"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ"
~Phil 1:6~
Nancy brought this verse up during discipleship training class Sunday night. She is standing on this verse & claiming it's promise for her children. She knows God has begun a good work in them, and even now, through the trying teenage years, she believes God to complete it.
It just spoke to me. I know God has removed some things from our life, but that was only the beginning of His plan, not the plan itself. He does not begin something only to abandon it. He is faithful to complete the work He began in you and in me. Our job is to look expectantly, trusting in His faithfulness, praying fervently all the while.
Selah, my 4 yr old, came up to me yesterday as I worked at my desk. She asked me to fix her some eggs. I asked is she wanted them scrambled or boiled. I know she loves boiled eggs, but I also knew how long she would have to wait for them to cook then cool. She said, "Boiled!" After I reminded her of the wait involved, she said "That's ok, I'll be patient like you've taught me to, like the book we read about being patient. I'll be playing while they cook anyway. I know you'll get them for me because you said so." With that, she went off to play. She was clueless how the Lord had just used her to speak to my heart.
Do I trust God for His best, or settle for less just so I can have it now? Can I wait patiently on God's promise, and be about the Father's work while I wait? Do I have the complete confidence He will do ALL He says He will? He is God, He cannot lie, He cannot be unfaithful.
"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
~John 16:24~
Monday, August 30, 2010
Praise Him
"From the rising of the sun to its going down
The Lord’s name is to be praised."
~Ps 113:3~
This is the best dose of medicine for a downcast soul. Nothing lifts your spirit better than praising the name of Jesus. It's human nature & the influence of the enemy to focus on all that's wrong in our life.
For some, there are real tragedies, heavy burdens that must be faced, day after day, the aftermath of a storm, picking up the pieces, searching for answers, not knowing where to begin. For others, it's dealing with discouragement, disappointment, in our daily life routine, in our life journey, our destination, our traveling companions, or the lack of companionship, or even disappointment in ourselves.
I heard a tale once of satan's yard sale. He had all his tools & weapons on display. One man walked up & read the sign on each: "lies, stealing, adultery", there were sins of every kind imaginable listed on the tools. Then the man saw the most worn out tool on display. You could no longer read anything written on it. The man asked satan, "What's this one? It looks so worn out & yet it has the highest price of them all." The devil replied,"Ah, this is my most valued tool, a prized possession. I have used it with success countless times. It's guarenteed to work. You see, even when I could not catch my victims with any other willful sin, I could trap them with this. It draws a person into such a deep trap, they become paralized in life, in relationships, in ministries. This tool . . . is discouragement."
Put the devil out of business today, get him out of your business. Start out praising the Lord for all the really great things already in your life, & TRUST HIM WITH THE REST.
The Lord’s name is to be praised."
~Ps 113:3~
This is the best dose of medicine for a downcast soul. Nothing lifts your spirit better than praising the name of Jesus. It's human nature & the influence of the enemy to focus on all that's wrong in our life.
For some, there are real tragedies, heavy burdens that must be faced, day after day, the aftermath of a storm, picking up the pieces, searching for answers, not knowing where to begin. For others, it's dealing with discouragement, disappointment, in our daily life routine, in our life journey, our destination, our traveling companions, or the lack of companionship, or even disappointment in ourselves.
I heard a tale once of satan's yard sale. He had all his tools & weapons on display. One man walked up & read the sign on each: "lies, stealing, adultery", there were sins of every kind imaginable listed on the tools. Then the man saw the most worn out tool on display. You could no longer read anything written on it. The man asked satan, "What's this one? It looks so worn out & yet it has the highest price of them all." The devil replied,"Ah, this is my most valued tool, a prized possession. I have used it with success countless times. It's guarenteed to work. You see, even when I could not catch my victims with any other willful sin, I could trap them with this. It draws a person into such a deep trap, they become paralized in life, in relationships, in ministries. This tool . . . is discouragement."
Put the devil out of business today, get him out of your business. Start out praising the Lord for all the really great things already in your life, & TRUST HIM WITH THE REST.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Jehova Jirah-Just Obey
"Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. . .
But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!”
And he said, “Here I am, my son.”
Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”
So the two of them went together.
~Gen 22:1-3, 7-8~
God tests us, to see how much we love Him, to see if we would give up the thing that matters most to us if He asked us to. He has perfect timing to send deliverence but we have to rise early & step out on faith, risk it all, before that deliverence comes. Our job is to obey. We cannot control His timing, or His plan for our life. We cannot control the obedience of others around us. We cannot pretend that we are ignorant, we know His voice & we have heard His instruction. It's time to stand as the children of light we are called to be. We are all called to a mission in life, & some of our missions aren't easy. Our job is to finish the task, finish strong in faith, knowing that the blessings are just on the other side of our obedience.
"Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”
So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
~Gen 22:9-18~
But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!”
And he said, “Here I am, my son.”
Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”
So the two of them went together.
~Gen 22:1-3, 7-8~
God tests us, to see how much we love Him, to see if we would give up the thing that matters most to us if He asked us to. He has perfect timing to send deliverence but we have to rise early & step out on faith, risk it all, before that deliverence comes. Our job is to obey. We cannot control His timing, or His plan for our life. We cannot control the obedience of others around us. We cannot pretend that we are ignorant, we know His voice & we have heard His instruction. It's time to stand as the children of light we are called to be. We are all called to a mission in life, & some of our missions aren't easy. Our job is to finish the task, finish strong in faith, knowing that the blessings are just on the other side of our obedience.
"Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”
So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
~Gen 22:9-18~
Friday, August 20, 2010
Gaining My Balance
" Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."
~I Corinth 16:13~
I love the thought of a well- oiled machine, the kind that operates smooth & quiet, seamlessly transitions from task to task; effecient, without waste, yet glides easily, making the job look simple as nature. No binds on the engine, motor humming like a kitten purring. I often daydream about being that well-oiled maching, running my household & family with easy & quiet strength, always organized, punctual, clean & relaxed. Kids well behaved & happy.
Every once in a while I get a glimpse of God taking over. I see Him running things so smooth, I'm just the vessel He manovers through. He gets so much more accomplished than I ever do when I try to run my own day, and my own life. And on top of that, He creates a calm within me that is overwhelming. It's just wonderful. It 's moments & days like these that I catch a glimpse of the girl I used to be, the girl I've missed through all these storms, the me He created me to be. Gaining my final balance. . .
Whatever you have faced in life, whatever rattled you to the inner core of your being, I pray you're gaining your balance, too. "Watch" Him work. "Stand fast in the faith. Be brave, be strong"
~I Corinth 16:13~
I love the thought of a well- oiled machine, the kind that operates smooth & quiet, seamlessly transitions from task to task; effecient, without waste, yet glides easily, making the job look simple as nature. No binds on the engine, motor humming like a kitten purring. I often daydream about being that well-oiled maching, running my household & family with easy & quiet strength, always organized, punctual, clean & relaxed. Kids well behaved & happy.
Every once in a while I get a glimpse of God taking over. I see Him running things so smooth, I'm just the vessel He manovers through. He gets so much more accomplished than I ever do when I try to run my own day, and my own life. And on top of that, He creates a calm within me that is overwhelming. It's just wonderful. It 's moments & days like these that I catch a glimpse of the girl I used to be, the girl I've missed through all these storms, the me He created me to be. Gaining my final balance. . .
Whatever you have faced in life, whatever rattled you to the inner core of your being, I pray you're gaining your balance, too. "Watch" Him work. "Stand fast in the faith. Be brave, be strong"
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
No Panic In Heaven
Last night was so peaceful. Time passed so slowly. The house was full, my kids around the table (and naturally, 3 extra kids) for supper. Everybody relaxed & swam & played after. It was the kind of night you really take notice of God's peace & contentment. We celebrated that during devotion last night. It follows some weeks here of crazy home & car repairs, so we are particularly grateful.
I don't believe anything happens by chance. Today I made a business call & the lady on the other end of the phone shared her story with me. Her opening words were: "There is life after death, and by death, I'm referring to divorce." She had accepted that the rest of her life would be suffering, as she faced the daily struggles of a single mom, & fought the bitter ache of loneliness. But God had other plans for her life. Three years after her divorce, God sent a wonderful man into her life. She has been happily remarried for 6 months now. She said, "I didn't know life could be like this, & never expected to find happiness again". God is gracious, God is merciful.
My morning devotion had this verse & quote today:
"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands."
~Ps 138:8~
"God has no problems, only plans. There is never panic in heaven"
~Corrie ten Boom~
There was no panic in heaven when this lady faced a divorce that rocked her world & everything she held dear. God already had plans for her future, & for yours & mine. Only believe. He is perfecting that which concerns you& me.
I don't believe anything happens by chance. Today I made a business call & the lady on the other end of the phone shared her story with me. Her opening words were: "There is life after death, and by death, I'm referring to divorce." She had accepted that the rest of her life would be suffering, as she faced the daily struggles of a single mom, & fought the bitter ache of loneliness. But God had other plans for her life. Three years after her divorce, God sent a wonderful man into her life. She has been happily remarried for 6 months now. She said, "I didn't know life could be like this, & never expected to find happiness again". God is gracious, God is merciful.
My morning devotion had this verse & quote today:
"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands."
~Ps 138:8~
"God has no problems, only plans. There is never panic in heaven"
~Corrie ten Boom~
There was no panic in heaven when this lady faced a divorce that rocked her world & everything she held dear. God already had plans for her future, & for yours & mine. Only believe. He is perfecting that which concerns you& me.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Polka Dot Day
"I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant . . ."
~Gen 9:13-15~
We all have a gray day sometimes. A day ( or a week! ) when a cloud glooms over our head, life appears dull, lacks luster, everything seems heavy, you feel lost in routine, without purpose. But God is gracious to soon place a break in the clouds. First a ray of sunshine beams through, next a faint rainbow. Your mind is renewed with some hope & wonder. Before you know it, you get up one morning to a full scale polka dot day, your heart filled with excitement & anticipation, bubbling over; you feel proud to be here, what you've persevered through, content again, less chaos, life more manageable & in control again- and you appreciate every moment of being here!
Be somebody's polka dot today. Call, share a joke. Laughter is powerful medicine to a discouraged soul. Send a card. Share a recipe. Sit in the porch swing together, go for a walk, grab a milkshake, take a trip to the flea market. God's promises to us are sure & steadfast, just like the rainbow. But sometimes the journey has been long through our flood & we need a brother / sister in Christ to remind us this cloud won't last forever. Polka dots will come again.
~Gen 9:13-15~
We all have a gray day sometimes. A day ( or a week! ) when a cloud glooms over our head, life appears dull, lacks luster, everything seems heavy, you feel lost in routine, without purpose. But God is gracious to soon place a break in the clouds. First a ray of sunshine beams through, next a faint rainbow. Your mind is renewed with some hope & wonder. Before you know it, you get up one morning to a full scale polka dot day, your heart filled with excitement & anticipation, bubbling over; you feel proud to be here, what you've persevered through, content again, less chaos, life more manageable & in control again- and you appreciate every moment of being here!
Be somebody's polka dot today. Call, share a joke. Laughter is powerful medicine to a discouraged soul. Send a card. Share a recipe. Sit in the porch swing together, go for a walk, grab a milkshake, take a trip to the flea market. God's promises to us are sure & steadfast, just like the rainbow. But sometimes the journey has been long through our flood & we need a brother / sister in Christ to remind us this cloud won't last forever. Polka dots will come again.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
"This may require some thinking . . ."
Anybody recognize that quote? It's Winnie the Pooh. Getting up in he morning, facing the many obligations of the day, taking care of necessities, & trying to find enjoyment in life between-- it all requires quite a balancing act! Pooh knew that good planning requires alot of thinking. I had that little quote stuck in my head all morning (in the Pooh voice, of coarse), then my morning devotion spoke directly to the things on my heart. It's easy to become overwhelmed or lose focus on what really matters in life. Hope these scriptures minister to you like they did me. Meditate on them today as you navigate your to-do-list . . .
"From the rising of the sun to its going down
The Lord’s name is to be praised."
~Ps 113:3~
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men"
~Col 3:23~
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
~Matt 6:33~
"From the rising of the sun to its going down
The Lord’s name is to be praised."
~Ps 113:3~
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men"
~Col 3:23~
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
~Matt 6:33~
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Skiing In Two Directions
"Teach me Your way, O Lord,
And lead me in a smooth path . . ."
~Ps 27:11~
You ever just NEED a "smooth" path? I told a close childhood friend this morning sometimes it feels like I'm skiing with my legs going in two different directions! We had a good laugh at the mental image that brought.
But this is life, and often we feel tugged & pulled, tossed by waves of doubt & uncertainty. And it's an out-of-control reality that our future depends on the driver of our boat. We're just holding on to the rope for dear life.
Success only comes with practice. You have to learn balance & strength to pull yourself up & glide across the water rather than fighting it. You must learn to navigate the wakes that other boats leave behind. You soon learn when to hold the rope tighter, when to give some slack, & when to let go all together, crawl in the boat and start on a fresh pull in a new direction.
Some of us fell, & we are searching for strength to pull up again, still trying to gain our balance. Some of us got caught in someone else's wake & have never found the courage to try again. Some of us have never learned to glide on God's path, we're still fighting every ripple. Some of us are up & goin, just a little goofy at moments with skis going in different directions! (Honey, it's ok to cry if you need to).
Guess life would be boring if there was never a wave to conquer. Where ever you are on your adventureous journey, I pray God gives you some smooth places to test your skills & see that you're stronger than you realize.
"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living."
~Ps 27:13~
"Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
~Ps 27:14~
And lead me in a smooth path . . ."
~Ps 27:11~
You ever just NEED a "smooth" path? I told a close childhood friend this morning sometimes it feels like I'm skiing with my legs going in two different directions! We had a good laugh at the mental image that brought.
But this is life, and often we feel tugged & pulled, tossed by waves of doubt & uncertainty. And it's an out-of-control reality that our future depends on the driver of our boat. We're just holding on to the rope for dear life.
Success only comes with practice. You have to learn balance & strength to pull yourself up & glide across the water rather than fighting it. You must learn to navigate the wakes that other boats leave behind. You soon learn when to hold the rope tighter, when to give some slack, & when to let go all together, crawl in the boat and start on a fresh pull in a new direction.
Some of us fell, & we are searching for strength to pull up again, still trying to gain our balance. Some of us got caught in someone else's wake & have never found the courage to try again. Some of us have never learned to glide on God's path, we're still fighting every ripple. Some of us are up & goin, just a little goofy at moments with skis going in different directions! (Honey, it's ok to cry if you need to).
Guess life would be boring if there was never a wave to conquer. Where ever you are on your adventureous journey, I pray God gives you some smooth places to test your skills & see that you're stronger than you realize.
"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living."
~Ps 27:13~
"Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
~Ps 27:14~
Monday, August 9, 2010
Help
" May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah. May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
And fulfill all your purpose."
~Ps 20:1-4~
What more could you wish for someone? We heard a quote on a movie this weekend: "The only happiness in life is to love & to be loved".
There is no greater love than God's. When you feel isolated & alone, He stays. When you have long exhausted human ears, He listens, and more importantly, He responds. When you cry yourself to sleep, He holds you til morning. When you think life will always hold you where you are at this moment, He reminds you that He is the God of possibility.
"We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
~Ps 20:5-7~
And fulfill all your purpose."
~Ps 20:1-4~
What more could you wish for someone? We heard a quote on a movie this weekend: "The only happiness in life is to love & to be loved".
There is no greater love than God's. When you feel isolated & alone, He stays. When you have long exhausted human ears, He listens, and more importantly, He responds. When you cry yourself to sleep, He holds you til morning. When you think life will always hold you where you are at this moment, He reminds you that He is the God of possibility.
"We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
~Ps 20:5-7~
Friday, August 6, 2010
"Just Do It"- Aint Just for Nike
"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? . . . But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God."
~ from James 2:14-24~
Have you ever just been discouraged? I mean, you know you have so much to be grateful for, and you are, really you are. And you believe every promise God's given, with the deepest fiber of your being. But still, you're not immune to satan's tactics of fatigue, discouragement & impatience.
You have gotten up, pushing forward in hope, morning after morning for days & weeks, watched them turn into months & years. Still you believe in what is yet unseen. Most days you find the child like spirit within you, to dream & I mean dream big! You look daily to the horizon, expecting today to be your day to receive a miracle.
But every once in a while, our faith grows weary, our spirit becomes tired of the fight. We get dismayed with always giving 200%, & receiving much less in return. We are tired of forcing something that should be so easy- it seems so easy for everyone else. . .just tired of being lonely on this journey. Our inner child threatens to grow up or grow synical, believing the enemy's whispers, "This will never come, it's never going to happen, not for you, you've misunderstood . . . ."
It's a tempting place to give up, to sit down & never work toward anything again. BUT DON'T. . .KEEP WALKING, KEEP WORKING, KEEP GIVING, KEEP LOVING. . .Just do it. These are the feet of your faith. When your heart wants to quit, & your mind's too overwhelmed to offer any help, drag your weary body to it's feet & keep moving. Just do it. HE will show you why later.
He knows your heart, He reads your mind. Maybe He just wants to see if your faith runs so deep that your feet keep goin regardless, completely programed to work for your faith, to work out your faith, even when it's hardest. Just do it.
" If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
~From James 2:14-24~
~ from James 2:14-24~
Have you ever just been discouraged? I mean, you know you have so much to be grateful for, and you are, really you are. And you believe every promise God's given, with the deepest fiber of your being. But still, you're not immune to satan's tactics of fatigue, discouragement & impatience.
You have gotten up, pushing forward in hope, morning after morning for days & weeks, watched them turn into months & years. Still you believe in what is yet unseen. Most days you find the child like spirit within you, to dream & I mean dream big! You look daily to the horizon, expecting today to be your day to receive a miracle.
But every once in a while, our faith grows weary, our spirit becomes tired of the fight. We get dismayed with always giving 200%, & receiving much less in return. We are tired of forcing something that should be so easy- it seems so easy for everyone else. . .just tired of being lonely on this journey. Our inner child threatens to grow up or grow synical, believing the enemy's whispers, "This will never come, it's never going to happen, not for you, you've misunderstood . . . ."
It's a tempting place to give up, to sit down & never work toward anything again. BUT DON'T. . .KEEP WALKING, KEEP WORKING, KEEP GIVING, KEEP LOVING. . .Just do it. These are the feet of your faith. When your heart wants to quit, & your mind's too overwhelmed to offer any help, drag your weary body to it's feet & keep moving. Just do it. HE will show you why later.
He knows your heart, He reads your mind. Maybe He just wants to see if your faith runs so deep that your feet keep goin regardless, completely programed to work for your faith, to work out your faith, even when it's hardest. Just do it.
" If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
~From James 2:14-24~
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Life's Obstacle Coarse
"For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall."
~Ps 18:29~
If there is anything I've learned about life, it's an obstacle coarse. A fast run to navigate our way through trials, falls, & difficulties of many sorts. But as we avoid the pits, we can't lose site of the things we need to contact along the way. There are heartbreaks to heal & lost souls to lead to Christ. There are hungry to feed & sick to visit.
There is a battle we are training for- the battle for our souls. As you dodge pot holes & aim for the good times of life, don't site of your final destination- eternal life, one place or other, we're all headed there. Let's take as many to heaven with us as we can when we go
"As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.
He teaches my hands to make war,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You enlarged my path under me,
So my feet did not slip."
~Ps 18:30-36~
By my God I can leap over a wall."
~Ps 18:29~
If there is anything I've learned about life, it's an obstacle coarse. A fast run to navigate our way through trials, falls, & difficulties of many sorts. But as we avoid the pits, we can't lose site of the things we need to contact along the way. There are heartbreaks to heal & lost souls to lead to Christ. There are hungry to feed & sick to visit.
There is a battle we are training for- the battle for our souls. As you dodge pot holes & aim for the good times of life, don't site of your final destination- eternal life, one place or other, we're all headed there. Let's take as many to heaven with us as we can when we go
"As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.
He teaches my hands to make war,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You enlarged my path under me,
So my feet did not slip."
~Ps 18:30-36~
Suddenly
"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
~I Corinth 15:51-52~
Often when God does something, it's very sudden. And certainly our life can change or end in the twinkling of an eye. How prepared are you to face eternity, to face the Lord?
Many in our church came to the startling reality they were not prepared. About 15 souls have surrendered their life to Jesus in the last month. Several of these thought they were saved at a younger age but did not have the peace or assurance to " know" if they died, that they would meet Jesus in heaven.
Bro. Michael Baker preached a dynamic message Sunday morning: "There's No Such Thing As a Casual Christian". The defination of a casual Christian is :
"one who would like to please God, however also wants to please the would & self; they try to squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of the world so they can have the best of both worlds; they only come to church when it's convenient or there is nothing else going on; they are mostly committed to self. Their life reflects the world". . .
Then he gave the defination of a commited Christian:"One who's life is centered in Christ& His kingdom's work; their faith defines every area of their life & who they are. Their life reflects Christ consistantly to those around them"
Wow . . .which one of these define you?
Bro. Baker went on to say: I believe casual Christians are lost & bound for hell, & don't even know it.
1 John 5:12-13 says:
"He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. "
You can know for certain, you don' t have to live in doubt & wonder & fear. The day will come that your life will suddenly end. Don't delay. Settle this with Christ today.
~I Corinth 15:51-52~
Often when God does something, it's very sudden. And certainly our life can change or end in the twinkling of an eye. How prepared are you to face eternity, to face the Lord?
Many in our church came to the startling reality they were not prepared. About 15 souls have surrendered their life to Jesus in the last month. Several of these thought they were saved at a younger age but did not have the peace or assurance to " know" if they died, that they would meet Jesus in heaven.
Bro. Michael Baker preached a dynamic message Sunday morning: "There's No Such Thing As a Casual Christian". The defination of a casual Christian is :
"one who would like to please God, however also wants to please the would & self; they try to squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of the world so they can have the best of both worlds; they only come to church when it's convenient or there is nothing else going on; they are mostly committed to self. Their life reflects the world". . .
Then he gave the defination of a commited Christian:"One who's life is centered in Christ& His kingdom's work; their faith defines every area of their life & who they are. Their life reflects Christ consistantly to those around them"
Wow . . .which one of these define you?
Bro. Baker went on to say: I believe casual Christians are lost & bound for hell, & don't even know it.
1 John 5:12-13 says:
"He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. "
You can know for certain, you don' t have to live in doubt & wonder & fear. The day will come that your life will suddenly end. Don't delay. Settle this with Christ today.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Lemonade Is Free!
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
~I Thes 5:16-18~
Ok, so here's my story. It all started with a faulty worn out tire. The side wall was seperating & it was unsafe to drive. Then it happened that I needed 4tires because they were all badly worn. When the tires were taken off, several lug nuts broke (common to my brand truck, so I'm told). Then we find that that 2 bearings are bad and it needs an alignment. We order those. Well the fan motor was sounding like a tin can, so we ordered that part too. We get everything broken down, ready to repair, & it's the wrong part. My bearings have an anti-lock break sensor. Put it all back together, order correct parts. Of coarse, it took 3 weeks to get the correct part in. In the meantime, we had noticed a slow leak of water from somewhere in the last several months but could never find it. Guess what? Not only did we find it, we poked another whole beside it with the new fan motor! So, we took that off, carried it to the next town to be welded, & of coarse he was so busy with his feet propped up on the desk, he couldn't possibly get it today- yes 2 trips to the next town to pick it up. Ok, radiator back on, filled with new anti-freeze, here we go, driving Ms. Daisy again. But wait, still a slow water leak. Oh, now it's the thermostat leaking. Ok, no big deal. That 's a cheep part & buy more anti-freeze. . .
Ok, to truly appreciate this story, you've gota hear what else is goin on at home for this single mom of 5 during the same time: septic tank pumped out, roof leaking, dishwasher repair, laundry room flooded, bathroom sink stopped up (part breaks), hole in pool hose, lawn mower belt broken.
Now, back to truck . . . Well, in taking off the thermostat, a bolt broke in the motor. Now, we have to haul it to a repair shop. . . So, that is where the story is today! Guess I've had my share of lemons this summer. Thank God He sends a little sweet with the sour to make lemonade-like the gentle selfless man helping me fix everything known to mankind! . . . . And thank God lemonade is free!
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
~Phil 4:4-7~
~I Thes 5:16-18~
Ok, so here's my story. It all started with a faulty worn out tire. The side wall was seperating & it was unsafe to drive. Then it happened that I needed 4tires because they were all badly worn. When the tires were taken off, several lug nuts broke (common to my brand truck, so I'm told). Then we find that that 2 bearings are bad and it needs an alignment. We order those. Well the fan motor was sounding like a tin can, so we ordered that part too. We get everything broken down, ready to repair, & it's the wrong part. My bearings have an anti-lock break sensor. Put it all back together, order correct parts. Of coarse, it took 3 weeks to get the correct part in. In the meantime, we had noticed a slow leak of water from somewhere in the last several months but could never find it. Guess what? Not only did we find it, we poked another whole beside it with the new fan motor! So, we took that off, carried it to the next town to be welded, & of coarse he was so busy with his feet propped up on the desk, he couldn't possibly get it today- yes 2 trips to the next town to pick it up. Ok, radiator back on, filled with new anti-freeze, here we go, driving Ms. Daisy again. But wait, still a slow water leak. Oh, now it's the thermostat leaking. Ok, no big deal. That 's a cheep part & buy more anti-freeze. . .
Ok, to truly appreciate this story, you've gota hear what else is goin on at home for this single mom of 5 during the same time: septic tank pumped out, roof leaking, dishwasher repair, laundry room flooded, bathroom sink stopped up (part breaks), hole in pool hose, lawn mower belt broken.
Now, back to truck . . . Well, in taking off the thermostat, a bolt broke in the motor. Now, we have to haul it to a repair shop. . . So, that is where the story is today! Guess I've had my share of lemons this summer. Thank God He sends a little sweet with the sour to make lemonade-like the gentle selfless man helping me fix everything known to mankind! . . . . And thank God lemonade is free!
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
~Phil 4:4-7~
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