Saturday, August 31, 2013

Praise Your Great Name



"Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. 


We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today! Psalm 95:6-7"

Friday, August 30, 2013

We Can't Re-Invent God's Purpose For Our Lives

Have you ever had a day when all you did was focus on yourself?

It was one of those days when the focus became on me and all the things the world and Satan say I am not. 

What usually comes with that, is a whole lot of self-doubt, complaining, poor pitiful me parties, comparing, and the huge urge to just quit.

Have you ever been there?

It is a miserable day, and not just for you, but for your family, and for any other poor soul you drug into it. 

So as I went through the entire day complaining to the Lord, feeling sorry for myself, comparing myself to her and her and her, I laid on the bed next to my hubby, and unloaded {I will spare you the details, it was a hot mess!}

After one hour of my sweet man listening, quoting Scripture, encouraging me, and challenging me, The Lord rose up and made Himself within me very clear.

We all have a purpose and a reason for our existence. To please, glorify, and honor God. To be faithful no matter how hard, how lonely, or how different we are.

And when we focus on ourselves and try to create our own purpose, we are trying to re-invent God's purpose.

And that is just plain crazy. So while I get it now, I want to hold onto it. I want to find joy in being me, the God-loving, black and white, crazy about Jesus, craft- challenged, desperate for His daily grace, me. 

The me that He created, because we all know, when we try to create our own me, misery, doubt, discouragement, and unhappiness ALWAYS follow. 

It's okay to be you. So be you, focus on Jesus, and remember, your purpose is to please Him, not you.

Jesus thank You for making me so wonderfully complex and unique. May I fulfill Your purpose and stop trying to fulfill my own. Amen






Thursday, August 29, 2013

We Wish You Were Here!



I wish you were here, filling that empty chair, sharing some coffee (tea, water, whatever you prefer) with us. {Jesus and Me}

It would be so much more personal. Having face to face time, hearing God's Word together. Sharing, laughing, crying, discussing all the amazing things God has done and is doing. Hearing Him speak of His love and mercy and grace.

But instead you are here, and that is okay too. 


Because even on opposite sides, in opposite states, different countries, we can still hear His Word together. We can still talk, laugh, cry and discuss Him. 

He is everywhere. He is next to you and next to me. 

He is filling that empty chair. He is ready and waiting. 

Let's not keep Him waiting.

You are loved sweet reader! 

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The Place Where Joy is Found!

Joy comes from a heart full of thankfulness.

"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7



Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Makeover!!

In the next couple of months Godly Gossip will have a makeover, and I would LOVE to get your input on some things you would like to see added, taken away, etc!





Monday, August 26, 2013

When You Feel Like Quitting

S-Galatians 6:9-10

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Don't Grow Weary

"So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters." Galatians 6:9-10

Do you ever have moments when you throw your hands up and say, "I quit! This isn't worth it anymore."

I have, a lot!

Although I haven't really quit, I sure did voice my frustrations on how I felt.  It's such a God thing that this particular verse came when it did, because I was recently having one of these moments with the Lord and my husband.

The funny thing is, not only did I study this verse in my quite time, but our Pastor preached on something very similar, of which my husband was sure to nudge me in Church and say, "Are you listening? Your blog!"

Yes honey, I hear you and the Lord loud and clear.

Keep writing! Keep picking up after everyone! Keep helping in the family business! Keep teaching! Keep discipling! Keep working hard! Keep serving! Keep being kind, loving and encouraging.  Keep on keeping one!

God notices, God cares, its all about Him! Keep serving Jesus by serving others! Everything we do is for His honor and His glory, not ours!

SIGH

Now for the latter part of this passage. "Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters."

Brethren, no matter how ugly someone is, keep on doing what is good and right. Hold your tongue, love on them, serve them, and pray for them.

If you have the opportunity to do good to your negative co-worker. Do it! Even if they reply with something negative.

If you have the opportunity to do good to someone struggling with sin. Do it! Pray with them, share God's Word with them, encourage them, love them.

If we will do these things, at the appropriate time we will reap a harvest of blessing. Find comfort, perseverance, joy and hope in that promise!

S-Share an encouraging word with someone who is discouraged today.




Sunday, August 25, 2013

Altar Sunday

Sweet One,

 Do you have some bitterness and anger that needs to be laid at the foot of the Cross? If so, why are you still holding on to them? What are they doing for you other than making you sad, more bitter, more of a target for Satan, and unhappy?

It's okay to let go. It's okay to move forward. Jesus did! And so can you.


Saturday, August 24, 2013

Are We Willing?

S-Two Choices

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A- God's Freedom

L-You Choose

"Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit." Galatians 6:8

Two choices.

1. You can choose to satisfy your sinful desires and harvest the consequences of decay and death.

2. You can choose to please the Spirit and harvest everlasting life.

It's your choice, which will you choose?

In Christ we are able to please the Spirit, but are we willing?

Are we willing to die to self and live for Christ?

Are we willing to say no to the lures of the world and obey Christ?

Is pleasing Him more important than pleasing our flesh?

Whatever we plant we will reap.




Friday, August 23, 2013

Completely Committed

"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

When we commit to the Lord, do we...

Commit with exceptions?
Commit with selfish motives?
Commit yet find or make excuses?
Committ only when it's convenient or necessary at the moment?

What are our exceptions for not being fully committed?

What are our selfish motives; attention, pride, control?

How many excuses do we make in one day? 

Do our excuses outweigh our commitment?

Why do we wait until things happen to commit our lives to the Lord?

When we commit to fully serving the Lord, there should be NO exceptions, excuses, selfishness, or done only when it's convenient or necessary.

Let's be followers who are totally and completely committed to the Lord. Not because we have to, but because He is fully and completely committed to us!! 


Thursday, August 22, 2013

Realistic Expectations

Is our relationship with Christ a realistic one?

Is the time we spend in the Word a realistic one?

Do we walk away with realistic expectations of His truth?

What are your expectations in your relationship with Christ?

His are high, but with the help of the Holy Spirit are able to be fulfilled. 



Wednesday, August 21, 2013

You Will Always...

"You will always reap what you sow!" Galatians 6:7

Do you see the word always?

We will always reap what we sow.

If we sow laziness, we will reap poverty, homelessness, and starvation.

If we sow selfishness, we will reap, pride, jealousy, greediness, envy, etc.

If we sow anger, we will reap hurtfulness, broken families, broken hearts, and broken futures (of those we hurt)

If we sow love, we will reap, joy, fulfilled relationships, love in return, and Christ likeness.

If we sow peace, will reap contentment, goodness, unity and godliness.

If we sow worldliness, we will reap sinfulness, discontent, unhappiness, separation from Christ, etc.

If we sow doubt, we will reap confusion, being misled, frustration, discouragement,

What are you sowing? Evaluate your crop, because come harvest time, Christ will separate
the good crop from the bad.

"All right, he said. I, the Son of Man, am the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels. Just as the weeds are separated out and burned, so it will be at the end of the world. I, the Son of Man, will send my angels, and they will remove from my Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil, and they will throw them into the furnace and burn them. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the godly will shine like the sun in their Father's Kingdom. Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand!" Matthew 13:37-43

Jesus reveal to each of us today what we are sowing. Help us to be more mindful and aware each day of what we sow, and show us before hand, through the power of the Holy Spirit, what we will reap from it. Amen









 
 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Sow God's Word-Reap His Blessings

S-The Two Things Not to Do

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Gift of Freedom

L-Sow God's Word-Reap His Blessings

"Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow!" Galatians 6:7

Misled-to lead astray; give a wrong impression. To lead in a wrong direction or into a mistaken action or belief often by deliberate deceit.

To Ignore-to fail to give proper attention to. To dismiss as of little importance.

How often do we fail to give God the proper attention He deserves?

Are we misled by our own fleshly desires, so much so we ignore the convictions within us?

This is a tough pill to swallow, but sweet one, we are all very guilty of ignoring God and believing we can actually get away with it.

In the end, we will all be held accountable for what we have planted.

Are we reaping the benefit of sowing love, fellowship, intimacy with God, kindness, joy...

      -OR-

Are we reaping death and unhappiness, because we sowed jealousy, gossip, bitterness, selfishness, angry, pride, greed, envy, etc?

Be mindful, always, of what you sow. Don't think you can ignore God and get away with it. And don't be misled by the World and Satan.

S-Share God's Word with others so they can begin to sow the fruits of the Spirit.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Though You Slay Me

An amazing song and insert from John Piper. Let this fall all over you today, bless you, and renew your love and passion for Christ. Let it be a reminder of His control, His power, His will, His plan, His love, and His purpose for you. No matter the circumstance, the heartache, the pain, the suffering. None of it is meaningless!

Be blessed today sweet one!






Sunday, August 18, 2013

Altar Sunday

In His name alone there is power! 

In His name alone there is hope!

In His name alone there is peace!

In His name alone there is protection!

Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Nothing has the power to change us or save us, but Your name.

May we come to the altar praising Your great name!


Saturday, August 17, 2013

Are You Taking Care of Your Pastor?

S-Take Care

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Caring for Our Pastors and Teachers of the Word.

"Those who are taught the word of God should help their teachers by paying them." Galatians 6:6

They spend countless of hours serving, studying, ministering, counseling, listening, caring, praying, and teaching God's people.

Their time is rarely spent focusing on themselves, more so on the spiritual well being of God's children.

Brethren, our Pastors should be well cared for. They spend so much time investing and caring for each of us, that we should be doing more for them.

It is Biblical!

Are we taking good care of them, some extremely well, others, they deserve more. Wouldn't you agree.

We should never take our Pastors and teachers for granted. Nor should we use them only for our benefit, yet fail to take care of their needs.

Paul says over in 1 Corinthians 9:10-14-"Christian workers should be paid by those they serve. We have planted good spiritual seed among you. Is it too much to ask, in return, for mere food and clothing? If you support others who preach to you, shouldn't we have an even greater right to be supported? Yet we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than put an obstacle in the way of the Good News about Christ. Don't you know that those who work in the Temple get their meals from the food brought to the Temple as offerings? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. In the same way, the Lord gave orders that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it." 

We read of this command again over in 1 Timothy 5:17-"Elders who do their work well should be paid well, especially those who work hard @ both preaching and teaching." 

G and I have always felt very strongly about this. One of our very best friends is a Pastor, and I tell you, his love for his Church and God's people is astonishing. The time he spends investing in the lives of others has always impacted G and I in a huge way. His heart, is a heart like God's, and though he feels as though he doesn't deserve anything, brethren he does, and so do many other wonderful Pastors.

We need to be doing a better job of taking care of them. Don't you agree. Pray God will show you and your family how you can bless your Pastor. Whether it be a nice meal, money, something for their home, etc, take care of them.

S-Return the blessing you receive from your Pastor back onto him. It will not only bless him but the Lord as well.


Friday, August 16, 2013

If You Are Going to Compare Yourself, Compare Yourself to Christ!

S-Do What You Should

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Gift of Freedom

L-Personal Satisfaction

"Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct." Galatians 6:4-5

It's something the Lord taught me along time ago. "Stay in your own lane! Keep your eyes on Me and work hard at what I have called you to do."

This is a lesson that many of us struggle with today. Why? Because we are always meddling in the business of others. What they are doing, trying to out do them. It's that saying, "Keeping up with the Jones'."

The desire for personal satisfaction, has been taken way out of context. The personal satisfaction Paul is speaking of here, is the personal satisfaction of serving Christ and others, working hard with the gifts God has given us, and doing what He has called us to do not what our flesh wants us to.

There is a big difference here. More times than not, we begin to compare ourselves to others. What they have, their success, their appearance, or even their shortcomings. So much so, we become consumed with trying to either be like them, be better than them, or make ourselves feel better because of their flaws. The problem is, when we act in this manner, we dishonor God. Because He sees discontentment, unhappiness, and worldliness, jealousy, and insecurity, rather than thanksgiving, praise, honor, love and joy.

At the end of our life, when we stand before the Lord, we will be evaluated for what we have done for Him and with the gifts He has given us. So if we spend more time comparing ourselves to others rather than to Him, well, it's probably not going to be a very good day for many.

Can't you just hear Christ on that day,"Well _________ I gave you so many wonderful things, filled you with some really awesome gifts, but you spent more time discontent, disappointed, and comparing yourself to others, that you missed out on My purpose for you. When you could have produced seed bearing fruit for My kingdom, you didn't. Instead you produced, insecurity, disappointment in yourself and others, you became consumed with the things of this world, you taught your children more about self than you did hard work, selflessness and Me."

Brethren, lets stay in our own lanes, lets remove anything that causes us to compare ourselves to others and what they have and are doing. Lets work hard because we love and desire to please the Lord rather than man. When we do this, we feel good at the end of the day, our hard work and love for Christ points others to Him and shows our obedience to Him. Let's stop trying to please and find praise from man. It is Christ we are to compare ourselves too, and it is Christ we are to desire praise from.

Finally, lets take responsibility for our own conduct, our own actions, our own behavior, and stop blaming others or feeling sorry for ourselves because we think someone else has it better. You have no idea what it has been like for them, where they have been, or the struggles and trials they endured to get where they are. Just stick to the lane God has placed you in. For then at the end of this life, there will be a great reward awaiting you in heaven.

S-Share your heart with God, confess to Him areas you have been lazy, compared, been jealous, envious, and have done things with the wrong motives to be praised by man rather than Him. Then let Him cleanse you, place you back in your lane, and use you to bring honor and glory to His name.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Has Your Relationship Grown Stagnant?

Has your relationship grown stagnant? Have you lost the giddiness you once had? Has your fire dimmed?

Maybe you have forgotten His goodness. Maybe you have drifted from His voice. Maybe the world has began to entice you towards itself, thus becoming more desirable than Him.

Can I share 10 things about Christ that will hopefully, through the power of the Holy Spirit, bring you back to Him?

1. He is still as passionately in love with you as He was the day He created you.
2. He still finds you beautiful.
3. He is still as kind, patient and merciful as He was the day you met Him.
4. He is still full of unfailing love, no matter how far you have drifted
5. He is completely committed and faithful to you.
6. He still surrounds you with His loving presence daily
7. He is forgiving
8. He is still protecting, helping, and meeting your daily needs
9. He is so quick to be near to you when you call out to Him
10. No matter how far you drift away, how little you put into the relationship, His arms are always open.

Turn your hearts to Jesus, let Him remind you of the love you once had. Let Him re-ignite the fire and passion within you.

"The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation." Psalm 145:9

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

It's an Oppurtunity!

S-To Build Up

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Share Each Other's Troubles

"Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody." Galatians 6:2-3

"They just have so many problems, how do you even begin to help someone with all those needs?"

Have these thoughts ever gone through your head?

Do you ever avoid asking specific people how they are, because you know they will unload on you, telling you all of their problems and needs? Yes, there are people like this, and brethren, even though there seems to always be a problem or a need, we still need to be listeners and helpers. Because Christ asks us too, and because He does it for us. Don't look at it as an inconvenience(that's being selfish), look at it as an opportunity to be a reflection of Christ. (His reflection is selfless)

 Think back on the last conversation you had with the Lord, did you unload on Him, asking Him for help, and telling Him all your problems, struggles, issues, etc.? What did He do? He listened and before you even realized it, Jesus was meeting your needs (Not your wants).

When a passage starts with a command, it is to be taken literally and applied literally.

This is why the Body of Christ exists. To help one another, to encourage one another, to help carry the burden's of one another.

Look what Paul says over in Romans regarding this matter. "We may know that these things make no difference, but we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves. We must be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong. We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't please himself. As the Scriptures say, Those who insult you are also insulting me. Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:1-6

Sweet Ones, this all begins within our homes. If our relationship with Christ is where it should be, then our desire to please Him, will overflow onto our families and others.

Be a listener and helper to someone in need today.

S-Share the gifts God has given you to bless another of His today.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Shout It Out!

Hey!

Lets get excited about Jesus today, what do you say?

How do we do that?

Think about all the good things He does every second for you!!!

Come on, just shout a few praises, and when people come running in or look at you, just keep on shoutin'. He's worth it!!

Heck, they might even join you!! 

(I'll start). GOD IS AMAAAAAZING! 

GOD IS MY HERO, REDEEMER, AND SAVIOR!!

Oh, and just so you know I really did scream those outside my house today, I even had Avery, Dax and their best friend T do it with me! 

It rocked!!






Monday, August 12, 2013

What Kind of Friends Do You Have? What Kind of Friend Are You?

S-Accountable

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's gift of freedom

L-To Hold Accountable

"Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself." Galatians 6:1

As the Body of Christ we are called to help one another, to hold one another accountable and to encourage one another.

This passage can be a very touchy passage for some, because not everyone wants to be held accountable. 

Let me ask you, the friends you are surround yourself with, are they followers of Christ? Do they hold you accountable or do they encourage you in your sin?

A true friend whose desire is to honor and serve the Lord will keep you accountable to His Word and His ways. If they see you struggling with a sin, whether it be gossip, pride, greed, jealousy, envy, addiction, anger, drunkenness, selfishness, etc. they will tell you! They will not agree with your behavior or decision.

Do your friends do this for you or do they partake in the sin with you? Maybe these are the friends you want, and if so, brethren understand they are doing more harm than they are good.

Do your friends push you to be better for Christ everyday? If your answer is no, pray and ask God to bring new godly friends into your life and to weed out the bad ones. He will do it!!

What about you? What kind of friend are you? Are you one that holds your brother and sister accountable in a gentle and humble manner, or do you agree with them because you don't want to upset them?

Sweet one, its not easy holding a brother or sister accountable, believe me I know, but in the end, it's what a true friend and a true follower of Christ does. Because its biblical and beneficial to the Body of Christ.

Before you approach them, spend time in prayer! Ask the Lord to give you discernment, understanding and wisdom to know how and what to say.

And always make sure you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and speak through you.

It's also a good thing to make sure that your motives are pure not selfish.

If you have a godly friend that you know lives to please The Lord, ask them to help keep you accountable. And when they do, listen to them, don't get mad, defensive, or upset, rather thank them and pray about it.

Lets strengthen the Body of Christ not tear it down, or watch it fall apart because we were to afraid to say something.

S-Share with The Lord areas you would like to be held accountable and them allow Him and a godly friend to hold you accountable.


Sunday, August 11, 2013

Altar Sunday

"The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads" Psalm 145:14

Are you bent beneath your load, sweet one? 

If so, there is a place at the altar for you to lay them before the Lord. He promises to lift you up, remove your load and take it upon Himself.

Will you give your burdens to Jesus today?

Find rest in Him.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

What's Your Percentage

What type of relationship do you have with Christ?

IF it were based on a percentage between 1 and 100, and a balanced relationship was 50/50, how would you rate your relationship with Christ?

What percentage do you bring to it?

He brings 100% at all times!






Friday, August 9, 2013

How Invested are You?

When Jesus said I want a relationship with you, He didn't say He wanted a casual or half hearted one.

He said, "I want ALL of you!"

"Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." Matthew 22:37

Does Jesus have all of you?

Thursday, August 8, 2013

3 Things Not to Do

S-Let's Us Not

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Freedom from Sin's Control

L-3 Things Not To Do

"Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another." Galatians 5:26

Conceited-excessively proud of oneself; vain

Irritate-to make someone annoyed, impatient, or angry.

Jealous-feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages.

What do these three things have in common? They are all apart of our sinful nature. They all come from the root of insecurity, and the need for attention.

 Why else would we need to act on them, if we didn't desire the praise of man.

When we can get to the point where we allow the Holy Spirit to lead, and we know who we are in Christ and that are security, confidence, strength and approval is for Him, about Him and because of Him, then we won't have that need to fulfill our sinful nature.

So tell me brethren, is this a struggle of yours? Has it become something that is so apart of you, you don't even realize how much it has taken root?

"Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing." Philippians 2:3-4

If so, it's never to late to confess it before the Lord, nail it to the Cross and die to it once and for all.


S-Rather than vie for the attention of man, seek the approval of God. 



Wednesday, August 7, 2013

It's the Greatest News EVER!

S-It's the greatest news today.

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Freedom From Sin's Control

L-He Destroyed It!!!

"If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirits leading in every part of our lives." Galatians 5:25

If we, who are in Christ Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit allow Him complete control of our lives, our thoughts will be more on Him than on ourselves. Our desires will be to please Him, not our sinful nature. If the Holy Spirit is in control our lifestyle will reflect that of Christ Jesus. We will be loving, kind, patient, gentle, express self-control, etc. It will not be that of our old way of life. This can only be done by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are unable to do it in our own human nature. It's impossible with out Christ!!

But here is the greatest news ever, "God destroyed sin's control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins." Romans 8:3

Because of God's love for us, He destroyed sin's control over us by the blood of His Son. Do you understand how great of a sacrifice that was?

Are you living in that freedom today?

Oh, sweet one there is nothing greater than walking in the freedom of Christ's love and mercy. Sin no longer has control over us who are in Christ Jesus.

Let's be living examples of Christ's love and sacrifice by letting the Holy Spirit be in control of our lives.

S-Share the importance of the Holy Spirit with someone today. Tell them what God did for us when He  sent His One and Only Son, Jesus to die for us and destroy sin's control over us. Then rejoice and give thanks for God's loving kindness.


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Nailed It!

S-Nailing it to the Cross

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Gift of Freedom

L-Crucify It

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." Galatians 5:24

When Christ becomes the center of our life, and we have given Him complete control, we no longer desire to feed our sinful nature. Rather, we take each sin and nail them to the cross, one by one. 

Brethren, Jesus was willing to die for our sins, let's be willing to die to them too. We must be willing to crucify our sins daily, because we sin daily.  

Do you have a sin you are still holding on too? One that you have tried to lay down, but found that you picked it up as you left the altar. 

There is a big difference between laying a sin down and nailing a sin to the cross.

Do you know the difference?

Brethren, it's never to late to nail your sinful nature and passions to the cross.

And there will never be a greater feeling of freedom than when you do.


S-Share with Christ the sins you are struggling with and ask Him to help you nail them to the cross once and for all.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Real Questions-Real Answers

"Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

Okay so I really need to ask, in hopes of some really honest answers from you.

How are you meeting the needs of those outside your family, the Church and those within your church?

How are you investing in the lives of those who are lost?

Are you able to put aside your selfish desires and wants in order to serve the least of His?

How often do you think of those who are lost and broken? If you do, are you using every opportunity to share Jesus with them?

Finally...

Are you taking an active role within your Church, or, are you a pew filler?

Jesus through Your Word we are learning there really are a rare few of those who have counted the cost and are following You. May those rare few be us.  May we be living reflections of You that go out and make disciples of all nations. Let us not just talk the talk, Jesus, anyone can do that. May we actually walk and live out Your Word. Father, so many will be caught of guard, so many will hear, depart from Me I never knew you. Let that not be said of us. Amen

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Altar Sunday

Do you have some business that needs to be handled with The Lord today?

If so, may the Altar be your place of meeting.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

60 Ways I Love You


1. I love your hunger and desire for Jesus

2. I love your heart for others

3. I love your devotion to your family

4. I love your passion for God's Word

5. I love that you always seek to be a peacemaker

6. I love your smile

7. I LOVE your laugh

8. I love your outlook on life-it inspires me

9. I love that you are always positive

10. I love that you have every one's best interest at heart, no matter what.

11. I love your energy

12. I love how you always listen, even if it is the same thing over and over.

13. I love how you always take a stand for Jesus

14. I love the wisdom that Jesus has filled you with

15. I love that you are always encouraging us

16. I love how you have believe in us, even when others didn't or don't

17. I love how humble you are

18. I love your love for farm life and chickens (I share that passion with you)

19. I love how excited you get about your cows and ducks and warm sunny days.

20. I love that you can grow the best garden...EVER

21. I love the time we spend together at Christmas making divinity and how much we laugh while we are doing it and that one spoonful never makes the paper, always our mouths.

22. I love your kindness

23. I love that you are always giving up yourself and time for those in need.

24. I love that in 33 years of my life, you have never once complained.

25. I love how much you love daddy

26. I love the relationship you have with him, and you both taught and showed us the importance of having a godly marriage.

27. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way you love each of your grand babies.

28. I love how you make them each feel like they are special, important, smart, funny, and that they matter and have a purpose.

29. I love how you comfort us

30. I love how you always drop everything to come be with us, even if it is not the best time. You have always put us first.

31. I love your passion for prayer

32. I love how simple you are

33. I love how beautiful you are inside and out

34. I love that you always pull back the covers when we come home to snuggle.

35. I love how unbelievable patient you are.

36. I love how you love our husbands as though you birthed them yourself.

37. I love your ability to do whatever is needed in order to make it better for us.

38. I love how protective you are.

39. I love that you hold us accountable at all times

40. I love how good you always smell

41. I love that you were able to be a mommy and best friend all at the same time, without ever mixing the two.

42. I love your creativity

43. I love how you always prayed with us when our tummies hurt and how you and daddy would rotate shifts being with us at night.

44. I love that your main goal in life was that we spent eternity in heaven.

45. I love how you always open your home to those who don't have one

46. I love your strength

47. I love your concern for the lost

48. I love your homemade chicken noodle soup

49. I love that daddy is your best friend and favorite person ever

50. I love that you love putting puzzles together with me every Christmas

51. I love that we both love to be warm and sit by the fire.

52. I love how much I am like you

53. I love that every time I call you, you always answer, "Hi baby." and how good it makes me feel every time.

54. I love how you get me and understand me when I feel like no one else does.

55. I love how you stuck by me even when I made horrible decisions.

56. I love how you always disciplined us because you loved us and wanted nothing but the absolute best for us.

57. I love that when I look at you I see the most beautiful woman who has the cross etched within her.

58. I love that you are always honest and real. There has never been an ounce of fakeness within you.

59. I love that I get to spend forever and ever and ever with you in heaven

60. And finally, mama I love that Jesus chose YOU to be my mommy.

Happy Happy Birthday. May this day be filled with so much love your heart overflows.





Friday, August 2, 2013

Is Your Produce Fresh?

S-Is This Your Produce?

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Fresh or Rotten

Fresh produce can only come from the richest most fertile soil. The only way to achieve that rich fertile soil is by allowing the Holy Spirit to till up the hard ground within your heart and then replace it with soil that produces only the freshest of produce;

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" Galatians 5:22-23

Do you have some hardness within your heart that is keeping the roots from spreading down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love?

When the Holy Spirit is in control, our lives will produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is impossible for the Holy Spirit to produce anything other than the absolute best produce.

Do others see the fresh produce or the rotten produce?

Who do you allow to be in control, your sinful nature or the Holy Spirit?

You can always tell the answer to this question, by what is in your thoughts, speech, and actions.

Turn from your sinful nature and turn to Christ. Let Him fill you with the Holy Spirit who will produce within you the freshest, sweetest, and most nurturing produce there is.

S-Share your heart with Christ and let Him till up the hard ground in your heart.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

What Does Your Produce Look Like?

S-What Are You Producing?

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Fresh or Rotten?

"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21


When our lives are filled with this type of living do you know what we produce?


Rotten fruit. And all it starts on the inside.




Brethren, if you saw one of these apples, you would never pick it up and buy it, would you? No, yet we do it everyday when we choose to follow the desires of our sinful nature. 

We never have to ask if we are producing evil rotten fruit, it shows. It shows in our speech, our thoughts, our attitudes, and in our actions. 

Brethren, only Christ can clean up the rotten within us. We can't do it without Him, nor should we try. Nor should we continue to live like this, because God says very specifically, "Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:21

There is nothing in all the world that can ever satisfy you like Christ can. Don't miss out on eternity, because you were to busy feeding your flesh with the things that lead to death.

S-Look through this list again, and as you do, ask Christ to show you the areas where bad fruit is being produced. As He reveals each one to you, confess them before Him, set yourself and fleshly desires aside and let the Holy Spirit take control.