Sweet as Honey

"Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24

A little honesty for you today, okay A LOT of honesty. I am horrible at telling G the things I love the most about him. 

You might be wondering if this is something that should be done every day and well for me, yes I think it should be, for many reasons too. 

One is because G's love language just happens to be Words of affirmation. This happens to be one of the things I am the worst at. 

So last night as I was spending time with the Lord, He reminded me of why it is so important. 

It's important because I desire the same thing from the Lord. I want to hear words of affirmation from Him. I want to hear all the ways He loves me. 

And for some odd reason it is easier for me to accept it from the Lord than it is from G.

Anyway, what better way to be an encouragement to your husband than by telling Him the things He does well and the reasons you love him.

It will also help you overcome any anger, bitterness, or frustration you have towards him. Jesus likes it when we overcome anger with love. Not that I am angry at G, because I am not, I am just telling you from personal experience when I have been it has helped. 

Jesus likes to call it, counting our blessings.

So brethren, can you share 10 things you love about your spouse? Could you do it for the next 10 days?

Jesus as I shower G with kind words let them fill his soul with sweetness and bring health to his body, just as Your Word says. Amen

A Dedicated Christian

"I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27

A dedicated Christian is...

Disciplined

Faithful

Committed

Consistent

Obedient

How well are we training our bodies, our speech, our thoughts, our attitudes, and our actions to do what they should? Are we training them or are they training us?

The Spirit must become our Personal Trainer if we want to become a dedicated follower of Christ.

Altar Sunday

Could I encourage you this morning to grab the hand of a friend, your spouse, your children, your parents, or whomever and go to the Altar and pray. Pray with them, for them, and over them.

And whatever you do, don't let Satan distract you, discourage you, or put fear, embarrassment, or anything else in your mind, that you miss out on the most amazing opportunity to bless someone you love.

Let's fill the Lord's altar today and flood the throne room.

If I Choose This...

Y'all I love God's Word! I love it. I love it. I love it!

I normally don't do this, okay I very rarely ever do this, but I want to share some questions with you from the Commentary in my Bible that I really like.

You know I am a big "It's your choice" person. God gives us "The Choice" to choose, act, do, think, say, etc. and these questions go so well with helping us make choices.

I think these are GREAT questions for us to ask ourselves on serious, sensitive, and everyday issues.

If I choose one course of action:

1. Does it help my witness for Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)

2. Am I motivated by a desire to help others know Christ? (1 Corinthians 9:23; 10:33)

3. Does it help me do my best? (1 Corinthians 9:25)

4. Is it against a specific command in Scripture and would thus cause me to sin? (1 Corinthians 10:12)

5. Is it the best and most beneficial course of action? (1 Corinthians 10:23, 33)

6. Am I thinking only of myself, or do I truly care about the other person? (1 Corinthians 10:24)

          

7. Am I acting lovingly or selfishly? (1 Corinthians 10:28-31)

8. Does it glorify God? (1 Corinthians 10:31)

9. Will it cause someone else to sin? (1 Corinthians 10:32)

-Aren't those amazing questions for us to ask ourselves?

I wonder how many of us would change our course of action, our speech, our thoughts, our decisions, the places we go, etc. if we asked ourselves these questions first.

Oh, wouldn't it be great to see how much change would be made for His glory?

Let's try it, want to?

Jesus implant these questions and passages within me so that I can base every choice off of Your Word. Amen

Dear Anonymous Writer

I appreciate your honesty. I am so sorry to hear of your horrible experience at First Baptist Carthage. I am completely putting everything out there writing you this letter, but I know of no other way to reach you since I can't reply.

Though I no longer attend First Baptist Carthage and have not for the last several years due to moving, I want you to know that there are some very sweet loving women who do attend church there that would love and welcome you just as they did me and my family when we first visited.

I will not ask who the women were that treated you that way because that does not matter, what matters is that you know that you are loved by the Lord and by me, even though I don't know you.

I know you will disagree, but please know that First Baptist Carthage really is a wonderful Church with a wonderful Church family. The entire Church staff is actually some of our very best friends and I know that any one of them would love to meet and visit with you regarding this matter.

I again am so sorry to hear of your experience and ask that you do not assume that everyone at First Baptist is the way you described those women. I promise there are some of the sweetest most Christ-like people at First Baptist Carthage, and I would love to put you into contact with them if you would like.

Please know that I appreciate your comment and am glad you felt comfortable enough to share.

As for the title of my blog, it is to encourage people who love Jesus to spread His Word from person to person. And as you know how rampant gossip is, why not make the gossip be all about Jesus.

You are loved!

What's the Use?

Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions?" James 2:14

What's the use of saying you have faith if your actions don't prove it? How powerful is this passage?

True faith transforms us into new and different people. Our actions are a reflection of our faith.

Oh geez brethren this one hit me between the eyes.

Are my actions reflecting true faith or a doubting faith?

Are my actions towards others reflecting a true and transformed woman who has complete faith that Jesus indeed died for her, loves her and forgave her?

What's the use of saying I have faith if my actions prove differently?

Jesus test me and know me. Search me and reveal to me the depth of my faith. Transform me so that my actions and speech will reflect a true genuine faith in You. Amen

Am I Able

Am I Able...

To be happy
To be kind
To be loving

Am I able

To be loved
To understand and be understanding
To obey
To be faithful

Am I Able...

To be full of joy
To be fruitful
To give
To serve

Am I Able...

To be patient
To be forgiving
To listen
To be Christ-like

I am NOT able to do any of those without Christ in me.

Do you know what I am able to do on my own?

I am able to be...

Negative
Hurtful
Joyless
Fruitless
Condemning
Judgemental
Self-righteous
Selfish
Greedy
Unforgiving
Short tempered
Bitter
Angry
Worldly
Disobedient

Those we are able to do and probably do more than any of us care to admit.

But Jesus tells us in Ephesians 3:20, "By His mighty power at work within us, HE is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope."

So anytime you begin to wonder if your able, remember Christ in you IS.

Jesus thank You for reminding me that You are able to do more than I could ever imagine. Help me to focus on this daily. Do in me all that is pleasing to You. Forgive me for doing the things that are not of You. Amen

Eye Exam

"Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word." Psalm 119:37

Worthless vision produces a worthless heart. Could that really be true? It is if our eyes see only that which is sinful.

Our eyes play two important roles. They can either fill our heart with sin, or they can fill our heart with life through the Word.

What is it that our eyes are seeing more, the worthless things that lie in the world, or the truth that is found in the Word?

Sometimes, we like the Author need to ask the Lord for an eye exam. How long has it been since we have had one?

I know I am due for one. 

Jesus turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through Your Word. Amen

The Light of Your Path

"Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found." Psalm 119:35

Where are my eyes leading my heart O Lord? 

Where have I wandered?

How far have I gone?

Bring me back to You O Lord

light my path with Your shining Light

Open my eyes to see Your Light 

and lead my heart back to You.

Give me no option

on which path to take

I want only Your path

where happiness lives.

Altar Sunday

Whatever your searching for, may it be found at the altar where Jesus is.

12, 14, 16, 20, 30, 40....

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. “Galatians 5:1

These are the ages of women who are stuck in sex trafficking. Not only do these women live in slavery, but they are put in situations that no woman should ever be in.

Whether they freely volunteered themselves or were forced in, these women are loved and adored by the Lord and they need to know that and hear that.

How can we protect women from entering or being forced into a lifestyle like this?

Would you pray for all these women? Would you pray that they would be delivered and set free from this type of slavery and bondage?

Jesus there are so many women in bondage today. They are hurting, confused, lost, broken, beaten, and feel trapped. They don't know where to turn, who to trust, nor do they know their worth. Jesus use us and show us how we can help end this slavery. We know You are the only one who can deliver these women, so we are asking You Jesus to save these precious girls and women. As only You can, show them who they are in You. Their worth and the love that You have for them. Amen

Someone Who Gets You

"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." Psalm 139:1-6


Do you ever wonder if anyone gets you? Do you wonder if anyone notices the things that make you, you?

Sometimes it can be frustrating when you are completely misunderstood, or maybe not even misunderstood, but just not gotten. Does that even make sense?

We have always heard that our best friends, our family, our spouses, get those small things about us, but what if they don't? What if those small things that mean the world to you go completely unnoticed or ignored?

It could even go as far as to say that maybe they know them but choose to be absent minded of them. Do you know what that can do? It can cause hurt, frustration, brokenness and any and all other emotions that flood your heart.

What do you do in situations like that?

You turn to Jesus. He is the one who gets EVERYTHING about you. He knows what makes you, you. He knows what you like and dislike. He knows your favorite things and even the things you despise. He knows what you love, what your passionate about, and He knows every fear, every doubt, and every thought. He knows where you are every second of your life and He cares about the littlest things just as He cares about the big things.

Oh, mercy does Jesus get you. He gets you and He gets me and the best part is, He loves every single part of us.

There is no one on earth that knows you better or loves you more than Jesus.

Jesus help us to get so wrapped up in Your love that our relationship with You deepens and strengthens. Thank You for getting us, every part of us, quirks and all. Amen

The Highest Price Paid

"You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19

I was bought at a high price. Every part of me belongs to the Lord. He sees me, knows me and has carved apart of Himself in me. 

He bought me at a price higher than I am worth. But to Him it was worth His life.

It's a debt I can never return, but I can live in gratitude and faithfulness because of it. 

Jesus thank You for seeing so much value in me that You paid the highest price, Your life. Amen

Pray For a Cure

Man Leaves Touching Message for Wife before Dying of Cancer from sharethemessage on GodTube.

Faith rather than Performance

"Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on our own good deeds. It is based on our faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law." Romans 3:27-28

There are so many things in this world that are based on our performance. The most obvious are sports and business. Sometimes you can even find performance to be big in marriages, children, siblings, and even among Christians, and Churches.

This need to perform and be the best is a man-made thing. It can be crippling, devastating, and most often disappointing. What does it stem from? There are, I am sure, many answers to that question, but for me, right now those answers are too overwhelming. 

This need to be the best, biggest, richest, prettiest, smartest etc. is more of what the world requires than what Jesus requires.

Could there be more freedom found in the fact that Jesus loves us just the way we are? He loves the relationship and faith we have in and with Him. He does not love us or accept us based on the deeds we do or the way we perform, but on our faith in Him.

The purest form of love is to be loved for who you are, and not for how you perform or what you do.

That love is only found in Jesus.

Just maybe this passage will give us a deeper desire to strengthen and grow in our faith rather than in the way we perform.

Jesus thank You for loving me for who I am and for my faith in You. As I allow these precious thoughts to seep in every pore of my body, I pray it will break down the insecurities and walls that have been built within me. Amen

Who Determines...

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

Right now who is determining your worth, values, and standards?

Is it you, the world, your spouse, or the Lord?

Jesus this is a tough question and one many of us don't want to answer, especially when we look at our lifestyles through Your eyes. Help us to address this and allow the Holy Spirit to determine who we are and our worth. Amen

Altar Sunday

Will your knees find the altar today?

If the Spirit calls, won't you go?

Go to the altar. It might be just what you need to keep your fire burning.

If for no other reason, do it for our Father. Today is His day.

Happy Father's day Jesus. May today and every day from here on out, be all about You. Amen

Forgetting the Past

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25

When the past is placed in front of you and the thoughts flood in, you have a choice.

You can either dig up what Christ has buried, or throw down the shovel and cling to Christ's forgiveness as you move forward to what lies ahead.

What is your choice?

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." Philippians 3:13

Jesus' Choice

 "Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows[a] that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,    he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. Isaiah 53

To Love and Respect

"So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 6:33

Love and respect, the two things that make a marriage work. Jesus made the list so simple.

Could we go as far as to say that love and respect are the two most important things in a marriage?

I think so.

We have taken something so simple and turned it into a long list of this and that.

For women it's a list of 100 things and for men it's a list of, well, 3.

Why such a difference in the lists? Well men need only a few things, respect, live, and well we all known what the third one is.

Women "need" well actually they think they need a gazillion things but in reality, the thing we desire most is the one thing God listed. Love!

If a man loves His wife as Christ loves the church every other need listed will be met.

If a woman respects her husband every need of his will be met.

I know it's easier typed and said, than done right? Oh, how well I know the truth of that.

I also know Jesus made it simple and we make it so difficult.

If Jesus, whom is love is within us then we are able to do the very simplest command given in our marriages. Love and respect.

Could it be that more joy, life, compassion, commitment, and faithfulness could consume our marriages if we practiced love and respect the way Jesus tells us to?

We have "The Choice" to love and respect our spouses.

And though we have been given the choice, Jesus has also given us the command to love and respect. It was not a suggestion.

Jesus we have added to a list of two that You made simple. Help us see how love and respect fulfill every other need we have. Amen

The Choice

"You didn't choose me I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last." John 15:16

I am thinking of changing the name of my blog to "The Choice".

Why? Because the more I study God's Word the more I realize just how much choice Christ has given us, and that He made the first choice. I find "The choice" to be full of many emotions, responsibility, obedience, and faithfulness. I also know that with every choice comes a consequence that is either good or bad.

Take Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Paul, Mary, Moses, etc. They all had "The Choice" to follow Christ, to be obedient, to be faithful, and to live and serve Jesus.

He left the choice up to them and it began in Genesis.

Adam and Eve were told to never eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The choice: Eve listened to the serpent and chose to eat the fruit.

The consequence: their eyes were opeened and sin entered the world. Genesis 3


There are choices all around us, every second of the day. We are never free from the conflict. "The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your CHOICES are never free from this conflict." Galatians 5:17

There is also a reason why God gave us choices.

The most important reason, is because Jesus wants us to choose Him. Not because we are forced too, but because we love Him and want to obey Him. We choose Him because He chose us, died for us, and showers us with tons of mercy and grace.

Christ gives the command we make "The Choice"

Do It For Yourself, God's called You Too

"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God."

People can't do for you what God has called you to do for yourself.

No one can love for you.

No one can be joyful for you.

No one can be content for you.

No one can fight your illness for you.

No one can overcome your addiction for you.

No one can place Jesus in your heart for you.

No one can be kind for you.

No one can be patient for you.

No one can read God's Word and learn it for you.

No one can exercise for you.

No one can heal for you.

No one can attend church and fellowship for you.

No one can tend to your heart for you.

No one can change for you.

And ...

NO ONE CAN CHOOSE LIFE, LOVE, JOY, or JESUS but YOU!

Don't wait or expect someone to do for you, what Christ has called you to do for yourself.

Jesus You created us to do fulfill a purpose, and no one else can fulfill another ones purpose. Help us to take charge and begin doing what You have called us to do. Our strength and ability comes from You, help us to draw from that and find joy in it. Amen

"Do for others what you would like them to do for you." Matthew 7:12

Or do for others because of what Christ has done for you. Yes, it's hard. Especially when it's not reciprocated. But think about it from Jesus' standpoint. He did it even when it wasn't returned.

What does Jesus do for us?

He loves us because He wants that love in return.

He is kind to us because He wants us to be kind.

He is forgiving and wants us to be forgiving.

He is gentle and wants us to be gentle.

He is faithful and wants that faithfulness in return.

He is merciful and compassionate and wants us to be merciful and compassionate in return.

Christ saved us by dying on the Cross. He went above and beyond for us. He showed us real love. What if we started showing and doing for others what Christ did for us?

Are we able to do it? Can we do it?

Well...that is up to each of us. It's our choice!

Altar Sunday

Does the altar have the same impact and meaning on us today that it did in Jesus' day?

What impact has the altar made on your life?

Needed Change that Seems Impossible

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:2

Is there change being made? Change in me, change in others because of Him in me? Is there change for His glory and His good?

OR

Is there no change, or change that is against Him?

What do you do when you feel like change has become stagnant?

I want Him and His Word to constantly be changing me, clear up to the day I reach Glory.

Is my heart indeed changing? So often I feel as though it has changed in the opposite direction.

It becomes a rut, an overwhelmingly thick muddy rut.

In that rut I see the things He desires me to change, yet it seems impossible to do so. It seems as though all I am able to do is see the needed changes, yet when I try nothing happens, because I look down and realize how stuck I am.

I could share some of these needed changes, but I am not there yet.

Lately is seems as though I have come to live with the fact that I will just be in a rut. But I know God speaks to me differently. Freedom is mine through Him. It's just the accepting and living in that freedom that I somehow can't get to.

Jesus lift me out of this rut and set my feet high upon the Rock. Amen

A Confident Heart

"My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises." Psalm 57:7

Is my heart truly confident in the Lord? Oh, this verse has brought lots of emotions with it.

Does my everyday life reflect a heart that is confident in the Lord?

Jesus fill my heart with such confidence that praise overflows. Amen

Doing the Opposite

"He will never judge by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay." Isaiah 11:3

I can't get over this verse. As I seek to know more about Jesus I realize how much I want to be like Him, yet come up short everytime. Thank goodness He makes up the difference.


These are qualities I fail to posses, I think alot of us do. We are so quick to judge by appearance. I mean think of how many times you assumed something of someone based on appearance alone.

We spend hours and hours and lots of money trying to work on our own appearance. It's sad!

Let's not fail to mention how often we falsely accuse one another based on false or in accurate evidence, plus extremely poor hearsay.

We are quick to listen to gossip and assume something instead of finding the facts from both sides first.

If I am seeking to know Christ I am seeking to be like Christ and that means less judging by appearance, less believing in hearsay, and no more believing false evidence.

Would it be safe to say we do the complete opposite of what Jesus does?

Jesus shape and mold me to be more like You. Let me see what You see. Amen

Day 20-The Beatitudes

"God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 


God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 


God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 


God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."


Matthew 5:7-10


Learn from them and be wise, brethren. I hope God's Word has impacted you over these 20 days. If so PLEASE share how you have been impacted. I would LOVE to hear!

Day 19-The Beatitudes

"God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them." Matthew 5:5


"God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full." Matthew 5:6


Can I tell you brethren how hard it has been to not spill my guts about all God is speaking to me through these verses. But I will remain obedient to His instruction and finish up our 20 days of memorizing with only His Word.

God has a lot to say, I hope you are listening.

Day 18-The Beatitudes-Godly Living is found in these

"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs." Matthew 5:3


"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4


Though the first of 8, they ALL must be taken as a whole. We can't merely pick one or two and ignore the other's.

Describing a Relationship

"I know the greatness of the Lord-that our Lord is greater than other god." Psalm 135:5


When was the last time someone came up to you and asked you what a relationship with Jesus was like?

If never, how about now? I am asking you today. What is a relationship with Jesus like?

Would you describe yours?

You should ask someone, it's a great way to start talking about Jesus. Besides, you never know what impact it might make.

Day 17-A Verse to Live By

"Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him." Deuteronomy 13:4

Altar Sunday

When you approach the altar and need more than just visitation time. I don't know about you, but today I need a complete cleansing of my heart. I need Jesus to do some major demolition within me.

Jesus do what only You can do. Clean out my heart and fill it up with more of You. Please don't let me walk away the same. Change me to be more like You, loving and kind, patient and gentle. Faithful and trustworthy. Remove all of me so You can be seen. I know it will hurt, but i want less of me and more of You. Chisel away! Amen

Day 16

"Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil. Proverbs 16:6


Love does cover a multitude of sin.

Missed and Loved

There are so many of you that we love dearly and are so precious to us. We have been blessed to meet so many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ and though we have become distant, only by miles, we want you to know you are adored and loved by us.

We miss you terribly. We pray for you often. We wish we could take the time to call each one of you and visit. More than that, we wish we could come see each of you and squeeze your necks. We can relate to Paul. He had a longing in his heart to return to see so many of his brothers and sisters, and so do we.

There are pieces of G's heart and my heart, that have been left with each of you. It brings us great joy to know that though in this lifetime, being together might come far and few between, we know in heaven we will be with you forever.

We long for that day when we can rejoice with you at the feet of Jesus.

But in the meantime, in this day alone, know that you are immensely loved by all of us, Dax and Avery included.

You are adored by us but more so by the King of Kings.

Loving You through Him,

Garrett, Kristi, Avery and Dax

Day 15-Kindness or Cruelty

"Your own soul is nourished when you are kind but you destroy yourself when you are cruel." Proverbs 11:17


Maybe we should spend two days memorizing this passage.

Day 14-The Proper Clothing

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."  Colossians 3:12

Day 13- Three Things That Last Forever

"Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love- and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Day 12-A Committed Love

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:7

Day 11

Love...

"It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out." 1 Corinthians 13:6

Without love...

we have nothing

Day 10

"It does not demand its own way. it is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged." 1 Corinthians 13:5

Jesus help me to love as You love, at all times. Amen

Altar Sunday

As you approach the altar today, may the Lord fill you with an enourmous amount of His love. For then as you leave the presence of the Lord His love will radiate off of you.

Day 9- To Be an Expression of Love

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude." 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Love is Patient

"Love is patient and kind." 1 Corinthians 13:4

I just have to ask. How is storing God's Word going?

Are you noticing a difference? Is it becoming addictive? Do you look forward to reading God's Word?

I hope by the end of these 20 days you will keep on going.

I also wanted to share one more thing with you.

Yesterday Dax and I were headed back to the clinic from Chick-fil-a and he was "dying" for his fruit. So I handed him some and he ate it, but then he wanted more. I told him he was going to have to wait until we got back to the clinic and then he could have his food. Well of course Daxie didn't like to hear that so he fussed for a little bit. So I said, "Dax you are going to have to be patient, just like mommy, daddy and nana are being patient.

And Dax responded, "Well mommy I don't have patience."

"Well you need to call Jesus and ask Him for some." I responded.

And to that Dax says, "Well mommy I can't do that, I can't have patience because patience makes my heart hurt."

Sometimes being patient is hard, and can even make our hearts hurt, but possessing patience is a wonderful virtue and characteristic of Christ.

Jesus thank You for Dax. Thank You for teaching us the importance of Your Word and the importance of being patient. Amen

Day 8-Fruit or Nothing?

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Day 7

"Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people." Philippians 2:14-15

Day 6-Less and Less

"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." John 3:30

As I came across this verse to memorize, I realized that if I want God's Word to be our main focus then I need to allow God's Word to be the main focus.

In order for that to happen, my words written need to become less and less so God's Word can become the only words.

So for the next 19 days God's Word will be the only thing typed, thus allowing His Word to grow more and more within us.

Jesus take Your Word and implant it within us. May it's roots grow deep down in the depths of our hearts. Help us as we memorize, store, and apply Your Word. May it become habit forming. Amen

Beyond My Comprehension- Day 5

"Dont get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil." Proverbs 4:27

I can't think and I can't breathe due to all the smoke that fills the air. My eyes have seen things I never want to see again. My ears have heard things I never want to hear again. My heart has broke in a million pieces. And I have learned a huge lesson.

I have to pray more for the lost.

I have come to Sodom and Gomorrah and I wish never to return. As I leave I will not look back, but I will pray. I will pray Christ will become known in this City.

I will pray more for the lost in my own city.

Sin surrounds us and though it might not be as known, it is here.

Honestly brethren I am in shock. I feel like I am having a nightmare. I am sad, broken and shocked.

Especially today! Today I watched a man throw away a Bible!

Sigh...

I can't even begin to imagine how Jesus feels every time we sin. I can't imagine the saddness He feels when we reject Him.

Please pray for those in the ministry here in Las Vegas. Pray God will strengthen them, protect them, and use them to save at least one person from perishing.

Today we heard a girl use extreme profanity as she stated how hot it was here. Right after that my mom said, "She thinks it's hot here, hell is a lot hotter."

Brethren, we cannot get caught up in the desires of this life. We must be careful and on guard at all times.

We must be in constant preparation for Christ's coming.

I don't know about you, but I don't want Christ to return and find me living or partaking in sin. Goodness I don't want Christ to return and find me here.

Though He already knows I am here, and is using me and teaching me while I am here. I still want and can't get out of here fast enough.

Jesus what is there to say. There are no words to describe the saddness, brokeness and devastation that fills my heart for the people here.

Jesus help them, save them. Open there eyes to see the path of destruction they are on. Open all of our eyes to see how big the need is for the lost. You know I can't comprehend this lifestyle. It's hard enough comprehending those who voluntarily live in sin and then sit in church on Sunday. It's even harder to know I fail You. Oh Jesus when I asked You to break my heart for what breaks Yours I never knew how broken it would be.

Day 4

"Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body and spirit. And let us work toward complete purity because we fear God." 2 Corinthians 7:1

Here I am in Las Vegas and all I have been thinking for two days now is, "What would Jesus do if He were here in flesh?"

Would He turn over tables, what would He do?

As I walk through our hotel, hundreds of people surround me. And I become overwhelmed with saddness. If you have ever been to the Bellagio, you know that the Casino is right in the middle of it, So in order to get to your room, you have to walk right through the Casino.

This evening as we were walking back to our room from our Banquet I couldn't help but to be overwhelmed with the thought that though I know Jesus is Lord of my life and lover of my soul, no one else walking by me knows that.

Is there a way that just by appearance alone people could see Jesus in me? Oh, how I hope His light in me is brighter than the lights in this city.

As I see so many people engrossed in their gambling and alcohol I get a sick sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. What if Jesus came right now? How many of these people know Jesus? How many of these people will be in heaven? How many of these people will be in hell?

Do they care?

Could this place be similar to Sodom and Gomorrah?

It's nickname is Sin City. I see why, I hear why!

It's overwhelming to me. This place, this type of atmosphere.

Jesus if I exist for no other reason, may I exist to please You, share You and reflect You in such a way someone will come to know You in a personal way. Amen

Altar Sunday

As you make your way to the altar pray for someone who is lost. It might just save their life.

Day 3

"But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations." Exodus 20:6

Let these amazing words penetrate to the very core of your heart. Repeat them over and over until they have become apart of you. Let Jesus lavish you with His love.

Jesus thank You for lavishing us who love You with the most amazing love there is. Amen

Day 2

"Don't lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning." Proverbs 4:21-22


Yesterday our verse to memorize was Proverbs 3:1-2, "Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life."


Today Jesus continues to show us why it is important to memorize and store His Word. First of all He starts the passage off with a command. Don't lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart.


Then He reminds us again the benefit that comes from storing His Word. For they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning.


Brethren, everyday we go without reading the Word of God, we begin losing sight of His Words. Secondly how can we ever allow His words to penetrate deep within our hearts, if we aren't storing it by memorizing it?

Thirdly, how can we discover their meaning if we don't spend time studying His Word. Yes, I believe it requires more than 5 to 10 minutes in the Word.

Don't lose sight of His Words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart so you can receive life and radiant health.

Jesus we long for the life and health Your Word offers. As we store Your Word open our eyes to discover Your wonderful truths. Amen

Day 1

"Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life." Proverbs 3:1-2

I thought this was a great verse to begin our 20 day challenge with.

Whatever you have to do to store it...DO IT! If it helps to write it out, write it out. If it helps to put sticky notes up everywhere, put sticky notes everywhere. Whatever it takes, let this be the one thing you care the most about.

I like this verse. I think the Lord makes Himself pretty clear on why it's important to store His commands in our hearts.

Because they will give us a long and satisfying life! And who could offer us a better life than Christ?

Jesus help us store Your commands in our hearts. Keep this passage in front of us all day. Don't let it escape our thoughts. Amen

The 20 Day Challenge

"I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your principles and not forget your word." Psalm 119:15-16

If we really do memorize what we care about, then why not spend the next 20 days memorizing God's Word?

Now in order to do this, you have to count the cost.

It is going to take;

Discipline

Faithfulness

Consistency/Commitment

Obedience

Desire and

Time

Once you have counted the cost, it's time to make a decision.

Are you ready to make Jesus the most important thing you care about?

Then lets put our words, "We care about Jesus" into action.

Let's spend the next 20 days memorizing and storing God's Word in our hearts.

Jesus help us over these next 20 days memorize Your Word.  Amen

You Memorize...

"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

Sunday our Pastor made a comment, "You memorize what you care about."

I have played that over and over in my mind every day since then. Could it be that God is farther down the list than we realize?

We memorize what we care about!

If we care about God we will memorize His Word. We will hide His Word in our hearts.

Could you just let that sink in a little bit? Maybe, just maybe, we will begin to see where God really is in our lives.

Jesus we so often say that we care about You, yet when we examine all that we have memorized, we find out that our statement is not as true as we thought. Jesus keep us from fooling ourselves and others. Reveal to us the things we really care about. Amen

NO EXCUSE

How can you look up and see such beauty, and still deny that God exists?

How can you hear the rolling thunder, and still deny that God exists

How can you see the beauty of God's craftsmanship, and still deny that He exists?

God EXISTS!

For who, other than God, can create such beauty?

No other

God

Can display such beauty, power, love, or demand such attention.

There is no other god greater than the God of Heaven and Earth. 

There is NO excuse!

"For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse what-soever for not knowing God."  Romans 1:19-20

Altar Sunday

For no other reason, go to the altar and pray for your mom. Prayer is a great gift, especially for a mom.

Thank You Jesus for Moms

Thank You Jesus for my mom

Thank You Jesus that she instilled a love for You in me

Thank You Jesus for her health, her love, her joy, her hugs, her smile, her comfort.

Thank You Jesus that she is a child of You

Thank You Jesus that she impacts so many lives everyday

Thank You Jesus for choosing her to be my mom

I am blessed, I am blessed.

Amen

Encouraged by the Word

"I weep with grief; encourage me by your word." Psalm 119:28

I have no idea the hurt that you have endured. I have no idea the suffering you have gone through. I have no idea the sorrow and brokenness that fills your heart.

BUT 

I do know that God's Word will encourage you, lift you up, strengthen you, and comfort you.

Open it up and let it fall all over you.

Jesus encourage the broken with Your Word. Thank You for the healing that Your Word offers. Amen

The Time Has Come

"Don't you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don't qualify as citizens in God's kingdom. A number of you know from experience what I'm talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you've been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

The time has come for us, as followers of Christ to take a stand for Jesus.

As many, if not all of you know, our President announced his approval of same-sex marriage. 

As devastating as this news was and is, it should move us to our feet. It should open our eyes and prick our hearts. It should teach us that we cannot be passive, quiet, or complacent in our faith anymore. 

Jesus has called us, brethren, you and me, to spread His name, share His Word and to stand up for Him, just as He did for you and me when He went to the cross and took our sin upon Himself. And somehow, I feel as though we are not doing our part.

If there was ever a time to hit our knees, now is that time.

The time has come for us to rise up as ONE body, strap on the armor of Christ and stand up for our faith in Jesus Christ. Now is the time we STOP blending in. Now is the time to STAND out!

This saddens me, brethren. It saddens me a great deal. Even though Christ knew this day was coming, I still believe it devastated Him. 

Let this break our hearts to the point it moves us to FIGHT for Jesus and His Word.

Satan is on the rise and he will not back down until Christ returns.

"Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin." Leviticus 18:22

Jesus we lift up our nation and our nation's leaders to You. Father, they have made choices that go against Your Word. Forgive them; forgive us for not standing up for what is right, faithful and true. Move us to our feet, move us closer to You. May we as Your Body, join together as ONE, for in that bond there will be strength and faith that can move a mountain. All because of Your blood. Amen

When Your Ready to Reflect Christ

"You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16

Do you know when your ready to start reflecting Christ? 

When you are ready to be changed. 

Do You Get It?

Dax lays down on the floor, his arms stretched out, and out of nowhere looks at me and says, "Mommy is this how Jesus died?"

"Yes it is." I replied

"Did it hurt Him mommy?"

"Yes baby it did" I responded

"Did it hurt real bad?" He asked

"Yes it hurt really bad."

"Mommy I know why He did it."

"Why?" I asked

"For my sins." Dax replied

He's THREE and he gets it, he knows.

Do you?

What's Your Priority?

"Commit everything you do to the LORD." Psalm 37:5

How do we make Christ and others become our priority? How do we stop focusing only on ourselves and those in our circle? 

There are so many hurting, broken and lost people all around us that we can miss out on the opportunity to serve them, encourage them, love them, and share Jesus with them.

We have so many things that we make priority, Christ needs to be the first one on the list. 

How do you make spending time in the Word and prayer a priority in your life? 

Jesus show us all the priorities that are displeasing to You. Reveal to us where You are on our list so we can make You first. Stay fresh on our minds and convict us when we place You anywhere other than first. In Jesus name, Amen

Accept His Love

"See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are!" 1 John 3:1


Brethren, you are so loved. I love you, I love you! Jesus loves you! He loves you so much. Jesus loves you just as you are. He designed you very specifically and that design is pleasing to Him. Don't try to change into someone or something God did not intend for you to.

We often try to become someone or something because someone told us to. We are only to be the way Jesus wants us to be.

Where are you right now? Are you bogged down with sin? Are you trying to figure out who you are? Are you trying to figure out what you are suppose to do, your purpose?

Turn your eyes to Jesus, He will take you in just as you are. He will remove the layers and influence of the world and show you exactly who you are in Him and that living is to be lived for Him.

No one has a greater love for you than Jesus.

Jesus thank You for loving us. Amen

Altar Sunday

Come just as you are

Come and see

Come and believe.

Come just as you are

Come and lay them down

Each and everyone

He will forgive

Bring them 

Bring you, just as you are

You are loved

You are His

He loves you just as you are

Come and see.

Come to the altar and He will open your eyes to see

that just as you are is exactly how He wants you to be

Whether broken or ashamed

suffering, or hurting

angry or infested in sin

Come to the altar 

and there He will be.

Exposed or Surrounded?

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." Proverbs 4:23

Imagine your heart two ways.

One, completely exposed

Two, completely surrounded

Heart in number one is exposed to all the things of this world and because of that exposure its actions, speech, and thoughts are vulnerable and easily swayed. It is easily hurt, played with, and can even be damaged, torn, and broken.

Heart number two is surrounded by God's Word and because of that exposure, it's actions, speech and thoughts are Jesus led, loving, kind, gentle, and faithful. God's Word becomes a barrier that surrounds the heart. That barrier protects the heart from the influence of the world. 

What surrounds your heart? Is it being protected daily by the Word of God or is it exposed and vulnerable?

Jesus keep our hearts from the exposure of the world. As we study Your Word, surround it, layer it, fill it, and protect it. Amen

Unable to Leave the Throne Room

"By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place." Hebrews 10:20

There is the unexplained desire to cry out for those who are hurting today. To run as quick as I can to the Throne Room and beg Jesus to heal them, help them, deliver them, save them. 

There are lists of those precious people who today need more than just me running to the Throne Room for them; they need all of us, every single brother and sister in Christ.

The Parker's- As they now wait for Jesus to take Bubba home. I know that this time for them has to be so hard, (Even though Bubba has SO much peace) so I plead for Jesus to wrap them up in His arms and literally carry them through this, every step of the way.  

Mark and Dana Miller-The Cancer has now spread to her lungs. This news today devastated me, because my heartaches for her, for them. And I want nothing more than to beg for Jesus' healing to fall all over her. Yet I know Jesus' plan for her life is far better, so I sit weeping at His feet for her, but trusting and praising Him for loving her and being with her.

The couple whose marriage is crumbling- 

Dr. Brogan and family- Their son was recently in a motorcycle wreck and is now in a coma. And all while this was going on, he was saving my dad's life. We are indebted to this man, who though hurting greatly, still found strength to come and heal my daddy's heart. I cry out with tears of joy yet sorrow, pleading for Jesus to bless his family and heal their son, because he has blessed and healed so many of our families. 

The Hall Family- This is a sweet family, whose little girl was diagnosed with HLH at 6 weeks old and has been enduring Chemo ever since then. I cry out for healing for Kinley. The tears fall as I sit at His feet asking for their little girl to be healed. Yet, I rejoice because He graciously reveals to me His hand that has been upon her, healing her and meeting her needs every day.

Ty Cooley- This sweet little boy just lost four of his family members in the tornado in Oklahoma, and has been recovering in ICU. I believe he is now out of ICU here in Lubbock and is continuing to heal closer to home. Oh, merciful Lord be with him as he begins to hear the news of all that has happened. Be with his mommy as she has had to bury all four, all while staying by Ty's side. Jesus may she find strength in You. I have no words of the devastation that floods my heart for this family. I know death is inevitable, but I can't imagine the reality of losing four. All I can do is grab hold of Jesus' feet and weep. 

The Lost- This is the greatest devastation and brokenness that fills my heart. I can't breathe at the thought of one person going to hell, especially if it is because we wasted opportunity in sharing Jesus with them. I understand those who right out refuse Jesus, and though they do, it stills saddens me greatly that they would reject "life." I honestly can't fathom ever leaving the Throne Room for the lost. 

Honestly I am not sure we should EVER leave the Throne Room. There is just too great of needs, and Christ is the ONLY one who can heal, help, protect, comfort, restore, forgive, and save.

Brethren, would you enter the Throne Room with me?

Light and Joy

"The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the sinners light is snuffed out." Proverbs 13:9

Do you ever have days, weeks, or months when you feel as though you have no joy?

Do you ever wonder how bright the "light" in you really is?

We all have times when frustration, stress, sadness, sin and overwhelming busyness bring us down emotionally and physically.

But we need to be reminded that the life of the godly is full of light and joy. We can either rise above the stress of this life or be full of joy, or we can let the sin and world snuff out our light. 

It's our choice!

Jesus we choose the godly life that is full of light and joy. We are accepting every ounce of joy You give us and we ask that You make our light so bright it becomes blinding. Amen

Praying and Rejoicing for a Very Special Family

 Brethren I have a very special friend whom I love so very much. I have spoken of her on here before. She is a second mama to Dax, whom he loves to pieces (as he reminds me daily) and misses SO much. 

Her family needs all the prayers you can offer on their behalf. They need you to spread this prayer request far and wide. 

Her precious husband has heard the Lord calling him home, and he is ready. He is ready to go be with the Lord and receive the new body that is awaiting him. He has battled heart conditions for some time and especially over this last month in the hospital. 

So, as the decisions have now been made, and as he has spent the last several days spreading Jesus to every family member, nurse, doctor, and stranger that walks by, he now waits for Jesus to welcome him home.

Pray that it will be quickly. Pray there will be no suffering, pray it will be peaceful. Pray for his precious family as they sit by his side soaking up every last second with him they can. 

Pray for strength. And then...REJOICE! Rejoice for him, for soon he will be sitting at the feet of Jesus, the place we all desire to be. 

"Our bodies now disappointment us, but when they are raised, they will be full of glory. They are weak now, but when they are raised, they will be full of power. They are natural human bodies now, but when they are raised, they will be spiritual bodies." 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

You my precious brother in Christ are entering a place I long to be. I rejoice with you and praise our Heavenly Father, for very soon sweet Bubba you will be full of glory and power. Your body will no longer hurt nor will there be a struggle ever again. You are healed in Christ Jesus! 

We love you so very much!

Do It Because It's His Will For You Who Belong to Christ Jesus

"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

This very important thing Jesus has called us to do is something that needs to be done more. Prayer! Prayer for our brothers and sisters, prayer for our nation, prayer for a cities, prayer for the lost, prayer for the missionaries, prayer for the widows and homeless, prayer for the orphans, and prayer for the battered and abused men and women. 

Prayer for the addicted, prayer for the confused, prayer for the weary, prayer for those who are mourning, prayer for the suffering, and prayer for our Pastors and Church. 

And not just prayer for the things above, but prayers of praise, joy, thankfulness, love and adoration. Pray prayers of praise because Jesus is alive and He loves each of us. 

Let's start praying more; more for others rather than ourselves alone and prayers of praise and thankfulness. It does a body good...really!

The Only Thing You Want To Do

When this life has become so crazy, all you want to do is crawl up in Jesus' lap, put your head on his chest, listen to NOTHING but the beat of His heart, and feel His warmth as He wraps His arms around you.

"How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 36:7

Altar Sunday

As you kneel at the altar, may you relinquish control, lay down any pride, remove yourself, cast aside your fears, confess your sins, claim His healing and power, and praise His name.

The Key to Your Life

"You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life." Deuteronomy 30:20


Choose the Lord

Love the Lord

Obey the Lord

Commit to the Lord

At All Times We Will Shout with Joy!

"Shout with joy to the LORD, all the 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 praise his name. For the LORD is good.

His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." Psalm 100

Jesus today we praise Your Holy Name! For You have been so faithful and gracious to our family during this time. May every word of this praise be pleasing to You as we shout with joy for what You have done. Thank You Father for making Your presence known, and for Your hand of protection and healing that You revealed to us during these last two days. You are worthy of all the praise, and not just today but at all times. Thank You Jesus, amen