2 Reasons

"You don't have much faith." Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" Matthew 14:31

I can think of only two main reasons why we doubt the Lord.

1. Fear
2. Lack of faith due to lack of knowledge in who Christ is and says He is.

What reasons do you have for doubting Christ?

Jesus You know my heart and You know how much faith and trust I really have in You. Reveal those levels to me and develop in me greater faith. Help me not doubt You. You are greater than all of my fears and You have proven Your faithfulness and love to me over and over. Forgive me. Amen

Altar Sunday

Find the most humble position at the altar today. It's better to approach the altar humble than prideful.

Keeping Routine out of the Relationship

"But I warn you-unless you obey God better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can't enter the Kingdom of Heaven at all!" Matthew 5:20

How do you keep from getting in a ritual or routine in your personal relationship with Christ?

If you have ever got stuck in one you will agree that complacency kicks in really quick, and brethren complancency is a bad thing.

The Pharisees and Religious leaders were a prime example of routine and ritual's when it came to their faith.

So much so they missed having a loving relationship with the One who came to save them.

I don't want to miss Jesus because I am stuck in a routine or a to do check list. I want my relationship with Christ to be alive and flourishing, not dead and complcent.

If I am not careful I can get there really quick and in doing so I walk away feeling empty.

Jesus wants a relationship with me that is fun, joyful, enjoying, interesting, full of love, excitment, and laughter. He also wants a relationship that is real and genuine and not a "Have to" but a "Want to"

How do you keep from getting in a routine or a ritual in your relationship with Christ?

Jesus may I take notice of Your warning given in Matthew 5:20. Show me all the areas that I have allowed routine or ritual to become habit thus dampering our relationship. Jesus it is Your love for me that leaves me desring more of You. Fuel the fire of our love within me. That is may burn bigger and brighter. I pray the fire never becomes dull or dim. Amen

A Child's Love

"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead." Ephesians 2:4

He wrapped his little arms and legs around me and hung on so tightly whispering in my ear, "I love you sugar so much."

I could fill his precious love and even my love mix together, and it was right there in that moment that I felt just how strong Christ's love is for me.

He wraps His entire body around mine and whispers, "I love you Kristi. You are mine."

It's these moments that I love, I need, I live for. The moments when I feel the Lord's presence so strongly among me.

I need Him brethren. I need Him desperately.

Thank You Jesus for Your love and for expressing Your love through the love of our children. I pray You will pour out Your love today on those who are need of love. I pray they will experience Your presence in mighty way. Amen

How...

How can we as believers become more united?

How can we look to heaven and focus on the unity that will take place there and start that same unity here, right now?

I Wonder...

I wonder...

Does Jesus pull up a front row seat for the Presidental Debate?

Does He cringe at the comments that are made?

Does His heart break because of the lack of love?

Does He find humor in any of it?

Is He known by one or by both?

Who does He have a personal relationship with?

I wonder...

As He looks to what lies ahead if He is pleased or angered?

Now I wonder for us...

Us who are followers of Christ.

Have we stood back to long and allowed the bar of what Christ expects of us to be lowered?

I don't know what our future holds, BUT I do know...

That Christ is the ultimate ruler and authority.

I know that no matter what He is in control and will ALWAYS be in control.

I know that His name is to be glorified, His Word is to be our daily bread.

I know that the gate is NARROW and only a few will enter!

I know that we as followers of Christ should walk in the confidence and strength of God's protection and Word and stand up for what is right.

I know that we should vote!

And I know that no matter who wins, God is control and we need to trust Him all the way to the end!

Jesus knows and He has His children's best interest at heart. He will protect us and take care of us. Believe tht brethren it's straight from His Word.

Stand firm, stand strong, stay faithful, and do not compromise your faith for anything or anyone.

Sweet Nothing's

This has nothing to do with anything other than the fact that seeing Jesus at work in the life of my boys is amazing!

First I picked Avery up from school and he jumped in the car and said, "Mommy do you know what is a blessing?"

"What is a blessing?" I asked

Avery's exact words, " It's a blessing that I didn't have to worry about my lunch bag."

It was nothing huge but to him it was a blessing. To me it was huge because he gets it. He gets how the Lord blesses us and he knows that even small things are blessings.

Second, my sweet now four year old looked at me when we were picking up Cinderalla and said, "Mommy I don't like girls I only like you."

I LOVED THAT! It was precious and melted my heart.

Third, we were watching a movie on the Disney channel and one of the characters was stealing things and Avery said, "Mommy he is making a bad choice and Jesus is not okay with him stealing."

Then Dax chimes in and says, "Mommy that really breaks Jesus' heart and that makes Him sad."

It is in these moments that I see the Lord at work in the lives of my boys and that brings me joy!

It is so important that our children are being taught the Word of God and that they are seeing God's Word lived out in our lives.

I can't think of a more crucial time than now to ensure that our children know the truth and are standing upon the rock.

The Model Servant

“Jesus replied, ‘But if I don’t wash you, you won’t belong to me.” John 13:8

Peter didn’t understand why Jesus was persistent in washing his feet. All he knew is that Jesus the Messiah was washing his feet and that was not something a Master does. Only servants!

But then Jesus makes a profound statement, “But if I don’t wash you, you won’t belong to me.”

What does that mean, “If you don’t wash my feet I won’t belong to you?”

It means you have to be a servant. You have to lower yourselves to the most humble position, just as Christ did and serve.

Jesus did this to set the example for His disciples. He wanted them to follow His example and go out and serve others. Christ set that same example for us today.

How well are we serving others today?

Are we teaching our children what it means to serve?

Let’s take on the attitude of Christ and humble ourselves.

Jesus help me to follow the example You set for us. May I never demand to be served but willing to serve others at all times. Amen

Th

Let It Resonate

 

 

 

Father I pray that someone reading Your Word today will experience Your love for them in a way they they never have before.

 

I pray they will realize how rich in kindness You are.

 

I pray they will understand that You purchased their freedom through the blood of Your Son and that today their sins are FORGIVEN. (Ephesians 1:7)

 

 

Amen

 

Altar Sunday

Do you know someone in great need? If so, would you approach the Throne Room on their behalf.

What greater gift is there?

Jesus there are so many in greater need than I am. May I use all my energies on serving and praying for them, rather than focusing on myself.

Finish what You Started

"I strain to reach the end of the race and recieve the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." Philippians 3:14


I bounce around in my time with the Lord. But lately the Lord has been pulling me back. Stay here Kristi. Don't move from this chapter. I have things for You to learn right here.

Stay focused and finish what I asked you to start. No matter how hard it seems, no matter how frustrated or defeated things might get. Stay here. I have things right here for you to do for My glory.

This is teaching me real comittment, which is something I struggle with. No, not when it comes to my time with the Lord, more so in things that are to hard for me, or things that I feel set me up for failure.

Things that overwhelm me, or stress me out cause me to want to give up easily. Though I never do, my heart and words would tell you differently.

This often leads to a negative attitude. Anyone ever been there before?

Well if so I get it! So does the Lord and He calls us to perserve, to stay focused, comitted, faithful, and to trust in His will for our lives.

I am so thankful He has never given up on me. I am so thankful He was comitted to completing what God called Him to do here on earth. I am thankful for His love and faithfulness that carried Him all the way to the Cross. 

Jesus finished what He started and I want to do the same.

Jesus thank You for finishing what You started. You have shown me the importance of comittment no matter how hard it is. Help me to stay focused and finish what You have started in me. Change my heart and my mind to be just like Yours. Remove any negativity or thoughts of giving up. You have called us here for a time such as this and You have placed me in Ephesians for a reason. Help me to see and understand what You are teaching me in this wonderful book. Amen

Trust Issues

'For the word of the Lord holds true, and everything he does is worthy of our trust. He loves whatever is just and good and his unfailing love fills the earth." Psalm 33:4-5

Do you struggle with trust issues? Maybe there is a reason why you do. If so does it affect your relationship with the Lord?

Do you find it hard to trust Him?

There are so many times in all of our lives when things happen that we don't understand why. Maybe we trusted God in a certain area for it to turn out differently than what we expected and that left us doubting Him.

And brethren I believe that in those times, when the Lord looks at our hearts, He understands our stuggle, our trust issue.

So do you know what He does? He reveals Himself to us through something we least expected. He shows us that His plans, His ways are better.

He uses His Word to speak to our doubtful hearts. He says, "My Word holds true, and everything I do is worthy of your trust. I love whatever is just and good and my unfailing love fills the earth."

There is really not a better place to go if you struggle with trust issues than the Word of God.

His Word is true friend, believe in His promises. He is faithful and His Word brings life and hope.

He is worthy of all of our trust.

Remember His ways are better than ours, so if some things turned out differently than you expected, it's okay. God is with you. He loves you. He has your best interest in mind at all times.

Let Him deliver you from your doubts.

Jesus You indeed our worthy of our trust. You are exactly who You say You are. Your every Word holds true. Help us not to doubt. Amen

The Need to Know More

"He is Jesus Christ, the Word of life." 1 John 1:1

In this mind boggling thought that I am loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords leaves me a little...speechless.

As I spend more time getting to know Jesus, it is hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that He loves me unconditionally and desires to have a realtionship with me, a sinner.

What undeserved mercy!

I have spent a lot of time reading His Word to get out of it what I wanted and in doing that I have missed out on getting to know more about the One who desires to have a realitionship with me.

I don't know, maybe my lack of really getting to know Christ the way my heart desires is because of the shame I feel.

How sad to allow that to hinder my realtionship with Christ.

Jesus, the One who loves me, is not only loving, but He is patient (extremely patient) kind, Good, Just and Fair. He is the Word of Life, the Lamb of God. He is the light that penetrates every dark area in me. He is the One who knows what is best for me and my family. He is the One who has a plan for me, us. He is the One who went all the way to the cross to die for me.

The more I spend time with Him the more I realize how much He knows about me. Do I seek to know Him like He knows me? Am I nailing my sin and self to the cross so I can walk with Him in the newness of life He so eagerly desires to give me?

There is only greatness that comes from knowing and serving Christ. I will say, the more you seek Him the more you realize just how holy He is. So much that it makes you feel as though you should be face down.

Even then you don't feel low enough.

There is no greater thing than knowing Jesus. There is no greater thing than allowing Him to take control of your life and reveal to you things about Himself that will leave you amazed.

I want and need more of Him. How about you?

Jesus I want the most of You that this weak mortal body can contain. I want to experience Your love in the deepest most real way possible. Amen

The Only Words I Have

There are no words that would even come close to sufficing for the pain and suffering you are going through. I know I tell you often that I love you and it's only because love seems to cover a mulitude of all things.

Love is strong, because it's His love. I want you to know you are loved, your family is loved. And honestly Dana I can't get out any other words. The knot in my throat and the tears, they won't let anything else come out.

But besides that, I know with every ounce of Jesus that is in me, you my precious sister will be healed. I believe that and cling to that.

I hate cancer and I use the word hate very strongly.

But I love Jesus, I love His Word and those two things are beautiful, lovely, and forever. So I am spending time with Him, on my face for you. I am covering every part  of your body with His Word, because it is the only medicine there is that works.

There is hope in Him, there is comfort found in His Word. There is peace found in Him.

Hold on to Him Dana, He will hold you up. He will supply your every need for the day. He will show You His love.

Jesus as we seek Your face we ask that Dana feels Your constant presence. We pray protection for her and her family from any arrows Satan tries to shoot at them. I pray they will cling to You and remain faithful no matter the circumstances. Oh Father I pray that for all of us. Jesus there is no one that comforts, heals, or provides for us better than You. Jesus please relieve Dana's pain. Give her strength to continue to fight. Boost her immune system in her body. But most of all Father, reach down and remove ALL of the cancer from her body. Amen

Open Your Bible

"May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better." 2 Peter 1:2

Our desire for peace, love, comfort, hope, and healing is big. We do all that we can to ensure our lives are filled with them. So much that a lot of our prayers are, Lord please do this, let this happen, etc. And those arent' bad prayers.

But how can we constantly ask the Lord to bless me with this, bless them with that, bless, bless, bless...when we are not even taking the time to get to know Him better? Better yet, how can we expect our lives to change, or to become more like Him, if we are not spending time with Him, reading His Word?

Paul says, May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to KNOW Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better.

Wow, brethren Paul is telling us that if we want the special favor of God, then we are going to have to spend time getting to know Him. We are going to have to get in the Word and allow Him to teach us about who He is. Prayer is great, but in order to really know God we have to open our Bibles.

Then and only then will we begin to receive His special favor.

Before we begin to ask God for this and that, lets spend some time getting to know Him, through His Word.

Jesus You go on in 2 Peter and tell us that as we get to KNOW You better, Your divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. Help us to remember that knowing You is the most important thing. And in order to know You we have to spend time with You. Amen

For Dana

Today brethren would you approach the altar for my precious friend Dana. She found out that the cancer is getting worse.

This is devastating news. I know they would appreciate as many people flooding the throne room for her.

My prayer today is that the altars are covered with brothers and sisters everywhere praying for Dana.

Please Pray for Dana

My sweet friend Dana received devastating news this week and I am asking that you please pray for her and her family.

Her cancer is getting worse and honestly I am so saddened that I have very few words. It stinks, I hate this awful disease.

Oh merciful Lord please place Your hands upon Dana and heal her. Jesus please wrap Your arms around Dana. Squeeze her so tight she feels Your presence. Today we ask for comfort for her. Ease the pain she is feeling and hold together her broken heart. Oh Jesus please heal Dana. Amen

A Rare and Amazing Woman...whom I call mommy!

I am laying in bed sick with the crud listening to my precious mom unpack my boxes and put things up. I can't tell you one, how horrible I feel knowing she is doing that alone while I lay in this bed.

But two, not only have they both gone above and beyond in helping us move, but they took my sick hiney to the doctor this morning, went in with me, then went with me to take the boys to school. Then my daddy stayed here and tended to house stuff and Daxie, while my sweet mama loaded up with me and drove to Big Spring to see a gazillion patients. On top of that we get home and they help us witth Dax, who busted his head open and had to get stitches. SO...for her to come home and do all that she is doing, well...it brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart literally burst because of their love.

And with every complaint that flows from my mouth her words are the exact opposite.  She has not complained onece, actually she has smiled and made me feel like she was thrilled to be doing this. My daddy has been the same way!!

It's in this moment right now that I think of how much she really does hold so many character qualities of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

I am so thankful for her and my dad! They have stopped everything else to come help us through all of this craziness we have going on.

I know that the Lord is pleased with them. Oh, brethren I desire to have these type of qualities. Qualities that reflect the Lord. I desire to have actions that paint the perfect picture of Jesus' love and servants heart.

My deepest prayer tonight is that Christ will bless them for all the work they do for Him.

^10-31 A good woman is hard to find,    and worth far more than diamonds.Her husband trusts her without reserve,    and never has reason to regret it.Never spiteful, she treats him generously    all her life long.She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,    and enjoys knitting and sewing.She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places    and brings back exotic surprises.She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast    for her family and organizing her day.She looks over a field and buys it,    then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,    rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.She senses the worth of her work,    is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,    diligent in homemaking.She’s quick to assist anyone in need,    reaches out to help the poor.She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;    their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.She makes her own clothing,    and dresses in colorful linens and silks.Her husband is greatly respected    when he deliberates with the city fathers.She designs gowns and sells them,    brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.Her clothes are well-made and elegant,    and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,    and she always says it kindly.She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,    and keeps them all busy and productive.Her children respect and bless her;    her husband joins in with words of praise:“Many women have done wonderful things,    but you’ve outclassed them all!”Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.    The woman to be admired and praised    is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.Give her everything she deserves!    Festoon her life with praises! Proverbs 31

Parents- Earthly and Heavenly

"Old people are distinguished by grandparents; children take pride in their parents." Proverbs 17:6

The Lord has blessed me with the most amazing parents.

I talk about them often and it's because they are so awesome.

I want to be like them. Their actions and lifestyles have reflected Christ and hearts of servants. Both of which I desire to reflect.

Can I tell you something? Growing up I struggled with the fact that Jesus was and is better than my parents.

I am thankful that He showed me differently. My dad always says, "Baby we will fail you but the Lord will never fail you."

Oh how I know that today and I am thankful and blessed beyond comprehension.

How have your parents been a blessing to you?

Jesus thank You first of all for being the ultimate parent!  You displaye the greatest love when You died on the cross for me. Thank You! Thank You for the most amazing, loving, kind, gentle, merciful an forgiving earthly parents I could ever had. Bless them beyond what they could ever dare to hope for plus that. Amen

Are You a Citizen of Heaven?

"But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives."  Philippians 3:20

If you have ever filled out an application you have had to answer the question of whether or not you are a U.S Citizen.

But what if you were asked if you were a citizen of heaven? What would your answer be?

Maybe we should ask this question more. I mean being a U. S Citizen is amazing and a blessing, but being a citizen of heaven...well it surpasses them all!!