WVLUV Devotional

Mourning into Dancing

2011-02-03T16:34:00.003-05:00

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. Ps 30:11-12 (NIV)

This is one of my favorite promises in the Bible — that God turns mourning (weeping, crying, whatever you want to call it) into dancing! He takes away the depression of being in sadness and replaces it with gladness. However, notice what God doesn’t do — simply stop your mourning and make it disappear. No, He transforms it…into joy! He turns your sorrow into gladness. He takes your failure and creates success! We serve an awesome and mighty God, who says, “all things work together for good to them that love Him, and to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Let’s take time to dwell on this promise. Our sorrows, disappointments, tragedies and failures are very real — but they are also the very things that our God loves to work thru for us, to provide a way of escape for us, which He will accomplish in His time for His glory. And we WILL dance! God will do it. Our part is simply to wait…believe…and cling tightly to this wonderful promise!

Mighty to Save

2011-01-24T09:23:00.002-05:00

"The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, " Do not fear, O Zion, do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing" ( Zephaniah 3: 15-17).

I like this verse because contained within it, is a phrase that is found in of my favorite songs right now. Mighty to save. These words from Zephaniah can speak truth and hope into our lives right now. If we are dealing with a temptation right now (and we all will at some time or another), remember, He is mighty to save.

Maybe you are discouraged right now. Sometimes everyday life can take our joy away and it seems like we are carrying a heavy burden. It is hard to take care of ourselves while taking care of others around us. It is hard to juggle the role of mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, etc and to complete all the tasks that need to be done and have the energy to get up tomorrow, to do it all again.

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.

Maybe we are carrying a heavy burden. Many of us are caring for someone who is sick, or we have a friend who we are trying to help past their issues. Or we are awakened during the night and burdened to pray for someone. Maybe we get little sleep at all because of all of the things that are weighing heavy on our hearts.

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.

But, according to the verse above, don’t let your hands hang limp. In other words, get your strength from the One that can save you from discouragement, the One that can carry your burdens. He can save you and is mighty to save. If Zephaniah were writing to us today, I wonder if it would go like this:

"Fear not, you members of the WVLUN Planning team, the Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

Pray with Boldness

2010-12-31T16:38:00.003-05:00

"Along about midnight, Paul and Silas were at prayer and singing a robust hymn to God. The other prisoners couldn't believe their ears. Then, without warning, a huge earthquake! The jailhouse tottered, every door flew open, all the prisoners were loose." (Acts 16:25-26--The Message).

Can you imagine the reaction of the other prisoners when the chains fell off and the prison doors opened? Some would have been shocked, others maybe ecstatic, while I am sure there were some that were puzzled as to how that happened, but Paul and Silas had a different response. They didn't move. They prayed boldly and they knew God would handle the situation. They didn't know how he would handle it, but they had confidence that God would handle their crisis. It really wasn't their place to break the chains and make a mad run for it. They had done all that was necessary by praying boldly. Now they awaited God's perfect answer and continued their work of telling other's of Christ's love.

This short story of how God works should not surprise us. It should teach us a couple of things: God is always in control and great things will happen if we continue to pray with boldness.

As we enter a New Year, let us each commit to praying boldly. Life will always hand us situations which we, with our own human minds, cannot figure a way out. That may come in forms of illness, relationship issues, employment issues, issues within our churches, or spiritual battles. Whatever it may be, know this: if we boldly pray, God will open the doors. We don't just run out, but we wait for his leading. He has never let us down, why would we think He would now? He is a faithful God, what He promises, He will deliver! Maybe, we just need some boldness when we pray and then stand amazed in His presence.

Be Patient in Times of Trouble

2010-11-04T08:34:00.003-04:00

Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner.Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail. (James 5:7-11--Message Bible)

James is all about becoming a mature Christian. That is its central theme. This section in James is very encouraging because it addresses something that we all can relate to: suffering or troubles in our lives. James uses 3 examples of those who show a great deal of patience and perseverance in troubles. First, he uses an example of a farmer. Farmers are some of the most patient people you will know. They plant in faith that their crop will come up and they have to deal with things they have no control over, mainly the weather. Too much rain can rot the crop or too little rain will cause it to dry up. While that is out of their control, they patiently wait on the harvest. In the same manner, we wait for a spiritual harvest.

James' second example is the prophets. I never really thought about this before, but quite a few people (yes, even Christians) think that their trials and troubles are a result of something they must have done wrong. However, if you think about the prophets, they were totally in the will of God, yet were often persecuted for doing what was right. Many of the prophets had to endure great trials and sufferings, not only at the hands of unbelievers, but at the hands of professed believers. Jeremiah was arrested as a traitor and even thrown into an abandoned well to die. God fed Jeremiah and protected him throughout that terrible siege of Jerusalem, even though at times it looked as though the prophet was going to be killed. Both Ezekiel and Daniel had their share of hardships, but the Lord delivered them. And even those who were not delivered, who died for their faith, received that special reward for those who are true to Him. Why is it that those who speak in the name of the Lord often must endure difficult trials? It is so that their lives might back up their messages. The impact of a faithful, godly life carries so much power. We need to remind ourselves that our patience in times of suffering is a testimony to others around us.

A third example was that of Job. There is no better example in the Bible of someone that showed so much patience under such duress. He lost his family, health, and material blessings that he had. His friends blamed God and him and his own wife came against him. But Job endured patiently and in the end, he received more from the Lord than what he originally started with. Perhaps Job suffered so that God could reveal himself in a deeper way to Job. We don’t always understand why we go thru the things we go thru, but this we do know: God can be glorified and we can be purified thru difficult experiences. Just think, if there is nothing to endure, you cannot learn endurance.

So what is the answer? God’s grace is sufficient for us. When you find yourself in the furnace, go to the throne of grace and receive from the Lord all the grace you need to endure. Remind yourself that the Lord has a gracious purpose in all of this suffering, and that He will work out His purposes in His time and for His glory. James wanted to encourage us to be patient in times of suffering. Like the farmer, we are waiting for a spiritual harvest, for fruit that will glorify God. Like the prophets, we look for opportunities to witness, to share the truth of God. And, like Job, we wait for the Lord to fulfill His loving purpose, knowing that He will never cause His children to suffer needlessly. And like Job, we can have a deeper relationship with God.

Be patient in times of troubles.....God will work in you!

Faith vs Fear

2010-10-25T10:22:00.003-04:00

I have had conversations with friends in the past about fear. I had one person tell me they were convinced that fear was one of the most powerful tools that Satan uses against us. I have heard that there are those that believe we cannot have faith and fear at the same time, that having one cancels out the other one. That makes me pause and think for a minute and I would like for you to think about it as well today.

Our faith is in God, the Father, that He will sustain us through all difficulties. Our faith is not that He will give us what we want, but that He will give us what we need. Our faith is that He has won the war even though it may seem as if we have lost a battle. Our faith is that He will work through us to accomplish His will. We need not fear.

However, we all experience fear from time to time. Sometimes it seems so close and vivid to my life. We have a tendency to try to do things without God’s help. We tend to worry over things instead of giving them to God. We tend to do things impulsively, without praying about them first. I don’t like to think about how many times I’ve decided I could take care of things myself, or how many times I ended up “fearing” the consequences of those decisions.

Interestingly enough, I looked on the Internet on a site and asked how many times "fear not" or "do not be afraid" was found in the Bible. According to the internet site that was returned, it said that these phrases were actually found 366 times. Let's see......there are 365 days in a year, except when there is leap year, then there are 366 days in a year. I wondered then, if there was any connection between "fear not" and the number of days in a year. Perhaps, what I need to take from this is that each day, I should not be afraid as I know I am in my Father's hands. Then I looked at faith and the word faith or the concept of faith is mentioned a total of 528 times. What's the message there? We are to have faith instead of fear.

The point isn’t really that we will have no fear. No matter how hard we try, Satan will make sure that we do. The point is that we recognize what fear is, where it comes from, and know that all we have to do is take it to God and lay it at His feet.

This is where the real faith comes in.

Have a "faith filled" week....

Don't give up!

2010-10-13T11:19:00.000-04:00

As you may or may not know, I am in a very difficult season of my life. I use the word season as I know that as most seasons, it should change after a while of endurance. However, in this season of difficulty, I am reminded to stay obedient to Christ, disciplining myself and staying committed to Him. We are challenged in Scripture to fight the good fight and finish the race that has been set before us. We are challenged to do all we can do, while remaining content to do what we are called to do and leave the results in God's hands. There are several illustrations I could use to drive this point home, but one in particular may make what I am saying a little more clearer for us. Think of the winter Olympics for a moment. The snowboarders that participate, battle the elements and the fatigue that bad weather takes on their bodies is unbelievable. When the weather gets extremely bad and it makes it difficult for the snowboarders to see and navigate, one could easily give up and say "this is too difficult" or "I can't continue, I'm quitting". As the snowboarder continues, they may see some that have fallen along the way and again it would be very easy to take the easy way out.

We sometimes look up at the bottom of our own hill (current circumstances) and we've got a choice. We can climb and crawl our way up the hill with the help and grace of the Lord, who enables us - or give up and take the easier path. The devil constantly whispers "someone else will take up the prayer burdens on your heart, someone else will take over your responsibilities, it doesn't matter, you really don't make that much of a difference. There are others that have not struggled as hard as you in their circumstances so let them fight the fight.....let them run the race."

God has never given His people the option of the easy way out. I believe each of us is one of his people and we need to place our trust in His Word and we must challenge ourselves to keep our eyes on the prize, not allowing our fears and doubts to take us off of our course. And if we fall, or rather, when we fall, we will pray for that extra grace to pull ourselves up, climbing that hill that is set before us. And if we find ourselves facing yet a larger hill, we will rely on His grace to give us the momentum to soar up and over that hill, until we cross the finish line. Remember 1 Tim 6:12----fight the good fight......don't give up!

Hold On Tight - But Remember, His Hold On Us Is More Secure

2010-09-30T12:52:00.002-04:00

I spent many hours as a child playing at the local school only a few blocks away from my home. The swings, monkey bars and slide were well used by all the children in the neighborhood and on a hot summer's day, we'd head to the little wooden merry-go-round. In today's world our favorite game might be a bit tame for today's youth who are used to the fast pace of video games, Wii and organized sports.

I think my favorite was the merry-go-round and at family reunions, there was a merry go round that I would get on with my sisters and cousins. If the boys would spin the merry go round, it seemed the faster it would go, the harder it was for me to hang on. I can still remember the feeling of gravity pulling me away from the center and that feeling of losing control and possibly falling off the merry go round. But, we would still yell “faster, faster” and the strong boys, especially my cousins, would try and spin us faster. While it was fun, I was also scared, hoping I wouldn’t fall off.

Sometimes, it appears the world around us is spinning out of control and we are caught off guard with the worries of family crises, church emergencies, financial issues and relational problems. All of these can threaten to throw us off balance and cause us to fall down. At such times, the wise Christian presses himself away from the situations and heads toward the center pole. As God's children, we have the comfort and refuge in having his everlasting arms wrapped around us, holding us closer still. If we rely on our own strength, it will eventually give out. For there is no safer place than being in the arms of a loving and caring God.

The whole Christian life is a life in which the further a person progresses, the more he has to depend directly on God... The more we progress, the less we are self-sufficient. The more we mature, the more we allow God to be our refuge and strength in times of need.

My challenge to all of us, as life spins on around us and we feel like we are going to lose our balance or we feel like we will fall, remember, there is someone to hang on to that will not let us fall. He will be with us even if it seems we are spinning too fast. Rely on Him and hold on tight to Him!

United in Christ... Eternally One!

2010-05-03T08:35:00.002-04:00

It’s funny how so many things in our lives revolve around the topics of unity and friendships. Not really, it’s God’s timing – which is on time, every time!

Lisa’s message, through all of the laughs and even quite a few tears made it so clear that we must, as women, break down those defenses that hold us back from being intimate friends. She shared how difficult it is sometimes to break down those walls that we think are protecting us, in order to let God’s love in, which will in turn, pour out onto others.

At North Side, we’ve been talking about how we can be “Boundary Breakers”, tearing down some of the barriers that keep us from coming to Jesus as one body – united! Our SIS group is reading, The Friendships of Women”…not a coincidence at all…it’s GOD!!

I still get chills and some tears when I think of the great love that Christ brought into so many lives during the event! He gave Lisa the words HE knew women needed to hear – He opened the minds and hearts in a way that would let them hear HIS message!!

In Colossians 3 “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience... And over all these virtues put on love, which binds altogether in perfect unity"

That’s just like Lisa’s message…how as women it’s important to bind ourselves together in friendships. Her stories were funny, and at the same time were so true! It was so encouraging to hear a woman of Christ share that she’s struggled with friendship issues just like we all have from time to time!! Best of all, those women left the events feeling NOT ALONE, but loved, and do we dare we say it…United!!

What a blessing it has been to share this with so many women in the Wabash Valley!! Of course, we give all the glory and praises to God for this small part of an incredible journey for women, United in Christ – Eternally One!

WVLUN 2010...

2010-04-19T10:29:00.001-04:00

Well ladies, WVLUN 2010 is over...but is it really?? I think NOT!

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus." (Rom 15:5)

As the Praise Team sang, "Greater things are yet to be done, Greater things are still to come in this city"...my eyes welled up with tears, knowing that this is just the beginning for so many women here in the Wabash Valley. "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)

Our prayers were certainly answered this past weekend! The message that Lisa shared, Friendships for GrownUps was such a powerful one, and just in time for so many women - and of course, God knew those that needed that message and brought them to share in the love, mercy and grace that He provides. The altar call spoke volumes and He was certainly touching the hearts of women in the Wabash Valley...and those of the "men in black" as well, I'm sure!!

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2Cor 4:7)

I challenge each of us to take the experiences we've had this past weekend and share them with the world - so that everyone knows the love that is waiting for them, if they just ask!!

It was an honor to work along side you all...I'm humbled and have been blessed beyond words! Thank you all!!

...and that's from the heart

Look Up!

2010-04-13T12:08:00.002-04:00

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come?” Psalm 121:1

Ladies, are you looking up, down or all around?? How we honestly answer this question truly reflects the depth of our belief that God is watching over us and is there for us, to help in the only way He can. I will be the first to admit that there are times when I struggle to look for my help from the right place.

In this fast paced world full of advertisements, self help books, of aisles full of pills or potions promising a quick fix for just about everything…where do you turn??

As women of faith, let's turn off the false help of the sometimes too powerful worldly influences that surround us and shout to the heavens “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Without a doubt, this statement, when made by every woman around the world will be our victory song, and be accepted as praises to God!

Satan wants to keep our attention focused on the false help that he has placed all around us, filling our minds with the “promises” of the best that life has to offer. He wants to keep us from the real, authentic, and loving help that comes from trusting the Maker of heaven and earth.

Ladies, NOW is the time to look UP and know HE is with you! The next time you are in line at the grocery store or hear a commercial on TV or the radio that gives you a “promise” of youth, beauty and all things wonderful - Instead of spending that first dollar, even when they sweeten the deal – for only $9.99 – RUN and find a quiet place to talk the One who offers real help for the problems you may be facing. Pick up your Bible and read about God's perfect plan for your life, a plan to give you a hope and a future.

Real help from a real God awaits you and please, always remember “In Your presence, there is fullness of joy” Psalm 16:11

…and that’s from the heart

Responding God's Way

2010-03-30T12:17:00.001-04:00

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

How we respond to people is very important. Often times we tend to have an emotional response because as women, we are full of feeling. We are passionate, sensitive and prudent. This is especially true when we feel we are right about something. Being emotional is not necessarily a bad thing. The right emotions can drive us to pursue our passions and accomplish the desires and dreams we have. However, when we allow our emotions to dictate our actions then it becomes problematic. How we interact with the people in our lives is so relevant to God that He continually addresses the issue within the Bible.

In Proverbs chapter 15 the writer starts out by instructing us to speak to people with gentleness. In the heat of the moment that is not always easy. However, God's desire for us is to be God driven, not emotion driven. When someone says or does something that crushes us, it's in that moment that the true test of virtue takes place. Do we respond with ear shattering words that wound and destroy that individual? On the other hand, do we respond with love and kindness? Our emotions would dictate to fight fire with fire. Say what you feel, do what you want. How we react is a true test of what we really stand for and believe in.

Through it all we always need to remember that God is observing us. Each moment we live, we are given a chance to react with God-like character or temporal emotions. We as women have the power to bring healing or destruction with our tongues. How awesome would it be to move beyond what we feel and say and behave according to the way God desires us to? Ladies, let us remember that women of wisdom build their houses up, but foolish women tear their houses down.

And that's from the heart...

Everyday Miracles

2010-03-26T16:55:00.002-04:00

Proverbs 3: 5-6 tells us "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His Will in all you do, and He will direct your path"

Most often as humans, we see our world as a very limited time and space - but God's power is limitless, it has no boundaries. The Bible is filled with miracles where God made His power known. Miracles are easy to spot...but what about our everyday lives?? He takes the ordinary every day things and uses them in His masterpiece - which is the life we were given when we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior.

Just because we can't see God, doesn't mean He isn't there. Sometimes we don't recognize Him - especially when we let the world get in the way! God is constantly at work in us, preparing us to do what He created us to do. When we accept that God puts every circumstance in our path, it is easier to push through, knowing what we're going through is part of His master plan. We all know it's east to trust Him when things are going well, but the true test of our faith comes to the surface in the middle of a crisis! That's when we really show what's inside our hearts. What we do shows what we believe about God, and His power!

Romans 8:28 "We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him. They are the people He called, because that was His plan" Even disasters are intended for good. Next time you're faced with a challenge, step back and think of it this way...a "dis-appointment is really His appointment." God uses our mistakes as a test, and He doesn't waste a single one to teach us the lessons He has for us. God is in control, the same as yesterday, today and every tomorrow!

Pray with me...

Father, we want to thank You for Your presence, even when we can't tell You are here, we know You are with us. Help us see and feel Your mighty hand at work, even when it doesn't make sense or isn't what we think is best. Teach us to be women who are willing to trust everything in our lives to You. Open our minds to the lessons You have for us to learn so that we can become better servants, just as You planned from the very beginning of time.

It's in Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.

Strengthen and Encourage

2010-03-09T22:32:00.002-05:00

But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30: 6

When we are down and out it is not always easy to put on a happy go lucky face. Many times our circumstances are forecasting that we are going to be swallowed up by what we are going through. Our faith rises to say that we are going to come out on top. Through it all it is a continual warfare to look past what we see and trust what God said.

In 1 Samuel chapter 30 a young man named David found that while he was away from home his wives and children had been captured. In addition to that, the town he lived in had been destroyed by fire. The Bible records David as being down and deeply distressed. David's men were in distress too for their wives and children had been taken as well. David and his men cried for they were heartbroken. The men spoke of killing David because this tragedy had occurred. Despite all this, the Bible says that David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord.

So how is it possible to encourage yourself when everything seems hopeless and things have gone awry? This can only happen by completely trusting and depending in God. There comes a time where we have to learn to encourage ourselves. It is because of the faith and relationship that David had with God that he was able to encourage himself. It is imperative that we have a relationship with God, so we won't faint when adversity happens. David knew that even though things looked bad, it wasn't over. He encouraged himself by remembering all the times God rescued him.

After David encouraged himself, he prayed to God. God told David to go after the men who had stolen their families. He assured David complete victory and recovery of all their families. In order to hear clearly from God, we have to have the proper mindset. Our mindset has to be full of encouraging declarations from within; knowing that God is continually with us no matter how bad it looks. The Bible goes on to tell us that David and his men recovered everything that God said he would. Had David not encouraged himself with the proper mindset, he may have never even sought God for the answer.

Ladies, God wants us to have our hope, faith and trust in him. When we do this, we will hear clearly from God. In doing this, we will be strengthened and encouraged from within.

Playing nicely with Others

2010-03-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

God's Playground Rule #1 - Don't throw stones...

This comes from Jesus' example in John 8. He was very clear that there will be no stone throwing at other people. He reminded each person in the story that we are all in need of grace, no matter how blameless we feel, and instead of knocking people to the ground to humiliate them, we need to be looking for ways to build them up. One thing I love about this story is that Jesus rescued the woman twice. Not only does he save her from the condemnation of others and the inevitable stoning, he saves her for a life that is now a clean slate. He saves her so she can choose to make her life more in tune with God's love, and in keeping with what God had in mind for her. I like that about Jesus. As a friend of mine used to say, "God saves us from and saves us for..."So let's look for ways to pick each other up and dust each other off this week. No stone throwing. It hurts too much, and "the world" does enough of it - so let's not do it to ourselves or each other!

...and that's from the heart

Character...

2010-02-16T13:06:00.001-05:00

God's word tells us in John, Chapter 6:63 that "The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."

WOW, how powerful are those words. It reminds me of how little I have to do with anything in my life - really. We all like to think that we are in some kind of control, but in all reality - God is the only one who is in control of our destiny!!

HE knows our every move BEFORE we make it and HE knows our every thought BEFORE we think it! As we ponder our eternal life through Christ Jesus, consider this:

Your Thoughts become Words;
Your Words become Actions;
Your Actions become Habits;
Your Habits become Character -
And most importantly...
Your Character becomes your Eternal Destiny!!

...and that's from the heart

Dressing for the day!

2010-02-09T08:46:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 31:17 “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for the task." and Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

Just where does the time go?? If your day planner looks anything like mine, I realize sometimes it is a challenge to take care of EVERYTHING that I need to take care. Luckily, SOME THINGS are written in the blocks in pencil…but for those written in ink – I’m BLESSED to have the Lord walking along beside me!! When you catch a glimpse of yourself in the your rear view mirror, as you’re rushing from place to place these days, take pride in what you see! Realize YOU were made with perfection, from the inside out.

Each day, before you take that first step, take a glimpse in God’s direction…because He is the One and ONLY that can prepare you for all of the tasks you have to accomplish, all of the meetings to attend and all the challenges that lie ahead.

Begin each day, by getting dressed in the armor of God. It is HIS protection and strength that allows you to face whatever life brings you, with a beautiful smile! After all, He created all things. NOTHING can take His joy away from you, so long as you have your priorities in the right order!!

...and that's from the heart

... from the heart

2010-02-04T23:08:00.001-05:00

"Happy are the people whose God is the Lord."
Psalm 144:15 (NKJV)

Are you one of those women who people say always seems to have a smile? If not, you CAN be!! It's such a wonderful thing to have happiness despite what is going on around you. That thing called...Life! Enough said, right? It's shown us all that there are good times AND bad times. One thing we all know for sure...God is with us through it all!! HE's our shoulder to cry on, HE's our ear when we just need to talk. HE knows our every thought!! How can we have happiness despite what's going on around us? When GOD is LORD of your life, you are no longer captive to your emotions...you tknow the ones: depression, fear, anger, sadness, anxiety...ALL of which are based on a TEMPORARY situation!!

Luckily, GOD is PERMANENT. HE's the one we trust, look to for guidance and strength. HE is the one in CONTROL!! HE is also a real gentleman, never forcing Himself on anyone. HE is there waiting for you to ask for His help...so go ahead, you know you want to...just ask Him.

The Bible says that God will fill us with joy and that in His presence is fullness of joy. If you're not happy, I encourage you to give some thought to letting go of those things, let GOD wipe them away from your heart, mind and soul.

If things still seem to make you weary, maybe, just maybe you've jumped into the drivers seat...if that's the case, move over...that's GOD's seat in your life!!! "Jesus, take the wheel..." He has true happiness just waiting for you - so go ahead, move over and let HIM drive - just sit back and enjoy the ride!

...and that's From the Heart

A Thought for Today

2010-01-15T12:57:00.001-05:00

1Thessalonians 1:3

"We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ"

WOW - when I read this I thought it sure fits the planning meetings sentiments! So long as we continue to place our FAITH on HIM, funds will come in times when they're needed the most. So long as we continue to work for HIS GLORY - the results will be amazing!! So long as we pray to HIM for all of our praises, blessings and needs - HE will be glorified and honored, and will bless our triumphs and our struggles. Take inspiration from HIS WORD. Use His word to lift up friends, family and yes, even strangers that you meet. You never know when the light that shines from HIM through us may help someone on their own path - giving them the vision they need!! Open your hearts to accept the spirit that God holds for you - and use it in all you do!!!

God Bless each and everyone of you - and all those you meet!!!

Power of Prayer!

2009-05-04T22:03:00.002-04:00

Epaphras, who is one of you, says hello. What a trooper he has been! He's been tireless in his prayers for you, praying that you'll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do. I've watched him closely, and can report on how hard he has worked for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. (Col 4: 12-13 The Message Bible)

Epraphras is not a name you hear much of. He was a member of the Colossian church, and obviously a dear saint in the Lord. We know that he suffered imprisonment with Paul at one time. But the thing that really impresses me about this saint is what Paul wrote about him– he's been tireless in his prayers for you.

The intercessory work of Christians through prayer is the work behind the scenes, the silent ministry that the world knows little of, yet more powerful than any weapon on earth unleashing power from above that makes demons tremble!

This was a man with whom Paul must have been accustomed to praying, and clearly Paul knew of his zeal from personal experience. But notice what Epaphras prayed for – that you may stand firm, mature and doing everything God wants you to do! That's my prayer for our planning team.

In this day and age, when you can feel the spiritual battle going on all around us– when faith will be tested to the extreme – my prayer is that you will stand perfect and complete in the will of God! With so much work to be done, and so many of us under severe attack, never neglect the power of prayer – for this silent ministry counts so much more than you may realize. It's the power that will claim the spiritual victory and the victory over our lives.

Broken and Beautiful...

2009-04-20T11:38:00.001-04:00

Mark 14:3-- Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had leprosy. During supper, a woman came in with a beautiful jar of expensive perfume. She broke the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

This is the touching story of how Jesus was anointed before His crucifixion. But there’s one thing about this passage that stood out to me as I read it again. Jesus was not anointed with ointment until the expensive jar was broken! In the the same way, we must be broken before the Lord so that His anointing can be poured out upon us to touch others!

We should never be ashamed to be broken. God will not deny a broken heart and a contrite spirit! When we humble ourselves in His sight and place our pride on the altar of sacrifice, it is then that God’s anointing will be greatest upon us. It will pour out of us like the ointment from that box — and we will be used greatly for His kingdom!

Let’s ask the Lord to break us where we need to be broken this week so that we might be anointed completely to do the great things He’s called us to do! It reminds me of the song that has the lyrics in it "broken and beautiful"....

He's the Resurrection, and the Life

2009-04-13T08:36:00.002-04:00

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 1 Corinthians 15:55

I read an article where there were at least 27 people banking on life after death. They’re all members of the Alcor Life Extension Institute, where their bodies are frozen in liquid nitrogen. They’re waiting for science to solve the problem of death. One Alcor member says he plans to try it because, ‘I like living and I don’t want to die.’ Unfortunately for him, the company Chief Executive says, ‘We don’t even know if it will work.’ Good news! It doesn’t matter! Jesus has already overcome death! He rose from the grave with a glorious new body, and all who are faithful to Him will do the same! Christ, and Christ alone, is the only sure thing when it comes to eternal life. Here's our good news: Christians who have died will be raised with transformed bodies, and then we who are living will be transformed so that we will never die. For our perishable earthly bodies must be transformed into heavenly bodies. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:52-55). There’s no record of Jesus ever preaching a funeral sermon. Know why? Because He’s the Resurrection, and the Life. (John 11:25). He broke up every funeral He ever attended! Death couldn’t exist where He was. When the dead heard His voice they sprang to life! And they will again! No wonder the song writer writes: Celebrate, Jesus, Celebrate!!!

Hope you all had a great Easter celebration and are charged up knowing we have a God who has power over sin & death!!!

We have Victory!

2009-04-07T18:16:00.002-04:00

At our church on Sunday mornings, we have been looking at the 7 last statements that Jesus made on the cross. One of the ones that we looked at yesterday is found in John 19:30. I would like to share with you my thoughts on this powerful verse.

In John 19:30, we find one of the last phrases that Jesus used just before he died on the cross. He uttered three words: “It is finished.”

I am sure that the crowd around him had different emotions hearing those words. Think about the soldiers. They were probably clapping their hands as if to say, “finally, this man is dying. We can go home to our families.” They would have been ecstatic to hear Jesus utter those words.

How about the Pharisees that were standing nearby? They were probably thinking that they had won the battle and had accomplished what they wanted to keep their religious views "sacred".

And then there is Mary....as a mother what do you think those words meant to her. More than likely, her thought was that Jesus was saying that his life was over, it is finished.

We don't know much about Joseph as he is not mentioned being at the crucifixion, or if he was even still alive at this point. And you are probably wondering why do I even bring him up. But if Joseph would have been there to listen to these 3 words of Jesus, I think they would have taken on a different meaning. Joseph, being a carpenter, would have understood what Jesus was really saying. You see, when a carpenter had a project going, was making something, he would take the utmost care and time to get it exactly right. He would work and work and keep perfecting the piece he was making. When his project was done, he would hold it up and look at it and say "it is finished", meaning, I have finally accomplished what I started out doing. So for a son of a carpenter to say "it is finished", Jesus was really saying, "I have accomplished what I came here for". He became the ultimate sacrifice for us and his ministry on earth was complete. He had brought us back into a right relationship with God. His purpose on earth was complete.....

Thru these 3 little words, we have victory. We have been reunited with God and sin had no more hold over us. Satan had been defeated and Jesus had given us victory.

It is finished equals VICTORY. Let's celebrate that this Friday!

The Thrill of Victory...

2009-03-30T08:55:00.001-04:00

For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory...1 John 5:4 (NLT)

Growing up, one of my favorite shows to watch was ABC Sports. I can still remember the opening line — “The thrill of victory or the agony of defeat!” One of the greatest prophets of the Bible, Elijah, experienced his share of victories — but he also knew that sudden feeling of defeat. If you recall, Elijah was on Mount Carmel, the only prophet of God standing against four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal. (2 Kings 18) When it was all said and done, Elijah was absolutely victorious! But wouldn’t you know that in the next chapter, we find Elijah under a juniper tree saying — “Lord take my life!” (2 Kings 19:4). He had the victory, but was feeling the agony of defeat.

We’re so quick to forget the victories that the Lord has given us, aren’t we? There are countless examples of great men of God who struggled this way. If they can go from victory to defeat so easily, how much more are we susceptible to the same attacks of the enemy? We must remember that this is precisely what they are — attacks of the enemy upon our lives — attempting to draw our attention away from all that God has done.

If you are finding yourself in the midst of a valley — try focusing on the victories the Lord has already displayed in your life. And more importantly, focus on the power of victory you can walk with today!

Remember, "we've been made more than conquerors, overcomers in this life, we've been made victorious, thru the blood of Jesus Christ."

Renew Our Trust!

2009-03-25T08:36:00.002-04:00

Jesus responded, "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!" Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. "Who is this man?" they asked. "Even the winds and waves obey Him." Mt. 8:26-27 (NLT)

Wow! How do you think the disciples must have felt back then as they saw the waves crashing against their boat? They were being swayed from side to side in the deep dark sea. They were afraid for their lives! But our Lord was there all along. He just wanted them to trust.

So often we find ourselves in that same boat (pardon the pun), don’t we? “Lord, where are you?! "Are you there?" "Don’t you see these waves about to consume me?" "Do you care about me?"

But He does! He sees all, hears all, knows all. He is the same Lord that calmed that storm two thousand years ago and He can cause the winds and the seas, and the trials of our lives to become calm in an instant! But you know what this passage really points out? This is the hard and fearful part... it’s usually in the storms that He will display His awesome power!

Let’s renew our trust in the Lord today. God has great plans for those who will put their trust in Him.

New Levels of Faith!

2009-03-17T10:47:00.001-04:00

"After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned again to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations" Acts 14:21-22 (NLT)

I don’t know about you, but it seems that the tests we’re going through are getting harder and harder. Do you remember when you took tests in high school? At the time they may have seemed hard. But imagine if you had to take an elementary school test when you were in high school. You’d probably think – oh this is so simple.

So if it seems that the testing of your faith is more intense – it simply means that you’re graduating to new levels of faith! Our faith is being tested, and as we pass each “faith” test, we’re finding different means of being tested. I suppose in a few years, we’ll look back and think to ourselves – wow that was a hard test, but now it doesn’t look so difficult!

Look back on how you prepared for exams--you probably studied (hopefully), you had your parents quiz you, and you might have had a group to prepare with. I wonder what would happen with our faith tests, if we would use the same methodology for those tests? How about if we study the Scriptures? or use someone that has gone thru the tests to bounce the questions off of, or why not get a group of trusted Christians and discuss together? This might make us a little more prepared for the test and we might not feel so alone when going thru the tests.

If you’re going through a tough time right now, be encouraged because it simply means that God is graduating you to new levels of faith! The harder the tests, the greater difficulty – the greater the reward, an increased blessing awaits you! Stay focused, stay alert and remember that God is trying to stretch your faith so that you can accomplish even more for His Kingdom!

The Road to Success!

2009-03-13T08:54:00.001-04:00

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NLT)

How do we avoid rough spots? One of the big problems we create for ourselves is when we attempt to plan God around our lives instead of planning our lives around God. So how do we avoid the rough spots and not get off the wrong road? Guidance. We need guidance. I read an article that said "if we do not have guidance, then it is probably withheld because of one of two reasons: we are untrained or we are unwilling". Guidance just doesn't happen, it's a result of steering oneself in the right way. A radio just doesn't receive a transmission on its own. You have to turn the dial to the nearest frequency and receive the station. I have often prayed, "God, bless my plan" when I ought to be praying "God, what is the plan?" His plan is already blessed. Guidance comes as a result of our fellowship with God. As we spend time with the Lord, His peace is ever present in our hearts, putting us in a position to hear His voice. As we travel the road of life, we will encounter rought spots.

One writer put it this way.....the road to success is not straight. There is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, red lights called enemies, caution lights called family. We will have flats called jobs. But, if you have a spare called determination, an engine called perseverence, insurance called faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called success.

Who do you resemble?

2009-03-02T21:07:00.002-05:00

"...called according to his purpose...to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:28b-29

I am sure this has happened in your family, but there are times when friends see a picture of my family, they will say, "you look like your dad". Others might say, "well, you're the image of your mother".

I always get a laugh out of that... but even funnier, sometimes I get told by my husband that I act like my mother. I observe my sister, and she reminds me a lot of our mother. There is always a family resemblance one way or another.

Consider Jesus for a moment now. When Jesus was born, he took on the form of a man. He looked like ordinary man, so to speak. And we get to see God in the flesh, acting the way we ought to act.

So when God tells me in His word that He has a purpose for me - to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, there should be a family resemblance. To look like Jesus, I have to act like He would. That comes from hanging around Him, studying His character in the Word and imitating Him.

And when I look like Jesus, others will see Jesus in me. Isn't that our real purpose? To act in such a way, that others see Jesus in us? Let's look like our "Daddy--Abba, Father"!

2009-02-24T08:40:00.003-05:00

"Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel," (Philippians 1:12 NAS)

Have you ever been in a circumstance in which you were up against a wall and felt like there was absolutely no where to turn? I think we have all been there. This seems to be the position that Paul was in at this point in his life. He sat in a prison, probably in Rome, chained to a prison guard. (Now I call that up against a wall with no where to turn!) Instead of becoming discouraged, Paul found a way to patiently wait it out. If you read on, verse 13 tells us Paul’s imprisonment had become well known throughout the whole prison guard system. Look at what this means. Paul was probably chained to a different guard two or three times a day and each time he was sharing the gospel. Paul took a difficult circumstance and found a way to use it to glorify God.

Do you think if Paul had been anxious and worried he would have been able to share the gospel with his jailers and write an encouraging, joyful letter to the people of Philippi? He had already written these words in verse six, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6) Paul knew God had already begun a work of grace in his life and whatever continued to happen would also be a work of grace. He was confident and patient that God’s plan was good.

Ask yourself, Is there some part of my life that has not come together as I had planned? If there seems to be a wall in the way, look around where you are and make sure you are giving your best to God in your present situation. Maybe God has someone around you, right now, that needs to hear the gospel and be shown the love of Jesus Christ through your life. Patiently wait where you are and use the time God has you "on hold" to allow Him to do His "good work" in you. We all have a message to preach and it can be done thru our circumstances, if we allow God to preach it thru us. That's the only way the gospel will advance.

"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2 NAS)

Expect God!

2009-02-18T20:53:00.002-05:00

And Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze upon him (the lame man) and said, "Look at us!" And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Acts 3:4-5

The lame man looked with anticipation to Peter and John. He was begging for alms and that is what he expected to receive. I especially like the exclamation mark behind "Look at us!" Obviously Peter wanted his attention and the man obeyed. It was because of his faith and trust in Peter and John that he expected to receive something from them.

As believers, we are required to "look at Jesus". First we ask, then we look expecting to receive something from Jesus. When we come to know Jesus as our Savior, it is by faith and trust that we receive His gift of eternal life. The key is in the word "expect". As the lame man expected to receive something, we need to expect to receive from Jesus. That's when our faith is used the most.

As we enter promo night tonight, let's expect Jesus first to be there. Let's expect a sense of unity among our team and among our other Christian sisters. Let's expect a great time of praise and worship. Let's expect a fun game of Jeopardy. Let's expect to have great fellowship with each other. Let's expect excitement....let's expect our God to do awesome things.......

In the Midst of the Storm...Find Rest!

2009-02-09T09:01:00.002-05:00

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him." Psalm 62:5

Here we are in the middle of February and it will be in the 60's the next couple of days and we are expecting some severe thunderstorms after midnight tonight. Kind of unusual weather for this time of year...thunder instead of snow. And if you know me very well, I hate thunderstorms. Past experience has shown that lightening likes to strike my TV's (and my brother-in-law) and uproot an oak tree, throw the doghouse over our fence into our neighbor's roof and take down our chain-link fence. I hate storms!

We've all experienced storms in life and not just the kind outside our window! It may be in our family, at work, in our finances, our health or even in our church that storms come. We know it's not a matter of if they come, but when. Difficulties are an inevitable part of life--seasons of our lives change, and sometimes change brings hardship. We are all people of differing temperaments, sometimes clashing and affecting those around us, bringing environmental turmoil.

When life is "stormy", it is anything but restful. But God's Word teaches us we can rest in Him no matter what the circumstances. The original Hebrew word translated "hope" in today's verse literally means "a cord, as an attachment". In all the changes and turmoil of life, God is constant and faithful. Our cord must be attached to Him and Him alone. Anything else we try to hold on to for security can fail. He is where our soul finds rest. He is that "cord" that holds our life together when we think we're falling apart.

He is there in the midst of the storm. When the Apostle Paul was traveling to Rome in chains and was lost at sea and gave up hope, God spoke to him in the storm to give him courage and promise of being saved (Acts 17:13-25). When Job was suffering severely and his friends were accusing him of some terrible wrong, "the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm" (Job 40:6) assuring Job of His justice and that He was in control.

If you're sailing along peacefully now--rejoice! Be thankful! But when the winds begin to blow and life is not smooth sailing, attach yourself firmly to the Lord, hold on to Him--and find rest.

Are you in the "belly of a whale?

2009-02-04T13:13:00.003-05:00

In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry." (Jonah 2:2)

Jonah is an interesting character. I taught in our kids Sunday School class a couple of weeks ago on Jonah and told them he was one of my favorite Bible characters. For this week, I want to take a look at him and ask the question, "What caused him to turn and repent?"

Chapter 2 opens with Jonah rescued, from drowning, but still in a desperate situation. From the time God gave this assignment, to this point, Jonah left one very important thing out of his life, prayer. He did not pray when God told him to go to Nineveh, he did not pray before getting on the ship to Tarshish, he did not pray during the storm, and he did not pray before being cast into the ocean. He was so busy running and being scared, he forgot the most important comfort that God offers us. Jonah 2:1 says, "From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God." Finally, he stopped to pray, or rather God stopped him so he would have nothing to do but pray. Jonah, in the most desperate situation of his life, prayed.

Have you been there, constantly trying to do it all your way and nothing works out? Have you, at some point, "hit the wall" and been left with nowhere to turn and no way out? It is a horrible place to find yourself. I have known people that have been in those situations...I myself have had times where I have been in that situation. Jonah got out of the practice of praying and looking to God for guidance. He turned so far from the Lord and ran away so fast that now He has hit that wall. And to be honest, I bet all of us have done that from time to time.

The Wycliff Bible Commentary writes this about Jonah 2:2. "According to the Hebrew way of thinking, genuine hearing involved response. For man, hearing God involved obeying Him. For God, hearing man involved delivering him." Don’t you love that? If God hears you pray, He will deliver you, and if you pray, He will hear you. "And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we ask of him." (1 John 5:15)

Jonah was delivered, ". . . But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God." (Jonah 2:6), We all will have times that we need delivered too. But let’s learn from this situation. Don’t get out of the habit of praying. Stay in contact with the Lord through good and bad situations and maybe you can avoid those situations that feel like being in the "belly of a whale."

"But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord." (Jonah 2:9)

Dwell in the house of the Lord!

2009-01-26T08:45:00.002-05:00

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple." (Psalm 27:4 NIV)

Our relationship with God should be based on one thing - fellowship with Christ. The first priority of our day should be spending time in the presence of Jesus Christ. You can read, pray, listen and praise Him on a daily basis. This should be the one thing in our lives that we will not sacrifice for anything or anyone. Our time with Jesus should be very special to us.

It is very special to Him as well. In Luke 10, Jesus chastised Martha when she let daily activities come between her and spending time with Him. Paul told the Philippians in chapter 3 that he was continually "straining toward what is ahead..., to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward..." It was a daily effort for Paul to reach the goal of fellowship with Jesus.

I don't pretend that this has been as easy task to pursue. My daily time with the Lord has been many years developing to what it is, and I still have a long way to go, but it has become the most valuable part of my day. Let me challenge you to "dwell in the house of the Lord...", daily, and He will become the one thing you cannot live without.

Worship Him right now! Stop and just give him the names that He deserves.....Creator, Redeemer, Emmanuel, Alpha & Omega......and keep it going until you have exhausted all of the Biblical names you can think of.

Take the Time!

2009-01-19T12:08:00.002-05:00

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights." Psalm 18:32,33

I want you to close your eyes and imagine a lighthouse. Well I guess you can't really close your eyes because then you couldn't read what to do next. Anyway, imagine a lighthouse. There is usually a path that takes you up a hill on a rock. You take that windy, rocky path and you finally get to the top. And the view! It is His view. It is breathtaking. Looking out into an ocean. All is calm, all is still! You feel close to God.

The above is one of my favorite verses, found also in Habakkuk 3:19. In the midst of difficult climbs, on days when nothing goes right, God gives me the strength to continue on the path, even though it is steep and rocky. Sometimes, God even gives us the strength to run up the hill. He'll get you to the heights.

Take the time to experience the strength of God. Take the time to go to the heights (as the verse ends). Let God equip you to run when you can barely walk.

Give it up! Give it over!

2009-01-14T16:30:00.001-05:00

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phillippians 4:6

If you are like me, when you read this verse, you probably say "That's easier said than done. If you only knew what I'm going through." True, I don't know your individual needs or worried thoughts.

What I have learned during my own personal growing experiences is that God's Word has never failed me in my greatest time of need. He doesn't say He will answer my every need. As a child I learned that God may answer "yes", "no", or "wait." As an adult, I have received all of the above answers, not understanding them, but knowing He loves me. Many times the "yes" I so desparately wanted was the "no" God knew I needed. Hind-sight is a good teacher. I was so thankful God said "no".

I don't know your circumstances, your anxious thoughts, or your pain; but our heavenly Father knows the yesterday, today and tomorrows of your life. If you let him know your burdens, then you don't have a load to carry any longer...besides, He'll be up all the time anyway! Let Him carry your anxieties for you so you can focus on the responsibilities of today and sleep peacefully through the night.

Give it up! Give it over!

Look Up

2009-01-05T13:09:00.010-05:00

I was hesitant to write this today, but something in my spirit told me to write this. It is not as upbeat as I had desired, but spoke to me personally anyway.

Are you waiting on God to answer your prayers? Maybe you are waiting on him to help that loved one you have been praying for and their need for salvation? Maybe you are worried about one of your children. Maybe, you yourself, are going thru some issues that you are trying to get out of. Never give up. Even though it may seem that God is far away, He is still there. He is hearing your cry. He will bring deliverance in due time. When reading Psalm 69:3, we are reminded:

"I am weary of crying; my throat is dried: my eyes fail while I wait for my God"

We all know David had to wait and wait on God as he earnestly prayed to him. I always love to read the Message Bible's translation for Scripture and for this particular verse, here is how it reads:

"I am hoarse from calling for help. Bleary-eyed from searching the sky for God"

The most important thing we can do when going thru life's difficulties or trauma's is to LOOK UP. Don't look at the problem, but look at the One who will get you thru the problem. When you look at your problems, you will sink, but when you look up, you will receive strength. I heard a sermon yesterday about problems and provisions. It was explained that, yes, we will have problems, but if we dwell on the problem we will wander like the Israelites did for 40 years in the wilderness. All they did was look at the problem and compared it to the past, so God had them wander a little longer. It wasn't until they quit looking at the past that he led them to the promised land (the provision). God will provide no matter what we go thru, we just need to LOOK UP and not thru the rear view mirror.

New Year's resolutions

2008-12-30T12:36:00.001-05:00

This week, I want to take a look at New Year's resolutions. What exactly is a resolution. If you take a look at Webster's dictionary, you will find at least 9 different definitions. One of them that I like is "a firm determination to do something". That is usually what our New Year's resolutions are about--determining to do something about something in our lives we don't like about ourselves. We resolve to lose weight, to tone up our muscles, to exercise, to spend more time in Bible study and prayer, to spend less time at work, etc. etc. etc. I don't know about most of you, but I typically end up breaking most if not all of the resolutions I have made. That's why I don't really try to make them anymore.

But, one definition in Webster's was interesting---the word resolution was equated with music. Webster's musical definition of resolution is "the progression of a voice part or the harmony as a whole from a dissonance to a consonance". Now if you're like me, that went way over my head, so I consulted one of my college friends who had a degree in music and she said this is what that phrase means: that is a progression of a sound that is out of tune and unpleasant to the ear to one that is pleasing in tune. Maybe that should be our New Year's resolution: to be in tune with those around us. Or maybe take a higher road and be more in tune with God!

That's what I think Psalm 103 is about--Praise the Lord, oh my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not his benefits. He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. He redeems you from the pit, and crowns you with love and compassion. As you read the rest of Psalm 103, it is truly a Psalm of someone that is in tune with God. The writer of this Psalm knew exactly what God had done for him and was ready to praise Him for everything--again, being in tune with God. And if we are in tune with God, we can't help but be in tune with others around him. Practice tuning up this year. Just like all piano's, we all need a tune up.

It's Christmas Week

2008-12-20T23:26:00.004-05:00

Well, this is it....the week of Christmas. Hopefully, you have everything you wanted to accomplish, done by now. If not, I'll say a prayer for you.

I want to look at the subject of light this week. Since it is Christmas time, we can focus on light. Some of us may have lights up at our house. Some of us, may have lights on the tree. Some of us may have sweaters that light up. But think about light for a minute. Light started in the very beginning of time--"and God said, Let there be light! and there was light". When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, what did God provide them for guidance during the night? That's right....a pillar of fire (light). Then came the birth of Christ....what guided the visitors to the manger? A star (light) in the sky! All through Jesus' life, there are references to light--"I am the light of the world"......"let your light so shine before men"..Jesus also said "I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in darkness" (John 12:46). Even the book of Revelation talks about living in the light and all the rulers of the nations will one day walk in it.

Jesus came as a baby to bring light into a dark, sinful world. He is full of light. Those who walk in Him will not walk in darkness but in light.

As our youth performed their Christmas program at church, there was a song in the program that has stuck in my mind. It is called "We All Bow Down". In this song, it talks about no matter who you are (a prince or a pauper, sinner or saint), we will all bow down some day, because Jesus is the light of the world. I have written the lyrics to the song below, but what I challenge you to remember this Christmas week is the light that Jesus brought into this world, even as a baby and we are to carry that light to those around us each and every day.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas filled with love, laughter and light!

We All Bow Down

Princes and paupers, sons and daughters

Kneel at the throne of grace

Losers and winners, saints and sinners

One day will see His face

And we all bow down

Kings will surrender their crowns

And worship Jesus

He is the love, unfailing love, He is the love of God

Summer and winter, mountains and rivers

whisper the Saviors name

Awesome and holy, a friend to the lowly

Forever His love will reign

And we all bow down

Kings will surrender their crowns

And worship Jesus

He is the love, unfailing love, He is the love of God

He is the light of the world

And Lord of the cross

And we all bow down

Kings will surrender their crowns

And worship Jesus

He is the love, unfailing love, He is the love of God

Focus on Christmas

2008-12-17T21:29:00.002-05:00

As we prepare for the season I love the best, I will take the next few weeks and focus on Christmas.

This week I want us to look at the subject of wonderful impossibilities. Think a minute of Mary. The birth of Jesus was not just difficult, but it was an impossibility. Mary was a virgin and only God could create a baby inside of her womb. When the angel told her that she would bear a son, did you ever wonder what might have been the first thing in her mind? If it had been me, I would have said, "No way, it's impossible". But as we know, the Scripture says that with God all things are possible. But how many of us really believe that? When we face our impossibilities, do we change those into possibilities, knowing that we have a God that can do anything? Or is there still some seed of doubt that we hang onto?

Let's learn during this holiday season, to first remember that we serve a God who specializes in impossibilities. Next, let's take those things in our lives that seem like they are impossible to us and totally turn them over to God and watch Him work. Take your impossibilities and let God turn them into possibilities.

Some Encouraging Thoughts

2008-12-17T21:26:00.004-05:00

I wanted to share with you a quote that I ran across as I was preparing this week's encouraging moment with you. I hope you don't mind that I am quoting someone else, but this is a perfect lead into what I would like for us to think about this week:

"Trouble is like a pebble. Hold it close to your eye and it fills the whole world and puts everything out of focus. Hold it at a proper distance and it can be examined and properly classified. Throw it at your feet and it can be seen in its true setting, just one more bump on the pathway to life."(Celia Luce)

Remember the story of Lazarus? Lazarus and Jesus were close friends. Lazarus became sick, and immediately Martha and Mary (his sisters) notified Jesus. They called for him to come to their house. However, he didn't respond to their request immediately. Lazarus then died. Can you imagine how disappointed Mary and Martha were? No one had a clue how Christ would intervene in these circumstances, but Jesus knew exactly what he was going to do. He had a plan.

What was true so many years ago, is also true today. God's higher purpose often exceeds our need for immediate help out of our circumstances. We are sometimes forced to live in the middle of a trial and face the pain of that trial until God steps in with a miracle. We think we know what we need, but God knows what's best for us. Often, people want God to do their will for him instead of allowing God to do His will for them. Often we respond to trouble by asking God to immediately deliver us from it. Paul wanted deliverance from his problem, but he did know that in Christ, grace was sufficient for him and Christ's strength was made perfect thru his weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

Jesus did raise Lazarus from the dead. We need to trust Jesus even when things don't happen as we think they should and never give up. God always has a higher purpose He is willing to work in our lives. Though we don't always understand his timing (like Mary and Martha probably didn't), we know that his ways are perfect.

As we continue to plan for our event, if things don't happen in our timing, sit back and wait. Wait on the Lord to work a miracle. And rely on his strength thru our weaknesses.

Something to Think About

2008-12-15T18:22:00.003-05:00

I want to focus on the humility of Christmas and those involved in the first Christmas season. Let's again, take a look at Mary. Mary was a very humble girl, with a humble lineage. She was not a royal princess. She was not rich by society's measurement. Mary herself confesses in her song found in Luke 1: 48-49 that "For He took notice of this lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation will call me blessed. For he, the Mighty One is holy, and has done great things for me."

But God chose this unknown girl to give birth to His precious Son. He chose her because she was a willing vessel to be used by God. Sometimes those that have everything are not willing to be used by God, in whatever way He wants. However, Mary chose to be willing to be used. God is not looking for riches or material possessions. He is looking for women with obedient hearts. He is looking for those who have the same spirit as Mary when she said, " I am the Lord's servant. I am willing to accept whatever He wants." (Luke 1:38) She was totally surrendered to the will of God.

Let's be women like Mary......let's be women that say "God, I am here to serve you. I'll do whatever you want me to do". Let's recapture the humility that Mary showed that first Christmas season.