Thursday, March 30, 2011

Our intimacy with God, which is His highest priority for our lives, determines the impact of our lives. I know it to be true. I see the difference in those that trust and believe in the Lord and those that don't. I speak from experience and I also have beared witness to backsliders, which are those that once held God first and then slowly faded in their faith. How does it happen? Because faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. Through our faith, we want to commune with God and that is done with prayer. We approach the Lord through our prayers. We please Him through our praise. When we stop doing these things, it is no different than when we stop communicating with a friend or family member. The relationship begins to fade. If we do not stay intimate with God, our faith can begin to fade. So how do we stay intimate with God? We do so by keeping Him first in our daily lives. Every second, every minute, every hour of every day should be led by the Spirit of God. We need to recognize that He is the center of this universe, not anything else and He is the giver of all things. We need to seek Him with every detail of our lives. We need to live to glorify His name, not our own. We need to exemplify His love. That is how we impact not only our own lives but those we meet each and every day. We become soldiers for God who come to share the good news of the Risen Lamb. So I ask you today, Got God?

Anything that takes the place of our depency for God is the sin of idolatry.- Unknown

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

God treats those the way they treat you. And God treats you the way you treat others. Be kind to one another. Forgive one another. Uplift and encourage one another. Your actions towards others are not going unnoticed. God sees and watches all. I know someone who is a very devout Christian and she is a doll in many ways but the tone of her voice can be so "bitey" sometimes, just sharp and it bothers me. It is so unnecessary. Be mindful not only what you say to others, but how. People are sensitive and we need to be careful of what we say and do. I am very direct and honest when I communicate and some say "too direct" and I am praying to soften my own approach but I always vow to treat others the way I would want to be treated. I managed that way my whole career, no matter what office I ran or who worked for me. I always treated them with appreciation and kindness because it is the way I would want to be treated. The bible depicts this very concept in Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31. When Jesus walked this earth, he treated everyone the same....with respect and gentleness. It is the only way to be. Stop thinking of just yourself today. Let someone go ahead of you in line.....smile to a stranger even if they look away.....ask someone how is their day....speak before spoken to.....I am telling you it softens your soul and makes you feel so good inside. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18

James 3: 13-17

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Be determined! If God calls you to do something, stay the course. Nothing of value comes easy. My church online devotion today confirmed these very thoughts I have when it comes to what people think or say. The Lord called me back to Him to serve Him first and foremost and my life has changed so much since. But like the devotion says we must stay determined and focused and not head in to a different direction because of worry, discouragement or outside pressures. Other people will lend their opinion and thoughts whether they are solicited or not. I have listened to each and every person who has lent theirs to me and as I listened, my eyes never left God's face. The Lord will speak to your heart about YOU and once He does, stay resilient. When you get down or tired just go back to the day He spoke to your heart and judge your tree by your fruit. Like many of us, my husband was always a believer but fell off God's course for His life and led His own. I have done it as well. But he still would always pray to the Lord. It wasn't until early last year that he shared God's words with me. Every time C would pray, the Lord would firmly tell him to stop drinking. He said this went on for a year. I never knew any of this. He said it was clear and the same message every time. "Stop drinking." When C shared this with me I told him how precious He was to God and I told him for God to love him so much to speak directly to his heart like that...it showed how much God loved him and cried for him.......do you know the Lord loved C so much He actually then one night said, "Stop drinking for one month and I will grant you your heart's desires." When I heard that I told C how dare he not do what God says. Needless to say C did listen to God's voice and this time he obeyed and he has never drank a sip again. The Lord delivered Him from alcohol and 6 months later nicotine and I can give testimony today that he is still clean and sober for over 13 months now. Is God not a faithful and wonderful God? He will speak to YOU about YOU. And when He asks you to do something like he did to C, listen to Him and obey Him. He will keep you strong and determined amongst all the naysayers, judgers and doubters. Stay confident in God and you will be blessed.

Jeremiah 17:7

Monday, March 28, 2011

"I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me". Phil 4:13 We can do all things! It is not just a biblical scripture, it is a promise. As long as we keep our eyes on God and our focus on His truth, I know all our desires will come from Him and we will be able to accomplish what He shall have us do. My whole outlook and my whole future is different now that I have completely surrendered to Him. The once control freak who had to have it all mapped out and written down, now lives each day one at a time with Him at the fore front. I now long to do His work and love the things He loves. The love the Lord has for us is real. The joy He feels for us when we praise Him and glorify Him and exemplify Him is beyond imagination. Whatever you are doing, keep God a part of it and ask Him for the strength to get it done. He can great and mighty things. And always remember........ God Is For You, Jesus Is With You, the Holy Spirit Is In you, and all of Heaven's Angels Are On Your Side. Roy Lessin

Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. Being one with God is all anyone needs. He is a loyal, honest, proud, and faithful Friend and Father. He is my everything. He is the only one that will never let us down. As Psalm 23 goes on to promise..... He refreshes my soul, makes me lack nothing, guides me along the right paths, and even in my darkest of valleys, I shall not fear for the Lord my God is with me. And the most powerful promise of all is His goodness and love will follow me all of the days of my life and I will dwell with the Lord in His house forever. I cannot think of a better deal than that. Thank you Lord for loving me as you do. I love you and will honor you all of my days. That is MY promise to you. Be blessed and have a restful Sunday.

Psalm 23

Saturday, March 26, 2010

Just pray and believe. It will all work out. Jesus loves you and will be there all the way. Be anxious for nothing. Just keep the faith and keep your eyes on Him.



Have a blessed weekend!





Philippians 4:6

Friday, March 25, 2011

It is so easy to run from our problems. Bury our heads in the sand and just ignore and/or deny them. Confrontation of any sort can be uncomfortable. I had something happen to me this week that really really upset me. I went through the emotions one would. I was sad, I cried , then I was angry but I never took my eyes off God. Instead I immediately seeked His counsel on what I should do and I asked Him to show me how to handle the situation. I did not want to act in the "flesh" so instead of reacting, I asked him to guide me and help me with the resolution. I was not going to ignore it nor push it under the rug. I wanted to listen for God's instruction and than obey His word. I have to tell you within 72 hours the Lord rectified it and brought reconciliation. I believe when we communicate with each other in a loving and honest way, we can overcome anything. Asking Him to help me was the smartest thing I could have done. Although I spoke with some family members, it was He that I was going to listen to. It is so important that we seek God's advice, through His scriptures and through prayer. Who knows how this could have escalated or worse just went unresolved had I not seeked God for His commands. Learn from me. Next time something really upsetting happens, stop...don't react in the flesh...take a breath and consult with God. I promise you He will bring it to a beautiful ending. Trust Him!

Deuteronomy 5: 32-33

Thursday, March 24, 2011

God answers prayers. In His time and in His perfect way. Yesterday was a hard day for me. We all experience them but it is God who I leaned on to get me through. I honestly do not know what people do in their times of trouble when they do not turn to the Lord. If we did not have the faith we have in the Lord knowing that He will work all things out for my husband and I, I don't know where we would be. I believe we would be disheartened, discouraged and disappointed. But because Christ Jesus is King and He is the maker of everything, I can stand tall, proud and with assurance knowing that He has everything under His control. What a blessing that is and what comfort for us in times of trials and tribulations. I love the story of Peter and Jesus on the water. When Peter begins to look around at his surroundings and begins to panic amidst the storm. Because he took his eyes off of Jesus he began to sink. But when he re focused all His attention and kept his eyes of faith on Jesus, he did not drown. Don't look around at your current situation. Don't panic like Peter did because of the overwhelming waves. Just keep the faith! God is with you. God is with me. God will take us through our storm and bring us to calmer seas. Just like He did with Peter. He is with us all the way. Amen!

Matthew 14: 22-33

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

I honestly believe that two of the main reasons why people are "anti" God and reject Him is

1) because they either have been around or have known a "Christian woman or man" and they were turned off by their ways or actions; 2) fear of change...that if they give themselves to the Lord, their life will "restrictively" change. I really believe they are main objections. I worked for years with a man who was a converted Jewish man. He gave His heart to Jesus and was born again years ago. Lovely wife and daughters and someone I always could call a friend. Lovely people but so misunderstood. I used to hear so many people grovel and complain about how he was such a hypocrite and if that is "being a Christian than no thanks"..... people used to always come to me in my office and tell me I was the only one that they felt they could talk to or ask a question to without a judgemental attitude and I used to take that honor very seriously. Quick story....years ago a young man I used to work with went into my empty office when I was off and "borrowed" something that wasn't his and it was brought to my attention when I returned to work. I called his manager and asked if I could speak to the young man. He came to my office and was white as a ghost and scared to death. I asked him if what I heard was true and he admitted it and said sincerely, "I am sorry". With that I immediately said, "Because you said you were sorry, as a Christian I must forgive you so I will but please do me a favor and never do that again." Do you know that occured in 1998 and almost 8 years later the same now grown man told me that he never forgot how I handled the situation and that it stayed with him from that day on. He went on to say that I was the only "Christian" at our workplace that truly displayed the role of a believer to him and how it made him look at it differently. Wow...see what I mean? Who knew that the exchange he and I had that lasted all of 3 minutes would impact him so much? We must be a good representative for Christ for you may be the only witness they ever see. Amen?!

Mark 16:15

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine." What a wonderful scripture to know,believe in and meditate on. I thank the Lord for His hedge of protection over my life and my family's. I know that the Lord commands His angels all around my home so that no weapons formed against it will prosper. We are protected by the blood of the Lamb and what blessed assurance that is. I love you Lord for your presence and truth and most of all your undying and unconditional love for me. I am not worthy but you have called me by name. Praise your Holy Name. Thank you Lord God. Thank you.

Isaiah 43:1

Monday, March 21, 2011

I am asking God to change me. To soften my heart and thicken my skin. I just feel that we will always be surrounded my people and circumstances that will be difficult for us and if we don't try to change then we may always feel frustrated with the way something is. The best advice I ever received years ago was never to quit a job because of a person or their type personality because you will encounter the exact same thing in your next job. We cannot run from our problems ... we must face them. God will always test and allow trials so we can strengthen our faith and our walk. I believe we should all ask the Lord to help change us so we can grown in Him. So many people take little or no accountability when problems arise and they play the blame game too often. I want to be the type of person that handles adversity, conflict or any problem with grace and allow my 9 fruits to be displayed. To be able to say I am sorry or I was wrong. We all have the 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit and they are love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Can you imagine how different it would be for all of our relationships if we all practiced just this small simple thing?

Galatians 5: 22

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Do you envy others? Do you judge others? Do you measure your own success by comparison to others? I think many people if they were being completely honest would say yes to one or all of the questions posed. I just know from experience that not all that glistens is gold. That the Lord wants us to measure ourselves by His standards, not the world's. Can you imagine trying to keep up with everyone? I can think of a few people that try to keep up the Jones', the person that has to have the latest gadget, the newest automobile, the latest iPhone, buying things on credit instead of cash .... I used to be one that had to have what I wanted when I wanted it. I loved to spend money...shopping, any store, any day..I was there. If Tiffany made it, I owned it. I won't even confess what I paid for a Fendi pocketbook and wallet on 5th Avenue. I had a new BMW every 3 years.....I look back and I say, "who was that person?" I was successful and somewhat happy but it eventually seeped in and took my focus off of God who was the true blesser of all things. I lost sight of the giver and was caught up in the gift. All I am trying to illustrate is we need to just be careful that our lives are in balance and our priorities are in order. I believe the Lord wants to bless us with our heart's desires whatever they may be but He is a jealous God and if He finds that we are placing Him further and further down our chain of priorities because we are so caught up in paying for our toys then watch out for He will take them away. So just do a self check today and rearrange that list and just make sure that God is the first one on your list and that He be the only One you want to please today. Amen?!

Exodus 20: 3-4

Saturday, March 19, 2011

*In good times, your thanks will flow from a heart of gratitude. In difficult times, your thanks will flow from a heart of faith. In all times, give the Lord thanks. He is in control no matter what. He is working His will in every situation. He is near. He heard our cries before we uttered them. He wants us to be joyful in all things. To pray continually and give thanks no matter what happens. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

*excerpt from the book Postcards From Heaven

Friday, Match 18, 2011

Well I can give a praise report and let you know that the person I hurt by my actions accepted my apologize and has forgiven me. The weight has been lifted and I feel so much better. The truth is we are all going to say something or do something that may unintentionally hurt someone else but when it is brought to our attention then we are accountable. Meaning we are now aware of it therefore God demands that we make it right through asking for forgiveness. We must forgive others as God has and also ask for forgiveness when we have wronged another. I will tell you it is the best thing you can do and it is such a testimony for God on how to be. My husband and I are learning together how not to react so quickly on our emotions. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that will give all of us the calmness and goodness to overcome our negative emotions and I am slowly learning through prayer how to practice the art of being slow to anger. So we are all works in progress and I love that. God will deal with us as He needs to and I am happy to receive it. So I am truly content and at peace today for the gift of forgiveness is....priceless.

Matthew 6: 14-15

Thursday, March 17, 2011

God wants you to stay the course, keep your eyes on Him and surround yourself with good, solid, positive people. Negativity is contagious so be leery of anyone who only chooses to look at what is wrong with their life, only says what is wrong with others. People that only look at the bad in everything is not good for any of our spiritual walks. If someone does not see God's vision for my life I cannot be around them. It doesn't mean that we should bury our heads in the sand but God wants us to uplift each other....encourage one another. Believe in each other as God believes in us. Next time you are in some one's presence and they begin to be down or negative, counter their response with a positive affirmation. Empower and strengthen them, do not enable them. People sometimes like to wallow in their "sickness" and we find ourselves going along with it thinking we are helping them. But it is hurting them. So be the light of Christ for someone you know that is like that. Show them the way to be. Demonstrate to them the peace, love and joy they can find in Christ and in life. Remember as I said before, you may be the only "bible" they ever read. Amen?!

Proverbs 13

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Do you know the 3 words that people have the hardest time saying? I am sorry. Yet they are so crucial to our Christian walk. When we hurt someone intentionally or not, it is our responsibility to take accountability for our words and actions and then ask the person to forgive us. We must. This is not an option. I believe that when we hold back on this we hinder our own blessings. But I also believe that God knows our hearts and He is not pleased when we go through these motions with an unpure motive. We must be sincere and true. When we are one with God and the Holy Spirit is with us, we know when we are wrong. I have been plagued for a few months now with something I did that was of pure intent to help one person but I in turn hurt another. I have struggled with it and finally knew I had to ask the person for forgiveness. I was afraid up until that point because I didn't want to cause any more trouble than I already had but you know what? It was all a distraction because the truth is my God commands me to love others as He loves me so there was no option or choice for I knew what I had to do. So I encourage you to do the same today if there is someone you need to apologize to. I know it isn't easy but it really is something we all must do. For it is only then that once we "own" our words and "own" our actions to the person we hurt ,we can then"disown" them. Amen?!

Colossians 3:13

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

God's delays are not God's denials- Rev. Dr. J. Bruce Sofia

IT is a very powerful statement because so many people of faith walk away from God out of disappointment over unanswered prayers. Did you know that? God's timing is never late, it is always perfect according to His will, not ours. But not everyone is willing to wait. They think God a) ignored them b) is punishing them c) never answers their prayers d) or they get discouraged by the delay. I am here to tell you how vital it is to stay the course and wait upon the Lord. There are so many things I would never have experienced if I gave up all the time. I told you before I prayed for years for my husband to overcome his addiction to alcohol and I was advised "to pray him through it" and I did. I prayed with fervor because I knew the Lord loved him and put us together for a wonderful life and I knew this was not in God's plan so I prayed for years and on February 21st of 2010, God answered my prayer. I witness the impact my husband has on people's lives today. His love of spreading the good news of Jesus. Everywhere we go, he hands out something to the people he comes across. They either receive his late father's CD recordings of 15 gospel songs, my blog address, and/or something to promote our church via card or bulletin ... something. We went out to lunch yesterday and the restaurant was dead....one booth filled at the local Chinese restaurant. My husband handed the Chinese cashier who was pregnant a CD and she thanked him. I see how the Holy Spirit moves through my husband because he waits and then he got up again and approached the 2 women at the only occupied booth and handed them the CD and blog and told them about a great church. Both women were thanking him and one replied, "we go to church around here...did you know we were spiritual women??" They were taken back in awe of the Spirit and how C approached them. They said their goodbyes and within minutes another couple came in to dine. This time it was 2 older gentlemen. Again my husband approached the table and knelt before them. They too were so kind and smiling and the one man replied, "I think that is so great how you stand up for Christ, I am a pastor and this is my father" and they began to share with each other. Later when we left the pastor got up to say goodbye and took C's hand and told us that what he witnessed today has never happened to him before. He told us that no one has ever shared with him about the gospel of the Lord. He was so moved and we all just smiled and stood in awe of the movement of the Spirit. I tell you this story and I apologize for the lengthy read but it is to illustrate to you how God wants you to wait. He has a plan for all of us. Look at His for C. Don't give up! Amen?!

Monday, March 14, 2011

I rather be right with God and be "wrong" in man's eyes than right with man and wrong with God. It really is true that you when you lose your old self you also lose old friends. Some people are not comfortable with the change. I had one person I have known for almost 10 years tell me that my faith was too intimidating for her???? They see me as a radical " Jesus freak" when I have been a woman of faith for 18 years. The difference they see in me is my new boldness for God. I was always one to witness in the workplace. No one would deny that. People would come and sit with me all the time and ask questions and it was nice. I am speaking of my circle of friends....my confidants, my women friends. Isn't that sad? The Lord called me to do His work in a great and mighty way and yes my life has completely changed from a year ago. Gone is the prestigious job and the prestigious lifestyle but in its place is a person that is right with God. I may not have man's approval for my current status but I have the Lord's. That is what I am speaking of. Gone are the phone calls from friends checking in and inviting me/us to parties or to their house but in its place are emails from strangers and new friends alike sharing their hearts, souls and testimonies with me all because we share the love of the Lord . So do I get lonely? Absolutely. Do I get sad when I think about it? Absolutely. But you know what? I will stand and worship the Lord for all the things He has done for me and for all His wondrous works so if that means to be right with God, I may sometimes be wrong with man....than it is fine by me.

Mark 13: 12-13

Sunday, March 13, 2011

CH CH

What is missing?

U R

I cannot take credit for this! Isn't it great?? Had to use it! :-)

Shout out to the Holiness Center in Williamstown

Saturday, March 12, 2011

God is faithful isn't He? He provides all of our needs. I see amazing things happening for my husband right now and I could not be happier. And might I say, there is no one more deserving. I love you C! There is such power in prayer. Prayer is key to a successful Christian life. It is our way of communicating and keeping in touch with God. It is the key to any successful relationship isn't it? If we do not talk with another than there is no way we can truly know someone. God loves to hear from us. And our prayer allows us to hear from Him. No matter what is happening in your life, keep God in it. Keep Him first always and keep communication open. It will help you in all ways of your life. I promise you! Be blessed!

Philippians 4: 6-7

Friday, March 11, 2011

God is faithful and He loves us! He wants to bless us immensely and all He wants is for us to do our part and He will do the rest. When we study Him, serve Him, tithe to Him, honor Him, spread the good news about Him, we please Him and it allows Him to work in all lives. Look at the results of when you live your life proper and when you don't. Judge your own tree by our fruit. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us and it is palpable when sin is present. You feel it down in the pit of your stomach. It is a "radar" of sorts to remove this sin from your life and turn the other way. People often think they can handle being around certain sins and yet they say, "Oh I won't do anything, I am not tempted"....but guess what? Eventually you cave in. And sin will separate you from God's blessing so why put yourself in that position? Live each day for God and I guarantee you, you will live a more wholesome, fruitful and powerful life than ever. God will grant you peace, mercy, love, favor and most of all joy. So what life do you choose for yourself? Your own or one God chooses for you?

Got God?

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Do you sometimes feel that noone understands what you are going through? Even the closest ones to you don't seem to care or comprehend? God wants to remind you that you are not alone. That He gave us His only Son who walked this human life before we did. Jesus was tempted, betrayed, misunderstood and even despised. So we must never say we don't have anyone that understands because Jesus does and He is interceding for us every day and night to His Father. So go to Him with confidence and blessed assurance and know that His mercy and grace will uplift us when we are hurting or feeling alone. God knows our weaknesses and will make us strong so be bold and be brave and always feel special because you are in His sight.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Do not withhold encouragement from the discouraged. Do not keep affirmation from the beaten down! Speak words that make people stronger. Believe in them as God has believed in you. You may save someone's life.

I keep this reminder in my office so I remember to always try to speak positive to someone and not negative. Compliment someone instead of criticize. If you think someone did a good job, tell them instead of holding it in. I get very turned off by people that never compliment or say anything nice. They will brag of their own deeds or family but never offer praise to anyone else. It doesn't make me feel good about me or them to be quite honest. I remember when C and I built our home and we were so proud and invited a very good friend of mine to come see it and she didn't have one word of praise. All she did was compare the house to her own. I was devastated and very angry and I never felt the same way about her. All I thought was how could she hurt me like that when all she needed to do was tell me how nice she thought everything was? It would have changed the dynamic of our friendship. Instead I always felt from that point forward that she was never truly happy for me...more so jealous and competitive and it always bothered me. People's kind words stay with you and the not so great ones to do. I am learning every day to watch what I say and how I say it. So next time there is an opportunity for you, use it to say something nice to someone. Let's just be kind! Amen?!

Ephesians 4: 29-32

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

I just wanted to share an illustration with you about how God works especially when we show Him our act of faith with tithing. I recently received a very nice tax refund and I believe any money that comes into my house is considered a blessing of income therefore I tithe 10%. This recent blessing was no different. However I also wanted to be practical and save it all so I convinced myself to tithe an extra $20 on to my regular weekly tithe instead of tithing all 10% upfront at once BEFORE any saving. I made a list of how many weeks it would take and I would keep track. Before long an unexpected debit came in to my bank account and caused havoc and I knew in my heart that God allowed this to happen and allowed the bank to charge $35 nsf fees for my not being obedient. I knew it immediately and God spoke and told me to tithe NOW. I didn't even confess to my husband what I did because I knew he would have been mad at me too. Never place God second to anything. God is my savings account and how dare I rob him of what is His! I truly believe that when we do not tithe, He will take it from us one way or another. With me I lost that money in senseless bank charges. But I knew it was an act from God. But He is also a rewarder and as soon as I wrote that check for the complete tithe and sent it to my church, I felt a wave of peace and lightness.....and back to that illustration....I wrote that check on Friday and look what has occured in the last 72 hours since...

We received a $5 off coupon for SRite that I forgot to use last week and found in my wallet the day I sent my tithes that I took and got honored, I found a Petco receipt with a $2 coupon to take a survey, an ebay item that has sat on auction for months within minutes of my tithes sold for $30, $40 for 2 free entrees at TGIF's, someone from church blessed us with an $50 Outback gift card yesterday totally unexpected, a free 4 pound bag of Nutro cat food at Petco coupon came in the mail Saturday, value of at least $11 , Office Max coupon for $10 off any item and we need ink now! ....

Grand total of unexpected coupons/gifts/blessings.....$148...

You can draw your own conclusion on the amount you think that tithe check was...

Malachi 3:6-12

Monday, March 7, 2011

Be kind to one another. Stop before you criticize someone. Don't judge someone you don't know or judge on something you know nothing about. Be the encourager to someone today. Our behavior may be the only "light of Christ" someone ever sees or knows and you are to set an example of God's character. People love to pounce on the Christian believer. They love to find the flaws. What they don't realize is Christians do have flaws....we are not perfect human beings. WE strive to please God and be more like Him but we will sin and fall short every day. I too would leery of someone that professes to be so wonderful and holy and yet does something else. That is a hypocrite. But why are the people so ready to jump on a person of faith for being a hypocrite and not all people? Whether we know the answer or not or whether it even matters ... the bottom line is we are to be "fisherman" for God. Period, end of story. God expects us to share the gospel and share our story with others. He wants us to help and encourage others. Our walk is so important. We may be the "only bible" someone ever reads so be mindful of your actions, language and behavior with and towards others. Love, love, love. And when you fall short, ask the Lord for forgiveness and get up and try again.

Galatians 5: 13-15

Galatians 5: 22-26

Sunday, March 6, 2011

God is in control. No matter how it looks to you, God is in total control. Let Him fight for you as we are still. So comforting and was it not the scripture and message in church today. God is amazing and will come to you several ways to get you to hear Him. Let Him calm your storm. He will prevail for you and you will be victorious. So stay focused, don't give up and keep the faith!

Exodus 14:14

Saturday, March 5, 2011

It is really important that we pray for each other, specifically, our families and loved ones. Your children, your spouse, your brothers and sisters, parents, friends, pastors.... Not as many people pray for us as you may think so it is so important that you pray for those you care about and ask your spouse and loved ones to pray for you. Prayer is so key to a healthy and open relationship with God. It is how we commune with Him and He loves when we share everything with Him. He wants to be included everywhere....in the shower, car, mall, traffic, kitchen....not just on those quiet Sunday mornings in the pew. So I encourage you even if don't already to make a prayer list and take time each and everyday and lift the names up to the Lord. You are feeding your spirit with all goodness and the Lord will be pleased and it will make such a difference in your life and those around you. Have a blessed Saturday!

Ephesians 6:18

Friday, March 4, 2011

If you aren't where you thought you would be at this stage of your life, trust in the Lord. Don't try to figure it out or beat yourself up. Our plans are not always God's and He wants to be a part of all of our lives so He wants to be the planner for your life. Lean on Him completely and allow Him to work in your life. You think too much. You analyze too much. You worry too much. You cry too much ... Be happy knowing God loves you so much and He wants to bless you immensely. He will see you through this and it is of great comfort to know that this time will pass and we will live in abundance with Him. Allow yourself time to heal, to rest and surrender all your cares on to Him. He loves you and He is waiting for you today.

Proverbs 3:5

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Do you believe that people with money and wealth are in more favor than God than you? Do you think God loves them more because they have more than you? Do you measure one's Christianity by their wallet? I ask that because the bible talks in many stories about the way He views money and the behavior of people that have it and what they do with it. I always argue if God blesses the "more faithful" believers with money than wouldn't pastors make more than what they do? No one man or woman devouts their life more to Christ than our pastors of our churches so then why aren't they paid in abundance? Pastor Bruce has for years always given us a clear formula for being financially blessed (not rich) and it is simple.....work, tithe, budget....period. Not all of us will make millions or be financially wealthy but that doesn't mean we should think less of ourselves. The bible says to be content with what we have. God honors our tithes, our labor and our generosity with others so do all these things and you will be blessed. Simply ... love yourself and accept yourself and never define your worth by your checkbook. Love God, honor God and live for God and He will enrich and bless all of your days. Have a blessed Thursday!

Hebrews 13:5

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

How do we know when God is speaking to us or when it is our own thoughts? People ask all the time do you hear God's voice. The truth is He speaks in your heart and He speaks to you through the spirit. When He walked on the earth he was able to guide and instruct audibly on the outside because he lived but He speaks clearly in John 14:16-17 that He will ask His Father to leave us another Comforter when He is gone from the earth. "The Spirit of Truth" remains with us forever and it cannot be seen but He lives with us constantly and is always with us. That Comforter is known as "The Holy Spirit". Therefore the Lord will speak to you from inside/within, not audibly, because He lives in you. Many thoughts come from within and they are from God. People call it intuition...it is not intuition for intuition is a feeling ... it is a person. He speaks to us through His word, the bible. He speaks to us through other people and directly to us. Mostly He speaks to us about us....circumstances, instructions, about our character. If you ever doubt it was Him you heard, reference everything through His word. There will be no contradictions. If it is Him and you choose to ignore, you are rebelling therefore being disobedient. So study God's word, learn about Him, His ways, nature...and you will know how to listen to God.

John 14: 16-17

Please note I edited my post to remove the word feeling as to not confuse the issue.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Oh Happy Day!! March 1st. Spring is upon us and daylight savings is less than 2 weeks away. Pool is opening in 2 months. God is faithful isn't He? I love to give God the glory from the smallest of blessings to the most profound. He is so good to us. And all He asks in return is that we love Him and others. And the one way we can display our gratitude and love for Him is through our obedience. Our obedience to God can change our lives. He promises He will open up the flood gates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be enough room for it. Tithing to the store house is mentioned in the scripture, Malachi 3:10, when He promises such blessings but tithing is obedience. If the Lord convicts your heart to do something, you need to obey and do it. Not half way, or not when you are ready but right then and there. Do not let your fear overcome His blessings for your life. If He asks you to step out of your comfort zone, then we must obey and do this. As scared as we may be, we must trust Him and know He promises that our obedience unlocks His super natural power. So do right ... and you GCCC gals can finish it......and give the consequences to God.

Malachi 3:10