Altar Sunday

“I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O LORD, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your miracles. I love your sanctuary, LORD, the place where your glory shines.”

Psalm 26:6-8

The Sacrifice that Honors Him

But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23

The greatest sacrifice is a heart full of thanksgiving. That is the sweetest aroma we could ever offer to the Lord.

When we acknowledge His goodness, love, mercy and grace and we express it through our praise and obedience, He is honored.

How often do we stop and thank the Lord for all He has done, does, and will do for us?

What changes do we need to allow the Lord to make in our lives so we can spend more time giving the sacrifice of thanksgiving that honors Him?

He is greater and bigger than any problem. He stronger and more powerful than any illness! He is more forgiving and loving than any human.

Jesus You are amazing, beautiful, holy, and perfect! Thank You for Your unending love and protection. Thank You for the gift of life. Amen

The Representation I want Seen in my Heart

“I will thank you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name. O Most High.” Psalm 9:1-2

I want this verse to be a representation of my heart. I want to constantly be sharing the marvelous things the Lord has done.

He is so good. He is the joy that fills my soul.

Jesus may I spend the remaining time here on earth in a state of thanksgiving. You are so merciful and loving. You are worthy of honor and praise.

I should constantly be thanking You for the forgiveness and mercy You have extended to me.

Forgive me for focusing more on the problems than blessings.

Keep my eyes and thoughts constantly on You and Your goodness.

Amen

A Heart that Acknowledges

"I will thank the Lord because he is just;  I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." Psalm 7:17

To offer thanksgiving means that we acknowledge God's goodness.

When our eyes are on the Lord our entire being should be in a constant state of thanksgiving.

His goodness surrounds us, let's acknowledge it! 

Jesus thank You for Your goodness. Help us to acknowledge it more an more until our hearts are full of thanksgiving. Amen

Halloween

How do you feel about Halloween?

Do you ever wonder what Jesus thinks about Halloween?

Do you even celebrate Halloween?

Jesus this is one man-made event that always leaves me feeling uneasy. I pray that we will be mindful of what is pleasing to You. Amen

How Will You Respond?

How do you respond to the Lord when He calls? When you know the Lord is impressing on your heart to do something, do you do it?

Do you share His Word when He presents the oppurtunity?

Do you forgive when He tells you to?

Do you act in love rather than anger or hate, when the situation is heated?

Do you speak in truth and honesty when asked a question?

All these things plus more are God-given oppurtunites, and He is calling us and commanding us to them as He says. Not as we think or feel.

And this can be very hard!

It can also be very rewarding.

So how will you respond to the Lord?

Jesus may our answer to You always be yes. Help us to do as You have commanded us, not because we have to but because we love You. Forgive us where we fail You. Amen

Distractions

"But I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent." 2 Corinthians 11:3

Do you have distractions in your life that are causing your focus to be in the wrong place?

How can we make sure Jesus is our main focus and keep the world and self from distracting us from Him?

Jesus help me to keep my focus on You. Forgive me for being easily distracted. Amen

Altar Sunday

Maybe your heart is heavy.

Maybe your body is ill.

Maybe your marriage is a mess.

Maybe your life is out of wack.

Maybe your child has strayed.

 Maybe you feel lonely and lost.

Maybe your addiction has become too strong.

 Maybe your job is stressful.

 Maybe your soul is lost.

Whatever your maybe is, take it to the altar.

Entering Fearlessly Into His Presence

“Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God’s presence, assured of his glad welcome.” Ephesians 3:12

Do you know that feeling you get when your family or friends greet you at the door with a sweet loving welcome? It makes you feel loved, wanted and liked.

Do you feel that same loving welcome when you step foot into your Church? You should, and if you don’t, then we as brothers and sisters who are a part of that body should make some significant changes.

Christ is all about making His children feel loved and welcomed. He is the first to greet us personally. He is the first to wrap His arms around us. He is the first to let us know how happy He is that we are His. He is the first and only one who looks past the sin and sees our heart. He welcomes us just as we are and loves us unconditionally.

We are assured of that because of our faith in Him.

And because of our faith in Christ we can come fearlessly into His presence and know that He will be there to welcome us with loving arms.

Did you catch what Paul said? We can come fearlessly into His presence.

We can come to Him with confidence, boldness and assurance.

This gives me great peace. No matter what I have done, no matter the shame, I know that when I approach the Throne Room Christ will welcome me with loving arms.

There are no excuses for us, who are in Christ, to enter the Throne Room in fear. Christ took that away when He died for us.

God wants to visit with us. He wants us to come to Him and visit about anything and everything. He desires that one on one time with us.

Knowing now that we can enter His presence fearlessly we should be entering the Throne Room a whole lot more.

He is waiting!

Jesus You paved the way for us to enter the Most Holy Place where You dwell and meet with You. Thank You for shedding Your blood so that we can enter with confidence and boldness knowing that You are there to welcome and greet us with open and loving arms. Amen

It's All apart of His Plan

“When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.” Ephesians 3:14

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees in awe. I fall to my knees thankful that me, a mere speck on the face of this earth, is a part of God’s plan.

When I think of His wisdom and plan, I struggle to comprehend it. It is bigger than I can understand. It is greater and better than I ever imagined.

When I think of how much His love is in those plans, I am humbled, I am thankful; I am full of joy, and gratefulness.

When I think of how big and mighty God is I am left speechless before Him.

I have this amazing privilege of coming to the Most Holy God, who is the Creator of everything in heaven and earth and laying my life and heart out before Him. Knowing He is present and hears me.

I am thankful that He found me worthy enough to be a part of His plan. I pray I use my talents for His glory and honor.

Jesus thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your plan. Thank You for the amazing love that is intertwined all throughout Your plan. May I spend the rest of my life on my knees in prayer, praising You for Your marvelous plan for all of our lives. Amen

Are We Willing to Suffer for Others and Christ?

"So please don't despair because of what they are doing to me here. It is for you that I am suffering, so you should feel honored and encouraged." Ephesians 3:13

We know his story. We know what his life was like before the Lord called him to be His instrument. He was a persecutor of Christians. He went to many lengths to make sure anyone who followed Christ was chained and put to death.

But that was Saul on the other side of the cross. Today we know him as Paul who stands on this side of the cross. Paul went to great lengths to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So much that he experienced suffering of many kinds; beatings, thrown in jail, starved, etc.

Paul truly shared in the suffering of Christ. Just as the Lord said he would, "For Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for me." Acts 9:15

In Paul's letter to the Church of Ephesus he tells them to not despair because of what is happening to him. He is suffering for them, so that they can know about Jesus.

I find this to be so moving, so humbling, so powerful. Paul suffered so others could know Christ. Missionaries today put themselves out there to endure suffering so that others can know Christ. Many believers around the world endure suffering for Christ today.

I am encouraged by this. I am moved by this. I am thankful and honored to have such amazing brothers and sisters around the world who will stand for Christ and share His name with others no matter the suffering that comes.

Am I willing to do the same for others and Christ?

Jesus thank You for those who suffer so that others can know You. Thank You for their great faith. I pray many come to know You because of their commitment and love to You. Use me Father to share Your Word and love to others. Forgive me if I hid in fear afraid of suffering for You. You did it for me and for that I am grateful, honored and blessed. Thank You! Amen

The Special Privilege

"By God's special favor and mighty power, I have been given the wonderful privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. Just think! Though I did nothing to deserve it, and though I am the least deserving Christian there is, I was chosen for this special joy of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning." Ephesians 3:7-9

By God's special favor and mighty power, Paul was chosen.

By God's special favor and mighty power, you were chosen.

By God's special favor and mighty power, I was chosen.

We have been given the wonderful privilege of serving Him by spreading the Good News.

Though we did nothing to deserve it, and though we are the least deserving, we were chosen for this special joy of telling others about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

That is AWESOME!

So...how are we doing in sharing this wonderful news?

Jesus let there never be an excuse in me for not sharing this amazing news. You promise to equip me with the words, help me not to ever doubt that promise or allow my fears and insecurity to get in the way. Thank You for this special privilege. Amen

God's Secret Plan

"And this is the secret plan: The Gentiles have an equal share with the Jews in all the riches inherited by God's children. Both groups have believed the Good News, and both are part of the same body and enjoy together the promise of blessings through Christ Jesus." Ephesians 3:6

There are many opinions that fly around in this space we call earth. They swirl and spread and expand into so many things.

It was the same way in Bible times. Opinions of many about Christ swirled around, spread throughout the land and expanded into the hearts of many.

It seems as though we take our opinions and try to present them as truth, when in reality the only truth that is solid and consistent today is the Word of God.

As I listen to these Presidential Debates I listen the opinions of two men and I wonder where the truth lies.

As humans we are unable to consistently hold true to our word. We will fail one another!

Both men have their opinions of how they believe our Country should be ran. All these opinions and beliefs cause division. Not only between the two but also between America.

I am not sure if you have ever talked to someone who is a strong Democrat or strong Republican, but they don't like the other very much and are quick to express their opinion on it.

We all have our own beliefs, I get that, but for us who have called on the Name of the Lord, we should be standing united as one in love.

We should not encourage or promote division or strife. Jesus is Lord, it is His foundation that we should be standing on. His Word is the Only real and lasting truth. He is Ruler and Creator of ALL THINGS.

He has the final say. What He says is the most important thing. He is not full of opinion, He is full of truth, love, mercy and forgiveness. He desires and promotes peace, kindness, unity, and love.

In Ephesians Paul makes a very strong statement to the Church in Ephesus about God's secret plan.

"The Gentiles have an equal share with the Jews in all the riches inherited by God's children. Both groupgs have believed the Good News, and both are part of the same body and enjoy together the promise of blessings through Christ Jesus."

Remember yesterday we talked about Jesus breaking down the wall of hostitlity (Ephesians 2:14).

We need to make sure we are not trying to build back up the wall of hostility towards one another. Christ destroyed it so we could worship and work together as One body, which is way stronger than a bunch of divided bodies.

Let's look to Christ and His everlasting truth. Let's work together to make sure we keep the wall of hositility down. Let's not base our decisions off of the many opinions but on the Word of God alone.

Jesus You are in complete control. Thank You that we can rest in confident assurance that You have the final say in all things. Thank You that Your love never fails. Thank You that Your Word stands firm forever. Amen

It Has Been Put to Death

"For Christ himself has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to seperate us. By his death he ended the whole system of Jewish law that excluded the Gentiles. His purpose was to make peace between Jews and Gentlies by creating in himself one new person from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He has brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and to us Jews who were near. Now all of us, both Jews and Gentiles, may come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us." Ephesians 2:14-18

Pray brethren, the time is approaching. Let's not waste it on controversy, lets stand together and let the Light in us do the speaking. Let's become united as one body. Just as Christ intended.

"Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his and death, and our hostility toward each other was put to death."  

Jesus we trust in You that is what we are founded on. You have placed us upon the rock and we are standing firm. Unite us more Father, may we see the entire body come together and make Your name known. Amen

Altar Sunday

Don’t let fear or the concern of others keep you from going to the altar and handling business with the Lord.

Power Packed Verse

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

This verse is packed with power, love, hope, joy, peace, and mercy.

A few things that I love about this verse

1. We are God’s Masterpiece.
1. We are a work of outstanding artistry, skill, and workmanship. We are God’s best piece of work.
2. That is AWESOME and encouraging. It makes me feel beautiful, loved, and valued.

2. We are created anew in Christ Jesus
1. Because of Christ the ugliness of my sin was carved out and removed. The red stain that covered me is now washed away leaving me white as snow. I am no longer the same person I once was. I am new in Christ. Covered in His love, filled with the Holy Spirit. I am no longer bound to my old sinful nature. My thoughts have been made new. My heart belongs to Christ, I am His and He is mine.

3. We can now do the good things He planned for us long ago.
1. As God’s masterpiece, who is made new in Christ, is now able to go and do the “Good” things He planned for me long ago. God has good things planned for me, and He planned them long ago. God wants to use me to bring glory to Him. That gives me hope and peace that my future is great because of Him in me.

If you are ever in need of encouragement or need to know you are loved and beautiful draw on this verse and let it saturate all over you.

Jesus thank You for Your wonderful workmanship! Your love in indescribable! Thank You for expressing Your love for us through this power packed verse. May we cling to every word and be reminded daily of Your love for us. Amen

Morning Meeting

“Come and listen to what the Lord your God says.” Joshua 3:9

It’s 6:00 am and the Lord has called a morning meeting. Will you attend or sleep in?

Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River the Lord told Joshua to stop the craziness and busyness and get everyone together for a very important meeting.

What was so important about this meeting? The LORD needed to give them instructions on what was about to happen, what everyone’s roll was, and how things needed to be handled.

If the Israelites would have failed to come to the meeting and listen they would have possibly been swept away by the Jordan River, could have died, and would have missed out on God’s amazing miracle.

But they all showed up and because of that God’s plan was carried out and His miracle and power was spread throughout the land.

What did God do, He cut off the flow of water upstream so the river would pile up there in one heap, thus drying up the riverbed for the people to cross. (Joshua 3:13)

The Lord has special instructions and plans for each of us, but unless we show up to the meeting we will not know what those plans are. We will miss out on what He wants to do in us and through us.

All of us have very busy days, but there is nothing in our day that should take precedence over our meeting with Christ. We need Him in order to get through our busy day.

So let’s get up in time to attend the most important meeting of our day. Let’s come and listen to what the Lord our God says. Let’s let Him give us instructions for the day. That way we don’t miss out on His miracles and blessings.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to just hear what God is doing or has done, I want to be apart of it.

Jesus I don’t want to miss out on what You are doing or the instructions and purpose You have for me each day. Nor do I want anyone else to miss out. If we do nothing else in this life I pray we are consistent in our meeting with You. Amen

Alive and Free or Dead and Doomed?

“Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” Ephesians 2:1-2

Once moments pass us, we never get them back. We can’t rewind time we can only move forward.

So instead of living a life always looking back, we need to look forward at the life ahead, making sure from this point on, we don’t waste one moment doing useless or sinful things, or act in a manner that is displeasing to the Lord.

Life is too short to live in regret or live in doom.

We need to celebrate our new life in Christ. We need to cherish each moment He allows our hearts to beat. We need to cherish our families and friends. We need to use each moment spreading the Good News that Jesus is alive and because of Him we are alive.

Brethren once we were dead doomed forever because of our sins, but God is so rich in mercy and He loved us so very much, that while we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.

That is worth celebrating. That is the reason we should spend each moment looking to what lies ahead. He is the reason we keep on going. He is the reason we should live in constant thanksgiving and praise.

He is the reason for our joy. He is the reason we are alive and new in Christ.

It is His love that sustained us. It is His rich mercy that saved us from our past. It is the resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ that set us free.

We are alive in Christ, death has been overcome. Let’s share this rich love and mercy with others, so they too can be set free from the chains of their past and sin and live new in Christ Jesus.

Jesus thank You for setting us free! Thank You that we are no longer dead or doomed. We are alive because of You. Thank You, may we keep our eyes on what lies before us and may our hearts be flooded with constant praise. Amen

Please bear with us as we try to fix Godly Gossip.  We are having some technical difficulties that should be fixed very soon.

Healthy or Unhealthy?

“But evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them.” Matthew 15:18

A healthy heart produces healthy thoughts and healthy motives.

An unhealthy heart produces unhealthy thoughts and unhealthy motives.

When our heart is healthy our lives are healthy. We are joyful, at peace, content in our own skin, we glow, we have energy, and we do more for the Lord and others. When our heart is healthy we spend more time thinking of others than we do ourselves.

When our heart is unhealthy our lives are spent focusing more on ourselves and the problem rather than on the Healer.

Our thoughts turn negative causing more headaches and frustration. Our motives reflect laziness, bitterness, ugliness, and complacency. We tend to spend more time in seclusion and around the germs and bacteria rather than around that which can heal and help us.

Our words either offer life and radiant health or they bring sickness and destruction upon us and others.

Make sure to wash your hands and self from the germs and bacteria that cause a sick unhealthy heart.

Jesus why do we choose to focus more on our sick heart and self than You. You are the healer that gives us life and health. If our heart is unhealthy keep us from contaminating others. Jesus we need Your healing. We are unable to heal our hearts on our own. Amen