Friday, February 28, 2014 "There is no Safer Place"

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

There is no safer place than the palm of God's hand. He is our shelter in our time of storms and He is our comfort in our time of grief. May we learn through our trials what is true-with God's truth and wisdom, we can make it through anything. To God be the glory!

Thursday, February 27, 2014 "What Makes up a Church?"

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:3-5 

What makes up a church? Is it a big shiny building? Is it a packed house filled with lots of people? Is it where you go to listen to some good music? Is it the place you run to when you are facing a trial? Is it a place to meet others? Is it an obligation? A ritual? Is it all of the above? Or is it none of the above? As a wife of a man who pastors a small home church, church is defined for me as a place where God's children can gather together and worship and love the Lord. A place to go where we can feel His presence, hear His voice and be renewed. It is where we  fellowship with one another, share with one another, laugh and  cry with one another. A place where there is no judgement, only support. A place where we pray for one another. We are the body of Christ and we are united by His blood. We are a family and that is what church is to me.  

This is our church on You Tube: Our Dwelling Place Church

Our Dwelling Place Church Facebook Page

Wednesday February 26, 2014 "Rejection: Is It Personal?"

"As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious," 1 Peter 2:4

When we face rejection we must come to realize it is not us that is being rejected but Who we stand for and what we believe in. Scriptures tell us they are rejecting our Lord and Savior. Sometimes our faith can intimidate another. Sometimes it can make others uncomfortable or agitated. While others' envy can turn to jealousy if they feel their own walk is not as strong. Whatever the case, it is hurtful when we experience this kind of rejection. It hurts when it is a stranger but can you imagine how it hurts when it is your own family or close friends? As hard as it is to accept this behavior, we must for we cannot compromise our faith or water down our message because of another. Our allegiance is to the Lord and that is it. He is the only One that will never let us down. I don't care who you surround yourself with, at one point or another they will disappoint you. We will all disappoint someone at some point. Whether it is for what we said or perhaps what we did not do. None of us are innocent or superior to another. We all say and do things we shouldn't. We really have to take responsibility for it and try to learn from it. Don't reject someone because they do not believe like you or live like you. Instead love like God, forgive like God and accept like God. It really is the only way to overcome the cycle of rejection. Jesus faced more rejection in His short time on this earth than we will in a lifetime so do not grovel, pity yourself or complain. Do not let your sadness turn to anger then resentment toward another. Emotions will lie to you. Instead focus on God's love for you. You are chosen and you are precious to Him. 

Tuesday, February 25, 2014 " Our Eyes Fixed on Jesus"

Do not look down at the enemy.  Do not look 

around at your circumstances.  But instead only look up 

to Him and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.  For He will carry you through. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

Monday, February 24, 2014 "Obey and Follow"

The Lord will be your light. The Holy Spirit will counsel you 

and guide you on to the narrow path of righteousness. All 

you must do is obey then follow Him.

 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, 

and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5

Sunday, February 23, 2014 "The Prayer of the Righteous"

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16

When life gets to hard to stand, kneel. Go before your Father in heaven and bow down before His throne and give it all to Him. Pray. Pray. And pray some more. Prayer moves. Prayer works. Prayer is power. 

Saturday, February 22, 2014 "What I Have Learned"

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

As my mind begins to wander about and I reflect on my past and current relationships and friendships, I have come to realize one truth. I have learned that some may last a lifetime while others for a season and some but for a moment. Whatever time I have known you, you were a blessing to me. I pray that He may bless you and keep you and continue to manifest His love in you as He reveals Himself to you. And whatever season we may be in together, you are and will always be a gift from my Lord. 

Friday, February 21, 2014 "Look up to your Maker"

 "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below." Exodus 20:3-4

People idolize then demonize others all the time.  We must worship the One Who is above all and no one else. Anything else is idolatry. We do it all the time without thinking twice. It is a subtle spiritual killer because were created to worship and sometimes we don't even know we are worshiping the wrong thing.  Just keep your eyes on Christ and look to Him for all you need. Let us glorify Him and trust in His ways not anyone else's. Look up to your Maker for He is enough. 

Thursday, February 20, 2014 "Evangelize"

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15

This walk with Christ takes patience and perseverance. It is not a sprint, it is a marathon until the finish line. Heaven is the reward for this race. I lift up and I pray for all those that are blind to the truth. It is sad to hear Christians being depicted as delusional or stubborn when we insist on sharing what we know to be the truth, God's Word. We are accountable to those that have never heard the gospel. You may be the only person that someone ever meets that believes in the One true Messiah Jesus Christ. We are all called to evangelize. You can share your faith in so many ways. It does not have to be confrontational or door to door. It can be with your local neighbor, co-worker, friend and even other family members. That is relational evangelism and it is as vital as sharing with a stranger. It is not a choice. Be bold in your faith and share what you know. 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014 "Jesus Saves"

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Jesus saves. Period. 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014 "He is Mighty"

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:5

We may be small but our God is mighty. He is mighty to save and mighty in power. Nothing is too big for Him. Never give up thinking it is hopeless. There is no mountain He cannot move. Trust me, I have see Him do miraculous things in the life of my husband and I. Almost inconceivable things but not for Him. He did it as effortlessly as only He can. Trust in Him and not yourself. Fix your eyes on your Maker not your surroundings. We all can look about with angst but when we look up, all is bright. Fix your eyes on Him!

Monday, February 17, 2014 "Use Me Lord"

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Meditate on this amazing promise from our faithful and trusting Lord. It gives my heart such hope and I smile every time I read it. I actually have this scripture in one of my guest rooms so His words can minister to all who enter our home. He is our life line and we cannot keep Him to ourselves. Our calling is to share His Word, His promises, His truth and His story to all who we meet. Not to all who will listen and agree but all. It is uncomfortable, yes, but the Holy Spirit places people in our paths as divine appointments so that we can be used by Him.  Isn't it time you step out of your comfort zone and enlarge your territory? Ask God to do this for you and He will. I ask Him to use my hands, my feet and my mouth so He can speak through me. Ask to be used today. 

Sunday, February 16, 2014 "Let Go and Let Him"

So many people struggle with fear in their lives.  They worry endlessly about everything. But the truth is we are to place all our faith and trust in Jesus and not allow our emotions to control us.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace and I promise you He can calm any storm you may be in. Some people are "worry warts by nature" but He is the One that created you so He can deliver you from your anxieties. It is common and it is very real to suffer with panic attacks and bouts of anxiety but the Word tells us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."(Philippians 4:6-7) Therefore I urge you to seek Him when you begin to feel anxious or uneasy. He can comfort you like no other. No pill, book, doctor or advice columnist can offer you what our Almighty Father in Heaven can. Isn't it time you let go and let Him?

Saturday, February 15, 2014 "He Lives"

but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Hebrews 7:24

Because He lives, we can face tomorrow.  He is our hope and our future.  There is no other way to eternal life but through the Son of God,Yeshua. I place all my faith and trust in Him for His love never fails and He is my rock eternal.

Friday, February 14, 2014 "Happy Valentine's Day"

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

1 John 4:8

Thursday, February 13, 2014 "My Birthday Gift"

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  Psalm 139:13

Today is my birthday and I thank the good Lord for this wonderful gift of life. But I know my life here on earth is only a moment in time. I know one day I dwell with the most High forever and my real life will begin. Hard to grasp, overwhelming to say the least. But I know one day I will meet my Maker. He created me with value and with purpose. And today I am grateful for His love. He is the best gift of all. 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 "God is Love"

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

It is hard to keep your heart from growing hard when people hurt you.  I remind myself often the words of the Lord spoken to me. He told me to place no limitations on Him while I place no expectations on man. He knew man would disappoint, hurt, betray and lie.  Look at what He went through when He was here on earth. Poor thing was betrayed in every way. Who are we to expect any better? He is the only One that will never let us down.  I place all my trust in Him and I ask Him to cleanse my heart and keep it pure.  For God is about love and forgiveness. It is something we all must be reminded of. God is love. 

1 John 4:7-8  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 "Pray"

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1

Pray for the sick.  Pray for the lost.  Pray for your enemies as much as you pray for your loved ones.  "Pray continually." (1 Thessalonians  5:17) Prayer works. Prayer changes lives. There is power in prayer.  We do not need to pray in repetition nor in long drawn out prayers for short prayers are effective too.  Make your petitions known to our Father in Heaven.  For He answers our prayers. 

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16

Monday, February 10, 2014 "He Is With Me"

 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 13:4

Jesus gives me the strength that I need to face each and every day.  When I am in the valley I know He is with me. And when I am in the peak, I know He with me.  I place all my trust in the Lord. I count on Him for every detail of my life and He is there for me every step of the way.  I do not reach out to Him only in my need for Jesus is not an answer, He is the answer and He is my everything. And He is who I will follow all of my days.

Sunday, February 9, 2014 "Just Believe"

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Why do you doubt?  What are you downcast?  Why do you worry?  What is causing you to suffer?  God can comfort you.  God can heal you.  Place all your trust and faith in the One true God that can change your life and promise you eternal bliss with Him.  Turn from your own sinful ways and believe in His power to change lives.  He wants to change yours. Just believe. 

Saturday, February 8, 2014 "He Can"

When I can't, God can.  There is nothing He cannot do.  The scriptures tell us nothing is impossible with God and I have witnessed His work in front of my eyes.  He is the Creator and Maker of all things, He parted the sea, He moved mountains, He fed 5,000 people with two fish and five loaves of bread.  Hebrews 13:8 tells us, "He is the same yesterday, today and forever" and because of this truth, I know my God is the same God that performed all those miracles. What He did then, He can still do today in each and everyone of our lives. I believe Jesus can heal. I know Jesus saves. And Jesus loves. And all He wants from us is our trust. 

Friday, February 7, 2014 "My Heart's Desires"

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of 

your heart. Psalm 37:4

The Lord grants our heart's desires when we delight ourselves in Him. Psalm 37:4 is my favorite promise of God. He is so amazing and so generous with His love and His Word is true. He is Who He says He is and I stand on His promise of eternal life. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? It is an easy as 1,2,3. I am including a short message on salvation and what it means to be "saved" from our sin. I pray for all who listen. 

Our Dwelling Place Church: Salvation Message

Thursday, February 6, 2014 "Obey"

"God assumes full responsibility for our needs 

when we obey Him. " - Charles Stanley

Wednesday, February 5, 2014 "Peace"

Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Job 22:21

People mistake prosperity for meaning money when in fact it means to live in abundance.  Abundantly means in joy, love, grace, mercy, peace and favor. We live victorious and prosperous lives when we seek the Lord and submit to His ways. Someone said when I explain it, I make it seem so easy but to me it is. Seek the Lord. Run to Him. Trust Him. Obey Him. Listen to His Voice. Commit your life to His will. When you do that, you receive His peace on your life. Easy as 1, 2 , 3. 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 "Deliver Me Lord"

He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Mark 5:34

If we want to change any condition of our heart, we must seek His help.  We can go to Him and ask Him to help change us and heal us from any ill posture.  Whether we have anger issues, emotional issues, defensive issues, He can deliver us. Never hesitate to make your petitions known. He is all knowing and all loving and He can deliver you today. 

Monday, February 3, 2014 "Do Not Grovel or Complain"

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15

I learned that the Lord is never pleased when we complain or speak in an ungrateful tone.  I am reminded of the story in Number, chapter 11, when the people were complaining to Moses and the Lord grew angry. The Bible says they were "whining" about the manna food they were being blessed by. The Lord provided for them with enough food to eat each and every day. But instead of being thankful for the "angel food" sent from Heaven, they groveled they wanted meat. The Lord over heard the people talking to Moses and sent His wrath over many of the people. The point is as relevant today as it was then.  We must not cry and whine when we feel we are being short changed by God in any area. Whether you are struggling to make ends meet or if you are being mistreated at work, whatever we are facing we must know that the Lord is above it all. The Lord has power over all things and if He is allowing these things in our lives than it means He is trying to teach us something. We grow in our trials and we are strengthened during hard times. I mind my mouth when I am ready to complain and I instead count my blessings for I fear my Lord with trembling.  I try to remain as pure as I can be in His eyes. I know I fall short, I am human and I am weak. But I try every day to be what God called me to be. I will not get caught up in an argument with someone nor do I need to have the last word. I do not find the need to defend myself against accusations of any kind for I know who I am in Christ. I hold my life up to the standard of today's scripture in Philippians 2:14-15 everyday I breathe. He is Who I long to please and be near. He is my Father and I am grateful for all He has blessed me with. 

Sunday, February 2, 2014 "He is Enough"

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack for nothing.  (Psalm 23:1) He is enough.  His grace is sufficient.  He is all I need.  He completes me.  His love empowers me.  When you know Jesus, you are fulfilled.  No more chasing the wind, no more self help books for He is everything. His mercy and love overwhelms me. I am in awe and I stand in His presence with praise and thanksgiving. I bow down at your feet Lord and I thank you for all you have done and all you will continue to do. I lift all up in prayer who are hurting today for reasons known only to them and to you.  And I ask that you pour out your Spirit upon them and comfort them today.  For you draw yourself close to the brokenhearted. So many of your children are broken today Lord and they need to be reminded that you are all they need.  With you, we want for nothing. And when we place our hope and trust in you, You will never fail.  

 Lord, I pray and I ask that your children come to

 know You in a more intimate way this year.  That they seek 

You first and not last and may Your will be all they desire. 

And it is in Your name I pray. Amen

Saturday, February 1, 2014 "Without Him, I am Nothing"

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Stay true to your faith and true to the Lord no matter what your circumstances are.  It is so easy to be happy when things are looking good and you are on top of the world. But the truth is many many people forget the Lord during those times because there is no need. But as soon as the world comes crashing down, we panic and run to Him.  Be mindful.  Be very careful.  We must never forget the One who is the giver of all. We did not achieve anything on our own. I honestly believe He keeps many of us humble to keep us close to Him. In need of Him.  I have adopted the mindset of living one day at a time. I literally live for that day, I am provided my daily bread for that day and I am grateful for that day. I no longer fret for tomorrow or regret yesterday. I live in the moment with the Lord each and every day. Whether I am in the pit or the palace, He is the center of my being. Let us never forget Him. Without Him, we are nothing.