Wednesday, April 29, 2015 "Does Your Faith Turn People Off?"

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;  one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:1-6

Be kind to one another. Simply love like God does. There is no room for anger, hatred, resentment, envy, greed or jealousy. Let us show the world that God is about love, compassion, truth and justice. So many "Christians" have turned off the world with their pompous holier than thou judgmental attitude. We are all sinners and we all fall short of Christ. Just because we may be saved and chose to follow Christ does not make us "better" than anyone else. What it does mean is we now have a responsibility to share the gospel of Jesus with others. But it must be done in a loving, honest and non confrontational way. Show love. Show God's love. Do not sit on a soapbox and look down on others. You and I were once lost too. We must remember that. Do not turn people off by your faith but instead attract them to it. 

Tuesday, April 28, 2015 "Prayer is our Life Line"

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

When life gets too difficult to stand, kneel and pray. Prayer changes situations. Prayer works. Prayer is powerful in the life of a believer. Never ever waiver in this area. Prayer is our life line. 

Monday, April 27, 2015 "My Relationships"

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

We need to be there for one another, united in God's love. Relationships take time, work and patience. In order to maintain any normal healthy relationship, there needs to be a balance of trust. I say it all the time to my husband about people who only come around in their time of crisis. I want to be a part of your joys not just your sorrows. We need to be there for one another completely. Today I lift up all my relationships, and I ask the Lord to strengthen them and to bless them and keep them. For all of those people are special blessings to me. 

Sunday, April 26. 2015 "What Church is to Me"

And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:22

I love that our church is small and intimate. We are not caught up in legalism and rituals. We are not citing repetitious prayers nor being controlled by a clock on the wall. Our church is a circle of believers who come together to worship, praise and honor the Lord. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16) We come to seek His presence and Hear His Word. If one needs prayer, we are there. If another is hurting, we lend our shoulder. No walls, no obstacles...just love. We do not look at church as a building nor business, but instead it is a gathering of God's children. That is what church is to me. 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU7HhbgjTcF7UoQdJaI5shw

Saturday, April 25, 2015 "Pray For Your Enemies"

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44

It is important to pray for your enemies. Praying for those that hurt you will bring blessings to you. We are called to pray and to love them. Our “enemies,” often are ordinary people who are mean, impatient, judgmental, self-righteous, and spiteful-or just happen to disagree with us. In whatever personal relationships we have, God wants us to love. Whether a conflict is with our marriage partner, our children or parents, our friends and fellow church members, a devious business opponent, spiteful neighbor, political foe, or social antagonist, our attitude toward them should be one of prayerful love. God is love. Therefore we must love. 

Friday, April 24, 2015 "Got God?"

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14

God is never late and He is never early. For Him, His timing is always perfect. I love Him for allowing me the peace to wait upon Him. I  love that I have a Father in heaven who loves me like He does. He has full authority over my life. I choose to obey His Word and He promises to honor and bless that obedience. (Deuteronomy 28:1-12) There is no other choice for me. I choose God. Got God?

Thursday, April 23, 2015 "A Sin is a Sin"

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13

The Lord hates when we try to justify our sin. The Bible tells us a sin is a sin. Do not be deceived by sin. Make no excuses for sin. Instead simply go to our Father, repent and accept His forgiveness. That is true freedom!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 "Embrace Today"

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

Trust your future to God. Leave your past exactly where it is. Embrace today and all of its blessings. 

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 'God is so Good"

"Oh, thank God—he’s so good!

    His love never runs out." Psalm 107:1

God is so good. He is an amazing Father and Friend. He is the center of my marriage and the reason for my living. I love Him more every day. He is worthy to be honored and praised. 

Monday, April 20, 2015 "My Personal Declaration"

Today I declare my faith and trust in Jesus Christ. He has all authority over my life, and I live to glorify Him. 

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; 

my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-

-the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Acts 20:24

Sunday, April 19, 2015 "Let Your Light Shine"

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Right thinking leads to right living. My husband says it all the time, and it is true. Our minds really can play tricks on us. It is also another reason why we should never allow ourselves to be controlled by our feelings or emotions. We must learn to focus our minds on lovely things, think positive thoughts and look for hope in all situations. A grateful heart, hopeful disposition, and a positive attitude will shine such a bright light. And that light will attract others to us. When we draw others to us, we are able to glorify God and bear Him such an amazing witness. In all we do, we must do it unto the Lord. 

Saturday, April 18, 2015 "In All of Our Days"

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

We are all going to experience hardships and face trials in our lives no matter who we are. There will be "up" days and there will be "down" days. But we must place our faith and trust in the Lord in all of our days and thank Him for His gift of grace and mercy. We must not pray for zero problems for that is not being realistic. Instead let's pray for the Lord's help, love, guidance and strength to face our mountains as they come. The more we draw to the Lord to gain His knowledge and wisdom, the stronger we become. We must carry ourselves as victors, not victims. We cannot get angry or blame God when things are not perfect in life, for things will never be perfect. If you are seeking that nirvana, than you will continue to be frustrated. For perfection is only in the one true living God. If we ever reached perfect lives, there would be no need for a Savior. Once we realize this truth, we will accept the good days with the bad and give glory to God in all of our days. Amen!

Friday, April 17, 2015 "What Are You Doing?"

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'” Mark 16:15

Do you share your faith with others? Are your loved ones, friends, co-workers, neighbors saved? Have they heard the gospel of Jesus Christ? We must be bold in our faith and share with others the good news. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)

was commanded for all of God's children not just the Billy Graham evangelists of the world. We all must take part in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. What are you doing for the Kingdom? 

Thursday, April 16, 2015 "Enjoy Your Blessings"

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

Speak life into your words. Expect great things from God today. Live each day with a grateful heart for each day is such a gift. Too often we are groveling about this that or the other and missing out on life's simplest of pleasures. Enjoy each moment. Be thankful for all you have. Enjoy your blessings!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 "Our Bag of Rocks"

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert". Isaiah 43:19

If we would only surrender all of our messes to God, He would turn them into miracles. It is not necessary that we torture ourselves with guilt and regret. When we give our hearts to the Lord, our past is forgiven so when we choose to hold on to the things of the past, we are basically saying we don't trust God with them. So many suffer from condemnation and it is all a tool of the enemy to distract you. When your mind is fixed on the negative things you are not focusing on the future that lies ahead. Let go of that bag of rocks you insist on carrying. Ask the Lord to deliver you from all the bondage you hold on to. He can. And He will. You need only ask. (Matthew 7:7)

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 "He Is"

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also". Matthew 6:19-21

In the midst of the storm, He is my shelter. In the midst of my tears, He is my comforter. In the midst of a life lesson, He is my Teacher. In the midst of a trial, He is my counsel. In the midst of a battle, He is my shield. He is ... everything to me, and I just adore Him.

Monday, April 13, 2015 "Do You?"

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

The Lord is my light and salvation.  He gives not as the world gives.  What I receive from the Lord is nothing the world could ever give me.  I may not have a shiny new car in my garage nor a wallet full of cash, but I have the peace and knowledge of the Lord.  I know who holds my future. I trust all of my days to Him, not to  myself or man.  I do not worry about tomorrow for He has me in His hands. You can keep this world, I choose Christ. They say this is the closest thing to heaven many will ever experience and for others the closest thing to hell. I know where I will be spending eternity. Do you?

Sunday, April 12, 2015 "Faith not Doubt"

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

Faith moves the hands of God.  Not fear, not worriment, and certainly not doubt.  We are to place our faith and trust in the Lord at all times, not just some times.  The problem with many believer's walk is their lack of consistency. Why do we attend church, read the Word, listen to praise and worship music, fellowship with others if not to strengthen us for what lies ahead? If we do not apply what we are learning then what is the point?  I get so upset when I hear children of God speak death into their own lives. The Lord is about victory, conquering, restoration and healing and living. Choose faith, not doubt. 

Saturday, April 11,2015 "Joy"

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.  Proverbs 15:15

Joy brings strength to our lives.  That strength is what gives us the desire and stamina to spread the good news of Jesus. When we are down trodden, negative, sorrowful, or depressed we are not in the mindset to spread any good news to anyone about anything. If we can choose happiness and a cheerful heart, then why not? The joy of the Lord is our strength. Let us try to focus on God, God's love for us and our love for Him and not the negative things in and around us. It is as simple as that. Amen?Amen!

Friday, April 10, 2015 "Demons are Real"

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Do not give the enemy a foothold in your life. He comes to lie, steal and destroy. He comes to capture our thoughts, and when we give him any leeway, he takes it. I learned not to watch certain horror movies with satanic or demonic plots, I  learned not to listen to certain lyrics to songs and I certainly learned we must monitor what comes through the television. Demons attach themselves to us and we must be on guard at all times. We pray before AND after every guest enters our home. (Mark 9:29) It is vital, it is necessary, it is life saving. 

Thursday, April 9, 2015 "Our Attitudes"

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We choose our attitude. I choose to be happy, thankful and hopeful in all days, good and bad. I do not choose to surround myself nor listen to negative or pessimistic people. "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 

Wednesday, April 8, 2015 "Why Me?"

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

Often times new problems will begin to arise in our lives the more we stray from God. Then we ask the famous words, "Why Me?" Speaking from experience I saw how subtle it all was in the beginning. But for some it begins with sporadic church attendance, a missed Bible group gathering , less reading of the Word, less time spent in prayer, a missed tithe check and before you know it, you are entangled in bondage. Not until I obeyed the Lord and put down the things that were interfering with my relationship with Him did I become free. I was not living a life of abundance nor a victorious life. I see those around me who are always in and around "dramas" and when you ask how their spiritual walk has been it is always the same answer. The truth is God is the answer. We must never turn away from the One and Only for it only will bring death, never life. I urge you to search your heart if this rings true for you. If you know you are further away from God than you would like to me, let this be the day you come back to Him. Wholeheartedly. He is waiting for you. 

Tuesday, April 7, 2015 "I Expect"

I expect great things from God today.

"In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly". Psalm 5:3

Monday, April 6, 2015 "Oh Happy Day"

Oh happy day. 

I am free in the arms of Jesus. 

I am His child. 

I am saved. 

I am happy. 

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8

Sunday, April 5, 2015 "He is Alive!"

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live. John 11:25

He is risen. Jesus is alive! He came back and bared witness to 516 people so that they would go on and share the victorious news. Many believed and many did not. It is the same picture for today pretty much. Unless He can be seen many will choose not to believe in a "fairy tale story." Truth is it takes faith to believe in the unseen.  Our faith believes that Our Lord died and rose again so that we could have eternal life in Heaven with Him. So for me, faith is not believing that He can, it is knowing that He will. Happy Resurrection Day!

Saturday, April 4, 2015 "Happy Birthday Mom"

Today would have been my Mom's 89th birthday.  As we celebrate this holy weekend and observe the day Jesus resurrected, I can't help but think of my Mom. How blessed I was to be honored to have such a wonderful woman in my life that I was able to call my Mom. She was the best in every way. Not perfect, no one is, nor was I, but she loved me unconditionally and was proud to call me her daughter. So today I simply want to say I love you Mom. 

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”  Proverbs 31:25-30

Friday, April 3, 2015 "He Died So We Could Live"

Jesus died so that we could live. That is the meaning of Good Friday. He took on all of man's sin so that we could be saved by His grace. Matthew 27: 32-56 He is the One and Only true God. And I exalt His name on high. 

 Thank you Jesus. 

Thursday, April 2, 2015 "The Last Supper"

Let us reflect on Jesus and His last night on earth.  As he sat with His disciples at the Last Supper knowing what He would face the next day.  How scared and lonely He must have been.  My heart breaks for Him yet He trusted in His Father's Word and obeyed His will.  Jesus came to earth to live as a man like you and me only to sacrifice His life for all mankind. I don't know anyone that would do such a selfless act like He. He is the King of Kings and Lord of all Lords. And He is worthy to be praised. I will praise His name forever!

Matthew 26:17-30

17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying,“Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015 "Not About a Bunny"

As we approach into the holiest of holy days, we must remember this holiday is about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ not about a bunny.

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 

The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " Luke 24:6-7