Sunday, June 30, 2013 "God's Love Teaches us how to Love Others and Ourselves"

Ephesians 3:17-18

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

My living room illuminates in the morning as the sun rises each day. It is where I do my devotions and spend quiet time with my Lord. As I read this line in a prayer this morning ...., "May the Father bless you with a  growing assurance of His great love for you", it brought me to Ephesians 3:18 and I wondered how many of God's children truly do not know the magnitude to which God loves them. The love that He has for us not only was shown on the cross at Calvary but in our lives each and every day. John 3:16  “For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." So many people are consumed with what they do not have, praying for this or that, that they fail to realize how many things the Lord has spared us from, protected us from, kept us from, all out of love. We spend more time staring at the closed door, we miss the open one He has placed in front of us. We waste so much time worrying in our season of waiting that we miss the lessons in them. The Lord loves us beyond words and we are to love Him and others, unconditionally at all times. His love for us is  how we should love others. To truly know how much the Lord loves you, teaches you how to love yourself which in turn gives you the ability to love others. Isn't the circle of love He created not as amazing as He is? Love today! 

1 John 4:7  "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."

Our Dwelling Place Church Online Ministry

Saturday, June 29, 2013 "Be Righteous for God"

27 

The righteous detest the dishonest;

    the wicked detest the upright. Proverbs 29:27

Be truthful in all you do. And be honest with all your words. The Lord will never put us in a position where we ever have to lie and He will always give us a way out of an unholy situation. Critics call the bible archaic and say people cannot possibly live as they did back then but it is simply not true. Children of Christ can live a righteous life filled with obedience and be happy and fulfilled. The wicked may appear to be having all the fun but there are consequences to everyone's actions. If you are not popular in school, or not well received at work because of your faith and your beliefs, rejoice in Him. For you are honoring Him with your walk. You do not have to be judged because you choose to go home to your family instead of attending happy hour with your co workers. Peer pressure is from man and is not of God. Rebuke it and surround yourself with good solid people. The bible tells us Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33 It is far easier to be dragged down than pulled up so guard your heart, guard your life, guard those you love. Protect your walk, set healthy boundaries and be mindful of who you engage with. We are the righteousness of God and we are highly favored. Live your life with that posture seven days a week. 

Our Dwelling Place Church

Friday, June 28, 2013 "The Lost Sheep"

…3And he spoke this parable to them, saying, 4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. …Luke 15:3-5

Why do so many people accept Jesus in to their hearts then back slide later?  People debate salvation all the time, were they ever really saved? How could one turn away from Jesus once they experience His love and power?  Was it a false conversion?  No one could ever know for sure for only the Lord knows each and every person's heart and their intent. I can only speak for myself when I say that I strayed away from my Lord for almost 18 months early on in my walk and although I was sinning and not living my life right, I knew my sins were separating me from God. He never left me, I left Him. But I never denied His commands nor denied Him.  For I knew every sin I committed was against my living God.  "I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands". (Psalm 119:176) I can reflect back and see how many times He tried to sway me back on the right path and I denied Him each time. But He never gave up trying. I was truly saved by the power of the Lord's blood because the condemnation was palpable. The separation from God was truly felt and I was so depressed, I lacked any peace, I lost friends, I lost relationships. "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear". (Isaiah 59:2) I avoided people of God because their presence reminded me of my own sin. Their reflection made me see my own. The guilt was so great I tried to mask it with drugs. I was involved in a very unhealthy unholy relationship that caused so much pain, it nearly ended my life. I share this very personal time in my life because the Lord was so merciful and so loving and refused to let His wayward sheep go that He came for me and returned me back to His flock. For after time, I began to long for my Lord and His righteousness. I saw my path of destruction was leading me down a very bad place and I reached out for God and He heard my cry. He took my hand and restored my life. I rededicated my life on New Year's Day 1996 and am so blessed to say He has been the center of my being and my life. He is my Shield, my Comforter, My Father, my Everything. It is never too late to turn back to Him and reach our your hand. He is right there waiting. It does not have to be any huge production other than confessing your sins to your Father and asking Him to forgive you and rededicate your life to Him. I pray that this be the day you make that precious step back to Him.

Our Dwelling Place Church Online Ministry

Thursday, June 27, 2013 "Our God is Able"

Ephesians 3:20-21

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

There is nothing that God cannot do.  He is all sovereign and all powerful.  As I shared earlier this month how the Lord spoke so clearly to me one day and told me not to put limitations on Him, I was humbled at the thought. I was reminded at that very instant how I was trying to place the same limits on Him as I do myself. When in fact He can move mountains for me, He can heal for me, He can part seas for me, He can multiply anything for me.  What an almighty God we serve.  I just love the blessed assurance He gives me each and every day, the peace He has placed in my heart and the mercy He has given me for others. His grace has set me free in so many ways. I am beyond blessed and let me tell you, there is not a day, afternoon, or night that goes by that I am not thanking and praising His name. It is so important we come to our Lord with praise and thanksgiving for it can not be a relationship that is all one sided and built on drama. Do you have people in your life that you feel only call you when they need advice or in time of need? I want to celebrate with you, not just cry with you. And that is how the Lord feels about us. He wants to be a part of every aspect of our life, not just be the One we call on in times of trouble. Let's build a solid foundation with our Lord. Let's covet our relationship with Him more than we covet any other. He must come first in our lives before children, before spouses, before work, before money. Before all people, places, and things. And when we walk in His obedience and lean not on ourselves but only on Him, He will work in wondrous and miraculous ways. He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ever ask for or think of. What an awesome God!

Our Dwelling Place Church Online Ministry

Wednesday, June 26, 2013 "Victory in Jesus"

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1 Corinthians 15:57

Jesus conquered the grave and we are conquerors in Him. "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us". Romans 8:37 There is victory in Jesus and there is victory in each and every believer.  Our sins have been forgiven. "For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace". Romans 6:14 Therefore we know the battle has already been fought and won and although we will face trials and challenges here on earth, we know that whatever the Lord allows in our life, He will also guide us through it. Whatever season you are currently in, embrace it and allow the Holy Spirit to manifest His power in your life. So if you are in the palace, your love and endurance will be able to minister to another. If you are the one in the pit, keep your eyes on the Lord and reflect back on all the miraculous and wondrous things He has already done in your life and know He is the same then as He is today. He is with you and He will bless you.  You know we are victors in Christ Jesus no matter what season we are in.  When we carry ourselves with blessed assurance, steadfast peace, and the proper attitude of faith, we will move through the storm with grace and mercy. When we wallow or dwell or grovel, we may actually remain in the pit longer than intended. There are consequences to our actions therefore remain in His perfect peace and trust Him over your own self. Our feelings and emotions will misguide us, but the love and power of the Almighty God will sustain us and keep us on the narrow road of righteousness. The enemy wants to tear us down, destroy our spiritual character, doubt our Lord, distract us from the Word of God and keep us in the depths of doom but when we rejoice in the Lord, always, and hold our peace and thank Him, the enemy does not know what to do with that and will ultimately back off and go prod someone else with his poker of lies. Keep strong in Christ and victory will remain in your life in all seasons and may His face shine upon you so that others will be drawn to Him because of you. All glory and honor to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

Our Dwelling Place Church Online Ministry

Tuesday, June 25, 2013 "He That Gives Shall Not Lack"

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

Be a blessing to another.  In this selfish world of "what's in it for me?", let's try to be the exception to this mindset and in doing so, bringing all glory and honor to the Lord.  If you know someone is having a tough time financially, try not to judge or take the attitude, "I have my own problems" and make a kind gesture and offer to buy them lunch or a ride. People are very prideful when they are hurting therefore it is up to us to be Christ like and bless another.  If you know someone is out of work, why not offer them some work maybe around your house. Lawn work, laundry, cleaning...whatever it is you need.  I tell the story when my husband and I were struggling and we would pray everyday and one day the Lord spoke to me and said, "how can I bless you if you won't allow Me?" and it was then I told my husband we needed to stop being so prideful and learn to accept other's blessings for they were of the Lord.  And so we would say to someone's kind offer, "We will accept your blessing, thank you" and it made the person offering happy and it was pleasing to the Lord. Ego and pride will get you every time. So if you are the one hurting, allow the Lord to use another to help you. If you are the one doing well then bless another with what the Lord has blessed you with. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which he has given you. (Deuteronomy 16:17) Our blessings from the Lord are to be shared with others.  We cannot take the posture, give to receive. The Lord expects us to give even more so when we know we will not receive back. Don't begrudge another, don't deny another and don't ignore another brother or sister in need. Let's be the light in this cold and dark world. Let's not think of only ourselves and our family and close friends. Let's challenge our own self and ask the Lord to reveal to you who it is He would like you to reach out to. He will. My husband and I frequent this one local diner and we knew the waitress was placed at our table for more than good service. By the end of the meal, my husband said we needed to help her and so with that we gave to her what we honestly did not have for ourselves but we did it with a smile, in loving obedience. For we did not fear for ourselves nor did we worry we would be without for we knew the Lord would provide and He did then as He continues to today. He covets greedily all the day long: but the righteous gives and spares not. Proverbs 21:26

He that gives to the poor shall not lack: but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse. Proverbs 28:27

Our Dwelling Place Church Online Ministry

Monday, June 24, 2013 "Count it All Joy"

Profiting from Trials

² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:2-8

Counting all things joy means to rejoice during the good times and during the difficult days.  We will all face mountains that are insurmountable but our faith and trust in our Lord and Savior, tells us we can in fact tell the mountain to move and it will.  These trials we face are placed in our life to teach us and to test us.  It builds spiritual character within us.  We grow in wisdom and in truth and when we stay in the Spirit, we gain peace.  So whatever it is you face today, count it all joy, for one day it will make sense. This trial is ordained by the Lord to strengthen you so rejoice in it.  Be patient in it and learn in it.  I lift you up in prayer and I ask that the Lord guide you, protect you and sustain you during these difficult times and may His glory shine upon you.  He loves you and He is with you today. 

Our Dwelling Place Church on You Tube

Sunday, June 23, 2013 "I Formed You in the Womb"

Jeremiah 1:4-5

"Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

Ephesians 1:11

11 In him we were also chosen,[a] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

"Life is but a dream sweetheart", remember those words from an old time song?  The truth is "life" was planned with purpose and was and is ordained by our living God. "He created the heavens and the earth" and created man to build this universe. (Genesis 1:1) Upon conception, a child is a living human being.  Where anyone can dispute that abortion is not murder needs to seek the Lord. And quickly for they are accountable for their thoughts and their hearts and should any of them lose their own life today and stand before the Lord on His throne, they will have to answer for it.  "Though shall not kill" is a commandment from the Lord. (Exodus 20:13) Life begins at conception, not at birth. If life began at birth, then how can someone explain the person growing inside the mother's womb? Does a baby just "magically" grow from a seed to a full grown person on their own? God is the giver of life and anyone else that ends such life has committed a sin and must repent. Sadly, this subject continues to divide our society. But the debate on life and death does not end there, for many adults struggle with suicide, taking one's own life.  We all must respect the Giver of life and glorify Him with our life, not seek out to destroy it.  For we must believe that He can work anything out for our good. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose". (Romans 8:28) Any other action we take is lack of faith. We must know that He can heal any hurt and turn any mistake we make into a miracle. We must know that our messes will become His messages.  He created you, He loves you, seek Him in all matters of your life.  Do not rely on your own self. "Lean not on your own understanding, but instead trust God with all your heart", no matter how hopeless it seems. (Proverbs 3:5) TRUST GOD! 

Psalm 139:13-16

For You formed my inward parts

You covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me,

When as yet there were none of them.

If You Are Pregnant and Scared

Our Dwelling Place Church

Saturday, June 22, 2013 "Be Still"

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Sounds so simple yet so many struggle with this loving word of God.  God says Who He says He is and He will never fail us.  Whatever it is you need today, take it to Him, leave it with Him and know that He has it.  Having done all that, be still in His promise.  Stand firm on His truth and wait. For having planted a seed of faith is to wait and believe. Amen to God!

Friday, June 21, 2013 "How Can It Be?"

The fool^[a] says in his heart, “There is no God.”

They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;

    there is no one who does good. Psalm 14:1

How can it be possible that each and every person that asks the Lord into their hearts and receives His free gift of grace experience the exact same thing?  Total strangers from all around the globe having the same exact memory of when Christ came into their hearts?  As I watched Day Star last night and listened to a young man bear his testimony I posed the same question to my husband.  This young man spoke of how his life had no worth, he was suicidal, depressed and felt void.  He heard about God and was curious.  He would purposely stand next to his classmates while they spoke to each other about God and church in hopes they would invite him to church and not one person ever did. What a tragedy and lost opportunity.  These children will be made accountable on their judgment day. Never let a divine appointment go by like these young men did.  As he continued to search on his own, he enrolled himself into a church camp and there he heard finally and learned about the Lord and asked Him into his heart. He went on to speak how at that very moment He felt the Holy Spirit's presence and in that instant, he felt peace and whole and felt a renewed love of life.  He now sees his life as valuable and as a gift, not a curse.  Only the power of our living God can do that. As he spoke, I thought to myself how could someone honestly refuse and deny that the Lord is real and how on earth can they explain away all these similar stories and testimonies?  They can't as far as I can see.  My husband tells a great story of one atheist who sought out to prove God was not real and after all the evidence and all his research, he came to the realization God was in fact real and became born again. God is awesome!  I love that story.  I get sick when I see posts about science and monkeys and anything derogatory about my Father in Heaven. If evolution was real and we in fact came from an ape, than why are we not continuing to evolve and change? I rebuke any of that nonsense. As we Christians walk this life, we are accountable for these lost and confused people. We no longer can look the other way because we are too busy, too scared, too shy...we must be bold in our faith and in our testimony.  We are to share the Lord and what He has done in our lives with others. How tragic that no one invited this young man out?  As my husband and I begin our new journey with Christ, we realize how important it is to promote our church gatherings, our bible study, our online ministry channel, all to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is not about man, this is not about glorifying my husband or I, this is not about making money for our own self gain.  This is about spreading the news around the world as God commanded us to and glorifying His name and exalting His name on high. How sad that the enemy tricks the minds of those haters, those critics, those cynics that take a loving and beautiful act and make it ugly. Lord, I ask that you touch those hearts that are dark and black and full of jealousy and hate, and protect our home, our church family from all evil. Let nothing of evil prosper against us and may your Spirit of protection envelope us under Your Holy arms each day we breathe.  In Jesus' name, I thank you for hearing my prayer, I thank you Lord for answering my prayer. 

Our Dwelling Place Church Online

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 28:19

²⁷ For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

Matthew 16:27

Thursday, June 20, 2013 "Being Intimate with God"

"Our intimacy with God-His highest priority for our lives-determines the impact of our lives."- Charles Stanley

Have you ever looked at another brother or sister in Christ and examined or compared your walk to theirs?  If one is being honest, they would say yes.  The truth is each and every child of God has their own unique Christian walk.  One's actions will determine the result of their walk.  We all should obey the Lord while leaving the consequences to God but not all believers obey.  In fact, many struggle with full submission.  We "want" to hold on to parts of our lives simply out of control, fear, pride, impatience.  But that impacts our life and over time when we continue to repeat this act, it will affect us. The Lord ordains each step we take but the key is when we remain in His will.  He must be our highest priority, which means He is in total control of all areas of our life.  He is who we seek in prayer before any action is taken.  If He says no or not now, we must obey His command.  When we are obedient, He takes on full responsibility for our life.  That is why we should never be jealous of another person for no one is privy to another person's relationship with Christ. We must not place judgment on another for we do not know what they have been through to get to where they are.  People assume things based on another's appearance, possessions, relationships or they try to compete with them when in fact the only thing we should strive for...is a personal, intimate, one on one relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.  When we do that our obedience will unlock God's power, our faithful tithing will produce heaven's blessings and our serving our living God will bear much fruit.  There is a season for planting and there is a season of great harvest.  You cannot begrudge another if you are not willing to do what they did to receive God's anointing on their lives. Therefore make the Lord your priority, no one else. He comes before your children, your spouse, your parents, your friends, your careers...everyone. Concentrate on your own personal relationship with Him and all things will come together. The Lord laid this scripture on my heart and I believe His word says it all. 

 Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you".      

Our Dwelling Place Church

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 "It takes 3 in a Marriage"

"Do two walk together

    unless they have agreed to do so?" Amos 3:3

God did not create marriage to fail. He is the key to its success. When we accept God's authority and allow Him to be the third person in our  marriage, it will succeed.  Marriage is a sacred covenant between the man, the woman, and Christ. I love the King James version of Mark 10:9 "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder". The enemy seeks to destroy the union of two because of the strength and power the biblical covenant has. The Bible presents marriage as a divine institution for it began with God.  It was established by God at the beginning of human history when He "created the heavens and the earth" (Gen 1:1). Therefore He is the Creator of marriage. "Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh". (Gen 2:24) Be very careful to keep God in the center of your marriage. It is essential for Christians to recover and accept the Biblical view of marriage as a sacred and permanent covenant. It makes us accountable to Him and convicted to do right. Marriage is one of the best things I have ever done. When God chooses your mate, He does not make mistakes.  Yes, all marriages will experience their troubles, but with God in the center, all things will work together. Trust Him in all things when you cannot trust yourself. In my darkest days, my deep faith and love for my Lord told me in my heart not to give up but to pray our relationship through and out of the pit and prayerfully, through love, perseverance and faith He saved us and restored our union.  "When man finds a wife, he finds favor with the Lord". Proverbs 18:22. Husbands love your wives and wives love your husbands. Respect and honor this precious gift. And remember we can expect God's peace when we accept God's grace. 

Our Dwelling Place Church on You Tube

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

To plant a seed 

and 

wait 

is to 

believe. 

Monday, June 17, 2013 "Forever Changing"

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Nothing changes when nothing changes.  When we place our total trust in Christ it does not mean we are to sit back and watch Him run the show and our life will be 100% perfect.  He gives us the wisdom, direction and the boldness to carry out the will He has for us in our life.  He takes on full responsibility for our lives, but He can not live it for us.  If we struggle with surrendering all of us to Him, or if we find ourselves praying about the same things again and again, it is best we stop and self evaluate ourselves. We need to see what it is in our life that is not changing. I say that because as Christians, our "walk" should always be full of growth and change. Walking means action, taking steps towards something.  If the Lord did not expect us to do our part, it would not be called our Christian "walk".  But we must remember it is a marathon, not a sprint so everything in life takes time.  Living for the Lord takes patience for His way is perfect and sometimes very methodical.  Other times, He will answer your prayers fairly quickly. But we must expect to constantly be changing. We will never purchase our dream home if we never stop spending money. We must change from being spenders to savers.  We will never lose the weight we desire if we continue to eat pizza, we must change our eating habits.  We will never meet someone if we stay home on our sofa, we must change and become socially active in the Christian community.  So yes, He is our God of miracles but we are to be accountable for our actions as well.  The Lord expects us to come to Him, lay down our heart's desires, fears and burdens and dedicate the rest of our life to Him and His will. It is that simple. He expects us to live a righteous life as a child of God by obeying His word and asking for forgiveness when we do wrong. We must continue a life of faith, trust and love for He is the maker of all things and He can do all things, so let Him help you. That is the first change! 

Our Dwelling Place Church Sermons

Sunday, June 16, 2013 "I am Slave for Christ"

1 Samuel 12:24

English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁴ Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.

What a powerful word the Lord laid on my heart. When we choose a life of Christ, it can be daunting.  It can be a struggle. People are ashamed of Jesus, they are inward Christians in that they believe in Him but do not share His name with others.  They have allowed the people of this world make them uncomfortable sharing the gospel. I hardly watch any news or television other than things I personally tape then watch at night to unwind.  I refuse to be influenced by anyone or anything.  My life is centered around Jesus Christ and He is who I serve.  I fear Him for He is a just God and there are consequences to my actions therefore I obey and follow His commandments. Sounds too strict? I rather be a slave for Christ than a slave to this world. When I worked in a high pressure sales environment, the number one goal on everyone's heart was money and making lots of it. Compromises had to be made, lines were crossed and lines were certainly blurred.  Not proud of it, but I can confess my sins to the Lord and I know I am forgiven. Man no longer has me enslaved to the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon me.  All great things come from God, not your boss. Do not let anyone convince you otherwise. Your employer is simply the vessel the Lord uses to bless you.  To quote my husband, I have never been so free since becoming a slave for Christ. My heart is full, my life is joyful and I live in abundance. The desires of my heart were fulfilled and I am at rest and at peace. And that is the work of the one and only true God.  


"Our Dwelling Place Church"

Saturday, June 15, 2013 "I Shall Not Want"

As the most known Psalm verse goes on to promise us, The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,(Psalm 23) He is all we will ever need. Society tells women they are less than if they do not marry or have children and it tells men they are not successful unless they own the latest fastest new car model and it is in their driveway. So we are raised to believe our worth comes from relationships, being a parent, our possessions, and our wallet. I thank the good Lord everyday that he has taken those blinders off of me and has freed me of such "stinkin thinkin" (famous Joyce Meyer quote) because it is all designed to trap you. Trap you into this economy of spending money. There are some who hire dating sights to find a mate, while others fall into serious debt trying to keep up with appearances.  Consumers, instant gratification, self help seminars...where is God in any of this?  None of it is biblical for our worth as a child of God comes from His love for us and our love for Him.  He is all you will ever need. He fills that empty feeling, that void in your heart AND life, He replaces those thoughts that you make it happen with the truth of His word, that He ordains your steps.  He tells you that you are created in His image and you were created with value and purpose.  This world is not for us therefore we must not compromise for it nor allow it to define us.  The Lord is all we need to complete our hearts and all else that comes is a life enhancer. Whether you find the love of your life, you build your family with children, your job promotion will allow you financial freedom...all enhancers....all blessings from our Almighty God.  Stop looking around for the latest gadget, newest show in town, obsessing over your sports team making the playoffs and turn your eyes and your heart upon Jesus. That is where all the help you will ever need comes from.  He is all you will ever need to fulfill the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4,5 has always been my favorite verse and it sums up the heart of the Lord and the heart man should have. 

Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this. 

OUR DWELLING PLACE CHURCH: "WHERE LOYALTIES LIE" 30 MINUTE SERMON

Friday, June 14, 2013 "God Keeps His Promises"

God Keeps His Promises. 

Genesis 9:13

He promises to love you, be with you, protect you, bless you and discipline you.  He is your Father, your Friend, your Everything.  And His Word is true. 

Thursday, June 14, 2013 "He Will Not Forget You"

Psalm 13

How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?

    How long will you hide your face from me?

 

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts

    and day after day have sorrow in my heart?

    How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look on me and answer, Lord my God.

    Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,

 

and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”

    and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

But I trust in your unfailing love;

    my heart rejoices in your salvation.

 

I will sing the Lord’s praise,

    for he has been good to me.    

For those struggling right now with the jobs, co-workers, marriages, friendships, or rebellious child, the Lord is with you. He has not forgotten you during these difficult times. Your enemy will not triumph over you no matter how it looks or feels right now or no matter how low things seem. Pray yourself through this situation, keep your eyes on the Lord and trust in His unfailing love.  The way we handle ourselves during this time will determine how quickly we will be lifted from this pit. Just know that He loves you and wants you to know, "He's Got This!" I stand with you in faith. 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013 "Lord, Give me the Strength"

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint". Isaiah 40:31

There are days when I need to just be with the Lord.  When people, places, and things exhaust me and drain me, I need to be renewed in the Lord.  He is who I draw nearest too for this world is selfish.  The mindset of people astound me. All you have to do is run an errand and the ignorance and unhappiness from others is palpable. Those are the days, I ask the Lord to touch them and I honestly run for the nearest exit.  I choose to surround myself with others that come with peace, joy, and the love of the Lord in their hearts. Of course we must love all people and show them how to be joyful in the Lord, yes, but we all have those days when we must renew at the well.  I think it is healthy and I believe it is necessary for one's walk.  If you do not make time to renew your Spirit and mind, your heart will harden with resentment, bitterness, and anger. Trust me, it happened to me when I was in the corporate world. The rat race of each day busier than the next, with everyone's needs coming before my own...from the employees, to the customers, to the executives....after twenty years, it took its toll. But I did not handle myself properly.  I let my relationship with the Lord slip and I suffered for it.  So I encourage you to make time for you, your devotions, your quiet time to reflect.  It is not wrong, it is required.  Did Jesus not go off on His own to pray to His Father?  As we learn to stay in the Spirit, we grow strong, and this enables us to be the salt in the flavorless world, to be the light in this dark and cold world. Do not let others manipulate your time and make you feel guilty.  Remember this one truth  ... when God is in the center-everything else will come together. Have a wonderful day in Him!

"Our Dwelling Place Church" June 9th's Sermon

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 "There is no Condemnation with Christ"

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1

"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

I was reminded of this scripture just today when a friend and I were talking together on the phone. I was sharing with her how so many believers suffer from self condemnation, which means self inflicted guilt. We need to truly grasp the truth in God's Word when He tells us our sins are washed away and we are left pure and white as the driven snow. Picture a gorgeous untouched mountain of snow. You know right after a snow storm but before the shoveling and plows and salt taint it and dirty it? Well that is how the Lord sees us, pure and white. Now picture every time we sin, a drop of red blood, like crimson red, is dropped on to that snow. It is no longer pure, but touched, dirtied by sin. The more we sin, the redder the snow and before you know it, the purity of the white snow is so covered by the red blood the snow is barely there. That is how the Lord sees us when we are covered in sin and filth. But all we have to do is confess our sins and repent of them to the only One who can forgive and save us and our sins are washed away ... picture every time we confess, he removes a spot of the red blood. And before you know it, the mountain is once more white and pure and that is all the Lord sees. He forgives us and it is as if we never sinned. Knowing this biblical truth should free every child of God that suffers from their own guilt. Whether it be they are still sinning or have not been able to forgive themselves for their sins of the past, condemnation is real and it can paralyze the believer into thinking they are not good or worthy of God's love. All lies to distract us. But we know we are forgiven by the blood of the Lamb and the veil of sin is removed leaving us visible to the One Who created us.  So lift up your brothers and sisters who struggle with sin and guilt. Share the love the Lord has for them and remind them it is as simple as saying they are wrong and they are so sorry. People tell me I make it sound so simple, that is because it is. Jesus is simple, pure, uncomplicated, honest, real, and truthful. Therefore trust in Him and not yourself and let the sins of the present time or past time go and enjoy a closer relationship with Him. You will be blessed with abundance of joy and eternal peace. What a wonderful gift of grace.

Monday, June 10, 2013 "Be Humble"

Zechariah 4:10

10 Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”

The Lord laid this scripture on my heart twice today, which believers know as confirmation. A confirmed word of God. Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by the task ahead of you?  Starting a new job, a new diet, a new home project and the whole process seems so daunting you cannot even begin to imagine it progressing in anyway? That is why the Lord laid these words on my heart for the task that lies ahead of my husband and I seems so large in comparison to how small it is now. I have started many start up projects in my career when I was in the vacation resort industry and one of my duties was to create and start up a new administrative office, the "back of the house" operation so to speak. It would usually mean me and a rotary phone on concrete floors working all hours of the day and night getting things off the ground. I never thought to myself, " I can't do this" or "this will never get off the ground" because I knew God did it for me before and had always equipped me for the task given and knowing He is the same God yesterday, today and forever, I never panicked. I must admit today our new journey is all for God. I read when ever a disciple opens a house in His name, He will lead. And that promise is good enough for us and His love fuels us. It is all for Him. Our love letter to the One who has been with us always. He has never left us, in fact His love has freed us. We are slaves for Christ and it is His approval we seek, not man, not this world. So wherever our new journey leads us....or keeps us, we will not complain about these humble beginnings. For we will rejoice in knowing the Lord rejoices in seeing us begin this for Him. So may this encourage you as well today for whatever it is you are facing. He will guide you and lead you and to just know He is rejoicing in you even trying....should be enough motivation enough. Amen?!

Sunday, June 9, 2013 "My Help Comes from Above"

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?My help comes from the Lord,the Maker of heaven and earth.He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;indeed, he who watches 

over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.   Psalm 121

Do you ever begin to worry when everything is going too good? You begin to wait for the shoe to drop and you end up missing out on your peace? I admit I have but my Lord so quickly reminds me of this verse and that my help comes from Him and He will not let anything nor anyone harm me. He tells me to be anxious for nothing and I once again find myself at peace. The truth is we as believers will be faced with many trials and tribulations. My pastor illustrates by saying we are either coming out of a trial or stepping into a trial. Because of this, many people find it hard to relax in their victory because they are in a state of "paranoia" where they deem everything "to good to be true" therefore it isn't going to last. Lies from satan-lies to distract us from being in God's will. As we arm ourselves in God's Word and learn His truth, we know battles will come and we know Who it is that fights for us therefore why worry? The Lord is eternal peace. Prince of Peace. It is His gift to us so do not allow anyone or any circumstance to shake you of your peace. It is the rock of our faith therefore guard it with all you have. Just meditate on God's promise that He is with us always and keep this Psalm close by. Allow His love to comfort you and allow His words to soothe you. They do for me every time. So be blessed each and every day for they are all gifts from the Lord and always remember we live in victory for we are the righteous children of the Almighty God. Amen!

Saturday, June 8, 2013 "Love Letter to my Husband"

“God created marriage. No government subcommittee envisioned it. No social organization developed it. Marriage was conceived and born in the mind of God.”  ~ Max Lucado

I love being married. I love everything about it. I married my best friend, someone I actually like. I liked him as a person before I ever looked at him as more. We have been through hell and back together and have withstood every storm and still stand. I love my husband more now than when we married, eight years ago today. When your marriage has God in the center of it, there is nothing man and woman cannot do for He is our strength. Man found favor when he found a wife and we declare that in our lives. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). We cherish the love God has given us for one another and we honor Him in our lives. It is my prayer,   as we continue on our journey together ordained by our Lord and Savior, that wherever His will leads us, may His grace always keep us. 

June 8, 2005

Hosea 2:19 "And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy". 

Genesis 2:21-25 "So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed".

Friday, June 7, 2013 " I Surrender All"

Luke 22:42

42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

"Jesus take the wheel" is one of the most popular songs played on the radio and it is symbolic to me because it speaks of truly surrendering oneself to the Lord. And all that goes with that. So many give up what they don't want to control to the Lord but then try to hold on to what they rather control. That is not full submission. To surrender all means all of it.  Our life is no longer ours, but His and His will for us.  I tell my husband everyday what a privilege and an honor it is to serve Him only. To wake up each day knowing you are in the will of the Lord, doing exactly what He called you to do. To know your life has value and purpose is an amazing feeling. So many are lost and confused and living outside the will that they have to self medicate themselves to manage their lives. You know this to be true because every day a new drugstore is popping up on a street corner while another church is closing. Over 3,000 churches a year are closing. What is wrong with this picture? People need the Lord now more than ever yet they choose to struggle through this life on their own. It will be their demise if they do not repent and surrender their lives to the only One who can truly satisfy and complete them. If you are a believer and have been struggling with fully surrendering it all to Him, may this be the day you obey and submit. Submission is obedience and there is great reward when we obey. Great blessed assurance, peace that surpasses all understanding and full depth of joy that no man can rob. Stop letting the devil steal your joy today. Take back what he stole and give yourself over to the Lord, the true Savior that loves you and wants to bless you beyond all measure. So I challenge you today to lay down what is weighing you down and allow yourself to rest in Him. I lift you up in prayer today.