, being that I had plans for brunch with another sister in Christ after church, I opted out of breakfast.
Entering into the building stopping by the table to obtain more coffee that was usually served by the church members, slowly walking through the crowd to see if I had recognized anyone.
Straight ahead I see one of my church sisters Jenelle, sitting against the window finishing up her breakfast which consisted of an omelette, potatoes and coffee, she had purchased from the Cafe.
While we sat at the table within the Cafe of our Church, Jenelle and I began to engage in conversation as to our up and coming plans for the following Thursday. As we began the conversation between the two of us, I noticed a family to the left of me, an older lady with a walker, a middle aged woman along with her three children a boy and two girls
I immediately excused myself from the conversation I was having with Jenelle. Being the extrovert that I am; I always speak first; I said hello to the family.
I noticed the smaller child of the three children holding a uncolored photo of Jesus and a purple card which seemed interesting, now mind you I had no Idea what the child had within that purple little folded card that looked like it was made in Sunday school, I spoke to the little girl, she immediately looked at her mother to get the ok as if she was asking “Mom is it OK if I say hello back” her mother nodded. I asked the little girl what was on the card she immediately gave the uncolored picture of Jesus to the older lady with the walker, which later turned out to be her grandmother.
While handing her grandmother the uncolored picture of Jesus, she approached me walking nearer she began by showing me the front of the purple card which had a caterpillar on the front. I read the front of the card, It read; “When you ask Jesus to be your Savior, You are a new creation, Just like a Caterpillar” tears begin to fill within my eyes, I had been praying the final two weeks in December, that the lord would make me out to feel brand for the upcoming 2019 year, the little girl opened up the card, to my surprise there on the inside of the card was a butterfly the child had colored with the bible verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new Creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” I lost it I began to cry, to my surprise the older lady with the cane begin to cry as well. I could see tears gathering up in her eyes as I began to tell my story. I asked the family to please forgive me, stating that I had lost someone so dear and close to my heart August 17, 2017.
I informed the family after I lost this special person in my life, butterflies had began to appear around me wherever I went last fall. Informing the family that I had developed a liking to butterflies. The child’s mother had whispered something in the child’s ear, I could not hear, within no time the mother spoke out stating to her smaller child of the three, how god blessed me through her card sharing; stating the lord had used her caterpillar picture and butterfly to provide me with this message.
The woman informed her child that “god wanted me to see that card today, stating god had used her child to deliver that message.” The family hugged me. The music started to play, church service was about to begin.
I apologized to Jenelle, as to my crying; her words to me were “just let it out Miriam! Let it out!” Jenelle stated “no need to apologize you have just received something from god very therapeutic.”
The church that I attend has a huge congregation, You can easily get lost from within the crowd. I took my seat in church across from Jenelle in our usual spots. I looked to my left; again the family was seated a couple of rows in front of Jenell. I waited for church to end so that I could ask if I could take a photo of the caterpillar and the butterfly card. Immediately after service I rushed up to the mother and her family thanking them for the memorable unforgettable moment.
I informed the mother I had began a blog site that my site had only been up since December 30th of 2018 the46thmileroadtoredemption.com I wanted to post this amazing story and use the photos to tell my story, the mothers words were “I tried to get her to give you the card we spotted you during praise and worship service, but as a 5 year old she wasn’t having it.” I stated that it was quite alright I just needed a photo for my phone, I had my phone all ready to snap away at the card.
As you can see that is the mothers hand holding the picture as I took the photo.
Thank You Michelle for allowing your daughter along with you entire family to share my moment, I hope and pray you are reading this post.
God Bless you and your family – Love Miriam
As I journey on throughout life, I am now truly aware of the butterflies representation which have been following me around since August 17, 2017 a new creature in life, a new beginning. I had no idea behind the following.
God will use individuals that you have never met before even small children, to get your attention as to what he wants to convey to the worn, weary and the weak. By his stripes I am healed. #savedbyhisgrace72
Bondage
Be not entangled within the bondage of Satan, break free, stand firm with both feet planted on the ground. savedbyhisgrace72
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, and broke away their chains. ” PSALMS 107 14:15
I Told the Storm to Pass Me By
I command you to move today, when God speaks you don’t have a choice in the matter.
I told the storm to past, you won’t last.
No weapons formed against me shall prosper.
I am more than a conqueror.
God’s amazing grace has brought me this far.
As I tell my story; I am full of glory.
Death can’t have me nor change me.
I am more than a conquer to this storm.
#savedbyhisgrace72
photo by Tamara Linderholm
