Monday, June 30, 2014 "How to Obtain Mercy"

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time,but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God. 

1 Corinthians 4:5

Sunday, June 29, 2014 "The Voice of God"

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13

Listen for the voice of God.  Be careful of who else speaks into your life.  When we build a relationship with the Father He will guide our steps as we listen to His voice. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left". Isaiah 30:21 We need to listen and obey and place His wisdom high above all else. Just a word of the day. Have a blessed Sunday. "Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” 

John 8:47

Saturday, June 28, 2014 "God's Gift of Wisdom"

The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. Psalm 37:30

Wisdom is a gift from God.  We must listen for His voice in order to gain His knowledge. We must be slow to speak and quick to listen. Our words are powerful and we need to guard them so that what we say will be of Him, not of us. We must never apologize for the words that the Lord gives us for only the fool will despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7) We must stand by His Word even if it costs us everything. 

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3

Friday, June 27, 2014 "God is in Control"

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

God is in control.  No need to worry.  No need to scramble to figure things out.  He has it in His hands and asks that you surrender it all to Him.  He wants you to give it to Him then simply trust.  

 Hold on to God!

Thursday, June 26, 2014 "Blood Covenant"

This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28

I am a child of God.  I am His daughter and He is my Father.  I have entered into a blood covenant with my Father in Heaven and all that I have is His and all that He has is mine.  I have vowed to place all  my faith and trust in Him and I choose to focus on His love for me.  I no longer will look at things through my own strength and ability but through His miraculous ways for nothing is impossible with Him.  God assumes full responsibility for our lives when we simply obey therefore there is no need to stress or fret. Simply trust and believe. 

June 2013 "Our Dwelling Place Church on You Tube"

Be blessed by God's Word today! Click on the link below to take you to some amazing messages. 

Our Dwelling Place Church You Tube Channel

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 God Determines Our Worth Not Man"

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  Titus 3:4-7

God determines our worth, not man.  We need to stop looking for validation from other people because we will continue to be disappointed.  We need to focus only on the love God has for us and know that we are in a blood covenant with Him and that is what matters the most. We do not need to earn our love in Christ for by His grace we are saved. Therefore in whatever you do, do it for His praise and glory. A valuable lesson we all could learn from. I am making a vow to the Lord and to myself to change my mindset from people to only Him. Will you join me?

Tuesday, June 24, 2014 "I Vow"

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

The Lord is good to us and shows us such love and mercy that we should be honored to glorify Him by emulating His ways. He walked this earth without judging, without lying, without hating. He was kind, loving, and gentle. I vow to my Father that I will exalt His name above all, I vow to commune with Him daily and I vow to please Him. Although I fall short because I am far from perfect I vow to try to be more like Him every day I am alive. I know I will fail, I know I will fall but I vow to get back up and try again. 

Monday, June 23, 2014 "He is With You"

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

One day at a time. One hour at a time. One minute at a time. One second at a time. When life gets to be too overwhelming, take baby steps. But one thing you must never do, is to take your eyes off of God. He is our Priest. He is our Portion. He is our Provider. Don't ever worry you are alone for He is with you. Just believe Him and trust Him. He is with you.

Do do not fear, for I am with you;

                       do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
                        I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Sunday, June 22, 2014 "Submit to Him"

Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. Luke 17:33

We need to stop fighting God and submit to Him. Place Him first in our life and know that He will take care of the rest. John 10:10 tells us, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." What an amazing promise. Surrender your will to His today. 

Saturday, June 21, "No Expiration Date"

16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12: 16-21

It has been on my heart lately that so many people are blessed and yet are not rich toward God, the One whom all blessings come from. They are generous to themselves and to their children but when it comes to giving of themselves whether it be financial or time, they are for lack of a better word, "stingy". The biblical truth is none of us can ever out give God. And although we may grow older and retire from working, none of us are exempt from working for the Kingdom of God. There is no retirement when serving the Lord. There is no limit we reach when giving back. There is no "time served" stamp. Christians do not have expiration stamps on their foreheads. We are to give, serve, and work toward building the Kingdom of God and its children until the day we take our last breath.

Friday, June 20, 2014 "Thank You"

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1

I come to the Lord today grateful and humble.  He has granted so many of my heart's desires that today I simply come to Him to say Thank You!

Thursday, June 19, 2014 "A Friend and A Brother"

A friend loves at all times,

    and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

We are blessed when we can call on someone at any time and they heed the call. My husband and I always say we choose to be around those that will love on us, encourage us, lift us up and cheer us on. We want to be with those that celebrate our victories and share in our sorrows. Let's be that person for one another today. Love. Loyalty. 

Wednesday, June 18, 2014 "The Lord's Wisdom"

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

Sometimes we have to take a step back to see the whole picture. We must learn to gain our knowledge and wisdom from the Lord and not look at things through the eyes of the natural. Trust in His ways and not our own.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 "Study, Apply, Learn"

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washing's, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. 

Hebrews 6:1-3

The Lord is our rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:4) When we place our faith in Him we need only be still and rest in Him.  I tell my sisters in Christ that all the bible studies we attend and all the services in the world won't make a bit of difference if we don't apply in life what we have learned. Why am I in church weekly? It is not for appearances or out of obligation.  I am there to hear the spoken Word of God and to gain His infinite wisdom. I am not taking pages of notes so I can boast later how studious I am. No, I want to learn, grow and mature in my walk so when the trials come, I am prepared. If I know scriptures and I know how to arm myself for the spiritual battles than I can rest in knowing He is for me. Study. Apply. Learn. 

Monday, June 16, 2014 "Let Him In"

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

Stay true to God's Word and He will guide you through this life.  It is hard when we live in a world that is not like us.  But we must remain faithful to our faith and hold on to His promises, not those of man. If you struggle with life and doing the right thing, ask the Lord to intervene your thoughts and grant you peace over them. As the Bible says when we take each day as it comes, not fretting over yesterday and planning for tomorrow, just living for the present, peace will come over you and you will make sounder decisions. Just call upon His name and He will help you in every way. I ask Him to help me find a lost item in the house, bestow favor for a parking spot, everything. From the mundane to the very serious matter, He wants to be a part of your every day life so allow Him to work in your life. Nothing is too big or too small for our God. Let Him in. 

Sunday, June 15, 2014 "Though Trials May Try Us"

Though trials may try us, we've learned what is true-with wisdom and grace, He will carry us through.- Anonymous

Trust in the Lord for all your needs. He knows your thoughts, your heart, your desires and your fears. He hears your cries and He simply wants you to trust. Rest in Him. And be assured in His love for you. There is nothing He cannot do so wait upon Him and be still. God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him. 

Surely God is my salvation;
    I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense,
    he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2

Saturday, June 14, 2014 "Jesus"

Faith. Hope. Trust. Believe. Jesus.

Friday, June 13, 2014 "Eye on the Sparrow"

"Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows". Matthew 10:31

His eye is on the sparrow.  We are the sparrow.  This hymn was one of the first I ever heard and I get the chills each and every time I hear it.  It comforts me as I can feel the Lord's arms are around me.  It is hard when you get older and you lose both your parents because you can feel very lost, like an orphan. You may feel like you have no one in your life to encourage you, love you, brag about you. Not like a parent does.  My Mom was my biggest fan and she was such a great listener. I miss our talks more than anything else. No one on Earth loves me like she did. I truly hope that all the women out there that still have their Moms with them appreciate them. But the great news is my relationship with the Lord fulfills me and completes me. He is with me always loving me and encouraging me and He never makes me feel alone for I know His eye is on me. What a comfort, what a blessing. What a wonderful Father we have.   

Thursday, June 12, 2014 "Never Compromise Your Faith"

Be true to yourself and be true to your Christian walk.  Never compromise your faith for the sake of someone else. He is to be the center of your life. The Bible does not say we are to socialize only with fellow believers but it does say, " Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33 Be mindful of your circle and your surroundings. Use wisdom in all situations and be aware of who it is you share your time with. If it keeps your from your Lord then take notice. Keep your life in balance by giving God all the glory in you do. And keep your focus on Him and all other things will come together. 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014 "Where is God?"

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

In this life no one is promised an easy ride, not even a child of God. I will often hear people ask "Where was God?" in times of tragedy. We have to know there will be struggles, heartaches, tears, loss, and pain. No one is exempt, no one is spared. But when we know His word is true it will allow us to rest in knowing that the Lord is greater than anyone or anything we will ever face in this world. So the next time someone asks you, "Where is God?", you respond, "Right next to you."

Tuesday, June 10, 2014 "He Will Never Fail"

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6

I have found the best remedy for me when I find myself beginning to worry about something is to look back on all God has done for me. If I worry about an upcoming bill, I know He will provide. If I worry about a relationship, I know He will intervene. If I worry about my loved ones, I know He is with them. All that I have seen allows me to keep the faith for all that is unseen. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) It is not always easy to remain peaceful for the unknown can be quite scary but when we place all our faith and trust in Him and His Word, we know He will never fail. So stay in His will and allow His work to be done in your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to continue to work through your life, like He has then, today and forevermore. 

Monday, June 9, 2014 "Zechariah 4:10"

Sunday, June 8, 2014 "Our Eternal Friend"

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

We will meet so many people in our lives and there are those that will stay for a lifetime while others only but a season. We will welcome them all into our lives and hearts and show nothing but God's love. If they leave, we will usher them out with love. No bitterness, no anger. No sadness, no regrets. Not everyone we meet will be a forever friend so we must cherish each and every relationship while they are in our life. There will be ebbs and there will be flows. But there is one person who will remain in your life for eternity and that is your forever friend Jesus. He will never leave you. As we know all of our relationships are gifts from above but we must never forget to place all our faith and trust only onto Him for He is our true best friend for life.  

Saturday, June 7, 2014 "Taming the Tongue"

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. James 3:1-3

Why do people judge those in authority, in the ministry, in the military, in the government? We may not all agree on the same thing but unless you are willing to step up to the plate and run your department in your workplace, serve and lead in your church, join the troops or run for office, the Lord would prefer we pray for one another. Let us encourage one another and ask the Lord to guide those in leadership roles. Instead of tearing them down, lift them up. If you are a leader, do not allow someone else to hurt you when they criticize everyone else yet do nothing themselves to change a situation. Today let's speak life into our words and let us sharpen one another.  "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17 We may not be able to change someone else but we can certainly make the change in our self with the help of Jesus Christ. 

Friday, June 6, 2014 "Seek Quiet Time with the Lord"

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6

Sometimes we need to step back from situations that are not necessarily good for our Christian walk. There are times when we need to be still and alone with the Lord. Very often Jesus would seek alone time with His Father and I think we need to do that more too. When I am feeling agitated or irritable I know it is time to seek "quiet time". I try very hard to keep my heart free from anger but I admit I am sensitive and I often am hurt by others. I tend to want to please others, help find solutions for others when they are in need and be kind and it bothers me when others are cold and insensitive. When they ignore uncomfortable situations rather than talk them through. So today I seek my alone time with God. Just me. Just Him. And I ask that He heal us and renew our minds and spirits. And may this be the day we seek His will. 

Thursday, June 5, 2014 "There is no Place for Selfishness in the Kingdom of God"

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16

My heart has been heavy lately. I get very upset with people that are selfish and seem to only care and/or worry about themselves and their own families. I know there is established order when we speak of the Kingdom of God however we are called to love all of God's children, not just our own. It is hard for me when there are people that only want to celebrate their own joys and victories but are not generous when it comes to celebrating others. I lift up those that are missing it. I pray for those that are self absorbed and self centered for it is not pleasing to God when any of us take on that posture. I ask that the Lord reveal to me where in my life I fall short. And so today I ask that you share in another person's journey. Do more than pray, act and speak your support and love for others. As the Bible says in Luke 6:32-34“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014 "Measured to You"

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Luke 6:38

You will reap what you sow. When we sow good seed, we will bear much fruit. The Bible is specific and very clear on how we should be. It instructs us not to judge others nor criticize others for the words you "use" will be "measured", pressed down and "measured to you". Don't miss it. Be kind, love, have compassion for another, pray for someone, give with a cheerful heart and do not expect it back, and above all forgive one another. Bear good fruit. Live for God. Be selfless and serve the Lord and obey all that He calls you to do. You will be so happy you did.  

Tuesday, June 3, 2014 "Courage Is..."

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 

1 Thessalonians 5:24

Courage is facing difficulties and obstacles knowing God has promised to be with you. I dedicate this entry to all my brave loved ones for placing their faith and trust in the Lord. 

Monday, June 2, 2014 "One Year Anniversary of ODPC"

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 

Romans 12:10-13

The Lord is faithful and worthy to be praised. As we celebrate the one year anniversary of our home plant church, Our Dwelling Place Church, we cannot help but reflect on all He has done through us. We give Him all the honor and all the glory today. 

"Church is who we are; not where we go."-Liberty University

Sunday, June 1, 2014 "Keep the Peace at all Costs"

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" Ephesians 4:26

When we allow ourselves to not only get angry at someone but stay angry at someone we actually are giving the devil a foothold in the situation. When we open up that door and let him in, he creates isolation, bitterness in the heart. What can be an easy resolution can become a lifelong feud. Rebuke this in all your relationships and make peace in your heart with one another. Forgive as God forgives and above all else, keep your heart pure of all evil. Let it go and make peace with it. Free yourself of all anger, stress, resentment. Accept one another as they are. Make allowances for one another. Keep the peace at all costs. You can not make someone else forgive you, like you or accept you but you can guard your own heart. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for the will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9