To pant for living water

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God." Psalm 42:1-2


Have you ever set out to search for satisfaction, completeness, happiness, and/or contentment?

Isn't it so much easier to search for all those feelings in things we can see and people we can hear? It is and that is just honesty. The world offers those things but only temporarily.

When we fall into pits of loneliness, sadness, frustration, even desperation we search and cry out for help from that which will be immediate.

The deer pants for streams of water because it's life depends on it. Yet how often do we, do I, pant for God because my life REALLY does depend on Him.

I desire complete satisfaction, completeness, happiness, and contentment in the Lord. I want to live my life longing and thirsting for Jesus as though each second depends on Him.

Yet at times I don't! I don't search or even pant for Him as though I will die if I don't receive a drink of Him.

No one or thing can satisfy our deepest thirst but the Lord Himself.

Might you pant for Jesus today as though your life depends on it. Because it does!

Jesus I long for You in the deepest way possible. Forgive me for trying to satisfy my thirst from the things that only quench it temporarily.  May I pant in the truest sense for You and the living water that only You offer. Amen

What are your motives?

“The LORD’s searchlight penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive

When we do things out of obligation or have to, does it count even if our heart's motives are wrong? I wonder how often we convince ourselves that the Lord is pleased if we just do what we are supposed to, yet our heart’s attitude is wrong.

Isn't it the heart He looks at and the motives which are in the heart?

The hearts motive, it is either true and sincere or convinced obligation and good works is enough. We might be able to say we do this or that because we are supposed to but if the motive of our heart is wrong the actions become a have to duty.

Jesus does not want our love and service to Him to be an obligation or have to; instead He wants it to be a want to that comes from a heart that loves Him.

He does not want our marriages or love and service to others to be a have to, but a want to, because it is our hearts purest desire and because we love Him.

He sees the motive in every single thing we do.

Do we love because we have to or because we want to? Jesus loved because He wanted to not because He had to.

Do we forgive because we have to or because we want to? Jesus forgave because He loved us and wanted to be with us, not because He had to.

Do we serve others because we have to or because we want to? Jesus served because He loved us and loved His Father, not because He had to.

Do we study His Word because we have to or because we want to? Jesus gave us His Word because He wanted us to know how much He loved us, who He was, and what He promises us. Not because He had to.

Do we go to church because we have to or because we want to? Jesus did not create the church because He had to, but because He wanted those who love Him, and are a part of His body, to worship Him with one heart.

Do we accept Jesus because we have to or because we want to? Jesus did not die and offer us life through Him because He had to. He died on the cross because He loved us so much He wanted to save us from hell.

Do we live a good moral life because we think it will keep us out of hell? Jesus sees the motive and a motive without Christ is the wrong motive.

Choose to serve, love, and worship Jesus, not because you have to. But because of what He did for you on the cross. For when we fully grasp His love and mercy we will then produce pure and sincere motives that are pleasing to Him.

Jesus examine my motives and reveal to me all the ones that are displeasing to You. Amen

Head or Heart Knowledge?

"What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are no the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17


Have you ever questioned whether or not you were truly saved? Many of us, if asked, "If you were to die today, do you know without a doubt you would go to heaven?" would answer with a confident yes.

Does that yes come from a changed heart that knows, or does that yes come from our head alone?

It is very easy for us to say that we are saved and a Christian, but it is another thing for us to live it.

In 2 Corinthians 5:14-16 Paul says, "Whatever we do, it is because Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have all died to the old life we used to live. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others by what the world thinks about them. Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as though he were merely a human being. How differently I think about him now!" 


My questions for you today are;

How do you know when your knowledge and faith has moved the 18 inches from your head to your heart?

How do you know that you are not living your faith in your mind but are living it in your heart?

Do you know for sure in your mind you are saved but in your heart question your salvation?

I believe the difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge is a life that has been radically changed for Christ. It no longer engages in the things of this world. It does not continue living as it once did, nor does it partake in the same sins. Rather it has died to it's selfish desires and now lives to please Christ, with it's heart and not just its mind.

"Those who become Christians become NEW PERSONS. They are NOT the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17


Have you become a new person? Is your old life gone and your new life begun?

Are you living to please Christ?

Do others see the radical change that has been made in you, or do they still see your old life?

Jesus show us what You see when You look into our hearts. May we not claim to be a saved Christian yet still live our old life that pleases the flesh and blends in with the world. But may we be radically transformed living the new life that is no longer the same. Amen

A MUST See

If you have not seen Courageous it is a MUST see. 

Check out the trailer

http://www.courageousthemovie.com/themovie

Blessing Room-Baby Shower

Please join us for a Blessings Baby Shower for the Blessing Room at the East Texas Pregnancy Help Center on Sunday, November 27, 2011, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m., at the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church.  The Blessing Room is part of their ministry, and this is our opportunity to share in this ministry.

 

The center is in need of new items such as:

Baby Bottles

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Bibs

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Receiving Blankets

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Diapers

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Wipes

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Baby Oil

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Baby Lotion

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Baby Shampoo

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Baby Powder

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Baby Onesies, Sleepers, Nightgowns

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Diaper Rash Ointment

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Socks

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Clothing

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Baby Caps

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Thermometers

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Baby Bottle Brushes

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Dreft Baby Detergent

If you have questions call Sue @ 384-2764 or email thegees@joshua2415.org

One of those days

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:11-12


Today is a day when you want to run into the arms of the Lord and let Him take you away to a safe place, an accepting place, a place of love, understanding, a place where just being you is good enough; flawed and all.

Jesus as I fall into Your arms would You please whisk me away from everything that surrounds me and hide me under the wings of Your love.  Amen

Thank You...it's just not enough

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
1 Chronicles 16:34

Thank You Jesus that Your love endures forever. You are just so good and honestly thank You is not near enough, nor does it even come close to how magnificent You are for paying the price on the cross. May we never stop thanking You or showing You how wonderful You are. Amen

In this day

In this day be thankful because we have all benefited from the rich blessings he brought to us-one gracious blessing after another. (John 1:16)

In this day be thankful and praise God because our Lord Jesus Christ has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

In this day be thankful because long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. (Ephesians 1:4)

In this day be thankful because His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:5)

In this day be thankful because this has given Him great pleasure. (Ephesians 1:5-my paraphrase)

It is my prayer for you sweet reader to know how truly blessed you are by the Lord Himself. I pray that in this day the Holy Spirit will reveal each of these passages to you in a way that leaves you overwhelmed by God’s love, faithfulness, and devotion to you. So that in return your gratitude will become an outpouring of thankful living, worshiping, and praise to Him.

Jesus thank You for Your richest blessing that came through Your death, burial, and resurrection. Thank You that Your blessings fall upon us one after another and that You chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault. Thank You for adopting us into Your family and for finding great pleasure through Your Son. In this day may You be honored, praised and thanked every second by Your children. Amen

                                                                                

Don’t Blend In

Written by Garrett Morgan-

Christ has called us to be salt and light in a dark and sinful world.  This applies to every aspect of our lives;  home, work and everywhere we go.  This is commanded of us.  He didn't call us to blend in, but to be different.

 

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.   In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:13-16

We cannot pick and choose how and when we reflect Christ.  We must submit to Him 24/7.  Christ will use us for His glory if we allow Him to do so.  The only way to radiate Christ is to remain in the Word and prayer.  Surround yourself with believers who will strengthen you and encourage you daily (It is a daily challenge).  Don’t blend in with the world but stand strong for Christ.  It feels lonely sometimes but He promises us He will not forsake us.  We are not alone. 

Thank God this Holiday for all your blessings.  Let’s make sure we show Him with our actions that we are more thankful for Jesus Christ than any other thing in our life.  Let your light shine and be the salt of the earth. 

Thank you Jesus for your grace, love, and mercy daily!  I pray that we can be true imitators when it comes to You and Your Word.  Help us be the salt and light of the earth and not blend in with the world.  In Jesus name, Amen.

The way out of the pit.

I recently heard someone say it is hard to give thanks when you are in a pit of sadness or sickness, but the quickest way to get out of both of those pits is to begin to focus on your blessings.

When we focus on our blessings our thoughts shift off of us and onto the Lord. Exactly where they should be!

"Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." Psalm 100:1-5


Jesus may I spend the rest of my life showering You with thanksgiving, worship and praise. Amen

A very special family

This is the Miller family. They are very special friends of ours and they need our prayers. Dana the absolutely beautiful mother is battling breast cancer. Would you join with me and pledge to pray for this family over the next year. She has almost a full year of chemo and radiation ahead of her. 

I would be so grateful and I know they will be as well. It is my deepest prayer to find some way to begin raising money for this family. So please pray the Lord will show us exactly how we can do that. 

In the meantime we all know that the greatest gift we can give them is a down pour of prayers.

"Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well." James 5:14-15

It only makes sense…

“Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because in the midst of sadness, Jesus is there catching every tear and holding together the heart that has just been shattered.

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because when you feel to filthy to be loved or to sinful to be saved, you feel the blood of Jesus drip from His hands as He washes you in the forgiveness of His blood.

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because when joy is offered, taken and expressed it is from the overflow of your soul filled with living water.

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because when your eyes open and your chest fills with air, you know Jesus is the one who has breathed life into you and removed the scales from your eyes.

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because when the chemo and radiation are through and remission has begun, you know it is Jesus who has healed you.

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because when the lost receive the gift of life, you know hell is no longer their destination.

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because when you are weary and worn, Jesus always pulls you in and gives you rest.

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because when you are afraid, beaten, and broken, Jesus is there to place you under His wings and lifts you up, protected, healed, and whole.

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because when you feel as though there is no more hope, Jesus lifts your head and the cross is all you see.

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because when you feel the movement of your baby inside, you know Jesus has made you no longer barren.

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because when your belly is full, you know Jesus has provided your very meal.

It only makes sense to offer thanksgiving. Because when you extend a helping hand, a hug, even a prayer, you know Jesus provided a way for you to be right there.

It only makes sense to offer thanks for Him giving you His Son.

Jesus may I do more than just offer thanksgiving, may I offer a life of thanks-living. Amen

Would you still gripe and complain?

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” 1 Chronicles 16:8

Over the last four days how many times would you say you griped and complained about something or someone? 

If I may be so bold and ask, was it because you were inconvenienced? Maybe your plate was full, which may I again be so bold and say because you made it full. Jesus doesn't bog us down with busyness we do that on our own. It's a choice! So you gripe and complain about being busy and not having enough time or enough help with all the things YOU have to do and get done.

Maybe your kids are involved in a ton of activities and sports and you are responsible for getting them to and from. Plus you have to get them home, get homework done, fed, bathed and put in bed. Which again may I be so bold to say, you allow them to be involved in everything! You make that choice, no one else does. Jesus does not tell you to put your child in every sport or activity. He says if it comes before Me or takes away from Me, it has become your idol.

Maybe you griped about something in your home, like your washer and dryer being outside, or your house is not big enough for everyone living in it. Maybe you griped and complained because your house is a mess and it is just one more thing you have to do because no one else will help you do it. Maybe you griped and complained because your house is not full of all the "stuff" you want it to be full of, or the furniture you have is old...Maybe you even griped and complained about your vehicle or the clothes you have in your closet, or supposedly don’t have.

Maybe you griped and complained about your finances, or not having anything to eat in your house, although your pantry and fridge are full!

Maybe you griped and complained about your job, your boss, your coworkers, your employees, your students. Maybe you griped and complained about your pay or your position. 

Maybe these last four days you griped and complained about a friend, a family member, your kids, or your spouse. 

May I be so bold to ask you, are you griping and complaining because you are focusing on yourself? I mean that really is the reason we gripe and complain in the first place isn't it?

What if every time you complained God revealed to you just how blessed you were, yet how ungrateful you are being. Would you react differently?

What if every time you began to utter a complaint about being too busy God replied with, “Well I am also busy, so I won’t be able to protect you, go with you, shower My mercy on you, or have time for you when you pray.”

What if, every time you griped and complained about taking your kids to and from, God revealed to you a mother who would give anything for her son and daughter to be able to walk so they could be in an activity. What if, He revealed to you a child who couldn’t see, or had a disability and would give anything to be able to do what your children can. Would you still gripe and complain?

What if, every time you griped and complained about your home and the things in your home, God revealed to you, a family who just lost their home and everything in it. What if He revealed to you a child who never knew where they would be, or if they would even have a roof over their head that night. Would you still gripe and complain for having a roof over your head, a bed to sleep in, a couch to sit on, and a TV to watch?

           

            Do you know if we would take our eyes off of ourselves for a second we would see how many people around us are actually homeless and wander from home to home?

What if, every time you griped and complained about not ever having anything to wear, God revealed to you a child whose family can’t even afford clothes so they wear the same thing every day, and dirty because they can’t afford to wash their clothes. What if He revealed to you a man or woman who freezes at night because they literally don’t have enough clothes to wear? Would you still gripe and complain about the clothes in your closet. What about the little boy or girl that wears clothes to small or way to big, or even torn and ragged, because that is all they have. Would you still gripe and complain?

What if, every time you complained about cleaning your house, God revealed to you a mother diagnosed with cancer bed ridden because of the chemo, who would give anything to muster enough strength to clean her home. What if, He revealed to you a woman who just had a stroke and lost functioning in her left side, who today would give anything to be able to clean her house, would you still gripe and complain?

What if, every time you griped and complained about not having anything to eat, God revealed to you just how many people in this world really are starving and have nothing to eat, would you still gripe and complain? What if the only meal you ever got came from the trash, or from the school cafeteria, or from someone nice enough to give you food. Would you still gripe and complain?

What if, every time you griped and complained about your job, coworker, salary, position, or student, God revealed to you a man and woman who just lost their job, their salary, their position, everything. What if He took yours from you, would you still gripe and complain?

What if, every time you griped and complained about a friend, a family member, your spouse, or children, God revealed to you a woman who just lost her entire family because of a drunk driver. What if He revealed to you a husband and wife who just lost their child to cancer. What if He revealed to you a mom and daughter who lost their husband and dad and sister and daughter in car wrecks three years apart. Would you still gripe and complain?

What if every time you griped and complained about your marriage, God revealed to you a man who just lost his wife, or a woman who just lost her husband and now has no one. What if He revealed to you a woman who is beat to near death almost every week she lays on the ground praying someone will find her and save her. What if He revealed to you a husband who loves his wife so much he cries every night because she is addicted to drugs or alcohol. What if He revealed to you a husband who is holding his dying wife or vice versa, would you still gripe and complain about your spouse not helping enough, yet who loves you, protects you, provides for you and supports you?

The reality and sadness of all of this is, He reveals it to us EVERY single day, yet we still manage to focus on ourselves instead of on our blessings and those in need. We teach our children more about griping and complaining than we do about being thankful and selfless. We teach that busyness is more important than spending time with the Lord and as a family.

All that we have, we don’t deserve. Yet we have become so comfortable with griping and complaining that we miss all the blessings the Lord has given, especially His mercy. Not only that but we miss out on what God wants to do and use us for.

 We miss out on just how loving and blessed we are, because we let the world and self-tell us we need more; this isn’t good enough, their problems are not our problems, there are too many people to help, there is just no way, not enough money, not enough...

May I be so bold to ask you today to focus on those less fortunate than you. Focus on just how blessed you are to even be alive and have everything that you do.

Is it possible for us today to put ourselves aside and serve others with a genuine heart, because we are in love with the One who has given us life? We can only proclaim His greatness to the world when we have hearts that are thankful and attitudes and actions that are selfless.

Jesus make us uncomfortable. Actually go beyond that and remove us from our daily routines and our daily focus, which is self. Jesus open our eyes to see just how blessed we are to even be alive, to even exist.  Help us to be so uncomfortable that it makes us sick to think there are those who have nothing that we will go and offer them all that we have. Jesus move us out of our comfort zones and into faith. Faith that is selfless and giving, for then Your greatness will be proclaimed. Amen

The Source of Hope

I am blessed to have an amazing husband who is as passionate about sharing God's Word as I am. I love how the Lord uses him to speak in a way I can't.

Written by Garrett

Romans 15:13

^“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Do you ever feel tired, empty, hopeless, lonely, or even miserable?  We all struggle with different things from time to time throughout our hectic lives.  Satan is the king of busyness and hopelessness.  He will completely pollute our thoughts and blind us to our purpose in life.  He can even make us feel so hopeless that we hinder or limit the power of the Holy Spirit that is within us. 

So many times I get caught up in problems of the world or my profession that I lose sight of the “Source of Hope”.  Does this sound familiar?  God is referred to as many things and one of them is the “Source of Hope”.  He is the only hope.  Satan confuses so many people when it comes to hope.  Look around at all the addictions people struggle with.   This even leads to depression.   

Paul was so filled with the Holy Spirit that he would sing, preach, write, and pray about Christ while he was in prison.  I don’t know about you, but it would be extremely hard for me to have such a positive attitude and make the impact that Paul did under those types of circumstances.  We can learn a lot from Paul and the example he was.  He was the definition of Light in a dark world.  I truly believe that Christ provided this example to us for the simple reason of completely depending on God for our “Source of Hope”.  This is what Paul had.  He didn’t do this himself.  Christ did it through him and Paul allowed himself to be a tool for God to speak through.  We must do the same thing no matter our circumstances or situations in life.  Whether we are diagnosed with an illness, broke, broken, confused, discouraged, tired, depressed, sick, etc…  We have to believe in Christ and choose to allow the Holy Spirit to produce fruit throughout our life. 

Father thank you for creating the Word to guide us!  Lord you knew we could not do it on our own.  I pray that we will allow you to be the source of Hope throughout our lives and not turn to any other temporary solutions.  I pray that we remain strong in you.  I lift up all the people who feel hopeless today and ask that you comfort them and show them truth.  Give them Peace and Joy as you guide and direct their paths.  Amen.

Consider this….

“So the LORD sent this message through the prophet Haggai: Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the LORD Almighty says: Consider how things are going for you! You have planted much but harvested little. You have food to eat, but not enough to fill you up. You have wine to drink, but not enough to satisfy your thirst. You have clothing to wear, but not enough to keep you warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!” Haggai 1:3-6

Consider how things are going for you. Maybe in your assessment you feel as though things are pretty good. In this period of your life you are content.

But may I ask if that contentment comes from the perspective of the world?

Are you well off according to the standards of man? Is your worldly home in better condition than the house of the Lord?

What harvest are you investing in? The world’s harvest produces little; the food is available but does not satisfy. The profit made on your harvest, is it used to make your worldly home more luxurious, more appealing to the eyes of man?

Oh, how I desire that we, you and me, would consider how things are going for us spiritually. That we would put down the things of this world and pick up the things of Christ.

Oh, how I desperately desire that our eyes, yours and mine, would be opened to see His house lying in ruins, all because we have put Him second, third, fourth, or not even at all, in order to better our worldly homes, our worldly pleasure.

 I desire that we, you and me, would see just how deep our hunger, our thirst, and our desire for warmth truly goes, but not just ours, but others who are in true need., for they are the ones who suffer from hunger, thirst, and lack of warmth. Yet we withhold from them, from Him.

Oh, that we, you and me, could see what they see.  How can we see our Father’s house lying in ruins, yet not do what is needed to re-build it. How can we move past the place of contentment, complacency, and mediocrity and plant much and harvest much.

Consider what you plant, consider your profit and how you invest, consider your priorities, consider His house.

Consider Him first!

“This is what the LORD Almighty says: Consider how things are going for you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the LORD. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the LORD Almighty, while you are all busy building your own fine houses.” Haggai 1:7-9

Merciful Lord I will go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild your house. For then You will take pleasure in it and be honored.  Jesus help me plant a great harvest for You. Help me focus on Your house. Amen

Special Guest with an amazing testimony-Alisha Fussel

I am honored to have a sweet friend of mine, Alisha Fussel share her testimony. Her story and faithfulness offers so much hope. I know you will be as blessed as we have by her passion to help women. I hope you will check out her website following her testimony.

Thank you Alisha for sharing God's love and mercy with us. Most of all thank you for listening to His call to step out and help women in need. 

My family knows the consequences of sexual sin. At a very young age, I found myself unexpectedly pregnant. The emotions one feels in this situation are hard to explain. I felt scared, overwhelmed, depressed, sad, angry, judged, filthy, and oddly enough, happy. This may not make sense at all to someone who has not been there. There was a precious life that God created, and that did bring some joy in the midst of all the emotions involved. Many people were encouraging me to have an abortion. (Including some in the church) I praise God for His unconditional love. It is His love that drew my heart back to Him. He loved me even when I felt so unlovable. I chose life! I now have a beautiful 9 year old son, who God created with purpose. I cling to Romans 8:28. I can make HUGE messes of things, but God is so good!! He takes these messes, and still brings good out of them. I love God, and want nothing more than for Him to flow through me to help others.

Three years after my son was born, I received a phone call from a woman I did not know explaining to me that she had a five year old son who was my husbands. Before my husband and I were together, and before we whole heartily began to serve the Lord, this woman had a child and did not call to inform my husband. This situation has not been a walk in the park, but again, I cling to Romans 8:28. Thank God she did call us and now we can be a part of his life. She also shared with me how she was in the abortion clinic about to have the procedure.  She walked out at the last minute.  I look at my step-son and my son and truly am amazed. I am overwhelmed by God’s grace and mercy in my life.

That was just a brief history so you might understand my heart and passion. With the help of an amazing team that God put together, East Texas Pregnancy Help Center has been formed in Jasper, Texas. My heart is to help those who find themselves in the same situation that I was once in. God has opened my eyes to see that many have it much worse. They do not have any support from family or friends. They need support, love, encouragement, and most of all, God. We have only been open for a little over a month, and already we have seen the abortion minded woman chose life! We have seen salvations! We have seen people with no hope at all leave the center beaming with hope! I could go on and on, but the main thing is that God is at work!

To learn more about the ministry you can go to our website at www.etphc.org or call us at 409-381-8600.

If you let him...he will

"The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." John 10:10


He will steal our joy, our hope, our peace, our confidence, our assurance, even our trust...

He will kill us with lies, self-doubt and manipulation, by leading us to believe we don't need Jesus or by twisting the Word of God.

He will destroy our marriage, our family, our friendships, our country, even our cities.

All if we let him.

Jesus, the very opposite of the thief, offers us joy, hope, peace, confidence, tons of re-assurance, and gives us the promise of eternal life.

He does not kill us but saves us-through His death on the cross.

He does not destroy but restores our marriages, our families, our friendships, our country, even our cities.

He gives life in all its fullness!


Jesus thank You for giving me life and the fullness that comes with it. Thank You for wanting, giving, and desiring the best for me and of me. Amen

Taking less so they can have more

This story alone will penetrate to the core of your heart, leaving you desiring to help, to do more, to take less so he can have more. Please click over and read.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/

How to live in this evil world

"And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God, while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed." Titus 2:12


Are you wondering how to live in this evil world? Jesus says with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God.


And there is only one way to live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God. With Jesus in our hearts and the Holy Spirit at work within us.

If you notice the more YOU try to do it yourself, the more you fail. That is what makes the Counselor within us so precious, so valuable, and so important. We must simply step aside and allow Him to work.

Jesus forgive me for my lack of self-control, right conduct and devotion to You. Put me aside so the Holy Spirit can complete these within me. Amen

Facing their Giants

"But forget all that-it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home." Isaiah 43:18-19

It is a soundless night of sleep for most...for others it is the stirring and racing of their minds. For some boys and girls within this county of Jasper for which we live, it is another night they are praying for warmth, protection, silence, peace, rest, and hope...

Hope, that the darkness surrounding them will soon disappear by the morning Light.  For then, they can hurry to school for food, for warmth, for protection, for consistency.

Hope that the day might last longer than the day before.

Hope that someone, anyone will come to their aid and wrap their arms around them, encourage them, teach them, yet see the need that lies so deep within them.

Hope for some of these boys and girls comes through a profession of sports, which He, the Creator of, called my husband to be apart of-hope.

What he does every day is offers the Light, who is hope, to boys and girls who are searching, longing, desiring and crying out for.

 It might not be through his words, but through his consistency, his love, his passion, his commitment that he shows them hope, and offers them protection, rest, peace, silence and comfort.

He teaches them what it means to believe, to love, to be united, to work hard, to endure, to fight, and to allow the Light to shine within them. He teaches them that ALL things are possible with the Lord.

This man, this coach, this mentor, this leader-my husband sees the need that lies deep within these precious, yet fragile boys and girls, and he sets out to offer His hope.

Tonight some of these boys will fight their giants, would you pray with me that they would win. Not for the mere fact of winning, but because maybe through this victory, they will see His victory!


Jesus show us how, how to offer Your hope, Your love, Your promise to the boys and girls living a life of hopelessness  fear, brokenness, and death. Show us how to offer the hope of You that leads to life. Would they see their giants be defeated through Your victory. Oh, I ask Jesus in Your name, Amen.

The curiousness to know

"And you must love the LORD your God with all your hear, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Their backs flat to the bed and eyes looking to the sky. He's in the middle with one on each side. His hands grip the Word as he holds it up high. Reading aloud their ears are open and their eyes are wide. I sit in the other room with my eyes closed and listen to the sounds that stir in my heart.

My eyes fill with tears as I listen to him, explain to them, who He is. I can hear the curiousness that pours from their souls. As they ask things such as this.

"Was there people in hell before Jesus was here?"

"Will Jesus die for the people in hell so they can get out?"

I open my eyes to let the tears fall and listen for the answer that will fall. Fall deep into their wondering and longing hearts.

He, the one surrounded by the smaller two simply replies, "He was here before the fall. He died for all, but not all listened to the call. They didn't choose Jesus."

"Why daddy, did Jesus not live in their hearts?"

The lump grows bigger and the tears fall quicker. If only they knew, the ones who fell into the pit of hell that it was real. Would they then have chosen?

I close my eyes and bow my head as I listen to him, the one surrounded by his smaller two, lift his voice to the One that surrounded's the three.

I open my eyes so the tears can fall and praise the One who paid for us all.

Jesus thank You for the sweet sound of the bigger him ministering to the little them. May their hearts grow full of You, Your Word, and Your love from now until then. Amen

Today's duty

"Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person." Ecclesiastes 12:13

There are two very important tasks to do today. Fear God and obey His commands. They must take precedence over anything else. So if you are one who makes a to-do list, make sure Jesus is at the top, in the middle and at the bottom.

Jesus before we move on to anything else may we stop what we are doing and be with You first. Help us as we go through out our day to be wise in our decisions. Amen

It's your choice

"So God let them go ahead and do whatever shameful things their hearts desired." Romans 1:24

Today God has given you the freedom to choose. What will you choose today?

Will you choose kindness or ugliness?

Will you choose joy or unhappiness?

Will you choose love or hate?

Will you choose to encourage or tear down?

Will you choose to serve or demand to be served?

Will you choose to witness or stay silent?

Will you choose to spend time with Jesus or put Him off?

Will you choose to believe in Jesus or stay lost?

Will you choose life or death, heaven or hell?

Will you choose to shine brightly for Him or cover your light?

Will you choose to obey or disobey?

Will you choose flesh or the Spirit?

Will you choose self or selflessness?

What choices will you make today? Remember every choice has a ripple effect-either good or bad!

Jesus help us to be mindful of every decision we make today. May the things we choose be the very things You would choose. May they also be choices that bring You glory and honor. Amen

It's Time for Practice

"Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9



Over the last three months my husband, his staff, and athletes have spent everyday working together to become the best they can be, through practice, hard work and discipline.

Though this new year has posed some challenges for our team, they, by the end of district, proved that all of their practice, obedience, and discipline payed off. Thus becoming District Champs.

What was the key? Practice (Everyday)

The athletes put into practice all they had been learning each week, new plays, better stances, where their eyes should be, etc. They also put into practice all they had heard the coaches telling them to do and not to do. They also put into practice all they had seen on film whether on themselves or on the opposing team.

Come game time all their practice would be put to the test. It would be displayed on the field for all to see.

As Christians we are to do the same thing. We are to put into practice all of God's Word. Paul points out three things for us to practice.

1. Practice what we learn.

2. Practice what we hear.

3. Practice what we have seen from God's Word.

We can read God's Word, hear God's Word, even see God's Word being lived out, BUT if we don't put any of it into practice we will not be very successful come witness time. Nor will we reflect Jesus.

So what are some ways you have been putting God's Word into practice?

Jesus help us to spend each day first with You in Your Word, and second putting into practice all You have taught us. So when others observe our lives they will see Your peace within us. Amen

Who do you say He is?

"Then he asked them, Who do you say I am?" Matthew 16:15


Have you ever been asked who Jesus is? How did you respond?

When Jesus asked Simon Peter that question, Simon Peter responded, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16


Would that be your answer today? Is that who Jesus is to you?

Father God thank You for revealing Your Son to me. May I be asked this question from others so that I can share with them who You are. Amen

Quick question

Do you remember the day You met and fell in love with Jesus? Do you still feel that way about Him today? Has your relationship with Him grown?

Are you more in love with Him today than you were then?

Jesus I can honestly say I love You more today then I did back then. Thank You for the most amazing loving relationship I could have ever asked for. You my sweet love take my breath away. Thank You for this awesome giddy feeling I get inside everytime we are together. Jesus You never get old. Amen

Believe in His ability

"And all that's required is that you really do believe and do not doubt in your heart." Mark 11:23

Have some things come up in your life that have caused you to doubt the Lord?

Maybe it's the loss of a loved one, a life threatening illness, a broken marriage, a broken relationship, or the overwhelming addiction that controls you.

Whatever it is take heart brethren. The Lord is ABLE to do more than you could ever dare to ask or hope for.

He was able to part the red sea, He brought the dead to life, healed the lame, gave sight to the blind, opened the ears of the deaf, fed five thousand, brought hope to the hopeless, AND..

He, through His death, burial and resurrection overcame death and sin, thus making way for us to walk through any trial, any illness, anything with confidence in His power and love.

Don't doubt His ability, BELIEVE in His ability.

Jesus help us overcome any doubt we might have and replace it with the confidence and promise of Your Word and ability. Amen

Women Seeking God

Weekly Bible Study

Studying God's Word Together

 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2

Do you have a desire to gain a closer relationship with God through His Word?

Please join us for a Community Bible Study on Wednesday nights.

Belle-Jim Hotel 5:30 p.m.

Beginning November 2, 2011

Contact Information: godlygossip@gmail.com

Childcare provided

Ready or Not

“And they will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send forth his angles with the sound of a mighty trumpet blast, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.” Matthew 24:30-31

Each day I wake with anticipation and wonder, could it be Lord, could it be the day? Jesus I look forward to this day more than any other day. And though I wake with wonder I know there is work to be done. For the day that is coming is like no other. It will start out as an ordinary day but in the blink of an eye, like a thief in the night every knee will bow, every tongue will confess, every eye will see and every ear will hear. And there in that moment every soul will be still and the Lord will appear!

Number 1 on our list of things to crave-The Lord’s return

Can’t you just visualize it, yes I know that the actual moment is more than our minds can comprehend, but the vision that fills my mind as John, Paul, and Matthew describe it, is amazing.

This time He will enter just as the King of Kings should enter. Heaven will open and the trumpets will sound. There riding on the clouds will be the Son of Man clothed in white shinning with a brilliance of light. The blind will see and the deaf will hear, the cripple will walk and finally all will see the light.

As I look up at the sky and visualize how this moment will be I can hear the trumpets sound and I can see a vast host of angels leading the way. Then, there, riding down on the clouds I can see the Son of Man full of power and glory. At the first glimpse of His beauty and appearance I fall to my knees and cry Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty! And in an instant the dead will rise and those of us who remain who have called on Him by name, will be caught up in the clouds where we will remain with Him forever.

And just as John describes “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.” Revelation 21:3-4

Don’t you long for that day, that day when the Lord will appear? The day when everything else will melt away and we are sitting at the foot of Jesus. The day when those nailed scarred hands reach out and grab our hands pulling us in as He embraces us and says, “Welcome home my child, welcome home my good and faithful servant. Today you will be with me forever.” Oh, Jesus hasten the day when we can come home, home to the place where Your glory dwells forever and ever. Where our bodies are made new and where all things are made clear.

Are you ready? Are you ready to meet your Savior face to face? I am and though I long for the day I know that while I am here I must help strengthen the weak, seek the lost, and spread the news about my Wonderful, Gracious God, who is full of abiding love.

Prayer: Jesus we wait in great expectation of the day You will come and gather all of Your children and take us home to be with You in glory. Hasten the day Lord Jesus, hasten the day. Amen