This Doesn't Come Close

He was my Pastor for 4 years. He has been my mentor, best friend, accountability partner, and even my competitor in dominoes, for the last 7 years.

There are an endless amount of words to describe how amazing he really is. G and I could spend hours on end telling you what a blessing he has been in our lives. We have laughed and cried with him and his precious wife many times over.

We have spent many Thursday nights competing in dominoes, stayed up late visiting and doing lots of eating.

There has not been a time G and I have not savored being with him and his precious wife.

He is the most humble man who oozes integrity and Jesus in the most amazing way. He never takes credit for anything, rather he always gives God the glory.

He is loving, yet firm in his faith. He never sugar coats the truth. He is passionate about the Lord, the Word, the Church, and people.

He has a love for his family that radiates out of each one of them. His wife is his greatest companion who is always keeping him on his toes and making him laugh. She is the greatest encourager and helper to him. There are only a few like her and God blessed him with one of them.

Do you know there are people God gives you specifically? God gave me him. He has been the greatest encourager in my walk with the Lord, in this blog, and in my teaching. Most people use commentators, I use him. (We laugh about this)

His knowledge of the Lord amazes me daily.

I can't express how much I love and respect him. There is a not a day that goes by that G and I don't thank the Lord for two of the greatest best friends.

I could fill page after page telling you about the amazing qualities God has filled him with and the way he has blessed me and my family. But rather I want to tell you that this man, today much like Paul is struggling with illness.

His body is tired, but his Spirit is as willing and strong as ever. Like Paul, he keeps pressing forward doing all that God has called him to do, sharing the message of Jesus Christ. These words from Paul describe him exactly.

"As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God." 2 Timothy 2:6

Tonight, he could use faithful prayer warriors, those who commit to praying when they say they will. He could use many flooding the Most Holy Place on his behalf for healing. And not just prayer for him, but for his family as well.

Would you commit to praying for him for the next 10 days, PLEASE!

Why just 10, because I believe that our God can do abundantly more than we could ever dare to ask or hope for, and I believe that our God can move mountains. I also believe that with unwavering faith that God can and will do something amazing and jaw dropping in 10 days. And please understand, as we have already visited about this, he and I know that however God chooses to heal him, is gain!

So with that, I am asking you to pray for one of the most precious and amazing men in my life for the next 10 days.

I have left him nameless, due to the fact that he never wants attention draw to himself, rather he wants God to receive all the attention. He is humbly crazy amazing like that!

I will give you a few specifics to pray specifically for.

1. Wisdom and discernment for the doctors
2. Peace and comfort for him and his family
3. Rest for his tired and hurting body

My tears daily flood the Most Holy Place for you sweet one.

Altar Sunday

Awaken Church! Let the power of God move you to revival!  

When Clarity is Given

When God clarifies your purpose, and opens your eyes to the reality of what it entails, a sense of understanding and peace fall upon you.

"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you." 2 Timothy 4:3-5

How to Stay Focused

How do you keep your focus on Christ in the midst of all the craziness?

Three ways

1. Pray
2. Read the Word
3. Trust His Promises

When You Work

"Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically." Romans 12:11

When you work…

Work joyfully
Work diligently
Work enthusiastically
Work thankfully
Work selflessly
Work lovingly
Work humbly
Work intentionally to please Him, honor Him and reflect Him.

"Work hard and cheerfully at WHATEVER you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Colossians 3:23

Brotherly Love

This is the sad face of a little boy who LOVES his brother so much he cries when he leaves.

This is what we hear every morning,"Bye Avery, I love you so much. I am going to miss you. I love you." Then the door closes and it's tears for this little man. 

Heartbreaking but heartwarming all at the same time.

Love that these two love each other so much. 

Always

10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." Isaiah 55:10-11

All we have to do is make ourselves available and useful to The Lord and He will do the rest. 

You are never a waste. You are loved and desired. He wants to help you fulfill the purpose he has placed within you. 

This should excite us. It should drive us to do more for Him. Jesus never fails! His Word will always accomplish what He wants it to and it will always produce fruit. 

11 
    

You Choose

I am loving my study of Proverbs. I love the simplicity that is found within every verse.

The Lord makes it so clear the benefits of being godly verse the destruction of being a fool. Every passage gives us a choice. Will we choose to be godly and live a godly life, reaping the blessings, OR will we choose to live foolishly reaping the consequences?

Here's a little example of how I break each passage down, and yes I am going passage by passage. I want to make sure I digest every ounce of wisdom God wants to pour over me.

This is one example.

"Disaster strikes like a cyclone, whirling the wicked away, but the godly have a lasting foundation." Proverbs 10:25

The Fool
-Will be whirled away

The Godly
-Will have a lasting foundation

It's our choice. Will we choose to be the fool that will soon be whirled away or will we choose to be godly and stand on our lasting foundation, which is Jesus Christ?

Then to really grasp what the Lord is saying I do some major cross referencing along with what I call CAB (Command-Application-Benefit)and I LOVE IT!

Matthew 7:24-25-"Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on a solid rock."

     -What Command is God giving in this passage?
            *To Listen and Obey

     -How can I Apply this today?
            *Speak less and listen more-then go and DO what God has commanded me to do. Jesus help me to always have my eyes, heart, mind and ears open and ready to hear from You. 
            *Listen to the advice of the godly. Listen to the voice of God. Listen to my family when they speak.
            *Do what God has commanded of me-love, be gentle, react calmly, react when the Holy Spirit prompts.

    -The Benefit (s)
         *I will grow in wisdom, I will remain on Christ's lasting foundation that is solid and unwavering.

There is so much to gain when choosing to be wise.

Psalm 15:1-5 is a continuation of the benefits of being godly.

"Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and DO what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people WILL stand firm forever."

I don't know about you but I choose to be godly and live a godly life. To me the choice seems simple and the benefits of living a godly, wisdom filled life far outweigh any worldly benefit.

What will you choose today?

Altar Sunday

Jesus came to set us free. He paid the debt for our sin, let's walk in His deliverance. Let's approach the altar of freedom and be set free from the bondage of sin.

Ladies, A Challenge.

Ladies as we approach another new week, let's seek to build our spouses up.

Our sweet men carry such a big load. 

They carry the load of...

Being the leader of the home

The finacial leader

The provider

The protector

The Spirtiual leader

The need meeter (I know meeter is not a word, but is my lovely word.)

The mind reader (Yes ladies we do expect this)

The encourager 

The helper

And so on. It's a heavy load! 

So here's the challenge.

Rather than place more on them by expecting things from them only Christ can fulfill, let's focus on helping ease their load. 

How do we do this, for starters, let's nag less and encourage more. Then, let's look to Christ to be...

Our Leader

Our Provider

Our Protector

Our Need Meeter

Our Helper

Our Encourager

When we take this off our spouses and place it upon Christ, not only will it lighten their load, but it will place our trust in the One for whom it should be in, in the first place-Christ!

Ladies, if we put Christ first in our lives and focus on serving, pleasing, and honoring Him, we will then desire to serve, honor and please our spouses. 

Christ should always be our main focus! 

This Sweet Lady

Kassie Garlock is the precious woman who did an amazing job updating my blog. She is very talented, and knew exactly what I wanted, even when I was unable to explain it. I am so thankful for her vision and guidance in making this blog so amazing. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do. If you are ever in need of a face lift for any of your Social Media, give her a shout. You will be blessed! Thanks Kassie for making this experience so wonderful.

Be a Student that Studies

"But don't just listen to God's Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." James 1:22-25

When we take the time to "study" God's Word, we are also taking the time to "apply" His Word.

Look at the key words in this passage.

Listen-if we just read through rather than study, we are not really listening. Studying requires you to listen to the instruction given. Which then requires our next key word.

Do-This is a required action. While reading and listening are good, doing is even greater.

Look Carefully-when reading we simply focus on the next word ahead, rather than looking carefully at each word spoken. When we study, we pay attention to detail, we dig deeper and we seek to see the details that make up the bigger picture.

       -I love the example the Lord gives us in this passage. He uses our physical feature to drive His point home. A quick glance does not suffice. Imagine if you had to get ready in the dark. You would have no idea what you looked like, until you stepped into the light and stood in front of the mirror. This is exactly what Christ is telling us. Taking a quick glance into My Word is not going to really benefit you. You will still be standing in the dark. You need to look carefully into My Word, focus on all its features, take it all in, and then make use of it by applying it.

Let's be students of the Word!

3 Rules to Godly Advice

"The godly give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense." Proverbs 10:21

3 Rules to Good Godly Advice

1. Always speak the truth (Even if it hurts)
2. Speak only when the Spirit directs
3. Speak of what God's Word says, NOT what your feelings say.

Jesus guide and direct our speech in every way. May the advice we give always be useful, helpful, God led, Spirit directed, and based on the truths of Your Word. Amen 

Several Things to Try

There are three things to try today.

1. Study God's Word rather than read God's Word! (There is a HUGE difference.)
2. Be FULL of thanks rather than FULL of complaints.
3. Speak only words that build up, encourage and breathe life into others.


"So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:10-11

Knowing When

"Dont talk to much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow." Proverbs 10:19

Knowing when to listen and when to speak is such a treasure we should all be in search for. 

Let's be listeners and discerners of the Spirit's leading. He will always let us know when it's time to turn off the flow. 

Jesus direct my speech today that it will be life giving. Prompt me at all times when to speak and when to remain silent. Amen

A Thankful Melody

May our lives be a thankful melody heard by all, for the goodness of Christ that lives within us.

Altar Sunday

"We are now going to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.” Genesis 35:3

We can all relate to God's goodness, protection and presence. Let's offer the sweetest sound of worship, praise and thankfulness that will fill every inch of heaven. 

Jesus Makes All Things New

Isaiah has been restored!

Love, love that my baby loves God's Word so much. 

When Longing turns into Pleading and Interceding

I have this unexplainable desire to be in a state of worship that brings the presence of God so near to me I can't move. It's a longing for Him that will always be, until He takes me home.

Do you ever have that deep longing for His closeness?

So much so you want to feel Him breathe, hear the beat of His heart, and feel the warmth that radiates off of Him?

In these moments of deep longing, I know it is Him drawing me closer. It's Him reaching out and desiring to be with me, this moves me to tears every time. The Most Holy God desires to be with me.

His love is so binding, so powerful, so moving, so humbling, so filling. I can't ever get enough. I can never get close enough, at least the way my heart desires. But one day, one day I will. One day I will be in the direct presence of the Father. One day I will be complete, longing for nothing.

Yet in the midst of my deepest longing, I am suddenly interrupted by the overwhelming thought of those who have never experienced His love, His calling, His presence, yet they have all sensed at some point Him drawing them in, yet they ignore Him, they run from Him, they deny Him.

This thought makes the longing in my heart expand, deepen, even ache because of the loss. Lost lives perishing in a place where there is no love, only suffering.

Then I realize the greater purpose of why my heart longs for Him. Because I have realized what I have been saved from. I have been saved from the place of suffering, burning, and agony.

Yet so many have never realized this. So how can I through Christ tell others what He has done? How can I show them, explain to them what His death and blood has done for them?

How can I express the urgency of this before it's to late?

This brings me to a place where my longing turns into crying, pleading and interceding for the lost.

Jesus please show them what You came to save them from. Show them it exists and is real and if ignored will be their eternal forever home. Yet it's not home, it's torture, it's suffering, it's worse than anything they could ever imagine. Show them why You came and what You have done for them and what You are preparing for them, Heaven. The place where You dwell. The place where love abounds. The place where there is no hurt, no pain, no suffering, no sorrow, no longing; just peace, love, joy, and an overwhelming amount of goodness, beauty, and Jesus. 

Jesus may the existence of hell be so real it becomes life changing. Amen

Open The Eyes Of My Heart

No matter your earthly state, God can and will ALWAYS bring glory to His name. So much meaning in these words. This is such a powerful testament to how amazing our God is. 

Our Relationship

I always seem to be brought back to this particular passage, "Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." Exodus 33:11

The more I understand the significance and importance of my relationship with Christ, the more I realize how important it is for me to invest in Him, like He does in me.

This will always be a relationship where His investment far outweighs mine. He is Perfect. He is Sovereign. He is the Creator, Holy and All-Knowing. His invest and love will always be greater, and I am ever so thankful for that. 

I desire with every ounce of me to invest in Him like He so desires. I want our relationship to be real, genuine and like no other relationship. I want to have those face to face meetings with Him like Moses did. 

I can sit here and type a million "I need to's" but I don't want my relationship with Him to be "Jesus "I need" to spend more time with You. "I need" to invest in us more. "I need" to talk to You more. "I need"to…

I want to be all in, completely and fully devoted, giving of myself at all times to honor and please Him. 

The Lord is showing me daily how important our relationship is, without Him nothing matters. 

Without Him, there is no joy, no hope, no laughter, no life, no healing, no purpose. 

Just yesterday, as I was driving home, the Lord revealed to me a greater sense of urgency to invest and commit more to our relationship. 

Jesus wants more from me; more attention, more time, more listening, more communicating, more trust. He wants that face to face meeting with me, daily, with no distractions, just pure undivided attention. 

Jesus could walk away from our relationship at any time. He has that power, authority and right. He doesn't have to be with me. But He chooses to. 

"I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't chose me, I chose you." John 15:15-16

He chose me. I am chosen by the Most High. The King of Kings. The Lord of Lords. The Great I AM!

Through the Holy Spirit in me, I want to have such a thriving relationship with Christ that every time I leave His presence my face is glowing from being in His Holy Presence. 

"When Moses came down the mountain carrying the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn't aware that his face glowed because he had spoken to the Lord face to face. And when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses' face, they were afraid to come near him." Exodus 34:29-30

 

BAD GIRL!!!

When a four-legged creature does this

And this

And this

You get this reaction from your 7 year old, (All CAPS to express the loudness and frustration) 

"ZOEY MORGAN, NO MA'AM. THAT IS GOD'S WORD. YOU NEVER CHEW ON GOD'S WORD, IT IS HOLY! BAD GIRL! BAD GIRL!"

"Mama she ate Isaiah."

We can't bring ourselves to even throw it away. 

Stunted Growth

Your spiritual growth will be stunted, if you live in a state of comparison.

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else." Galatians 6:4

THREE THINGS

Three things to help heal a complainers heart.

1. Joy
2. Prayer
3. Thankfulness

"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

Altar Sunday

Go to the altar expecting God to do something amazing, mighty and bold. 

Then watch as He does.  

Expect It then Live It

When is the last time you woke up and expected God to do something completely unexpected and life changing through you?

Let that day be today. Look for Jesus in a way you never have. Expect to be used and changed for His glory, like you never have.

Live your faith boldly and in such a way it catches the attention of others.

"God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." Ephesians 3:20-21

Endless

When you allow the Word of God to become alive within you, your opportunities, abilities, and joy will be endless. 

Dare to live bodly. 

Lasting Success

True success is not measured off of worldly performance, rather off of fruit produced.

In the end, worldly success will not be able to withstand the fire, but true success, that produces Godly fruit, will remain forever.

"Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed."  Joshua 1:7-8

Seeing Him Through Them

His sweet little hand reaches out to find mine. He grabs hold and whispers, "Mommy I will protect you."

His compassion overwhelms me. 

Through him, I get glimpses of Him. 

He looks at me through the phone and and without a word being said, I see the need his little heart has. The need for his mama. The need to be right next to me. No one else will suffice. His little voice cracks as he says, "Mommy I miss you." 

And I, I try to stay strong, encouraging, and remind him it's only a little longer. But longer to him feels like an eternity. Especially at 5!

His longing for me, reminds me of my longing for more of Him.

The way they love. The way they need. The way their little hearts express themselves, all reminders of the way I need Jesus. 

Be An Imitator

Be an imitator of Christ...

In your speech

In your thoughts

In your action and reactions

In every ounce of your being...imitate Him! 

"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." Ephesians 5:1-2 

L-A-Z-Y

"Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich." Proverbs 10:4

To be lazy is to be unwilling to work or use energy.

As I meditated on this passage and the definition of lazy, I was really taken back, by the overwhelming conviction I had in my heart regarding this.

I have really been praying to be a better steward with my time. I want to use my time wisely and in a manner that is productive and useful for the Lord.

But I can't do that if I am being lazy.

I can't be unwilling to work or use energy…

As a child of God
As a wife
As a mom
As a teacher
In our home
In my speech
In my thoughts
As a servant
As a business owner
Or with the blessings and gifts God has given me.

So how does one overcome being lazy and use their time wisely?  For me it's by removing the things that encourage laziness.

T.V.
Staying up to late
Eating bad
Stress
Being self-focused (This is a huge one. the more I focus on myself the more I waste time being productive for the Lord. If I think of Christ first and then others, I will desire to do more for Him and them, then tend to my flesh.)

This is not an easy thing, but one that must be chosen daily, second by second.

Jesus help me to be the best steward with this amazing gift of time. Amen

Altar Sunday

Rather than run to the altar to lay your burdens down, run to the altar to lift your praises and thankfulness up.

Not only will it honor Him, but it will lift you up. It will take your focus off of self, and put your focus on Him. The place your focus should be already.

If Your Looking To Change

If your looking to change, to grow, to become new, better, pure, and to live a life pleasing to the Lord. Dive head first into the book of Proverbs; but be warned, it is not to be taken lightly, it is extremely convicting and not for the tenderhearted only searching for feel good advice.

Rather it is for the seeker who seeks to become wise.

It is for those who seek to live godly lives. It is not to be used for retaliation towards another, but to change the one reading and studying it.

It is to be used for growth, insight, understanding, knowledge, and wisdom.

The Book of Proverbs is to teach us wisdom and discipline. It is written to give us instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just and fair.

The benefits weaved all throughout it are life-changing, life-shaping, and rewarding.

"Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. Learn to be wise and develop good judgement. Don't forget or turn away from my words. Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgement. If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you. Embrace her and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown." Proverbs 4:4-9

The Ripple Effect

There are two chooses we can make, both of which will have a ripple effect on the lives of others.

1. We can choose Wisdom, which sends a ripple effect of purity, peace loving, gentleness, selflessness, mercy, good deeds, sincerity, and shows no partiality to whom it can effect.

2. We can choose foolishness, which sends a ripple effect of hurt, anger, jealousy, pride, greed, bitterness, adultery, lust, hate, selfishness, pain, and discontentment.

There is a positive and negative effect, or two types of yeast.

The Negative Yeast

"But it takes only one wrong person among you to infect all the others-a little yeast spreads quickly through the whole batch of dough!" Galatians 5:9 

The Positive Yeast

"Jesus also used this illustration: The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast used by a woman making bread. Even though she used a large amount of flour, the yeast permeated every part of the dough." Matthew 13:33

A Fountain of Blessing

"The lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil." Proverbs 4:3

Ladies, now more than ever we need to be praying God's Word over our husbands and children. 

We can never think for one minute that our families are immune to the attacks or lures of satan. 

In the first 10 chapters of Proverbs, God gives us warnings of the immoral woman and the wicked. 

If the Lord repeats Himself more than once, we need to pay close attention. He is trying to make an important point. He is giving us warning and protecting us. He is so amazingly awesome like that. 

Therefore, we need to always be alert and proactive. 

We can never pray for our spouses or children enough. 

As a mama of boys, my biggest prayer is that they will always be aware of the lies and tricks of the immoral woman. 

More so, I pray they will be men of integrity, men of the Word, and men who value and respect women. Just as Christ does. 

Let's pray for God's wisdom and protection to fall heavily upon our husbands and children. 

Let's pray God will continue to help us be the wives that satisfy, encourage, love, respect and honor our husbands in such a way they never desire to look elsewhere. "Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving doe, a graceful deer. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated be her love. Why be captivated, my son, with an immoral woman, or embrace the breasts of an adulterous woman?" Proverbs 5:18-20

Being a submissive loving wife is far more pleasing and attractive to the Lord and to our husbands than we can imagine. 

Always stay prayerful for your hubby! Always seek to be the best wife you can be for the Lord and for him. 

And always be alert and mindful of the immoral woman. 

Hide or Seek

"The Lord's searchlight penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive." Proverbs 20:27

We can't hide from God; nor can we ignore or cover-up our sin. 

We are always exposed. 

He sees and knows all things. 

Live in His freedom and truth! Live a life that is always confessing, always repentening, always seeking His truth, His Word, His wisdom.

We will each be held accountable for our own actions. Live a life now that will make God proud. 

We Hurry Just to Wait...

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act." Psalm 37:7

Dax and I were sitting in the Dr's office yesterday, and there was a gentleman, who like us, had been there waiting a very long time.

You could tell he was very frustrated with the situation, by his loud sighs and head nods. At one point his sigh was so loud I looked up and he said, "We just hurry to wait."

Isn't that so true? We hurry hurry, just to wait.

We hurry to get to a restaurant to sit and wait.

We hurry to the Dr to sit and wait.

We hurry through the grocery store to sit and wait in the check out line.

We hurry to a game, to sit and wait.

We hurry, hurry, hurry.

What about Spiritually? What do we try to hurry spiritually?

We hurry sex before marriage.

We "try" to hurry having babies.

We try to hurry our wants spiritually.

We sometimes hurry marriage.

We try to hurry God's plan for our lives. Jacob did this when he stole his brothers birthright and blessing. He was going to receive it in God's time, but that wasn't good enough for him, he needed it now!

David tried to hurry love, by taking another man's wife and then killing him.

The Israelites tried to hurry entering the Promise Land, yet failed when it was right under their noses', yet doubted and had complaining hearts.

We hurry through Scripture, just to get it in.

We hurry through conversations with others.

We even try to hurry through Church.

We try to hurry in spending time with Christ, because we have so many other things to do.

Commitment to Christ can not be rushed.

Growth and developing wisdom, can not be rushed.

Overcoming and conquering sin, can not be rushed.

These things all take and require time and investment.

Knowing God and understanding His word can not be rushed. Time must be spent, adequate time.

We are our own worst enemies when it comes to time. Time management and patience are the two key ingredients when it comes to growing in the Word and knowing Christ more. 

Don't rush God's plans for you life. Don't rush your time with Him.

Enjoy that time. Savor that time. Soak it up and relish in His presence.

The very fact you are still here, goes to show God's patience with you. If God was in a hurry we would all be dead, Christ would have already returned.

Don't hurry through life, that you miss out on His will and purpose for your life.

Don't hurry through your day that you fail to see the person God intended for you to minister to.

And don't try to hurry His plan for you by taking on your own plan. It will fail without Him!

Wait for Him!

Hurry will never accomplish anything worth lasting. God didn't hurry in making you. He doesn't hurry His time with you. He didn't hurry in creating the world. He didn't hurry in writing everyday of your life out.

The best fruit, is the fruit that is invested in, nurtured, and allowed time to grow and develop.

You can't rush a good piece of fruit. (Spiritually speaking)

The Benefit or the Other

The Bible is full of how-to's.

It's full of, if you choose this, this will happen and if you choose this, this will happen.

Take a look.

"Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer." Proverbs 9:11-12

If you become wise-you will benefit.

If you scorn wisdom-you will suffer.

It's our choice! God gives us the best solution, but leaves it up to us to decide. 

Altar Sunday

Do you know someone Satan has been attacking? Someone who is beyond broken and hurt that the only thing they can do is seek to hurt others too. 

Hurting people hurt people. 

Do you know someone who has allowed Satan to interweave himself in their life so much so they don't even try to justify their sin instead they laugh as though it's no big deal?

Conviction has been lost

Do you know someone who is in desperate need of Jesus, yet denies needing Him?

Do you know someone who is so miserable they set out to make others miserable? 

Misery loves company, it actually can't stand to be alone.

Maybe you know someone or are that someone, who is broken, entangled in sin, miserable, and lost. If so, there is no better place to go for them or yourself than to the Altar. 

A Better Kind of Success

"Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine." Proverbs 8:14

Sometimes man's success is not God's success. 

Be careful not to confuse the two. God's success is found in Christ, His Son. From Him, comes success that is fruitful, life-giving. Life changing.  This is an everlasting success. The rewards that come with this success are greater than any earthly reward. 

I will never forget G coming home from his first state championship and sharing with me the moment he had with The Lord on the field that night. He said, as I was standing there God said, this is it G this is everything you have wanted and worked for, how does it feel? 

And do you know what my husbands response was? Empty. 

After finally being successful in his career, God revealed to him success that fulfills and satisfies is not found in a Championship, but rather found in Christ Jesus and ministering to the lives of those God has placed before him. It's being a living, breathing example of Christ, and instilling Christ's love and word into others. Now that type of success lasts, and multiplies. And it is now the very type of success G desires and seeks to accomplish, and also instill in our boys. It was truly a life changing moment for my husband. 

The best kind of success we can have is Spiritual success-growth, maturity and wisdom.

You can't achieve those from the world. 

When the Lord returns what will remain of your success? Will it be fruitful and pleasing or worldly and perishing? 

"Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath." Deuteronomy 8:18

The Value of Time

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.Psalm 90:12 

So fitting when seeking to be more committed. To understand how brief our time here on earth is, brings a new perspective to the value of life and time. 

It makes us realize, His blessings, His protection, His love, His care, His patience, His forgiveness. 

If we desire wisdom, then we will seek to understand the brevity of life.

A New Year!

I have been spending a lot of time with The Lord and seeking His direction for this New Year. And we have landed on commitment.

To commit means to obligate or pledge oneself. It also means to be dedicated to, devoted to, loyal to and faithful to. 

I can improve in the commitment department, thus the Lord impressing it upon my heart.

This New Year, I want to focus on my commitment to the Lord and our relationship. My family. Our Church. My Sunday School class. Joy, laughter, growing and going deeper in the Word. Memorizing more of His Word. I want to be more commited to obtaining wisdom and living it out for others to see. I want to commit to serving more, loving more, cooking more, my blog more and investing in others more.

Jesus is so committed to me and I want to be committed to Him, with all of me. 

Commit-its what Jesus did when He died for me.

"Your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by His decrees and obey His Commands." 1 Kings 8:61

What's your spiritual goal for 2014? 

The Gift of Time

"Don't you realize how kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Or don't you care? Can't you see how kind he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin?" Romans 2:4

365 days God gave you time.

Time to turn to Him
Time to trust Him
Time to know Him
Time to serve Him
Time to love Him
Time to spend with Him
Time to talk to others about Him
Time to repent
Time to confess
Time to grow closer to Him
Time to love others
Time to forgive
Time to heal
Time to be selfless
Time to laugh
Time to cry
Time for joy
Time to hope
Time to smile
Time to breathe
Time to worship
Time to give thanks
Time to fellowship
Time to give
Time to comfort
Time to learn
Time to change
Time to transform
Time to be with family


T-I-M-E! It's a gift from God, and He desires us to be good stewards with our time. As you close out this year, praise God for the time He has given you. And as You begin a New Year, make the resolution to be a better steward with your time.

Use it for His glory. His honor.

Happy New Year Sweet Ones!!

The Gift of Commitment

Commitment...

A gift Christ gave us when He died for us. A gift that is required in a relationship. It's required in our relationship with Christ and in our marriage. It's one gift we are beginning to see less of. We see less commitment in our jobs, in our homes, in our Churches, in our devotion to Christ, in reading the Word, so on and so on. Commitment is required in our relationship with Christ. If we struggle to commit our life to Him, we will struggle to commit in others areas and relationships as well. Commitment is trusting God with everything we have and everything we are. Commitment is loving God more than we love ourselves.  

Give Christ the gift of commitment this new year! Commit to Him and His Word wholeheartedly. 

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

Altar Sunday

The Gift of giving and telling others about Christ doesn't end on December 25th. It actually begins.

Keep celebrating the life of Christ. Keep spreading His name, His love, His joy, His goodness, His faithfulness and the hope that is found in Him.

Meet Jesus at the Cross, He is there waiting to give you the path for which He desires you to take in 2014.

The Gift of Fruitfulness

Fruitfulness…

I love this gift. Fruitfulness is an abundance of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. It produces many gifts; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to be exact. It is the gift that keeps on giving, day in and day out. Fruitfulness is not something we can obtain ourselves, it comes from the Holy Spirit and staying attached to the vine. As long as we stay attached to the vine fruit will be produced, which means more fruit to be given.

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. 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 15:4-5

The Gift of Trust

Trust…

It's the gift man must earn, but can only be found in God Almighty. His faithfulness proves true day in and day out. 

He never lies, never goes back on His Word, He will never leave us not forsake us. 

His character and integrity speak for themselves. 

To find trust in man, is to find God in man. It's a gift that seems to be rare, but when found, Christ is there. 

Seek to obtain this gift, its a daily search, but one worth searching for. 

"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you." Psalm 9:10

The Gift of God's Word

God's Word…

This is the most spectacular gift you could ever give someone. It is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. It straightens us out, it brings us life. It is a fresh of breath air. It is where our hope comes from, where peace is found, and is the prescription for healing. It is a gift that everyone needs no matter who they are or where they are. God's Word is the most beneficial gift there is. It's a needed gift in the worst of ways, and is available to all man, free of charge. It's the gift that should be found in EVERY home, every school, every hotel, every corner. Within it, knowledge, understanding and wisdom are found. Along with insight, good judgement, and guidance. It's full of the greatest love letters, written specifically to you, from God Himself. It will fill you up, lift you up, and draw you closer to Christ. I can't think of a greater gift to give than God's Word.

"Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise." Colossians 3:16

The Gift of Thankfulness

Thankfulness…

Thankfulness is a gift Christ should receive daily. It's the acknowledgement of His goodness in our lives. Thankfulness, is not just a gift to be given during Thanksgiving, rather it's a gift that should be given 365 days a year. Thankfulness is appreciating God's richest mercies. This is a particular gift that should be shared, spread, and become contagious. When thankfulness overflows in our lives, it should become an outpouring onto the lives of others.

"Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done." Colossians 2:7

The Gift of Humility

Humility…

More than a gift, humility is a reflection. A reflection of Christ. It is the state of not thinking of yourself or that you are better than others. Rather it's a state of selflessness. It's an attitude that does not demand it's own way or cling to it's own rights. Instead, it places others interests before its own. Humility, is the perfect description of Christ. Humility is what we should all desire and posses, especially this time of year.

"Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross." Philippians 2:5-8

The Gift of Prayer

Prayer…

It's the greatest gift to give when you are at a loss for what to give. It's always needed, always welcomed, and is better than any human word given. Prayer, when given on behalf of others, is placed in the hands of the Most Holy God, the Creator and Ruler; the healer, comforter, protector, and Sovereign God. He will be able to give and do far more than any human word, or gift ever could.


"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."  Ephesians 3:14-19

Altar Sunday

Join together and lift up your voices to the Lord. Rush to the altar together and kneel before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He has come to set us free. He has come to show us the way. He has come to give us life. He has made the way. 

Celebrate the goodness of Christ.

The Gift Encouragement

Encouragement…

It's the gift, when given can build up even the saddest heart. It is the gift, that can be a source of strength for the weak. Hope for the hopeless. Confidence for the insecure. And even life-giving.

This is one gift we should not keep wrapped up. It should be given daily, especially in our homes.

"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Romans 1:12

The Gift of Service

Service…

Is not found wrapped in a gift, it is found in us; our hands and feet. We actually give the gift, by giving up our time to help and serve others.

"Then the King will say to those on the right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me." Matthew 25:34-36

How can you and your family serve?

The Gift of Giving

Giving…

Is what we do this time every year. We give so many things, but the greatest gift we could give, is Christ, our time, our selves, our tithes, our offerings, our homes, His Word and His love.

Giving goes way beyond a materialistic gift. Giving, is the giving up of self.

"If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving-large or small-it will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38

God gave the ultimate gift of giving. He gave His Son!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." John 3:16

The Gift of Joy

Joy…

Is the gift often confused with happiness. Yet it is quite different. The gift of joy is given by God for all to take and receive. It's the gift that fills your heart with absolute confidence that you belong to Christ. This gift must be given with the gift of Christ, because they really do go together. Without Christ there is no joy! Give someone the gift of Christ's Word and watch Him give them the gift of joy when they receive Him.

"I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that yo will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" John 15:9-11

The Gift of Faithfulness

Faithfulness…

It's the gift Jesus deserves from us the most. It's the greatest gift we could give Him every single day. It's one given sporadically, but should be given always.  He did not withhold His faithfulness from us. He has proven His faithfulness over and over again. He is the most faithful there is.

May our lives be wrapped in such faithfulness that others will see Him.

"Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day." Lamentations 3:23

"For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ." Hebrews 3:14

The Gift of Goodness

Goodness…

It's the gift that can only be described this way. "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up." Romans 14:17-19

Altar Sunday

"Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girls, and now generation after generation will call me blessed. For he, the Mighty One, is holy, and he has done great things for me. His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him. His mighty arm does tremendous things! How he scatters the proud and haughty ones! He has taken princes from their thrones  and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful. For he promised our ancestors-Abraham and his children-to be merciful to them forever." Luke 1:46-55

The Gift of Patience

Patience…

It's the gift we all need, but never want to ask for. It's the gift, if given will display self-control, love and gentleness all at the same time. It's the gift Jesus freely gives and displays for us every millisecond.

If you are able, give the gift, but also receive the gift, it will be life-transforming.

"Love is patient." 1 Corinthians 13:4

"Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness." 2 Peter 1:6

The Gift of Honesty

Honesty…


It's the gift that is desperately needed today. It's needed in our homes, our jobs, our schools, our nation, even within ourselves. It's one gift we should be more mindful of giving out. We will never understand the urgency and importance of this gift. Without it, there will be deception and misleading of every kind.

If there was ever a gift for us to give, it would be the gift of honesty.

"The Lord hates cheating, but he delights in honesty." Proverbs 11:1

The Gift of Selflessness

Selflessness…

It's the gift that is found in Christ. It's the giving up of one's self in order to put others first. It is the gift God gave us when He sent Christ to die for us. It's the gift, that if used, will change lives, homes, even nations. It's the sweetest gift you can give Christ and others.

Christ's birth, death, and resurrection is the perfect example of selflessness.

"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." Luke 9:23-24

"For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want." John 6:38

The Gift of Gentleness

Gentleness…

It's the gift that should grace our homes daily and our lives always. It's the prettiest gift you could wrap yourself in. Nothing speaks God's grace more than a kind, mild-mannered heart.

"You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." 1 Peter 3:4

The Gift of Love

Love…

It's the gift that is requested by all and required by Him.

You can never go wrong in giving the gift of love. It quiets angry hearts. It restores broken hearts. It brings joy to the joyless. It brings comfort and hope and is the greatest reflection of Christ.

Give the gift of love with all your heart! Jesus did.

"God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sen his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friend, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 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 4:9-12

"God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect." 1 John 4:16-17

The Gift of Peace

Peace…

It's a gift we all desire, yet one that is given the least. If given it produces a harvest of blessing and righteousness. Let's give the gift of peace.

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

Altar Sunday

How will you find me 

What will you see

Will it be a heart devoted to thee

As I kneel at your feet

I give all to thee

Leaving none to be found

I will walk away 

hearing the only sound

Give it all to Me

The Gift of Hope

Hope…

It's one of the most needed gifts today and is found in Christ alone.

"Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. And his name will be the hope of all the world." Matthew 12:18-21

The Gift of Kindness

Kindness…

It's the gift that keeps on giving.

"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart."  Psalm 3:3

The Gift of Forgiveness

Forgiveness…

It's a gift we all could use and one we could all afford to give.

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Colossians 3:13

It Is these that need the Gift of Christ

7stead, 

She entered our office with a sweet and gentle smile. 

Her gentle spirit radiated through out the entire meeting. 

As it came to a close she said something I wasn't quite prepared for. 

Her heart opened and she began to express her brokenness. 

"On July 30th my husband died while running on the treadmill. He had just recently seen a cardiologist who had given him a good report. On July 1st, we both decided we wanted and needed to lose weight. He was always all in with everything. I wasn't there when it happened. Every since then my life has been a little off." 

My heart broke for her. God's timing is amazing in all things. I had just spent time with Him the day before, praying for those who have lost loved ones. And then today a complete stranger, now sister, sharing her loss. 

In that moment it seemed as though I had no mouth to speak words, just arms; arms that grabbed hold of her and hugged her. 

The moment she walked out the door, I immediately went to the foot of the cross grabbed a hold of Jesus and cried out for His presence to surround her, comfort her, and encourage her. 

Sweet one, it is these precious ones that we should be grabbing a hold of; loving on, surrounding, praying over them, and giving them the precious and perfect gift of Jesus.

He is the Light that penetrates the darkest darkness. He is the comfort that allows you to take a breath. He is the one who wipes away your tears. He is the strength you need to get out of bed and keep serving Him.

He is your every and only need. 

Wrap your arms around someone hurting. 

And whatever you do, trust Christ and complain less. 

Give more and take less. 

Love more. Encourage more. Pray more, and focus less on yourself and more on Christ.

Jesus was selfless when He came to earth to save us. Let's follow that example.

"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians 2:1-8

cross.

The Best Gift-The Perfect Gift

"Don't be afraid! He said. I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!" Luke 2:10

The best gift you could ever give is the gift of Christ. 

Wrap Him up and send Him out. 

There will never be a more life changing gift.

It's the one gift that will always keep on giving from generation to generation. 

It's the gift that brings joy, love, hope and peace.

So stop searching for the perfect gift, Jesus is the perfect gift!