The impossible just came possible

“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke1:37

DAY 8- We finish our day in Nazareth and tomorrow we will be heading back to Judea with Mary to visit Elizabeth. Don’t worry with God there is no back tracking only moving forward.

Hello all of our sweet brothers and sisters. Can’t you just feel the love of the Lord upon us today?  These last few days, we have shared with you what we thought to be impossible, but how possible it is with God.

Yesterday Joseph shared his story of guidance and wisdom the Lord had given him through a dream.  Today I want to finish sharing with you the rest of the news I received from Gabriel the angel of the Lord.

Gabriel had just finished telling me the baby born to me would be holy and would be called the Son of God. He then continues to say, “What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s already in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:36-37)

There at that moment full of so much emotion I told Gabriel “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true.” And then he left.

You see for me it was easy, because I loved the Lord with all of my heart, and I knew that by choosing to make myself available to Him, I would be used and He would be glorified. No, I never expected to be used in such a big way, but I truly felt what my heart poured out.  I was willing to accept whatever He wanted, no matter the outcome. And later on you will hear the outcome of my son’s life.

It is our hope and prayer that each day you leave, you take more knowledge of God with you and that you will choose to make yourselves available to the Lord. We hope your thoughts are on Him and His work, majesty, and love. We want each story you hear and have heard to bring Him glory and show His indescribable love. We also want you to know that no matter how impossible you find a situation, it is not impossible to the Lord. He can do ALL things. He can turn bad to good, sorrow to joy, hurt and sickness to healing and hope, anger and hate to love and peace. He can make brokenness whole and He can provide protection and comfort in the time of deepest despair and fear. All we have to do is choose Jesus, look to Him and remember this is not about us but about our Heavenly Father.

We will meet back here at our house tomorrow and will head out for Judea.  We have spoken to Zechariah and Elizabeth and they have everything ready for our arrival. May you be completely consumed with Jesus today!

What will he think?

“Joseph, her fiancé, being a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly so as not to disgrace her publicly.” Matthew 1:18

Day 7- I hope you are enjoying being in the home of Mary and Joseph and are learning so much from their story. 

It is a beautiful day today, and Joseph and I have been praying for each of you. We hope you are enjoying your stay here in Nazareth. Just as we have been blessed, we know you too will be blessed for choosing to follow the Lord.

We must begin because we have so much to discuss.

I had just found out that I would become pregnant with the Child of God, being a virgin and engaged to be married to Joseph; I wondered how he would take such news. Little did I know at the time, God was already working it out, and I am glad because I love this man!

In our day for a man to marry a woman already pregnant would be shameful and humiliating.  You can only imagine when Joseph heard the news, what was going through his head. But my Joseph, oh where do I begin telling you how great my husband is. Joseph is a man of great integrity; he is sensitive to God’s guidance and is always willing to do God’s will no matter what the consequence is. Indeed I could go on and on, but I am going to let him share with you, his part of the story.

Joseph: Upon hearing the news, I decided it would be best if I quietly broke off the engagement, because I did not want to disgrace or embarrass Mary in anyway. (Matthew 1:19)

As I was considering my decision, I fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to me in my dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-22) God knew exactly what He wanted, and He knew exactly how it needed to be done.

In that dream I received the exact guidance and wisdom I needed in making my decision. I received clarity and understanding of the entire situation, and it made me see Mary in a whole new way!  When I woke up I knew it would all be okay. I also realized that in taking Mary as my wife, I would become the earthly father of the Son of God.  Wow!

So I got up and did just as the angel of the Lord commanded and I married Mary. I brought her home as my wife!

Yes our situation is completely different from any other, but God’s direction for all of us is the same.  When we ask and seek Him, He will give us clarity, understanding, guidance, and wisdom to know exactly what to do. In every area of our lives we need and should seek the guidance and wisdom of God.  Solomon said it best, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

He did for me, over and over again. Would you trust Him to do the same for you?

The Only Way!

“For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20

Day 6- We are six days into our journey and I hope you have enjoyed each day and every story thus far. Mary and Joseph continue to welcome us into their home in Nazareth (a village in Galilee) as they share their story of God’s love.

I hope that so far your journey has been pleasant and that you are growing and learning more about the greatness of our God. As always we love to share our story with all who want to hear.  We are at a very important part of our story today, a part that I hope will open your eyes, your heart, and your mind to absorb and see how BIG our God is. So thank you again for coming.

Mary: If you don’t mind I would like to pray with you before we begin.

 - Jesus our precious Savior, Father, and Lord, we praise You for allowing us the ability to come to You directly in prayer.  Jesus I ask that before we begin, You reach down and open up hearts, clear any hindrances and distractions so that we can take in all of what You want to speak to us today.  We hope that on this journey we will see You and Your amazing work, love, and plan for our lives. May You the Son of God receive all the praise honor and glory. Amen

Yesterday we left hearing the news that I, a virgin, would become pregnant and carry the Son of the Most High. Today as I share with you how this amazing conception would take place, I want you to understand the significance and importance of why it was to be done this way.

This child, the baby boy I would carry would be the Son of the Most High. He would be perfect, pure, holy, and everlasting. So in order for Him to come into this world as human, He would be placed in the womb of a human woman and conceived by…..well let’s listen as Gabriel tells me.

Gabriel the angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)

This baby of who was to be named Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. His conception was that of no other, and is what made it so historic.  It is still so breath taking, so surreal, so astounding. It is actually hard to really grasp, and even wrap your mind around.  But it is real, true, and actually shows just how big of a God we serve. It shows how meticulous, how planned out, and how all-knowing, all-powerful, and in control our God is. 

Thank you so much for being here with us, we hope you will come back tomorrow. We leave here today praying that you will think of what you have heard, and that you will understand just how wonderful this news and conception was for all of us. I close with this; this child who would be called the Son of God would be placed in the womb of a human conceived by the Holy Spirit, thus allowing Him to enter the world in human form, but be the only perfect human to live! 

How can this be?

“You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus.” Luke 1:31

Day 5-Today is such an exciting day! It is day 5 and our journey has led us to Nazareth a village in Galilee.  It is the home of Mary and Joseph relatives of Zechariah and Elizabeth.  Today an announcement is made to Mary that will change not only her life, but our lives.

Joseph: We are so excited the Lord has given us another day to share our story with you. We know you will be blessed as Mary continues to share her story. She left off yesterday with the first part of the message she had received from Gabriel an angel of the Lord. Today she will continue sharing the rest of the news, and by far my favorite part! I still marvel at the work of the Lord.

Mary: I too, like my husband love to share this story with all who will listen. I am so excited to continue and be apart of this remarkable journey you are on, and am so happy we get to come along with you.

Yesterday, I told you that Gabriel an angel of the Lord had appeared before me saying that God had decided to bless me. Thinking I was already so blessed I learned the difference between being loved and being blessed. It is being loved by God that blesses me. And because of God’s love for me this is the blessing I received. One I must say that still to this day I am completely unworthy of.  Let me explain.

Gabriel proceeded to say, “Mary, you will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Joseph now interrupting, “How great is that? Wow that is awesome isn’t it?”  Mary begins laughing, he does this every time.

My mind began spinning, okay, whoa, whoa, let’s start at the beginning! Gabriel how can this be, how can I have a baby? I am a virgin! I am going to have a child and not just any child, the Son of God? Me an ordinary woman made of flesh?

Guys, this is how BIG our God is, this is how LOVED we are, you see on this day it was not just me that was going to be blessed, it was all of mankind.  It is all who will receive the good news.  I want to stop and let you ponder on the news you have just heard. The news that a child would be placed within me that would carry the name of Jesus that would be called the Most High, He would reign forever, and His Kingdom would never end! 

Tomorrow will be another very exciting day, when I share with you exactly how I would become pregnant and I promise it will blow your socks off! 

Favored Indeed

“Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Luke 1:28

Day 4- Saddle your camels, grab the fam, we are heading out!  Today we will be saying goodbye to Zechariah and Elizabeth only for awhile, we will return for the birth of their son John. In the meantime another couple awaits us to share their remarkable story.  So let’s head out, we are leaving for Nazareth a village in Galilee. 

Zechariah:  I pray for travel mercies as you leave.  Elizabeth and I have enjoyed our time with you and will see you soon.  We send you off to Galilee to meet some relatives of ours that will bless you with their story of God’s love.  They are expecting your arrival!

Greetings our fellow brothers and sisters, we have been waiting on you and are so glad the Lord has delivered you here safely, please do come in. We hope that you have enjoyed your time with Zechariah and Elizabeth.  Just like them we too have a marvelous story of God’s greatness.

For those of you unfamiliar with who we are my name is Joseph I am a descendant of King David and a carpenter here in Nazareth.  My wife, where do I begin, she is an extraordinary woman of God who knows her Scripture. She still to this day makes herself available to God.  She is a joyous woman loved by all and has been blessed beyond words. She is the best homemaker and mother and I am blessed to be her husband. I could go on and on but for now we have so much to share.

It was the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, and God sent His angel Gabriel (the one that appeared to Zechariah in the sanctuary) here to Nazareth a village in Galilee to visit my wife Mary a virgin. Mary and I were engaged to be married when the angel Gabriel appeared to her, Mary why don’t you take over.

Mary: Thank you! It was a day I will never forget. I was tending to my daily duties when Gabriel an angel of the Lord approached me, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” I don’t know if I dropped the dishes, the food, my broom or what, but I was completely confused and disturbed and had no idea what he meant.  Gabriel being sent from God knew my reaction and said. “Don’t be frightened, for God has decided to bless you!” Bless me, I thought, I was already blessed, God has taken care of me and my family, I am engaged to an amazing man, we are healthy and happy, He wants to bless me?  If I may say I was confused, I thought I was already blessed, but that day I learned the true meaning of blessed! Being blessed meant more than just being healthy, or having a roof over my head. It meant more than being happy. I learned that blessed comes from the love of Christ. So whether we have much or little, it does not matter. It is God’s love that is our richest blessing.

I want to leave you here at this part of our story today, because I want you to really understand how loved and blessed you are.  You see our Father He loves us unconditionally always thinking of us.  His love is what sets blessings into motion.

His love is what covers us with blessings and makes us all favored!  You are not only favored but loved and blessed because you were created by Him and for Him and you received the MOST amazing gift-The blood of Christ.  Wow, would you just think about that today? Would you go and share that with someone today?  Let them know that because of our Father’s love they too are blessed!  

Speechless!

“I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!” Luke 1:19

Day 3- We are three days into our journey to Bethlehem and so far it has been great! We are still in Judea with Zechariah, Elizabeth and soon to be John.  Today our meeting with Zechariah continues as he shares more of his amazing testimony of God’s love!

Zechariah: Thank you so much for being faithful followers of Jesus and for taking this 25 day journey with family and friends of our Savior. I hope by the end of your quest you will be filled with more understanding and love for Jesus. Remember I told you yesterday that the news would leave me speechless?  I was serious!

There I was standing in the sanctuary in the presence of the Angel of the Lord, when my true humanness took over. Hearing all that the Angel had said, I began looking at this situation as almost impossible. I think we all, at some point, maybe even on many occasions have experienced moments and thoughts such as these.

I had so many questions running through my mind; how could this be, are you sure my ears do not deceive me, we are old, is it even possible? And through all these thoughts this is what came out of my heart. “How can I know this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” (Luke 1:18) It was just a little doubt, understandable right? NO and this is why.

The angel responded “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was He who sent me to bring you this good news! And now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you won’t be able to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly come true at the proper time.” Do you see why?  It was God that sent the angel to tell me the good news, the very Creator, the One that has no impossibilities! Ya, not a good moment! Right then as I sat in my own sea of doubt, overwhelmed by the situation rather than how big our God is I became speechless! We have all had our times of being at a loss for words, but how often have we become speechless, literally?

Back outside as the people were waiting for me to come out and announce the blessing that would be upon them (Numbers 6:24-26) they began to wonder what was taking so long. The angel left and I finally came out and but my voice did not. So I began gesturing to the people. It was then they realized I must have seen a vision. Oh, and did I, but it was more than the vision, it was the news that came with the vision. (Luke 1:21-22)

So as Jewish priest’s do, we stay at the Temple until our week of duty is through and then we return home, and I did just that, speechless and all.

My week was over and as I headed home, speechless, I wondered how in the world I was going to be able to explain all of this to my wife. I made it home, walked in the door and just as I thought she was completely surprised and had many questions, and unfortunately I could not answer them.

 Soon after my return, things settled down and Elizabeth did become pregnant just as the angel of the Lord had said.

I remember my wife saying, “How kind the Lord is! He has taken away my disgrace of having no children!” In our time to be childless was seen as a curse, so to know the favor He had upon us was great.

You see we should never doubt God’s promises. They are true, real, for sure, everlasting, and they come from Him and Him alone.  We should instead live in complete assurance of His promises.  Are you struggling with doubt?  Are you looking at your situation as bigger than God? Are you listening to your thoughts instead of clinging to the promises of God?  That is what I did, and I became speechless. We should find great joy in what He promises us, because He is the ONLY one that keeps them. 

What does He promise? One of the greatest is what He spoke through my friend Jeremiah when He said “For I know the plans I have for you, “says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look at me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you.” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:11) He also promises us the greatest gift of all, life through His Son Jesus.  You have no life until you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. These are just a few, seek the Word of God it is full of promises.

Let’s go now together and share the promises of God with all who will hear! 

“All that’s required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your heart.” Mark 11:23

He will have such qualities as these….

Day 2- I am so glad you all came back to embark on our 25 day journey to Bethlehem.

We continue our journey in Judea, as Zechariah continues his amazing story of how the Lord blessed him and his family.

I am so glad you are here! Yesterday I spoke of a day that went from ordinary to extraordinary. It was a day that I was offering incense to the Lord in the sanctuary when an angel of the Lord appeared before me. In shock and complete fear he told me the message the Lord had sent, and it was that my wife Elizabeth would bear me a son.

Today I am so excited to tell you about my son, his amazing qualities and characteristics and his purpose, all which have been given to him from the Lord.  

….So as I stood there in the sanctuary in the presence of an angel I listened as he began to tell me characteristics my son would obtain.

-Would you just vision this moment with me as we hear of the qualities of this child, I know for you and I it is qualities we hope our children will posses.

The angel spoke “Zechariah the son that you will have is to be named John. He will bring you and others great joy. He will be great in the eyes of the Lord and will be filled with the Holy Spirit before his birth. He will also persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord. He will be a man just like Elijah with spirit and power. He will change hearts and disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom, and most of all he will prepare people for the arrival of the Lord.” (Luke 1:13-17)

At this point my heart was full and all I kept thinking was that my wife and I are old in age and now we will bear a son and he will do great and mighty things for the Lord.

As crazy as this is, this is just half of the qualities and characteristics our son John would posses. The rest will come later on. It is a lot to take in and I too felt that way, so much it left me questioning his sincerity.

Every time we reflect upon this story, Elizabeth and I know it was a true honor that God wanted to bless us. But it was a greater honor that He found favor in us to bear a son in our old age, who would lead the way for the Lord.

I must stop here for now and be on my way, I have some work to finish up for the Lord.  I can’t wait to meet with you again so I can share the moment of speechlessness the good news left me in.

If there is anything we can walk away with today, it would be that we do not have to be an Elizabeth or a Zechariah or have a child like John. But we should desire to acquire the same qualities, loving and serving God wholeheartedly as they did. God wants us to be exactly who He made us to be, and he wants our children to be exactly who He made them to be. Unique children of God, created in His image, covered in His blood, and faithful followers of Him. God can and will use us to share the Word of God with the world. We all have a purpose, we all have a message to share, and we all are here to glorify the Lord. 

No ordinary day!

“Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John.” Luke 1:13

I cannot believe it has been three years since we began the 25 day journey to Bethlehem. With each New Year the Lord has brought many new faces to join us, and just as He promised, His Word has been sent out and has accomplished all that He has wanted it to. It is Him and Him alone that has led you here, and we are so thrilled you have come and brought new brothers and sisters with you.

So saddle your camels, gather the livestock, and grab the family as we head out on our 25 day journey to Bethlehem.

Let’s get going we have a lot of roads to travel and only 25 days to get there. We don’t want to miss one day of what the Lord has in store for us. I promise our journey and the place of destination will change lives.

Day 1-Our journey begins on the road to Judea. Here we will meet a couple that had a love for the Lord, who were faithful followers and who carefully obeyed the commandments and regulations of the Lord. They were old in age and had no children. Though they desired to raise a family they could not because the woman was barren.

It began as an ordinary day for us. I, Zechariah am a Jewish priest and was on duty for the week serving God in the Temple. My wife Elizabeth was at home fulfilling her duties. I loved my job and never took my calling lightly. But little did I know that this ordinary day would be a day that would change my family’s life forever, and literally leave me speechless.

To God it was NO ordinary day, it was a day He would set His plan of love into motion, and He would begin it in the lives of my wife and me. (Can’t you just hear John as his daddy tells this story; you know that he loves hearing it)

As a part of my duty at the Temple I was to enter the sanctuary and burn incense in the Lord’s presence, so as usual I did what was asked of me and entered the sanctuary and began burning the incense. As I was standing there, an angel of the Lord appeared before me. It was bright and beautiful and left me in fear and complete shock. For a moment I thought I had completely lost it and was seeing things. So there I was standing there with my mouth wide open when the angel said, “Zechariah don’t be afraid the Lord has heard you and Elizabeth’s prayers and today your wife will become pregnant and bear you a son, and you are to name him John.” You can only imagine the thoughts going through my head.

Well that is enough for now. I must get going, but please come back tomorrow, I can’t wait to tell you about my son.

Today might be another ordinary day to you, but to God it is an extraordinary day that He can and will use you to share His love with someone who needs it. 

Oh I hope you will come as we continue our journey to Bethlehem. We will meet wonderful people along the way that will bless us and as we travel this journey together I hope you will see the distinct detail, plan, and love of God. 

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

◊

Bibs

◊

Receiving Blankets

◊

Diapers

◊

Wipes

◊

Baby Oil

◊

Baby Lotion

◊

Baby Shampoo

◊

Baby Powder

◊

Baby Onesies, Sleepers, Nightgowns

◊

Diaper Rash Ointment

◊

Socks

◊

Clothing

◊

Baby Caps

◊

Thermometers

◊

Baby Bottle Brushes

◊

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