Right now there is a lot going on in the world around us. Those of us that have jobs are considered lucky. It’s amazing that even something as simple as a job is something we take for granted. Well on January 19, 2011 I found out that my job will be going away. American Express has decided to close the facility in which I work. Now a building full of life and business will soon become an empty desolate vacant building.
As an employee, I am now faced with a couple options. I can either re-locate or go on unemployment. Decisions I make today are going to affect me tomorrow, they not only affect me, but they will affect my children, husband and my extended family as well. Relocation options are to Phoenix, Salt Lake, or to Fort Lauderdale. For me and my family relocating is just not in the cards for us.
As I go thru the next few months facing unemployment, I am reminded about a verse in the bible. If you would turn to Philippians 4:6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV) So I will not worry about the trial I am faced with for I know God is in control. My best option would be to be thankful my needs are being met and seek out the guidance from God on my next steps. I encourage each of my friends and peers to do the same. It is never promised that we will have a smooth ride, but are told as Christians we will face challenges. It’s best to never hold your head down, hold your head high and look up. The answers are up.
Humble yourself and pray. When it gets hard, pray harder. Remember God is the one in control and he does things on His watch and in His time.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Things to think about
At church we had a Missionary Names Gilbert Tenorio. These are my notes from his service.
We read Acts 8:
There are 4 things that Man like and enjoy, but do NOT provide or give Salvation:
1> Authority and Power. WOW, to be a king or a president of a nation and have such power like that. It doesnt save us and we need to realize this. No single person on earth is above going thru Jesus to get to Heaven.
2> Wealth and Money...We all dream of having money, some of us would like to just have enough money to be able to live comfortably and not worry where our next mortgage will come from, but again, God wont accept the money of the wealthiest person for salvation. It doesnt work that way.
3> Religion and Being a member of a church. Altho the church will help guide you and point you in the right direction, they will not give you salvation.
4> Being well Educated. This will help you secure great employment, but will not save you
So what saves you from spending an Eternity in Hell? God's Grace saves you. Jesus died for your sins and he died for mine too. We have to believe that and have faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. "No one will come to the Father except thru Jesus Christ"
God wants his followers to do the following:
1> GO....Go where God wants you to go. If you get a calling from him, you should answer him, get up and GO!
2>TALK to the person God wants you to TALK to...If you get a feeling to speak to someone about their salvation, that is God and you need to speak to that person. Their salvation may be depending on your witness.
3> PREACH...Preach the Message God wants you to preach. God wants you to preach the Message about Jesus. You do not have to be a pastor to tell others about Jesus.
So what will you do? Go with me into the battle field and be armored with "the belt of truth", Your "Breastplate", "Sandals of Peace", "Shield of Faith", Salvations Helmet", and your "Sword of the Spirit!"
We read Acts 8:
There are 4 things that Man like and enjoy, but do NOT provide or give Salvation:
1> Authority and Power. WOW, to be a king or a president of a nation and have such power like that. It doesnt save us and we need to realize this. No single person on earth is above going thru Jesus to get to Heaven.
2> Wealth and Money...We all dream of having money, some of us would like to just have enough money to be able to live comfortably and not worry where our next mortgage will come from, but again, God wont accept the money of the wealthiest person for salvation. It doesnt work that way.
3> Religion and Being a member of a church. Altho the church will help guide you and point you in the right direction, they will not give you salvation.
4> Being well Educated. This will help you secure great employment, but will not save you
So what saves you from spending an Eternity in Hell? God's Grace saves you. Jesus died for your sins and he died for mine too. We have to believe that and have faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. "No one will come to the Father except thru Jesus Christ"
God wants his followers to do the following:
1> GO....Go where God wants you to go. If you get a calling from him, you should answer him, get up and GO!
2>TALK to the person God wants you to TALK to...If you get a feeling to speak to someone about their salvation, that is God and you need to speak to that person. Their salvation may be depending on your witness.
3> PREACH...Preach the Message God wants you to preach. God wants you to preach the Message about Jesus. You do not have to be a pastor to tell others about Jesus.
So what will you do? Go with me into the battle field and be armored with "the belt of truth", Your "Breastplate", "Sandals of Peace", "Shield of Faith", Salvations Helmet", and your "Sword of the Spirit!"
Friday, April 30, 2010
HOW TO FACE RPOBLEMS
A couple of weeks ago I went on a women’s retreat to TN. This particular weekend was a fantastic weekend full of worship and praise music by Michael W Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Charles Billingsley. We had guest speakers like Kay Arthur, writer: Karen Kingsbury, Comedian: Anita Renfroe, and Lori Salierno.
Today I am going to cover the things Lori talked about in her lesson. (it’s not word for word) There are 3 things you need to do when facing rough times:
Put Praise before the problem:
Don’t face problems alone. Pray and sing praise songs as you face the trouble. Read 2 Chronicles. Get that Praise out there. Don’t hesitate to sing and worship God. He is there with you and will comfort and guide you thru this time.
Walk thru the pain:We can’t keep our eyes closed and ignore the problems. We must continue on in life and keep moving, as you move forward thru the valley you are in it will get easier. Read the 23rd Psalm. Tho I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death. See we walk thru, not around, not backwards, not running, just simply walking thru. What are we walking thru? We are walking thru the shadow of death, not death it’s self. Sure it may feel and look and seem just like death, but don’t be fooled, it’s just the shadow. We can make it thru.
Walk in the light:We need to set an example as Christians. When the tough gets going, it doesn’t mean we can have mouths like sailors and be grouchy and rude. We need to allow God’s love to shine thru us and live according to God’s word.
Times are rough and everyone has something they are going thru, perhaps it’s something major, perhaps it’s not. Either way, if we live by these 3 rules, it will help us get thru the day.
Today I am going to cover the things Lori talked about in her lesson. (it’s not word for word) There are 3 things you need to do when facing rough times:
Put Praise before the problem:
Don’t face problems alone. Pray and sing praise songs as you face the trouble. Read 2 Chronicles. Get that Praise out there. Don’t hesitate to sing and worship God. He is there with you and will comfort and guide you thru this time.
Walk thru the pain:We can’t keep our eyes closed and ignore the problems. We must continue on in life and keep moving, as you move forward thru the valley you are in it will get easier. Read the 23rd Psalm. Tho I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death. See we walk thru, not around, not backwards, not running, just simply walking thru. What are we walking thru? We are walking thru the shadow of death, not death it’s self. Sure it may feel and look and seem just like death, but don’t be fooled, it’s just the shadow. We can make it thru.
Walk in the light:We need to set an example as Christians. When the tough gets going, it doesn’t mean we can have mouths like sailors and be grouchy and rude. We need to allow God’s love to shine thru us and live according to God’s word.
Times are rough and everyone has something they are going thru, perhaps it’s something major, perhaps it’s not. Either way, if we live by these 3 rules, it will help us get thru the day.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter
He Did That For Me
Alan Riley
Theologians have a fancy phrase for it... they call it "Substitutionary Atonement." What it means in plain English is that Jesus died on the cross paying the penalty for sin. From the beginning of the church, there has been a clear understanding of what Christ's death on the cross meant. It was not simply the unjust murder of an influential if somewhat unorthodox Jewish teacher on a Passover weekend. It was the only begotten Son of God willingly giving up His life to pay the price for sin. Your sin. My sin.
But for any truth to be a life-changing one, we must come to the place where it moves from being simple fact to being a truth that we embrace with our entire being. It is one thing to know that Jesus died for you, but another thing altogether for the full weight of that truth to become painfully clear to you. Someone once said this process involves making the 18-inch journey from your head to your heart.
I remember when I was 17 years old and a brand new Christian, so excited about my new-found faith. It was the Easter season, so the old movie "King of Kings" was on TV. When the movie showed the crucifixion, I was deeply moved as I saw Him beaten and mocked. As Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," tears began to roll down my face. How could they have done this to Jesus? Why would they want to crucify Him? Why didn't He call down angels to destroy them all and save Him?
It was then for the first time in my walk with the Lord I clearly sensed the Holy Spirit speak to my heart, as clearly as if I had heard it audibly. Just five simple words that pieced my heart like a knife: "I did this for you."
For the first time the full weight of that truth hit me like a ton of bricks. It was my sin that put Him there. He suffered and He died in my place. He did that for me.
Many years later I was reminded of that experience again, as I saw someone else experience the same thing. We went with a group from church to see the film "The Passion of the Christ." I wept along with most everyone in the theatre as I watched a much more true to life depiction of Jesus' suffering and death. As we were leaving the theatre, I noticed a member of our church - a 92 year-old retired physician who walked with two canes - make his way to a seat in the lobby and begin sobbing loudly. Several of us walked over to him. No one said anything for a few moments. The doctor struggled to regain enough composure to speak. When he finally did, he cried out through his tears, "That was for me!"
How long has it been since the reality of God's grace and forgiveness reduced you to tears? When was the last time you wept over your sin and what it cost the Lord Jesus? For most of us it has been way too long.
I encourage you to get caught up - again, as if for the first time - in the awe and wonder of the fact that the only begotten Son of God would give His life for you.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life... my all.
Alan Riley
Theologians have a fancy phrase for it... they call it "Substitutionary Atonement." What it means in plain English is that Jesus died on the cross paying the penalty for sin. From the beginning of the church, there has been a clear understanding of what Christ's death on the cross meant. It was not simply the unjust murder of an influential if somewhat unorthodox Jewish teacher on a Passover weekend. It was the only begotten Son of God willingly giving up His life to pay the price for sin. Your sin. My sin.
But for any truth to be a life-changing one, we must come to the place where it moves from being simple fact to being a truth that we embrace with our entire being. It is one thing to know that Jesus died for you, but another thing altogether for the full weight of that truth to become painfully clear to you. Someone once said this process involves making the 18-inch journey from your head to your heart.
I remember when I was 17 years old and a brand new Christian, so excited about my new-found faith. It was the Easter season, so the old movie "King of Kings" was on TV. When the movie showed the crucifixion, I was deeply moved as I saw Him beaten and mocked. As Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," tears began to roll down my face. How could they have done this to Jesus? Why would they want to crucify Him? Why didn't He call down angels to destroy them all and save Him?
It was then for the first time in my walk with the Lord I clearly sensed the Holy Spirit speak to my heart, as clearly as if I had heard it audibly. Just five simple words that pieced my heart like a knife: "I did this for you."
For the first time the full weight of that truth hit me like a ton of bricks. It was my sin that put Him there. He suffered and He died in my place. He did that for me.
Many years later I was reminded of that experience again, as I saw someone else experience the same thing. We went with a group from church to see the film "The Passion of the Christ." I wept along with most everyone in the theatre as I watched a much more true to life depiction of Jesus' suffering and death. As we were leaving the theatre, I noticed a member of our church - a 92 year-old retired physician who walked with two canes - make his way to a seat in the lobby and begin sobbing loudly. Several of us walked over to him. No one said anything for a few moments. The doctor struggled to regain enough composure to speak. When he finally did, he cried out through his tears, "That was for me!"
How long has it been since the reality of God's grace and forgiveness reduced you to tears? When was the last time you wept over your sin and what it cost the Lord Jesus? For most of us it has been way too long.
I encourage you to get caught up - again, as if for the first time - in the awe and wonder of the fact that the only begotten Son of God would give His life for you.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life... my all.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Tornado
As I sit here today at work, I see the world around me and I see individuals with turmoil in their lives. I am not excluded from this turmoil. Life in this world can be like being in a severe wind storm.
Have you ever seen the movie Twister starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton? In this movie at one point they get stuck in a major tornado and everything around them is sucked into the sky. They are holding onto a steel pipe that runs deep within the ground and is the only thing stable to hold onto. They have a belt that they can us to aid them in holding onto the pipe. Now the tricky part is that they have little time to brace themselves for this stage 5 tornado coming at them. The barn that they had gone into is now gone. This is a life and death situation and their only safety is this pipe. They Use the belt for added assistance and they soon find that their feet are flying in the air and they are close to being sucked up by this tornado. Once it is gone we can see that the pipe that went deep into the ground was the only thing that saved them.
Our lives as Christians are a lot like this picture. Take a moment to reflect on 2 Sam 22:2. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.” Think about your life. Think about the things going on around you in the world. There are trials and tribulations going on all around you. Some folks are dealing with a sick loved one, some with the stress of losing a job or have lost their job and now face foreclosure. Some are facing the death of a loved one. There are some who have lost their jobs, then their homes and cars and are on the streets now losing their hope and their faith. These are their own personal stage 5 tornadoes that are facing them threatening to take their lives. If you find yourself in the midst of your own stage 5 tornado, don’t give up and let Satan win. Satan isn’t going to love and cherish you for all eternity, but there is one who will and that is God. When you ran from the tornado chasing you, you came up on a steel pipe that runs deep in the ground, it is very sturdy, and cannot be moved. You cannot run anymore. On the walls around you, you will notice a strap. Grab it, loop it around the pipe and then around your self. Grab hold of the pipe with everything you have, it’s the only way to survive. In doing this you have grabbed your Bible and a firm grip on God’s hand. God is the sturdy pipe in our lives and the strap we have used is our Bible. The reason this is our only way to survive is that Jesus is the only way to heaven.
So if you are having a rough time with life these days, don’t give up. Let go and Let God direct you. Don’t let go of God, let go of the worldly ways. People will see how close you are to God, they will see that the storm you are in has not gotten the best of you and that you are holding firm with Jesus by your side.
As we face a New Year, lets all let go of 2009. For some it was a great year, but for many it was an awful year. Stay in prayer, stay in your Word of God and listen for God’s voice. He is the calm of the storm. He cannot be moved or destroyed or sucked up by a tornado. He is the anchor of life.
Any thoughts or comments on this?
Have you ever seen the movie Twister starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton? In this movie at one point they get stuck in a major tornado and everything around them is sucked into the sky. They are holding onto a steel pipe that runs deep within the ground and is the only thing stable to hold onto. They have a belt that they can us to aid them in holding onto the pipe. Now the tricky part is that they have little time to brace themselves for this stage 5 tornado coming at them. The barn that they had gone into is now gone. This is a life and death situation and their only safety is this pipe. They Use the belt for added assistance and they soon find that their feet are flying in the air and they are close to being sucked up by this tornado. Once it is gone we can see that the pipe that went deep into the ground was the only thing that saved them.
Our lives as Christians are a lot like this picture. Take a moment to reflect on 2 Sam 22:2. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.” Think about your life. Think about the things going on around you in the world. There are trials and tribulations going on all around you. Some folks are dealing with a sick loved one, some with the stress of losing a job or have lost their job and now face foreclosure. Some are facing the death of a loved one. There are some who have lost their jobs, then their homes and cars and are on the streets now losing their hope and their faith. These are their own personal stage 5 tornadoes that are facing them threatening to take their lives. If you find yourself in the midst of your own stage 5 tornado, don’t give up and let Satan win. Satan isn’t going to love and cherish you for all eternity, but there is one who will and that is God. When you ran from the tornado chasing you, you came up on a steel pipe that runs deep in the ground, it is very sturdy, and cannot be moved. You cannot run anymore. On the walls around you, you will notice a strap. Grab it, loop it around the pipe and then around your self. Grab hold of the pipe with everything you have, it’s the only way to survive. In doing this you have grabbed your Bible and a firm grip on God’s hand. God is the sturdy pipe in our lives and the strap we have used is our Bible. The reason this is our only way to survive is that Jesus is the only way to heaven.
So if you are having a rough time with life these days, don’t give up. Let go and Let God direct you. Don’t let go of God, let go of the worldly ways. People will see how close you are to God, they will see that the storm you are in has not gotten the best of you and that you are holding firm with Jesus by your side.
As we face a New Year, lets all let go of 2009. For some it was a great year, but for many it was an awful year. Stay in prayer, stay in your Word of God and listen for God’s voice. He is the calm of the storm. He cannot be moved or destroyed or sucked up by a tornado. He is the anchor of life.
Any thoughts or comments on this?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The crocheted tablecloth
The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn , arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything
done in time to have their first service
on Christmas Eve.
They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc, and on December 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished.
On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.
On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high.
The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home. On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross
embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.
By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later.
She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.
Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. 'Pastor,' she asked, 'where did you get that tablecloth?' The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria .
The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria . When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.
The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn
for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return.
One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he
wasn't leaving.
The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike.
He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.
He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.
True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid
Who says God does not work in mysterious ways. I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today, to guide you and protect you as you go along your way. His love is always with you, His promises are true, and when we give Him all our cares you know He will see us through.
So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best. Just remember I'm here praying and God will do the rest.
done in time to have their first service
on Christmas Eve.
They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc, and on December 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished.
On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.
On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high.
The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home. On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross
embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.
By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later.
She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.
Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. 'Pastor,' she asked, 'where did you get that tablecloth?' The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria .
The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria . When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.
The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn
for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return.
One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he
wasn't leaving.
The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike.
He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.
He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.
True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid
Who says God does not work in mysterious ways. I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today, to guide you and protect you as you go along your way. His love is always with you, His promises are true, and when we give Him all our cares you know He will see us through.
So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best. Just remember I'm here praying and God will do the rest.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Don’t Check NO
Don’t Check NO
Guest Speaker Wed Night Service Notes
How man of you remember being a kid and writing a note to someone you had a crush on that said “Do you like me check yes or no?” How about the note you got back that said the same thing, because they wanted your answer first. In our walk with God its much the same thing. God doesn’t want to be rejected by us, just as we don’t want to be rejected by him. Read these verses: Zechariah 1:3/Malachi 3:7/James 4:8. These verses all have something in common. They all speak of Turn, Return, and draw an eye unto the Lord and he will do the same. I am going to break this down for you as it was broken down for me.
1. Turn to Christ. Seek the saving grace of Christ, he will then turn to us and give us all the benefits of salvation. God wants us to have fellowship with him. He doesn’t NEED us—he WANTS us.
2. Return to God. We have broken fellowship with God. We need to repair this fellowship with him. Once we do this he will return to us as well. 1 John 1:9/Isaiah 59:2. We need to re-establish our relationship with god by Confessing our sin before we pray for about other things, and we must also repent of the sin as well.
3. Draw close to God. Get to know God by
a. Reading your Bible each Day
b. Praying every day
c. Be in church every chance you can
We are the branches that should be bearing fruit for God.
God has already given us the invitation. It’s our move. We must make the decision to RSVP to His invitation. Once we answer Him and Turn, Return, and draw close to Him, He will do the same to us.
***Have you accepted Christ into your life today? Have you responded to His invitation to join Him in Heaven and live eternally? If you haven’t you really should get back with God about that. There are only 2 places to go once our earthly bodies give up life. We will either live eternally in Heaven with God where there will be no pain and suffering, no starvation, no evil, no illness, and there will only be good things to come. Or we will spend our eternity in Hell with Satan in a lake of fire longing for a drip of water on our tongue. I pray that each of you will make the decision not to allow Satan to drag you down into the pits of despair with him. Answer God’s invitation and become a child of God. Walk in faith hand in hand with our creator.***
Message from God:
Will you follow me?
___________Yes _____________No
Guest Speaker Wed Night Service Notes
How man of you remember being a kid and writing a note to someone you had a crush on that said “Do you like me check yes or no?” How about the note you got back that said the same thing, because they wanted your answer first. In our walk with God its much the same thing. God doesn’t want to be rejected by us, just as we don’t want to be rejected by him. Read these verses: Zechariah 1:3/Malachi 3:7/James 4:8. These verses all have something in common. They all speak of Turn, Return, and draw an eye unto the Lord and he will do the same. I am going to break this down for you as it was broken down for me.
1. Turn to Christ. Seek the saving grace of Christ, he will then turn to us and give us all the benefits of salvation. God wants us to have fellowship with him. He doesn’t NEED us—he WANTS us.
2. Return to God. We have broken fellowship with God. We need to repair this fellowship with him. Once we do this he will return to us as well. 1 John 1:9/Isaiah 59:2. We need to re-establish our relationship with god by Confessing our sin before we pray for about other things, and we must also repent of the sin as well.
3. Draw close to God. Get to know God by
a. Reading your Bible each Day
b. Praying every day
c. Be in church every chance you can
We are the branches that should be bearing fruit for God.
God has already given us the invitation. It’s our move. We must make the decision to RSVP to His invitation. Once we answer Him and Turn, Return, and draw close to Him, He will do the same to us.
***Have you accepted Christ into your life today? Have you responded to His invitation to join Him in Heaven and live eternally? If you haven’t you really should get back with God about that. There are only 2 places to go once our earthly bodies give up life. We will either live eternally in Heaven with God where there will be no pain and suffering, no starvation, no evil, no illness, and there will only be good things to come. Or we will spend our eternity in Hell with Satan in a lake of fire longing for a drip of water on our tongue. I pray that each of you will make the decision not to allow Satan to drag you down into the pits of despair with him. Answer God’s invitation and become a child of God. Walk in faith hand in hand with our creator.***
Message from God:
Will you follow me?
___________Yes _____________No
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Brag on God
Brag on God
"Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer."
(Romans 12:12)
We're to live in hope. We're to rejoice. So, when Satan comes to steal your victory and tell you that God is not going to help you this time, you just think on the Word of God and start rejoicing. Rejoice that you're in Him. Rejoice that heaven is your home. Rejoice that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Rejoice. Brag on God today. The devil can't stand it!
"Be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation...." Tribulation means "being under pressure." When pressure comes, don't cave in. Don't faint. Instead, go to the throne of grace. Go boldly in the Name of Jesus and get the help you need.
Remember this: When things get hard isn't when you let go of the Word. That's when you double up on it. That's when you are "constant in prayer" so that you are unmovable.
Rejoice. Be patient under pressure. Be constant in prayer. The devil won't be able to steal one thing from you!
TODAY'S CLEAN LAUGH
One Hard Question
There was a student who wanted to be admitted to the University.
He was smart enough to get through the written test, a GED, and was to appear for the personal interview. Later, as the interview progressed, the interviewer found this boy to be bright since he could answer all the questions correctly. The interviewer got impatient and decided to corner the boy.
"Tell me your choice," said he to the boy, "What's your choice: I shall either ask you ten easy questions or ONE real difficult. Think well before you make up your mind."
The boy thought for a while and said, "My choice is ONE real difficult question."
"Well, good luck to you, you have made your own choice!" said the man on the opposite side. Tell me: What comes first, Day or Night?"
The boy was jolted first but he waited for a while and said: "It's the DAY, sir."
"How???????" the interviewer shot back, smiling. ("At last, I got you!" he said to himself.)
"Sorry sir, you promised me that you will not ask me a SECOND difficult question!"
The student was admitted to the University.
"Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer."
(Romans 12:12)
We're to live in hope. We're to rejoice. So, when Satan comes to steal your victory and tell you that God is not going to help you this time, you just think on the Word of God and start rejoicing. Rejoice that you're in Him. Rejoice that heaven is your home. Rejoice that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Rejoice. Brag on God today. The devil can't stand it!
"Be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation...." Tribulation means "being under pressure." When pressure comes, don't cave in. Don't faint. Instead, go to the throne of grace. Go boldly in the Name of Jesus and get the help you need.
Remember this: When things get hard isn't when you let go of the Word. That's when you double up on it. That's when you are "constant in prayer" so that you are unmovable.
Rejoice. Be patient under pressure. Be constant in prayer. The devil won't be able to steal one thing from you!
TODAY'S CLEAN LAUGH
One Hard Question
There was a student who wanted to be admitted to the University.
He was smart enough to get through the written test, a GED, and was to appear for the personal interview. Later, as the interview progressed, the interviewer found this boy to be bright since he could answer all the questions correctly. The interviewer got impatient and decided to corner the boy.
"Tell me your choice," said he to the boy, "What's your choice: I shall either ask you ten easy questions or ONE real difficult. Think well before you make up your mind."
The boy thought for a while and said, "My choice is ONE real difficult question."
"Well, good luck to you, you have made your own choice!" said the man on the opposite side. Tell me: What comes first, Day or Night?"
The boy was jolted first but he waited for a while and said: "It's the DAY, sir."
"How???????" the interviewer shot back, smiling. ("At last, I got you!" he said to himself.)
"Sorry sir, you promised me that you will not ask me a SECOND difficult question!"
The student was admitted to the University.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Walking with God and not alone
Walking with God and not alone
Are you tired? Do you feel like you’re alone? Are you just plain worn out emotionally? Fear not for you are not alone. I was reading my daily devotional this morning by Dr Charles Stanley and he talks about this very subject. I have so much on my plate right now from work, kids, and kid’s other parents. It’s a very stressful time of life right now, but I am taking comfort knowing that God is there with me. I am reminded that in the Christian walk it was never promised our troubles and trials would disappear, but that we would no longer have to deal alone. Read Galatians 5:16-26.
Life is full of trials and conflicts. A Christian’s life seems to continue that way, but now we have nonbelievers watching and observing how we deal with these issues. Instead of throwing in the towel and giving into Satan, we must stand firm in our faith and walk in step with the Holy Spirit. Doing this will help us get thru the conflicts we are traveling thru and it will also show the nonbelievers God’s presence. We rely on God for our strength and just when we feel like we are just too wobbly and weak to continue, you find new strength. This is God picking you up and helping to you continue forward.
WOW! Doesn’t that just take your breath away? To know that you are not alone in this world and you won’t fall on your face. Sure times are hard and sometimes we do hit the bottom, but in that case it’s not because God is being cruel and wanted to see you fail, it’s the exact opposite. God wants your attention and if your not doing as he is telling you to do, you actually cause your self to fall, once you fall, then you can look up and start again, but this time on the right path. Remember no matter what God is there. So, say a prayer today, let God know of the things you are troubled with, let Him know you need guidance and strength thru this time. I promise if you completely release it to Him, you will feel lighter and you will have found renewed strength to move on.
Hang on tight, the roller coaster of life is sure a wild ride and can be scary at times especially thru the dark tunnels and when you feel upside down, but scream if you must, pray each minute of each day, and rely on God to get you thru. Don’t rely on yourself or your human nature. We humans have a tendency to make a bad situation much worse.
I pray that you will allow God to guide you thru life. Let Him be your light on the path. Hold His hand and stick to Him. I pray that as Christians you learn to lean on God for strength and you also learn to lean on your fellow Christians as well. I pray that God will bless you in a very special way today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!!!
Please have a joyous day.
Questions/comments?
Are you tired? Do you feel like you’re alone? Are you just plain worn out emotionally? Fear not for you are not alone. I was reading my daily devotional this morning by Dr Charles Stanley and he talks about this very subject. I have so much on my plate right now from work, kids, and kid’s other parents. It’s a very stressful time of life right now, but I am taking comfort knowing that God is there with me. I am reminded that in the Christian walk it was never promised our troubles and trials would disappear, but that we would no longer have to deal alone. Read Galatians 5:16-26.
Life is full of trials and conflicts. A Christian’s life seems to continue that way, but now we have nonbelievers watching and observing how we deal with these issues. Instead of throwing in the towel and giving into Satan, we must stand firm in our faith and walk in step with the Holy Spirit. Doing this will help us get thru the conflicts we are traveling thru and it will also show the nonbelievers God’s presence. We rely on God for our strength and just when we feel like we are just too wobbly and weak to continue, you find new strength. This is God picking you up and helping to you continue forward.
WOW! Doesn’t that just take your breath away? To know that you are not alone in this world and you won’t fall on your face. Sure times are hard and sometimes we do hit the bottom, but in that case it’s not because God is being cruel and wanted to see you fail, it’s the exact opposite. God wants your attention and if your not doing as he is telling you to do, you actually cause your self to fall, once you fall, then you can look up and start again, but this time on the right path. Remember no matter what God is there. So, say a prayer today, let God know of the things you are troubled with, let Him know you need guidance and strength thru this time. I promise if you completely release it to Him, you will feel lighter and you will have found renewed strength to move on.
Hang on tight, the roller coaster of life is sure a wild ride and can be scary at times especially thru the dark tunnels and when you feel upside down, but scream if you must, pray each minute of each day, and rely on God to get you thru. Don’t rely on yourself or your human nature. We humans have a tendency to make a bad situation much worse.
I pray that you will allow God to guide you thru life. Let Him be your light on the path. Hold His hand and stick to Him. I pray that as Christians you learn to lean on God for strength and you also learn to lean on your fellow Christians as well. I pray that God will bless you in a very special way today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!!!
Please have a joyous day.
Questions/comments?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
I am A Soldier
Veterans Day:
"I Am a Soldier"
David Langerfeld
Nov 11, 2009
Today is Veterans Day. Originally, it was a day set aside to honor the Veterans of World War I because the signing of the Armistice which ended World War I took place on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. Since that time, it has become a day to honor the Veterans of all wars. To all of our Veterans, thank you. We salute you, we are grateful for your courage and your sacrifice. We are blessed by your commitment and your service. As we honor our Veterans on this special day, I share with you an "Encourager Classic", a poem dedicated to Christian Soldiers... "I Am A Soldier" I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, Prayer, and the Word are my weapons of Warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, ...trained by experience, ....tried by adversity, ....and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this Army or die in this Army; But, I will not get out, ...sell out ....be talked out ....or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable. If my God needs, me, I am there. I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, ...petted, ....primed up, ....pumped up, ....picked up, ....or pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has to call me, ...remind me, ....write me, ....visit me, ....entice me, ....or lure me. I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, ...saluting my King, ....obeying His orders, ....praising His name, ....and building His Kingdom! No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even. I will win. My God will supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and Hell cannot handle me! I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to a captain. I am a soldier, in the Army, I'm marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier, marching, Heaven bound. Here I stand. Will you stand with me?
"I Am a Soldier"
David Langerfeld
Nov 11, 2009
Today is Veterans Day. Originally, it was a day set aside to honor the Veterans of World War I because the signing of the Armistice which ended World War I took place on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. Since that time, it has become a day to honor the Veterans of all wars. To all of our Veterans, thank you. We salute you, we are grateful for your courage and your sacrifice. We are blessed by your commitment and your service. As we honor our Veterans on this special day, I share with you an "Encourager Classic", a poem dedicated to Christian Soldiers... "I Am A Soldier" I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct. Faith, Prayer, and the Word are my weapons of Warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, ...trained by experience, ....tried by adversity, ....and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this Army or die in this Army; But, I will not get out, ...sell out ....be talked out ....or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable. If my God needs, me, I am there. I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, ...petted, ....primed up, ....pumped up, ....picked up, ....or pepped up. I am a soldier. No one has to call me, ...remind me, ....write me, ....visit me, ....entice me, ....or lure me. I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, ...saluting my King, ....obeying His orders, ....praising His name, ....and building His Kingdom! No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even. I will win. My God will supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and Hell cannot handle me! I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to a captain. I am a soldier, in the Army, I'm marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around. I am a soldier, marching, Heaven bound. Here I stand. Will you stand with me?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Mistaken Beliefs
Mistaken Beliefs
Read Mark 10:17-22
There are 3 that I will cover today, but as you think about life and your walk with God, I am sure you can think of so many more. Make sure to examine each thing to see if it is real or mistaken.
1. What I have is enough to get me to heaven.
Why would this be a mistaken belief? Many people of today and even people throughout scripture thought that because they were rich, young with bright futures, were leaders, live with morals and values that guaranteed them a spot in heaven. I am sorry to bust your bubble on this, but God is not into the material things of your life. He wants your heart, He wants you to live right and be a servant to others.
2. If what I have isn’t enough, I can do more to be acceptable
Well many people feel that their works will get them into heaven. How do you define works? Works would be anything you are doing. Yes God wants us to serve others, but we also have to have a relationship with him. So if you have lots of volunteer activities you do for charities, and you also help out in the food pantries, and you live with morals, but you lack a relationship with God, you will not be acceptable.
3. I can trust Jesus with part of my life and still be right with God.
What does that mean? We are all guilty of this factor at some point. We give our troubles to God and something comes up. Before we check with God to see if this is His answer, we jump on it and before we know it our problem has not gone away, but gotten worse. Or we pray that God will ease our pain and then we rely on other means. Not saying that taking an aspirin for a headache is bad, it’s more emotional pain. Another way we do this is by not trusting in God to do the things He promises. You give Him all the time in the world on Sunday until noon, then its lunch time. You say you love God, but you are not willing to tell your friends about Him. You’d rather keep that part a secret so you don’t offend your friends.
So these are the 3 that come to mind for now. Now that you have read them how do you fit in this category? Make sure you are giving God 100% if yourself, not just 99% you want to give. With God we have to have a balance of a good solid relationship with Him as well as being a good servant. If you have works that you are involved in and have a solid relationship with God, then the works now become of God. Do you see the difference? Give God what He wants, your heart and soul. He cares nothing about your money, how young or old you are, or anything of that nature. He strives for a relationship with His creations. I say give it to Him. After all He did send His son to pay for our sins.
**TRUTH**
Christianity is about your relationship with God
Religion is what you do
Questions/Comments/Concerns?
Read Mark 10:17-22
There are 3 that I will cover today, but as you think about life and your walk with God, I am sure you can think of so many more. Make sure to examine each thing to see if it is real or mistaken.
1. What I have is enough to get me to heaven.
Why would this be a mistaken belief? Many people of today and even people throughout scripture thought that because they were rich, young with bright futures, were leaders, live with morals and values that guaranteed them a spot in heaven. I am sorry to bust your bubble on this, but God is not into the material things of your life. He wants your heart, He wants you to live right and be a servant to others.
2. If what I have isn’t enough, I can do more to be acceptable
Well many people feel that their works will get them into heaven. How do you define works? Works would be anything you are doing. Yes God wants us to serve others, but we also have to have a relationship with him. So if you have lots of volunteer activities you do for charities, and you also help out in the food pantries, and you live with morals, but you lack a relationship with God, you will not be acceptable.
3. I can trust Jesus with part of my life and still be right with God.
What does that mean? We are all guilty of this factor at some point. We give our troubles to God and something comes up. Before we check with God to see if this is His answer, we jump on it and before we know it our problem has not gone away, but gotten worse. Or we pray that God will ease our pain and then we rely on other means. Not saying that taking an aspirin for a headache is bad, it’s more emotional pain. Another way we do this is by not trusting in God to do the things He promises. You give Him all the time in the world on Sunday until noon, then its lunch time. You say you love God, but you are not willing to tell your friends about Him. You’d rather keep that part a secret so you don’t offend your friends.
So these are the 3 that come to mind for now. Now that you have read them how do you fit in this category? Make sure you are giving God 100% if yourself, not just 99% you want to give. With God we have to have a balance of a good solid relationship with Him as well as being a good servant. If you have works that you are involved in and have a solid relationship with God, then the works now become of God. Do you see the difference? Give God what He wants, your heart and soul. He cares nothing about your money, how young or old you are, or anything of that nature. He strives for a relationship with His creations. I say give it to Him. After all He did send His son to pay for our sins.
**TRUTH**
Christianity is about your relationship with God
Religion is what you do
Questions/Comments/Concerns?
Monday, November 9, 2009
Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Growth
So, what is spiritual growth? When someone mentions this, what comes to your mind? We know that we are born as babies and we grow into an adult. If you get your picture albums out you can see your growth over the years. You can tell all the features that changed as you grew and all the features that didn’t change much. Spiritual growth is the growing in your walk with the Lord. As you get closer to Him, your relationship grows and you become more aware of things going on around you. You begin to see things in a different light. You become much more aware of sinful things and you try to avoid them. We are human and we are not perfect, which is why I say try to avoid.
So how do you grow spiritually? Let’s talk about that for a bit. God commands us to serve others. That’s right, serve others. What does that mean you ask? Well you have to put your selfish needs and desires aside and meet the temporal and spiritual needs of others around us. Read Romans 8:29. Basically God continues to work thru you, the believer, transforming your character into the image of Christ. Being selfish and self centered will hinder your spiritual growth. God sent Jesus to Earth to die and take the punishment for our sins. While he was here, read thru the Bible. What was Jesus doing? Was he throwing parties and living life large? He had all the power he needed and did he use it to gain the throne and remove those he didn’t like? Did he harm or kill anyone who stood in his way? No! Jesus was living the life of a carpenter, but more so as a teacher and servant. He was busy serving others and spreading the good news about God, the Father. His final service while here on Earth was at Calvary. He allowed himself to be taken, beaten, and nailed to a cross so that you could be forgiven. He could have said “oh no, I don’t think so. I think I’ll continue to live and I wish not to be tormented and killed” This was well within his power to do and walk away unharmed, but he didn’t, instead he chose to take the penalty so that we could be forgiven.
What are you called to do? What area does God wish to have you in service of others? Did you know that servicing others is not a once a year thing? Giving some money to Salvation Army at Christmas time is such an awesome donation and is a good service, but it doesn’t end there. What about your friend that parties and does things that you no longer do. Even tho you don’t party anymore you still call this friend if they are a true friend. How can you be of service to them? Try being a good witness to them. Invite them to your church functions, don’t overwhelm them, but simply show them.
We are all in a process of constant spiritual growth. Since we are not perfect and never will be, we will continue to grow in Christ and learn from our mistakes. Reach out to others. Try to help them on their journey, it is paid back 100% guaranteed on God’s time. Think about this today. Pray about it and see where God wants you. Perhaps he needs you in a local ministry, perhaps he needs you where you are to witness to those around you, only way to find out God’s will for your service is to read your Bible and pray about it.
So, what is spiritual growth? When someone mentions this, what comes to your mind? We know that we are born as babies and we grow into an adult. If you get your picture albums out you can see your growth over the years. You can tell all the features that changed as you grew and all the features that didn’t change much. Spiritual growth is the growing in your walk with the Lord. As you get closer to Him, your relationship grows and you become more aware of things going on around you. You begin to see things in a different light. You become much more aware of sinful things and you try to avoid them. We are human and we are not perfect, which is why I say try to avoid.
So how do you grow spiritually? Let’s talk about that for a bit. God commands us to serve others. That’s right, serve others. What does that mean you ask? Well you have to put your selfish needs and desires aside and meet the temporal and spiritual needs of others around us. Read Romans 8:29. Basically God continues to work thru you, the believer, transforming your character into the image of Christ. Being selfish and self centered will hinder your spiritual growth. God sent Jesus to Earth to die and take the punishment for our sins. While he was here, read thru the Bible. What was Jesus doing? Was he throwing parties and living life large? He had all the power he needed and did he use it to gain the throne and remove those he didn’t like? Did he harm or kill anyone who stood in his way? No! Jesus was living the life of a carpenter, but more so as a teacher and servant. He was busy serving others and spreading the good news about God, the Father. His final service while here on Earth was at Calvary. He allowed himself to be taken, beaten, and nailed to a cross so that you could be forgiven. He could have said “oh no, I don’t think so. I think I’ll continue to live and I wish not to be tormented and killed” This was well within his power to do and walk away unharmed, but he didn’t, instead he chose to take the penalty so that we could be forgiven.
What are you called to do? What area does God wish to have you in service of others? Did you know that servicing others is not a once a year thing? Giving some money to Salvation Army at Christmas time is such an awesome donation and is a good service, but it doesn’t end there. What about your friend that parties and does things that you no longer do. Even tho you don’t party anymore you still call this friend if they are a true friend. How can you be of service to them? Try being a good witness to them. Invite them to your church functions, don’t overwhelm them, but simply show them.
We are all in a process of constant spiritual growth. Since we are not perfect and never will be, we will continue to grow in Christ and learn from our mistakes. Reach out to others. Try to help them on their journey, it is paid back 100% guaranteed on God’s time. Think about this today. Pray about it and see where God wants you. Perhaps he needs you in a local ministry, perhaps he needs you where you are to witness to those around you, only way to find out God’s will for your service is to read your Bible and pray about it.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Shedding the old to Grow in Christ
Shedding the old to Grow in Christ
As I watched the other day my Bearded Dragon, Zilla, shed, I found it very interesting, so I took a picture of her. I posted it on Facebook and a friend of mine mentioned it was like Shedding in the Christian walk as well. He may do a write up on this very topic and I am sure it will be a fascinating read. As I thought about it tho, I decided I would also come up with my take on this topic as well.
Now Zilla is about 3 months old. As she sheds she squirms about in her tank around in the sand and her basking rock. As you watch her you can see this is not the most fun part of her growing into her new skin. I usually give her a warm bath because it loosens the skin. I dry her off with a washrag or small towel. This part she loves because it feels good and helps remove some of the old skin. I then put her back into her tank and she goes straight to her basking rock under the heat lamp and sits. As I watch and check on her I can see the skin is flaking and coming off so much easier. This process usually takes a day or so. Once she has been able to shed all of her old skin, she becomes perky and runs around her tank and the living room if I get her out and you can see she is feeling like a brand new lizard.
So, you ask, what does this have to do with becoming a Christian? Well let’s walk thru this process together shall we. You are born a sinner. That’s just a fact of life. One day you are sitting in church and the pastor really has a message that just grabs a hold of you and you just get this aching feeling that he is talking to only you. He has spelled out your life in front of the whole church. You think of how you have been living, things you have done, places you have gone that you shouldn’t, things you have said that caused others pain, and you begin to wonder how you have lived this long with some of the things you have done and the life you have lived. Next, you hear the pastor say “it’s not to late for you, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”, “if you repent and confess your sins you too can be forgiven for God is a gracious forgiving God. So you say a prayer and ask for God to come into your life and ask him for his forgiveness of your ways of life. Today you leave church and you feel absolutely wonderful and so perky and ready to face anything.
A friend calls you and invites you to a huge party on Friday. You say sure you will be there. When you get there you see people drinking heavily and doing drugs and before you were saved, you would join in on their fun, but today you have a very uneasy feeling as they hand you the alcohol and the drugs. You take a drink of the beer and pass on the drugs saying you’re just not in the mood today. You leave the party and you just have a very different feeling about those you called your friends. You still care about them, but the eyes you now see them thru are very different from how you saw them before. You are very new to this Christian living thing and aren’t quite sure of the feeling you have. Sunday comes and you ask to speak to the pastor after church because you think something is wrong with you. The pastor explains the feeling you had were God speaking to your heart and telling you the partying was wrong and you must “Shed” the past so you can grow. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”
So the pastor has given you things to think about over the next few days. You begin by reading your Bible and praying. In this process you are beginning to grow, you just don’t know it yet. The prayer is you talking with God, and the Bible is feeding you spiritually. As you are being fed each day, you grow. You have now started going to the Wednesday night service. Again, this is part of growing. It was very hard to give up your normal Wednesday night routine of watching TV and relaxing in the recliner, but you had a strong sensation to go to church this night. The pastor talked about being involved with the church and the activities of out reach that go on. He mentioned that on Saturday the church would be having a cook out to celebrate life and all that God has done for us. You say to yourself, that sounds fun. I’ll try to come. You get home and your friend calls again. Your friend says “hey you gotta come to this party this weekend, this is one you don’t want to miss, it’s gonna be awesome, will last all weekend” You agree to go, but then remember the cook out. You remember all the scriptures and talking with God you did over the past week. You now realize you are torn with what to do. You are shedding and it is very obvious, it’s not comfortable at all. How do you let go of your friends? How do you move on? What do you do? You kneel and pray and then you read your bible and you come back to 2 Corinthians 5:17. You call your friend back and tell them that you don’t want to go to the party this weekend or any other party and that you have changed. You invite them to come with you to the cook out.
My friend what you have just experienced is Shedding of the old skin and allowing growth in Christ. When your friend called about the party, you began to pray, this was God washing you with warm water to loosen the dead old skin that had started to peel. Then when you’re reading the Bible again, this is God drying you with a cloth and you can feel pieces of dead sin stained skin come off of you. Then you make the move to call your friend and decline the party, this is you under the heat lamp helping the rest of the sin stained skin off. When you go to the party you feel renewed and fresh. This is not the end of your growth tho. This process will happen many times again, but it gets a bit easier as you get closer to God.
Life is grand and you will continue to grow. People will come in to your life and hopefully you will have planted a seed to grow in them. God will do the work thru you if you allow him. No Christians are not perfect, but we know life is a process of growing spiritually, and mentally in our walk with the Lord.
Thanks, Dan. I hope from my story it will help you with your writing on this topic. This was such an awesome idea…
More to come later.
Any questions or comments to add to this blog, please feel free to..Thanks
As I watched the other day my Bearded Dragon, Zilla, shed, I found it very interesting, so I took a picture of her. I posted it on Facebook and a friend of mine mentioned it was like Shedding in the Christian walk as well. He may do a write up on this very topic and I am sure it will be a fascinating read. As I thought about it tho, I decided I would also come up with my take on this topic as well.
Now Zilla is about 3 months old. As she sheds she squirms about in her tank around in the sand and her basking rock. As you watch her you can see this is not the most fun part of her growing into her new skin. I usually give her a warm bath because it loosens the skin. I dry her off with a washrag or small towel. This part she loves because it feels good and helps remove some of the old skin. I then put her back into her tank and she goes straight to her basking rock under the heat lamp and sits. As I watch and check on her I can see the skin is flaking and coming off so much easier. This process usually takes a day or so. Once she has been able to shed all of her old skin, she becomes perky and runs around her tank and the living room if I get her out and you can see she is feeling like a brand new lizard.
So, you ask, what does this have to do with becoming a Christian? Well let’s walk thru this process together shall we. You are born a sinner. That’s just a fact of life. One day you are sitting in church and the pastor really has a message that just grabs a hold of you and you just get this aching feeling that he is talking to only you. He has spelled out your life in front of the whole church. You think of how you have been living, things you have done, places you have gone that you shouldn’t, things you have said that caused others pain, and you begin to wonder how you have lived this long with some of the things you have done and the life you have lived. Next, you hear the pastor say “it’s not to late for you, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”, “if you repent and confess your sins you too can be forgiven for God is a gracious forgiving God. So you say a prayer and ask for God to come into your life and ask him for his forgiveness of your ways of life. Today you leave church and you feel absolutely wonderful and so perky and ready to face anything.
A friend calls you and invites you to a huge party on Friday. You say sure you will be there. When you get there you see people drinking heavily and doing drugs and before you were saved, you would join in on their fun, but today you have a very uneasy feeling as they hand you the alcohol and the drugs. You take a drink of the beer and pass on the drugs saying you’re just not in the mood today. You leave the party and you just have a very different feeling about those you called your friends. You still care about them, but the eyes you now see them thru are very different from how you saw them before. You are very new to this Christian living thing and aren’t quite sure of the feeling you have. Sunday comes and you ask to speak to the pastor after church because you think something is wrong with you. The pastor explains the feeling you had were God speaking to your heart and telling you the partying was wrong and you must “Shed” the past so you can grow. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”
So the pastor has given you things to think about over the next few days. You begin by reading your Bible and praying. In this process you are beginning to grow, you just don’t know it yet. The prayer is you talking with God, and the Bible is feeding you spiritually. As you are being fed each day, you grow. You have now started going to the Wednesday night service. Again, this is part of growing. It was very hard to give up your normal Wednesday night routine of watching TV and relaxing in the recliner, but you had a strong sensation to go to church this night. The pastor talked about being involved with the church and the activities of out reach that go on. He mentioned that on Saturday the church would be having a cook out to celebrate life and all that God has done for us. You say to yourself, that sounds fun. I’ll try to come. You get home and your friend calls again. Your friend says “hey you gotta come to this party this weekend, this is one you don’t want to miss, it’s gonna be awesome, will last all weekend” You agree to go, but then remember the cook out. You remember all the scriptures and talking with God you did over the past week. You now realize you are torn with what to do. You are shedding and it is very obvious, it’s not comfortable at all. How do you let go of your friends? How do you move on? What do you do? You kneel and pray and then you read your bible and you come back to 2 Corinthians 5:17. You call your friend back and tell them that you don’t want to go to the party this weekend or any other party and that you have changed. You invite them to come with you to the cook out.
My friend what you have just experienced is Shedding of the old skin and allowing growth in Christ. When your friend called about the party, you began to pray, this was God washing you with warm water to loosen the dead old skin that had started to peel. Then when you’re reading the Bible again, this is God drying you with a cloth and you can feel pieces of dead sin stained skin come off of you. Then you make the move to call your friend and decline the party, this is you under the heat lamp helping the rest of the sin stained skin off. When you go to the party you feel renewed and fresh. This is not the end of your growth tho. This process will happen many times again, but it gets a bit easier as you get closer to God.
Life is grand and you will continue to grow. People will come in to your life and hopefully you will have planted a seed to grow in them. God will do the work thru you if you allow him. No Christians are not perfect, but we know life is a process of growing spiritually, and mentally in our walk with the Lord.
Thanks, Dan. I hope from my story it will help you with your writing on this topic. This was such an awesome idea…
More to come later.
Any questions or comments to add to this blog, please feel free to..Thanks
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Giving Back
So most of us are pretty fortunate in life. We have our health, a roof over our head, perhaps a job, food on the table, and a wonderful family. So what about those who are less fortunate? What about those who lack health, who have no home, food and have lost their jobs. What about those who don't have or don't know their family or maybe they can't rely on their families.
God has created all people and he expects as His children that we help each other in times of need. What are you doing to help out and give back?
There are so many organizations that need volunteers to help out. They have all sorts of needs. Not just the financial ones. They need our patience, our love of helping others, and they need our time.
I am sure God is calling upon you as well to do something in addition to your job if you have one. Don't quit the job unless you can afford it. You can volunteer on your off time. This is a very serious matter that needs our attention. Pray about it. Read your Bible. Ask God for guidance. Find where you are needed the most. We each have certain talents that can be used and should be used to glorify God. What are your talents? How will you allow God to use those talents?
Lets all team up together and show the world that even tho being a Christian can be rough at times, we stick together and we are determined to pick each other up. On our journey thru life we will also help our fellow people.
We love each and every one of you.
God has created all people and he expects as His children that we help each other in times of need. What are you doing to help out and give back?
There are so many organizations that need volunteers to help out. They have all sorts of needs. Not just the financial ones. They need our patience, our love of helping others, and they need our time.
I am sure God is calling upon you as well to do something in addition to your job if you have one. Don't quit the job unless you can afford it. You can volunteer on your off time. This is a very serious matter that needs our attention. Pray about it. Read your Bible. Ask God for guidance. Find where you are needed the most. We each have certain talents that can be used and should be used to glorify God. What are your talents? How will you allow God to use those talents?
Lets all team up together and show the world that even tho being a Christian can be rough at times, we stick together and we are determined to pick each other up. On our journey thru life we will also help our fellow people.
We love each and every one of you.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Defeat the Devil!!!
James 4:7
Wed 10/28/09
Service by Thurman Williams
Notes by: Amy Aymond ( I added a bit to it from what I took from the service)
One might ask this very question. How can I defeat the devil? Well you alone can’t, but you and God can. Remember the Devil is always lurking around, seeking and seizing every opportunity to ruin your witness and bring you down to his level. Will you allow him to succeed? I can assure you he has no love for you and he is not concerned with your health and welfare. His #1 goal is to get you out of God’s hand and into the pits of fire for all eternity.
The devil wants to throw us off track, but there is good news. We as Christians do not have to listen to the devil, we do not have to do what he says, and we do not have to allow him to bring us down. So let’s defeat the devil together with God shall we?
1. We have to THINK the right thoughts. Phil 4:8
2. We have to DO the things that are right. Phil 4:9/Heb 13:20
3. We have to HEAR the right sounds, like music, songs, words, prayers.
4. We have to SAY the right words. Matt 12:33-37
5. We have to GO to the right places like church. Psalm 122:2
“I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.” This includes taking out the Devil. Don’t give him the upper hand in your life. Push him aside and follow God’s lead.
Father, I know I am a sinner, I know that I have let the devil control my life and lead me down roads I should not have been on. Father, I ask that you will please help me to defeat the devil and follow your lead instead. Help me to think the right thought, do the right things, hear the right sounds, say the right things and go to the right places. Lord, please guide me to be the best witness I can be and plant lots of solid seeds that will grow for you as well. Thank you, Lord for saving me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!!
James 4:7
Wed 10/28/09
Service by Thurman Williams
Notes by: Amy Aymond ( I added a bit to it from what I took from the service)
One might ask this very question. How can I defeat the devil? Well you alone can’t, but you and God can. Remember the Devil is always lurking around, seeking and seizing every opportunity to ruin your witness and bring you down to his level. Will you allow him to succeed? I can assure you he has no love for you and he is not concerned with your health and welfare. His #1 goal is to get you out of God’s hand and into the pits of fire for all eternity.
The devil wants to throw us off track, but there is good news. We as Christians do not have to listen to the devil, we do not have to do what he says, and we do not have to allow him to bring us down. So let’s defeat the devil together with God shall we?
1. We have to THINK the right thoughts. Phil 4:8
2. We have to DO the things that are right. Phil 4:9/Heb 13:20
3. We have to HEAR the right sounds, like music, songs, words, prayers.
4. We have to SAY the right words. Matt 12:33-37
5. We have to GO to the right places like church. Psalm 122:2
“I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.” This includes taking out the Devil. Don’t give him the upper hand in your life. Push him aside and follow God’s lead.
Father, I know I am a sinner, I know that I have let the devil control my life and lead me down roads I should not have been on. Father, I ask that you will please help me to defeat the devil and follow your lead instead. Help me to think the right thought, do the right things, hear the right sounds, say the right things and go to the right places. Lord, please guide me to be the best witness I can be and plant lots of solid seeds that will grow for you as well. Thank you, Lord for saving me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Picture from: Yahoo Images under prayerREAD: Proverbs 29:18
Sinners have no vision, they have no spiritual sight, and they aren’t as happy as they would be if they would turn to the Lord.
Those who live by the Word of God are happy down in their hearts.
We as Christians know we are going to heaven. Even in sad times we have something to be happy about.
When God is chasing you, you can’t be happy. You turn cold towards God. God wants us to be happy and we should want to be our best for the Lord.
**When Christians don’t live like they should, not as many people are saved because our witness is not a good one.
TRUE CHRISTIANS:
Work with the Lord
Walk with the Lord
Worship the Lord
Christians need guidance from the Lord and are willing to follow his guidance. We will never be perfect, but we should strive to follow God’s lead.
Stay in constant prayer!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
Ahh.. There is that word yet again. It is something we all struggle with, but yet it is something we all need to do.
Has someone wronged you in a way with their words or actions?
I know it’s a hard pill to swallow and we as humans really want to lash out and strike back at them, but in our walk with God we find that is not what he wants from us. Let’s look at this from a different perspective today. So for the next few moments forget about the wrongs others have done against you. Let’s look into the wrongs you have done.
Have you ever lied, cheated, or cussed? Have you had premarital sex? Have you taken God’s great name in vain? Have you ever had an affair? Have you ever envied someone or longed to have what they have?
I am sure you answered yes to at least one of those above. In this case you have sinned against God. What if God decided to hold a grudge and lash out at you? Of course you would deserve it. But instead our God is a God of love and Forgiveness. He loves us so much that he wanted to save us from our sins. Remember the wages of sin is death. Well God sent his only son Jesus to die and conquer death so that we could be Forgiven.
So I ask you this question. Are you above God? Are you better then Him and able to hold grudges and seek revenge? I hope you answered NO. Let’ start by praying and asking for Forgiveness for your own sins and for your sin of not Forgiving others. Next you will want to ask God to please guide you and help you Forgive those who have wronged you. Then out loud say:
__their name______, I forgive you. And release them to God. Justice is for God to seek not us, so once you forgive them, it doesn’t mean you want to be their best friend, but you are freed from seeking justice and judgment against them and have given that role to the rightful owner, God.
Do you feel better? As time goes by and you continue to release this anger and resentment towards this person, you will feel 100lbs lighter almost like you could float away.
Read the following verses on your journey for Forgiveness
Psalm 51
Matthew 6:9-15
Matthew 18:21-35
Any questions or concerns about today’s message?
Ahh.. There is that word yet again. It is something we all struggle with, but yet it is something we all need to do.
Has someone wronged you in a way with their words or actions?
I know it’s a hard pill to swallow and we as humans really want to lash out and strike back at them, but in our walk with God we find that is not what he wants from us. Let’s look at this from a different perspective today. So for the next few moments forget about the wrongs others have done against you. Let’s look into the wrongs you have done.
Have you ever lied, cheated, or cussed? Have you had premarital sex? Have you taken God’s great name in vain? Have you ever had an affair? Have you ever envied someone or longed to have what they have?
I am sure you answered yes to at least one of those above. In this case you have sinned against God. What if God decided to hold a grudge and lash out at you? Of course you would deserve it. But instead our God is a God of love and Forgiveness. He loves us so much that he wanted to save us from our sins. Remember the wages of sin is death. Well God sent his only son Jesus to die and conquer death so that we could be Forgiven.
So I ask you this question. Are you above God? Are you better then Him and able to hold grudges and seek revenge? I hope you answered NO. Let’ start by praying and asking for Forgiveness for your own sins and for your sin of not Forgiving others. Next you will want to ask God to please guide you and help you Forgive those who have wronged you. Then out loud say:
__their name______, I forgive you. And release them to God. Justice is for God to seek not us, so once you forgive them, it doesn’t mean you want to be their best friend, but you are freed from seeking justice and judgment against them and have given that role to the rightful owner, God.
Do you feel better? As time goes by and you continue to release this anger and resentment towards this person, you will feel 100lbs lighter almost like you could float away.
Read the following verses on your journey for Forgiveness
Psalm 51
Matthew 6:9-15
Matthew 18:21-35
Any questions or concerns about today’s message?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
LOVE
LOVE
Contemporary English Version
Love is kind and patient; never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.
Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered.
It doesn’t keep record of wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.
Love is always supportive, loyal, helpful, and trusting.
Love never fails.
Now, that you have read the verses above. I would like for you to go back and cross out the word LOVE and replace it with your own name. Does it fit? Does this describe you? It should. We should all strive to be more Christ-like and be full of love. As Christians share the word of God and the love of God, this is a great thing to keep in mind. Even if you’re having an off day, remember these words.
I hope everyone has a splendid day and remembers that This is the Day that the Lord has Made. Rejoice and know that you are loved by God today.
**I welcome any thoughts and/or comments you would like to share.**
Contemporary English Version
Love is kind and patient; never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.
Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered.
It doesn’t keep record of wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.
Love is always supportive, loyal, helpful, and trusting.
Love never fails.
Now, that you have read the verses above. I would like for you to go back and cross out the word LOVE and replace it with your own name. Does it fit? Does this describe you? It should. We should all strive to be more Christ-like and be full of love. As Christians share the word of God and the love of God, this is a great thing to keep in mind. Even if you’re having an off day, remember these words.
I hope everyone has a splendid day and remembers that This is the Day that the Lord has Made. Rejoice and know that you are loved by God today.
**I welcome any thoughts and/or comments you would like to share.**
Friday, October 23, 2009
It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
Deuteronomy 13:4
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...
So many people want us to follow their lead and obey their voice. But God has proved himself faithful and loving through the ages. In his might he is to be revered. But rather than seeing reverence as a "church thing," we are reminded by Moses it is a "life thing." We are to obey and keep his commandments, and we are to serve him and depend upon him in our daily lives. Rather than silence in the assembly, reverence is action to his glory!
MY PRAYER...
Holy and Righteous Father, help me take my worship outside the church building into my day to day life as I try to live what I sing, practice what I say, and pursue what I pray. In Jesus name. Amen.
Thoughts or comments on this one?
Deuteronomy 13:4
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...
So many people want us to follow their lead and obey their voice. But God has proved himself faithful and loving through the ages. In his might he is to be revered. But rather than seeing reverence as a "church thing," we are reminded by Moses it is a "life thing." We are to obey and keep his commandments, and we are to serve him and depend upon him in our daily lives. Rather than silence in the assembly, reverence is action to his glory!
MY PRAYER...
Holy and Righteous Father, help me take my worship outside the church building into my day to day life as I try to live what I sing, practice what I say, and pursue what I pray. In Jesus name. Amen.
Thoughts or comments on this one?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
"The BLOG"
Suppose you are sufing the net one day and you come across a blog. Now there are thousands and thousands of blogs out there, but suppose this one stands out because it is aimed toward you or someone you love. This is not a positive blog in any way and is actually designed to take a stab at you or your loved one and make you or them feel badly. The worst part this blog does not speak the truth and is actually based on a lie. What do you do? Well of course you contact that person and ask that it please be removed. The response you get is just what you expected and they refuse. Now what? There are 2 responses to look at:
1. Human nature, which is evil and comes from Satan says to get even go after them, if they can post lies well you can certainly do the same, drag them down low as possible, make them feel the pain they have caused you.
----OR----
2. The Godly side, which is based on what God's word says and to sit back and be patient, the TRUTH will come out. You are not the judge nor are you the jury. This is God's place and should be given to him. Give the "blog" or what ever hurt you to God and let him deal with the justice from his end. Now once you give it to him, you have to leave it with him and allow him to do His magnificant work.
I know I know, this is a very hard thing to do especially with Satan sitting on your shoulder saying your wrong and getting even would feel so much better. At this time it is important to push Satan off your shoulder in Jesus' name and listen to what God wants out of this. Ask yourself and its ok to say it out loud. "who said that?" Are the feelings of revenge and hate from God or from Satan. Remember, that no matter how badly you feel about this person, God loves them and wants to save them and perhaps it is in God's plan to use their lie to aid in turning them around to see the truth, we just don't know. What we can do is pray daily for this individual and let God do things in His own way and on His own time.
Now, this is based on a true event that happened. You see my husband had a blog posted about him that was negative and it really stings because it is all lies. So, I'll be taking my own advice and I'll be giving it over to God as of this moment. I forgive this individual for posting the lies and refusing to remove it and at this time I'll not be giving the posting address as it is not really appropriate, but God knows exactly what it is and what was said and the individual if they read this know who they are too! So to them I say this simple fact. I FORGIVE YOU S.L. I FORGIVE THE LIES YOU CONTINUE TO TELL AND I HAVE GIVEN IT OVER TO GOD. I PRAY GOD WILL BE ABLE TO REACH YOU IN A WAY THAT ONLY HE CAN AND THAT ONE DAY YOU WILL DELETE THE LIES AND CEASE TO TELLING THEM. I PRAY THAT YOU WILL BE RELEASED FROM YOUR BONDAGE AND CHAINS OF LIES AND HALF TRUTHS. I PRAY YOU WILL BE FREED!! In Jesus Amen!!!!
There doesn't that feel better?
Do you have any thoughts or comments on this posting today?
picture from the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hackstonr/2327952184/
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