Altar Sunday

Today I come to the altar for him.

When Your Name is Mentioned

When people hear or mention your name, does Jesus immediately pop into their heads? Isn't that what reflecting Jesus is all about?

You being put aside and Jesus being seen and thought of?

The Golden Rule

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

 I think the greatest place to start is by seeking the Lord and asking Him to reveal to you how exactly you want to be treated.

This might sound crazy but the truth is we have fallen far away from this Golden Rule.

All throughout Scripture we see how the Lord treats us and He did it knowing that it might not ever be reciprocated.

After you have sought the Lord's counsel then I say make a list. List out 10 ways or things you would like others to do for you or how you want them to treat you and then you begin to do it for them first.

I think it is wise to go into this knowing that it's not about you getting something in return, but that you are returning the same love Christ has given and shown you.

I think we could all apply this Golden rule a little more than we do.

Jesus cleanse me from self, so that I can offer all of me to loving and serving others the way You have taught me to, with selflessness and mercy. You have done the most amazing things for me and I want to pour that out onto others. Forgive me for failing to obey You in this area. Amen

The Two Women that Fulfill this Verse

"Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God." Titus 2:3-5

There are two women in my life who have taken me under their wings and teach me daily what a godly woman looks like.

They fulfill every part of this Scripture. They are rare and very special.

My mom and Sue Gee!

I learn from them daily and soak up every ounce of wisdom that the Lord pours out of them.

They are some of the greatest blessings! I value their opinion and I know, when they say they will pray for me, that they will truly pray for me. They don't just talk it they walk it and you can see it in every part of their lives.

I need them in my life! I want to sit and learn from them. I love to see how God has worked in their lives. I love and desire to have a home and family that is as blessed as theirs is because of their faithfulness to Christ.

They are beyond beautiful on the inside. Jesus I. Them shines so bright you can't help but to be drawn to Him.

They are humble, gracious, merciful, loving, wise, and two of the most precious jewels in my life.

It is my prayer for you, that God will bring a truly godly woman into your life to teach you His ways, His truths, His love. So that one day you can fulfill this passage and bless another woman. Ladies we need these women!

Jesus I know the importance of having godly women in my life and I am so blessed to have these two amazing women in mine. Bless them Father as they daily seek to serve and honor You. Thank You that they daily give of themselves to teach women the importance of Your Word and love. Jesus help me to live this passage out! I want to do the same thing for other women that these two did and do for me daily. Amen

At What Point?

"Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe." Colossians 2:8-10

At what point did we start allowing the world to control our thoughts rather than God's Word?

We have to bring Christ and His Word back to the forefront of our minds and control us. Otherwise we will be led astray by the lies of Satan.

Jesus this is so much easier said than done. Please take control of our every thought and hold it captive, examining it with Your Word. If any thought is found to be opposite of what Your Word says, give us the strength, discipline, and self-control to remove it.  So many times we don't even think before we act and in return we express ugliness through our speech and attitude. Father give us the ability to push our feelings and emotions aside and allow the truth of Your Word and the power of the Holy Spirit to take over and be in control. Remove us from the thrones we have placed ourselves on. Amen

Do You Get Bogged Down...

Do you get bogged down by the problems, frustrations, sin, and failures in your life?

If so take heart, "For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:4-5

Christ will help us bear the load.

It's My Choice

"It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord, even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." 1 John 3:19-20


I can spend my day focusing inward on myself, my wants, or my failures OR I can get up, put my focus on Christ and others and take action doing what pleases the Lord.

It's my choice.

Altar Sunday

Today you can find me at the altar, praying for you. Nothing in general, just everything specific, just as the Holy Spirit would have it.

My Heart's Daily Desire

"Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me the purity of heart, so that I may honor you." Psalm 86:11

Jesus let this verse become my hearts daily desire. Amen

Acknowledge His Goodness

"I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name." Psalm 138:2

The more we focus on Christ's goodness the more we allow change to take place within us. It's a good change, a needed change. It takes our focus off of our problems, the negative, our doubts, fears, and shines light on His faithfulness, love, mercy, forgiveness, and kindness.

The more we do it, the more joy we will have. The more love we will have, the more we will be grateful for the things He has given us. The more content we will become. And the more we will experience healing and hope.

Jesus thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for all You do every second of every day. Amen

Christians and Social Media-Ryan Burchett

Ryan Burchett has so graciously blessed us with many devotionals on Godly Gossip and now he has his own.

His devo yesterday was amazing and he was so sweet to share.  Please check it out.

http://alongthewaywiththeryno.blogspot.com/

Expressing the Faith We Claim To Believe

“Dear brothers and sisters, what’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone.” James 2:14

Jesus I don’t want to only have mere words that speak of faith, yet never show it. It is easier to read and speak of faith, but to actually live it out…

That is real, genuine faith. It requires a heart that has been transformed by the blood of Christ and the filling of the Holy Spirit, which will then express a real transformation.

It is no longer the same as it used to be.

If we are going to claim to believe it with words, then we must express with our actions.

Please Be Praying For This Event and If You Feel Led, Please Donate

If you feel led, please donate!

Jesus we ask that You continue to go above and beyond and do great and mighty things at this event for Mark and Dana. May all the money raised bless You first and foremost and in return bless them. Thank You for Your goodness, love, and comfort. Amen

Oh Mercy

"So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33 

Since G stepped out of football, we have spent more time together in the last 8 months than we have in the last 9 years.

This has been great, yet hard at the same time. We are learning a lot of new things about one another. 

And the Lord is teaching me a thing or two as well. The biggest is treating G with respect and building him up with words of affirmation, which just happens to be his love language. 

I am horrible at this! I will admit it! 

So seeking God’s help in this, I want to hit on a few verses that God has brought up from the store well of my heart. 

“In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands, even those who refuse to accept the Good News. Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words. They will be won over by watching your pure, godly behavior.” 1 Peter 3:1-2 

          -  G is a believer and lover of Christ and I am so thankful. So in that I must listen to him and respect his decisions for our family in all Spiritual matters. In doing so I can than also share my heart with him and know it will be received. 

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

            -Seek peace, no matter how heated the conversation might become.  I need to learn to hold my tongue, take a few minutes, let the Lord calm my heart, and then reply.  

“A wise woman builds her house; a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.” Proverbs 14:1

                I want a home built on Christ, not bitterness, frustration, stress, etc. This is up to me; I need to be active, obedient, and mindful of my home.

“A worthy wife is her husband’s joy and crown; a shameful wife saps his strength.” Proverbs 12:4

                -I can tell very quickly when I am zapping G’s strength. His entire body expresses it.

“Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” Proverbs 17:14

                -Is this worth making a big deal about? Don’t speak of something that will cause a fight. Take it the Lord first Kristi.

“It is better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a contentious wife in a lovely home.” Proverbs 21:9

                -This speaks for itself. Bless his heart!

“It is better to live alone in the desert than with a crabby, complaining wife.” Proverbs 21:19

                -Oh mercy help us Jesus. Baby thanks for not packing your bags.

I am beginning to see that how I treat G is how I treat the Lord; if I am ugly and hurtful, complaining and negative, disrespectful and lack love and mercy towards G, I also am treating Jesus the same way. And that just plain hurts!

Oh, mercy Father help me have more respect for You first, which will lead to more respect and love for G. I need Your help; I can’t overcome this on my own. Thank You for Your mercy and love for me at all times. Even when I don’t deserve it You give it anyway. Help me to be mindful of this, and show G the same love and mercy I am shown. This has been years of doing, years of hurtfulness that I can’t take back. Forgive Father I want to be a loving and respectful wife. Keep me accountable to this Father. Amen

 

Altar Sunday

Today I come to the altar for the lost. For the family member who is lost and confused, whose time is becoming shorter by the day.

Today I come to the altar for the women enslaved by sex trafficking, abuse, abandonment, addiction, and brokenness.

Today I come to the altar for those battling cancer.

Today I come to the one who can take care of it all.

Where?

When life gets hectic, stressful, overwhelming, frustrating, scary, sad, etc.where do you go to find peace?

Was Jesus your first answer?

It's What He Wants

"No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Jesus as we focus on Your Word let it penetrate to the depths of our hearts cleansing as it passes by every dirty and sinful area. 

May it renew us and bring us to action. Action that expresses our time spent with You and the love that overflows from within.

The truth is Jesus, we need You. We need Your help on a daily basis. We often try to make our own requirements all to come up short and frustrated. Only You know what is best and pleasing to You. 

Show us Your ways and soften the stubbornness of our hearts so we can fulfill Your requirement and live lives that do good, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. Amen

May today be the day...

"In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, know is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."  2 Corinthians 6:2

I could tell by her voice on the other end of the phone that she was worried. Worried about him, his health, his soul.

She asked, "Kristi do you think he knows? I just don't know if he knows. Do you?"

Her concern has been my concern for sometime. So what do you do when he chooses to not listen, when he changes the subject?

You trust Jesus more, you pray more, and you continue to talk, even if he doesn't want to. Because at this point minutes even hours are valuable for him.

But Jesus, He knows, and He is waiting.

Brethren our family time is valuable and we need to be doing what God has called us to do to ensure that all of our family knows Jesus.

I believe that the Lord will soften his heart and that he will be open and receptive. I believe this, because Jesus loves us and wants us to come to know Him. He wants to give us everlasting life, full of joy and peace that goes way beyond the world's definition.

Our lives are like a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow. Salvation is not something we should put off. Today is the day. It's life or death and there is no way around it.

Heaven or Hell, those are the options.

For me, I refuse to stay silent. I choose to speak about Jesus whether the timing is right or not, because hell is just not a place I want any of my family to be. "Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2  I do believe and know God will prompt us at the exact times, so we need to be ready.

Jesus you know our families need. You know the situation at hand, the health and the time remaining. Open his heart to hear from You, to receive You, to know You and to soon be with You. Ultimately it is his choice, and You already know the outcome. I trust You and know that You are always at work. Be with her Father as she continues to share Your love with him. May today be the day, his heart becomes Yours. Amen

Hard Work is a Requirement

"Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others." Psalm 34:14

When I read this passage I am reminded that to have peace and live in peace I must work hard at creating peace.

Peace does not come effortlessly. It requires work, humility, and selflessness.

Jesus teach me how to be a peacemaker. You set the perfect example for us and I want to follow in Your footsteps. Amen

The Two Places It Should be Found

"And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness." James 3:18

I believe there are two places peace should be found most, is in our homes with our spouses and children and in our Churches.

In order for this to happen we must each take responsibility and do our parts to create peace.

Jesus I want to be a peacemaker. Teach me and show me how I can do better for You. Amen

Do You Have It?

"I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give you isn't like the peace the world gives." John 14:27

Are you a peacemaker or do you stir things up? God is teaching me a lot about peace. When we have true peace within, we will also express peace. We will have to work hard at it, because we are constantly at war.

It is so easy to give into our feelings and frustrations, but we can't. We have to follow Christ's example.

I am working on this one brethren.

Altar Sunday

"When you drive out the nations that live there, you must destroy all the places where they worship their gods-high on the mountains, up on the hills, and under every green tree. Break down their altars and smash their sacred pillars. Burn their Asherah poles and cut down their carved idols. Erase the names of their gods from those places!" Deuteronomy 12:2-3

Jesus as we come to Your altar reveal to us any other altars we have created that pull our hearts away from You. Amen

Always the Same

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8

No matter how much our lives change. Jesus is always the same! 

The Search Is Over

"From there you will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him." Deuteronomy 4:29

We don't have to keep searching. We can stop. We can stop searching for true love. We can stop searching for the next best and newest thing.

We can stop searching for the best job, the best relationship, the best life-changing experience.

We can stop searching for the religion that fits us, the church that fits "our" standards.

We can stop searching for happiness and any and everything that will feed into our feelings.

Jesus is here. Jesus is alive. Jesus is real. Jesus is the Great I Am. Jesus is true love. Jesus is the next and newest thing. Serving Jesus is the best job. Jesus is the best relationship to have and be in. Jesus is life changing. Jesus is the One and Only. Jesus is the Church. With Jesus, there is no greater feeling.

Jesus re-direct us. Bring us back to You. Open our eyes to see that all these things we are searching for, are useless and meaningless. That the only searching we should be doing is searching for more of You. Amen

The Truth Revealed

"I can't see your faith if you don't have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds." James 2:18

I have faith. I love. I believe. These are easily put into words, but our actions and speech reveal the truth.

Today is the day we begin walking the walk and express our faith, love and what we believe for all to see.

People know if Jesus is alive within you.

Jesus thank You for knowing the truth about each and every one of us. May we walk with confidence and complete faith so that Your love is expressed through our everyday lives. Amen

Powerful Words that Can Make a Huge Impact if Acted Upon

"Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11

Rejoice, change, encourage, harmony and peace, are powerful words that can impact our lives and the lives of others. Yet often times they seem to be the hardest ones to do, to express, to think upon.

But we make the choice whether or not to apply them and express them. For me I often allow how “I feel” to control my thoughts, words and actions. This I am not proud of, but willingly admit it is my biggest struggle.

My heart desires to walk in action and obedience, yet my flesh desires to walk in self. Miss “ME” is a very dominate woman, who I am still battling and though she often wins, I know Jesus in me is greater than she is and because of Him the victory has already been won.

But until He takes me home, I have to keep fighting. I have to keep focusing on His love and mercy. I have to keep filling my life with His Word. And I have to daily ask for His help to apply and live out His Word. I have to become conscious and aware of my thoughts, actions, words, and behavior and refuse to give into the ugly parts of them.

Jesus overcame all things. He endured all that I endure today. He resisted Satan. He walked a perfect and holy life. He knows the core of my heart, your heart, and He loves us anyway.

His power works best in my weaknesses. “My power works best in your weaknesses.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

He completes every part of me and I need to walk in that beautiful thought and promise.

Jesus I have tried to control too many aspects of this life You have given me. I no longer want that responsibility. It was Yours to begin with. I can’t fight without You. I can’t walk in obedience and faith without the Holy Spirit in me. Amen

 

Becoming Content with Our Weaknesses

"My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Jesus layer me with every word of this passage. I want that same contentment.

His Will

"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." Jeremiah 29:11

Sometimes the plans we have for ourselves or others is not the same plans Christ has for us.

So how can we make sure we are not pushing His plans and will aside in order to fulfill our own?

Altar Sunday

These are a few of the reasons I go to the altar.

For them and many more.

Written by James Mejias

What would we give up for Jesus?

Could we or would we follow Him if and when He asked us to do something that went against the grain of our reality?

If He asked you to become blind, deaf, maimed, or paralyzed, could you? What if He asked you to die for Him?

Do we really have enough faith (trust/confidence) in Him? Would we deny ourselves these luxuries if they turned us away from His light?

Do we truly believe He is good and who He claimed to be? If we did then why do we hesitate to follow through in what He says?

Perhaps it is because we are always waiting for the words He speaks to manifest before we will feel confident enough to believe. Like the disciples we still need to experience His goodness through the logic of our flesh, rather than that of our spirit.

Judaism will never be the way to God. Justification through the law will never be enough to convince our flesh. It will always keep us in the place between belief and unbelief. To where we are either always waiting for the Christ to appear or repeatedly crucifying the Savior, who already came.

He Will Make it Clear

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

Just in case we don't get it, Jesus helps make it clear.

I know this sign has a negative intention, but I am thankful we have Jesus who opens our eyes and gives us clarity when temptation is right in front of us.

Jesus help us to grab hold of this verse and cling to its promises. Remove the film from our eyes so we can avoid temptation. Amen

The Temptation of Laziness

"Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied." Proverbs 13:4

Laziness comes in all differnt areas of our lives. It is not just in our jobs.

Laziness can be found in our homes, in our marriages, in friendships, in our relationship with Christ and in our Churches.

Laziness can be found in our lack of self-control, our appearance, our attitude, our thoughts and our speech. You can even find laziness in being retired.

Laziness is a great tool Satan uses to keep us from being productive for the Lord.

Laziness can be contagious if we are not careful.

"Stay away from any Christian who lives in idleness and doesn't follow the tradition of hard work we gave you. For you know that you ought to follow our example. We are never lazy when we were with you.  We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so that we would not be a burden to any of you. It wasn't that we didn't have the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave yo this rule: "Whoever does not work should not eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10

Jesus I want to set a better example for my boys. Help me to overcome any and all laziness in every area of my life, especially the areas that matter the most. Forgive me for giving in to the temptaion. Amen

His Main Goal

"So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you." James 4:7

Satan will tempt us in anyway he can to take our minds and eyes off of Christ. He will go as far as discouraging us from studying God's Word and even attending Church.

He loves distracting us, discouraging us, and distancing us from the Lord. It is his main goal!

What is he tempting you with that is keeping you from opening God's Word or attending Church?

Don't believe his lies.

Don't give into the lure of temporary satisfaction.

Resist Satan!

Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.

Jesus give us discernment and wisdom to know the difference between Your truth and Satan's lies. Remind us of the importance of spending time with You in prayer and in Your Word. It is the only way we will be able to resist Satan. Amen

Who Comes First?

"When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor." James 4:10

In times of temptation do we depend more on human help than we do on God's  help?

Do we turn to people before we turn to God in prayer?

Maybe the reason we wander through the wilderness or walk through the fire longer than others is because He wants us to put our complete faith and dependence upon Him. 

I know and believe that Jesus is true to His Word, and, if we will trust Him to help us overcome temptation, we will overcome it. 

Don't get me wrong, we need encouragement and support from our brothers and sisters in Christ, but we need to make sure we don't put them before God.

Human help only accomplishes so much, but God can accomplish and overcome all things.

Jesus help us to place You above all things and all people. May we turn to You before we turn anywhere else. It is only by You and through You that we are able to resist temptation. Amen

The Temptation to Complain

"In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you."  Philippians 2:14

The temptation to complain. How many times did you complain today?

We never really look at complaining as a temptation but it is a huge one. Satan loves to hear us complain, because when we do, we focus more on the problem, situation, or person than we do on Christ.

Jesus keep us aware of every complaint we begin to utter. Hold our tongue, take our thoughts captive, and place our eyes and minds on You and Your Word. This is a huge temptation that I give in to regularly. Forgive me and help me to obey Philippians 2:14 and put it into action.  Amen

Altar Sunday

What if you entered the Church and the only thing there was the altar. Would you stay and meet with the Lord or would you leave?

The Way Out

The greatest promise to cling to in this world today where temptation stares us in the face.

"If you think you are strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Seek the Wise

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

We all face temptation and we all need help, encouragement and support. We also need to be aware and wise. Strong and faithful, because we to, if not careful, can fall into the same temptation before we even realize it.

Seek help from those who are wise and grounded in Christ. 

Jesus help us to be wise and mindful when we reach out to help or ask for help. Amen

One of His Favorite Places to Tempt

"Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41

Do you know the biggest area Satan tempts us?

Our marriages. He will put all kinds of doubt in our minds. He loves to see us quarrel, bicker, harbor anger, resentment, and refuse to forgive. He wants us to act out on our feelings and emotions.

How can we take this particular passage and apply it in our personal lives and in our marriages?

The benefits we will reap for turning away from the temptation and turning to God.

Jesus protect our marriages. Help us to stand firm and place You in the center. Amen

Getting Specific

"Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes." Ephesians 4:23

The more I study God's Word on temptations, the more I realize the importance of being specific with what tempts us.

When Satan tempted Eve he focused on a very specific thing.

When he tempted Jesus he focused on three very specific things.

For us, he focuses on very specific things and they just happen to be our weakest areas. Not only does he use them against us but he also magnifies them.

And it all starts with our thoughts.

The more we listen to him the more we allow his lies to settle in our thoughts.

But the more we listen to Christ and store His Word within us the less tempted and weak we will be.

Jesus strengthen us with Your Word. Take control of our thoughts. Help us store more of Your Word within us. Amen

Shedding the Weight

“Let us strip off the weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress.” Hebrews 12:1

I just keep coming back to this passage over and over. It fits in so well with the study I am doing on temptation.

The more I study and absorb this passage the more God reveals to me.

We all know what carrying weight around is like. It’s heavy, it bogs us down, it makes us tired and weary, frustrated and often overwhelmed.

I am not just talking about the weight of fat. I am talking about the weight of worry, fear, doubt, sin, anxiety, sadness, addiction, etc.

We all carry different amounts, and we all handle the weight differently.

I, lately, have taken on weight that has really left me dragging, tired, overwhelmed, frustrated and well not so chipper.

And no matter how hard I try to strip off this weight, it just seems to stay.

I have heard lots of advice from lots of people, but none from a Scriptural standpoint, and when we take on so much weight, we need Jesus and His Word to consume us from all angles.

Can you relate?

The Lord is teaching me how His Word helps eliminate added weight. He is bringing other Scripture even more to life within me.

You see the more I take His Word in, the more weight I shed. Here’s how, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

He also says in the following verse of Hebrews 12, if we keep on running the race and keep our eyes on Him we will be victorious and progress will be made.

“And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.” Hebrews 12:1-2

It’s a process but in specific areas I can see a difference, and so will you if you keep moving towards Christ.

The hardest part and the thing that I need to do the most, is stop focusing so much on the weight and start focusing on Christ.

Jesus forgive me for focusing more on the weight than on You. I realize I have allowed these issues to become bigger than they should. I need Your help to remove them. Thank You for showing me some hidden weight that needs to be stripped. I can’t do this without You. Amen

It's Not Food You Need

"People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God." Matthew 4:4

Do you know the first thing Satan tempted Jesus with?

Food.

"If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Matthew 4:3

Jesus had not eaten anything for 40 days. Can you imagine not eating for 40 days? Satan knew Jesus was weak and had not eaten, thus focusing on His physical need for food.

Satan knows our weaknesses too and he loves to take them and exploit them. 

Look at food for example. Food is a huge deal in our society today. It is a huge temptation for lots of people. Food has become the main focus and closest companion for many, thus obesity. It has also become an enemy to others, thus anorexia. 

For many the hunger they feel goes a lot deeper than just basic hunger pains and I believe that is why Jesus said, "People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God." Matthew 4:4

Jesus is saying we need to satisfy our needs in the right way and at the right time. We also need to depend on Him to satisfy us, rather than rushing to temporary things that last for a short time.

Jesus can and will satisfy that deep hunger if we let Him.

Jesus open our eyes to see that our cravings and hunger can be satisfied with Your Word. I pray that we will begin to feed on Your Word and less on temporary fixes that worldly food offers. Amen

Altar Sunday

"This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."  Hebrews 4:15-16

What Tempts You?

“One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but how terrible it will be for the person who does the tempting.”” Luke 17:1

What are some things that tempt you?

How well have you resisted them?

Have you called on the Lord to help you?

Jesus help us to resist the temptations that are before us. May we call on You for strength. Help us to stand firm in Your truth and draw on Your Word in time of need. Amen

Fighting Temptation

"Then Jesus was led out into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted there by the Devil."  Matthew 4:1

Temptation-to entice to sin; put to the test, make a trial of.

Test- a trial intended to ascertain quality, value, or character; to examine.

Temptation today is strong, real, and literally in our face everyday.  But temptation is not something that has just evolved. It has been around since the beginning. 

It began with Adam and Eve, two people created by God, made perfect. They were the first to be tempted and to give into temptation. 

Through them we see how strong and powerful it is and why it is important to keep our eyes on the Lord.

I have wondered through this new study, why Eve never called on the Lord, and then it hit me, why do I not call on Him.

I too, like Eve have been tempted and have believed or given into those temptations. Satan is so good at twisting things around and making them look good, sound good, feel good, taste good. 

So why, why in those times did I not cry out to Him immediately? Why did I think I could handle it on my own?

Why did I give in?

Why do we give in? 

Jesus tells us He will give us the strength to overcome and resist temptation if we will just look to Him for help.

He knows what we are going through. He was tempted too. 

And He showed us that we can overcome them, just like He did-with the Word.

There will always be temptations, but a lot of them can be avoided by eliminating them from our lives.

The more we fill up on Jesus the less we fill up with the world.

Jesus we come boldly to the throne where mercy is found and grace and help is given. We are in constant need of Your strength and protection. Clothe us with the protection of Your Word. Amen

A Giving Heart

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

Jesus has given, gives, and will continue to give us His absolute best.

We know the one thing Christ gave us that changed our lives forever-His life.

Today He gives us His love, His mercy, His grace, His forgiveness, His joy, His protection, His peace, and the Holy Spirit.

And we too can give just as Christ did. We can first give Him our whole heart, our love, and our time.

We can give others our love, joy, hope, kindness, peace, a helping hand, a listening ear, forgiveness and time.

Giving pleases the Lord and it keeps us humble and our hearts from selfishness.

Jesus help me to be more giving like You. Thank You for all You have given and continue to give to me daily. Amen

Less of Me and More of Him

“He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

Do you ever feel like self gets in the way of Jesus working in you? Okay that might be a crazy question because we all know self is always in the way. That’s why for me self is known as Miss “Me”.

I am in the process of working on my 1000 devotional and as I look back I notice that some have migrated towards self rather than towards the Lord.  Yes He is always tied in, but it seems like I have mentioned Him less and my issues more.

I know for many it helps them relate when we talk about our personal stories, but how can we keep from making ourselves bigger than Him?

I know for a fact that we can relate to His stories in His Word because He made it so we could.

As I begin this New Year with the purpose to please Him, reflect Him, and be filled with His Word, I know I must become less so He can become MORE.

In order for all that to happen, I need to store more of His Word within me and take my eyes off of me and place them on Him.

This is not always easy. But I know with the power of the Holy Spirit working in me, it is achievable.

So though it doesn’t draw in readers, I hope to write more about the Lord and less about me. In doing so the Lord works more and my opinion is less (which is a really GOOD thing).

Jesus teach me to follow every one of your principles. Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Amen (Psalm 119:33-35)

 

 

 

 

Join Us!

“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

Today is a new day and New Year and what better way to start it off than by memorizing God’s Word.

So a couple of my besties and me are going to join Beth Moore’s 2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team, and we would love for you to join us. If you are interested you will need to go to her blog http://blog.lproof.org/ and sign up.

Then, you will need to comment on Godly Gossip so we know you are joining us. If you want, when we contact each other to say our verses, we can contact you as well.

I think this is a great way to start the New Year and begin the transforming process of our hearts.

And I have to tell you, the Lord moved big and quickly with this, because the minute He laid it on my heart, He laid it on my two best friends heart’s at the same time.

I LOVE it when He works like that.

So sign up anyone and everyone and let’s store God’s Word.

Jesus give us the supernatural ability to study and store Your Word. Give us clarity and guidance and begin the amazing process of shaping and molding our hearts to be more like Yours. Amen

 

 

 

 

 

May 2013 Be...

As 2012 comes to a close I pray your eyes are set on Him as you look to 2013.

I pray the New Year brings you closer to Christ than the year before.

I pray His Word fills your hearts and His love overtakes you.

I pray God places you in situations to be His light and to spread His Word.

I pray He leads you to new places to see His glory in new and amazing ways.

I pray He uses you to bring others to Him.

I pray He continues to change and transform you to be more like Him.

I pray you look to Him for all you need.

I pray your faith becomes stronger everyday and that your doubts begin to disappear.

I pray He is alive and working in you filling you with joy.

And I pray you know how loved and adored you are.

May your 2013 be all for Him.

Happy New Year!

Altar Sunday

Jesus as we come to the altar, cleanse our hearts so our praises will be of the sweetest aroma. Amen

Please Pray

Brethren please pray for my precious friend Dana. The cancer is beginning to spread to quickly.

We are still believing God can and will heal her, and we know how powerful prayer is. So please, please pray for Dana and her family.

Our hearts are so heavy with this news and Dana is so tired.

So again if you would please remember this family in your prayers everyday.

Jesus we trust Your decision and know You are in control. We also know You are with Dana right now and we praise You for staying with her. Please Jesus heal Dana! Amen

Like Father, Like Son

"In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. ” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the L ord ’s coming! Clear the road for him!"(Matthew 3:1-3 NLT)

As a Father I can't help but compare and relate John's message with the message I send to my children. As the leader and example in my home how does my message sound to the ones around me? Do I represent the same message John did? What would my family write about my message I show with my words and actions?

During these holidays I pray that I can live as faithful as John the Baptist did. Remembering how influential my life and message is to the ones around me.

"Like Father Like Son" as the saying goes.

Father thank you for revealing in a new way the message of John the Baptist. Thank you for showing me what YOU want my message to be throughout my family. Help me be a living example of you daily, no matter the cost. AMEN

How Will You?

Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom."

Psalm 90:12

As the New Year approaches, we often make plans of what we want to do different, change, and strive for.

For me, I want to make the most of the time I have left. I want to be a better child of God. I want to be joyful, kind, loving, patient, and gentle. I want to serve others more, live wiser, work harder, and share Jesus more.

I want to shine brighter for Him and listen to Him more. I want to be changed, cleansed and filled up with Jesus more than I ever have.

I want to be set free from the sins that have entangled me and walk in His freedom.

I want to laugh more, live by what I know is His Word says, and walk with confidence.

I want to doubt less, trust more, and be so much of His reflection that others immediately see Him.

I want be more prayerful and be there more for others than I have been.

This New Year, I will prepare more for His arrival, stay alert and ready, and be clothed in His armor.

I will, in 2013, by the power of the Holy Spirit continue to overcome Miss “Me”

Jesus help me to make the most of my time so that I might better serve and reflect You. Amen

Don't Question It.

"You spread out our sins before you-our secret sins-and you see them all." Psalm 90:8

Sometimes I think we forget that Jesus sees and knows everyone of our sins. I am not sure if we choose to ignore that fact, or if we hide from Him because of them. Either way He knows all of them.

And He still loves us. I think it is so important for us to know that.

For me it is sometimes hard to understand how He can still love me, but He does and I don't want to question that, I just want to accept it, soak it up and walk in His mercy and grace.

Jesus Your love is beyond measure. Thank You for Your grace. Amen

The Greatest Gift

Today, for most children it's all about the presents under the tree. But out of everyone of those presents lie a greater present that was given to us long ago.

His name is Jesus. Today we celebrate Him. We celebrate His birth and all that His birth brought us.

Hope
Joy
Salvation
Peace
A future
Forgiveness
Grace
Mercy
Love
But most of all Life.

Jesus thank You for the greatest gift of all. You! May our hearts be full of praise and gladness for who You are and what You have done for us. May Your name be glorified today and everyday. Amen

Am I Prepared?

It's the night before His special day and as I lay my head down my heart wonders if its prepared for Him.

Can it really grasp the extraordinary event that took place long ago? Does it comprehend the meaning of His birth? 

I am not sure I have ever been able to fully digest His love. Who am I that He would leave His place of honor to come to earth and die for me? 

His love for me/us is so big it can't be contained. 

I am thankful to have a Savior such as He.

Jesus thank You for loving us so much that You entered the darkness so that we might have light. Prepare our hearts for tomorrow as we wake to celebrate Your birthday. Amen

Altar Sunday

Today we have the opportunity to gather together and begin celebrating Jesus' birthday.

May our hearts be open and full as we sing praises to His name.

It is in fact all about Him anyway and always! He is good and He is worthy of our praise!

What Was It Like?

I wonder what Mary's pregnancy with Jesus was like. Did she get tired? Was she ever sick? 

The day of her delivery was she in pain? What were those moments like for Joseph as he anticipated the birth of Jesus

Did he ever have doubts or fears that he wouldn't be good enough? 

Sometimes it's hard for me to really comprehend that it was real. It's so amazing, so astounding, yet to real to grasp.

Do you ever feel that way? 

Jesus was born in a stable, placed in a manger, and His mother was a virgin who found favor with God. 

Amazing isn't it?

I wish I could have been there. I wish I could have seen His birth. 

I wonder if Mary held Him for long periods of time. Did she sleep near Him? How many kisses did she give Him every second. 

 

Did her heart stay full?

I wonder what the moments were like 33 years later when she watched her Son tortured and beat then hung on a Cross so that we could all have life. 

I don't know what any of it was like for her, but I know I am thankful. I am thankful that Jesus did what He did for me.

I know what my heart feels. I know how overwhelmed I become when I think of His love for me and what He was willing to do so I could spend forever with Him. 

Jesus thank You for showing me a little more everyday just how much You love me. I may never fully understand it, but I believe it! Amen

Before We Dive In

"Come on, let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." Luke 2:15

As the day approaches, how have we prepared our hearts and our children's hearts for this celebration?

Have we prepared the best for Him?

Have we sent out the invitations and spread the Word?

The Shepherds couldn't wait to go see Jesus.

The Wise Men set out on a journey to see Him.

Are we that anxious and excited to see Jesus and celebrate His birthday?

Let's not let presents filled with materialistic things fill us with more joy than celebrating the life of Christ.

Maybe this year we could spend time praising Him before we dive into the gifts.

Eyes on Him

"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish." Hebrews 12:2

As we enter the Presence of the Lord we must keep our eyes fixed on Him. Removing all of ourselves and focusing solely on Him.

It is easy to enter the relationship focusing on our own needs and expectations, but to know more about Jesus we need to focus on His needs and expectations.

Let's put ourselves aside today and place Jesus first.

The Way to Know

 A good way to see if you are getting to know Jesus more is by how much change is taking place in your heart.

"So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8

His Willingness and Joy

Do you want to know something wonderful about Jesus?

"He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward." Hebrews 12:2

Jesus thank You for Your love and willingness to die for us. Amen

More than the Given

Knowing Jesus is more than just knowing the basics of His name and what He has done.

Knowing Jesus is knowing the intimate and special parts about Him. Knowing Jesus is knowing what He likes and dislikes.

Knowing Jesus is knowing His Word.

Jesus You left us two amazing gifts that allow us to know You more. The Holy Spirit and Your Word. May we listen to the Spirit as He teaches us more about You through Your Word. Amen

Altar Sunday

I can't shake the events that took place this weekend.

 I can't get the visions of those innocent babies crying out in complete fear for their mommies and daddies out of my mind.

I can't get the thoughts out of my head of those teachers who lost their lives protecting those children.

It's unbearable. This pain in my heart. It is a crippling fear that makes me want to keep my precious babies at home with me. 

It is my prayer today, that as we gather together in the Lord's house, that we will enter His throne room as one body and lift up these families who are mourning the loss of their babies and loved ones. 

Seeing Who I Really Am

“Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:17

I can’t tell you how many nights I have laid in bed since we have moved and asked the Lord why. Why here? Why this?

What is here Jesus? Who is here? Maybe nothing is here, maybe He brought us here to reveal to me who I really am when all is stripped away.

This is hard. I am learning things about me that are saddening. I am seeing that I still have more of my old self in me than I realized. Maybe it’s always been there and I have just ignored it instead of dealt with it. Maybe I have pretended to be someone I am really not.

Here I feel lost, really lost. I feel like the wandering Israelites. Did I complain did I doubt You Lord?

When one wanders lost and alone, several things happen. Satan attacks, temptations rise, and choices are made.

When the frustration of going in circles stays constant, it’s easy for anger to set in.

It’s easy to ask why?  But it’s hard to listen to the answer. It’s hard to see who you really might be.

It’s hard to see through the fog of confusion, frustration, anger, doubt, and hopelessness that His purpose in doing this is for my protection or for my true transformation to take place.

Pray for me. Pray for us. Pray that God will cleanse us, purify us, restore us, and make us new in Him. Pray our eyes will be open to see God’s purpose in all of this.

The Horrible Devastation

The devastation that has taken place today is more than my heart can bear.

I am waiting for my precious Avery to get out of school and I am unable to contain the tears.

I am broken for these families.

I have thoughtlessly dropped Avery off at school assuming everything would be fine, but today things have changed.

Today I will be more prayerful. I will be more cautious. I will be more mindful.

Jesus comfort theses families, each and everyone of them. Especially the ones who have lost their precious babies, wives and husbands. I pray that through all this chaos Your presence will be felt. Amen

Are We Really Doing His Will?

" Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis" Colossians 4:12


How do you know your doing what the Lord has called you to do?

Do you know the difference between His will verse man and fleshes will?

Was the last decision you made in His will or in your own?

Jesus I wonder today how many of us are doing what we have called for ourselves to do rather than what You have called us to do? Are we living outside of Your will for our lives?

Help us to not step outside of Your will because we are fearful, because we feel pressured, because we are unhappy, or because we listen to man rather than You.

Keep us focused on Your will for our lives because being in it is way better than being outside of it. Amen

A Gift that Last's

“Love will last forever." 1 Corinthians 13:8

I was taking Avery to school this morning and we got to talking about what we wanted to get daddy for Christmas when Avery said, "Mommy I think the best gift I could give daddy is my love."

How right he is. Don't you think the best gift to give Jesus and others is the gift of love?

It would last longer than any materialistic gift.

Remind Me

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who had heard what John said and then followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother, Simon, and tell him. We have found the Messiah.” (which means the Christ.) Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus.” John 1:40-42

What was the first thing you did when you met Jesus for the first time? Did you go tell your family like Andrew did? In that moment didn’t you want to tell everyone about Him?

Do you still feel that way today?

Once we taste of His sweetness we are never the same. We want more of Him and we want to share that sweetness with others as well.

We should have that same desire for Jesus today that we did when we first met Him.

Jesus remind us of how special that moment was when we met You for the first time. Amen

 

 

Knowing Jesus

"Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29

Why is getting to know Jesus so important? Because He is the perfect Lamb of God who takes away our sins.

He is the One who has done more for us than we could ever do for Him.

He is the One who gave up His life so we could have life.

Jesus as Your birthday approaches I pray more and more people will come to know You. Amen

On Their Behalf-Altar Sunday

If you know of someone in need of prayer who is unable to go to the Altar, go on their behalf.

Pray For Dana

As many of you know this precious family is very dear to G and me and tonight they REALLY need all the prayers they can get.

Dana has become pretty ill and is in the hospital.

The new treatment has been hard on her body.

Please keep them in your prayers daily and as often as possible.

If you are like me, and pray specifically by name their names are Dana, Mark, Shelby, and Cameron Miller.

Jesus I come to You with a heavy heart for my precious friend Dana. Jesus she is so tired and weary. Her body is weak and I know she could use every ounce of strength possible. Please Father, reach down and place Your railing body over hers. I ask Lord Jesus that Dana's cancer begins to go away, every bit of it until she is completely cancer free. I believe and know You can and will heal her and I praise You for Your love and faithfulness.

Fill her with a strong steadfast faith that rests in who You are.

Give Mark the strength he needs to tend to her and the girls. Give him rest and reveal Your love and presence to him in a strong and profound way.

I love this family so much and my heart is so heavy, but Jesus I know You are in control and that You love them so much more. I know You have not left her side and that thought is so precious.

Thank You Jesus that You know her every need and that she never goes without.

I pray for rest, comfort, and a pain free night for Dana and for Mark. Amen

His Presence Surrounds Us

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

The Lord's presence surrounded us this morning with the beauty of fog, deer, trees and water.

It's a vision my family loves and one we are so grateful for. We always leave knowing more about Jesus than we did the day before.

There is something about the beauty of His creation that always draws you closer to Him.

Most of the time if you listen, you can hear Him speak, you can see as He reveals a little more about Himself through the beauty and craftsmanship of His creation.

Let God's beauty reveal to You a little more of who He is.

Jesus thank You for Your amazing craftsmanship and how it draws us closer to You. Speak to our hearts as we gaze upon You. Amen

The More You...

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

Do you know the more You learn about Jesus, the more you learn about love, and the more you learn about love, the more your heart fills with love?

"No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us." 1 John 4:12 

Becoming Familiar

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

The more we get to know Jesus the more we become familiar with His voice.

Jesus help us to become more familiar with You and Your voice. Amen

One Thing

"The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from it's heat." Psalm 19:6

If there is one thing we can learn about Jesus, it's hat He is always on time and the Sun will always rise!

Knowing You...

"It is the Good News about his Son, Jesus who came as a man, born into King David's royal family line. And Jesus Christ our Lord, was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit." Romans 1:3-4

How would you describe Jesus to someone? How would you introduce Him to a friend, to family, to a stranger?

Would you share with them who He is to you, what He has done for you? Would you share with them who the Word of God says He is?

Do you tell them He is the Son of God, that He was born of a virgin? Do you tell them that though He is Lord, He made Himself nothing?

Do you tell them He was born in a stable and placed in a manger rather than in a King's palace?

Who is Jesus to you? Is He your Savior?

Jesus there is no greater thing than knowing You. Teach us all there is to know about You. Not because we have to, but because You are the greatest thing there is. Amen