Count your blessings over your burdens

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

Today I had the privilege of meeting an 86 year old man who has suffered from two strokes and a heart attack. As I took him back to the exam room, I noticed he had a cup in his hand. I asked if I could throw it away for him. When he replied, “Due to the two strokes they had to remove part of my esophagus, which has not allowed me to eat, swallow or drink for over 7 years now, this cup never leaves my hand.”

He is fed through a feeding tube. He is never hungry, never thirsty, and has no idea if he ever gets full. I wondered what that would be like to never be hungry, full, or thirsty. When he grabbed my attention back and said, “It has been a hard 7 years. 7 years of not swallowing, chewing food, or drinking, but I am so blessed. There is always someone who has it worse than I do. After my second stroke the Lord revealed something to me that changed my view of things.” “What is that?” I asked.

He said, “The Lord told me to count my blessings and not my burdens. When you begin to count your blessings you won’t have time to count or worry about your burdens because you will never get done counting your blessings. It was the one thing that brought me out of depression and made me smile again.” (And he has the cutest side smile I have ever seen, maybe that is why, because he counts his blessings.)

At this point I am crying and nodding my head because the lump in my throat was so big it blocked any words from coming forth.

Count your blessings over your burdens! What a powerful statement. Jesus knew I needed to hear that. Actually I think He wants us all to hear that.

We are blessed, and there is no doubt our blessings outweigh our burdens.

So maybe when you take your 30 minutes to pray today you could praise God for every blessing by naming them one by one. I bet it just so happens your time will go so quickly, you will stay at His feet a little while longer.

Try it and see what happens.

Jesus I have no doubts that so many of our lives will be transformed when we begin counting our blessings and not our burdens. I know that our hearts will begin to overflow with a new type of joy that can’t be explained, yet will be seen for miles away. I am excited and I am so thankful for this precious man. Thank You for using him to minister to my heart today. Thank You that I was listening and looking for You. I found You and heard You and I am blessed and better because of that conversation. Thank You. Amen

The Good Person Test

Written by Ryan Burchett-


(Cue the Andy Griffith Show theme music in the background)

*Meet Mr. Nice Guy. If good people go to Heaven, he will be the first in line.*

Mr. Nice Guy: "Well, I try to do what's right. You know, do nice things for others, and keep out of trouble, that sort of thing."

*Well Mr. Nice Guy, may I test your 'goodness?'*

Mr. Nice Guy: "Sure thing!"

*Have you kept the 10 Commandments?*

Mr. Nice Guy: "Pretty much, yeah."

*Really? Do you mind if we look at them?"

Mr. Nice Guy: "Um...alright."

*Have you ever told a lie?"

Mr. Nice Guy: "Yeah, who hasn't?"

*What do you call someone who tells lies?*

Mr. Nice Guy: "A liar."

*Have you ever stolen anything?*

Mr. Nice Guy: "Nope."

*But you just told me you're a liar."

Mr. Nice Guy: "....."

Mr. Nice Guy: "Well, I did steal some candy once as a kid."

*What do you call someone who steals things?*

Mr. Nice Guy: "A thief."

*Jesus said, 'Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her in his heart. Have you ever done that?*

Mr. Nice Guy: "Of course man! Every day!”

*Have you ever used God's Name as a curse word?*

Mr. Nice Guy: "Yeah, only a few times."

*That's called blasphemy. 'The Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His Name.'*

*So, after taking the test, by your own admission, you're a liar, a thief, a blasphemer, and an adulterer at heart, and that's just 4 of the 10 Commandments."

Mr. Nice Guy: "Ok, so I'm not perfect! Neither are you or anyone else!"

*Actually, it's worse than that...*

*Sin isn't just doing things we shouldn't. It's also not doing the things we should. 'Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

Mr. Nice Guy: "Ok...."

*There's more.....suppose we could put a device in your brain that would record all your private thoughts for a week......and then play them on a movie screen for your friends and family to see.*

Mr. Nice Guy: "That would be embarrassing!"

*'God knows the secrets of the heart. Psalm 44:21'*

Mr. Nice Guy: "Well, compared to people like Osama bin Laden, Hitler, and Saddam Hussein, I'm a saint!"

*True, but the standard is God's Law, not other people.*

*Besides, even if you sin just 5 times a day, in one year, that's 1,825 sins! If you live to be 70, you'll have broken God's Law over 127,000 times!*

*You'll have to answer for every sin on Judgment Day, when 'each of us will give an account of himself to God.' Rom.14:12*

Mr. Nice Guy: "But won't God just forgive me?"

*Try that in court: 'Judge, I know I raped that 1 woman, but I'm really sorry! And since that time, I've helped 10 extra people!'

*Only a corrupt judge would allow you to go free.*

Judge: "Justice demands that you pay for your crimes!"

*God is a holy and righteous Judge. He hates our sin! Jesus warned that God, in His wrath, will cast all who sin against Him into eternal fire 'where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Matt.13:42*

Mr. Nice Guy: "Then how can anyone get to heaven?"

*There's only one way......if a sinless person offered to take your punishment, then justice would be served and you could go free!*

*God loves you so much, He sent His son Jesus to suffer and die for your sins.....then He rose from the grave - defeating death!"

*You can't earn eternal life. It's God's gift to all who humble themselves and come to Jesus. 'Turn to God in repentance and have faith in the Lord Jesus.' Acts 20:21 He will forgive your sins and give you a new heart with new desires! 'If anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation!' 2 Cor.5:17*

*Then, read the Bible and obey it. Find a good church to help you grow, and tell others the good news you've just heard!*

Let's meet

"Then all the believers were united as they lifted their voices in prayer." Acts 4:24

Hey brethren, how about meeting me at 7:30 a.m. at the feet of Jesus to chat? It would be great if you could come. There will be lots to chat about, so think about it. Jesus and I will be there.

I hope you can make it. I know you will be blessed.

I love that You love me

Jesus,

I love that You love me. I love that You get me. I love that You understand me. I love that You adore me, desire me, and value me. I love that You made me out of Your image. I love that You made me wonderfully complex. I love that You fulfill me. I love that You feed me. I love that You forgive me. 


I love that You died for me. I love that You hear me. I love that You gave me Your word so I could be more like You. I love that there is no one like You. I love that You never leave me. I love that You use me. I love that I am beautiful to You. I love that You love me. I love that You called me. I love that I am Yours. I love that You see deep within me. I love that You rose again, for me. I love that You have blessed me with Garrett, Avery and Dax. I love that You love them, adore them, desire them, created them, and value them. I love that they love You.


I love to be loved by You. I love that my purpose comes from You. I love that You are coming to get me. I love that You speak to me. I love that You guide me. I love that You teach me. I love that You help me. I love that You protect me. 


Jesus I love that You love me!


Why do you love Jesus? Have you told Him?

I bet you can't do it

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." Colossians 4:2

Are you willing to devote at least 30 minutes in prayer every day for the next 5 days? 

I bet you can't do it? 

Why do I say that? Because I know that is what Satan will tell you. Except he will say, "You are too busy, there is too much going on. You don't even pray good and what would you even pray about for 30 minutes?" He is probably even saying, “Awe he or she won’t last!"

I know that the minute you commit to the challenge he will do everything he can to keep you from it. He will distract you and discourage you from it. Why, because it will begin to weaken him and magnify Christ.

So, brethren what do you say, let's prove him wrong and weaken his defeated hinny! (Yes I said hinny)

If you need accountability, grab your husband/wife, a friend, family member, or you can email me and we will do it together!

Jesus let today begin the first day of a prayer revival. Amen

More than a conversation

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." Colossians 4:2

There is just something so moving and powerful when in conversation with the Lord. For most, it is known as prayer, and it is just that, but in a deeper sense, it is an ongoing conversation between us and Jesus.

Just the two of us wide open, raw, real, and vulnerable. It requires nothing spectacular, showy, wordy, or elaborate, just a simple, pure, and open conversation that never ends.

We talk, He listens. He talks, we listen and we go on and on forever.  

It is powerful and life-changing. Soothing and comforting. There is just nothing more important and the fact that we are able to enter the Most Holy Place ourselves, well…

It transforms us, changes us, heals us, restores us, binds us, unites us, strengthens us, and humbles us.

It places us right at the feet of where the Most Holy God dwells. It moves our souls to a place beyond our comprehension and every word spoken is taken and transformed into the ear of God and is precious, valued, heard, adored, and ever so pleasing.

These conversations bring joy to my heart. There is no greater honor or thing asked of me than to pray. I am spend alot of my day hanging out in the Most Holy Place, which is the Most awesome place by the way, so to be able to visit a little longer is great!

I am able and you are able to go directly to Him and speak and I promise there is nothing greater or simpler than visiting with Jesus. It will come natural the more you do it!

I know the power of prayer; I know the intimacy that comes from visiting with Jesus. I know and believe great and mighty things come to those who sincerely believe in the power of prayer.

Do you?

Jesus for me the second greatest You have ever done for us, was tearing the curtain so we could enter the very place where You dwell. You opened that door for ALL to come and sit at Your feet and visit. I just can’t think of anything better than being in Your presence and visiting. Thank You that we are always welcome 24/7 and that every conversation held is so precious. Amen

It was never ours to begin with

Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV

Just in case we get too caught up in the "this is mine" mind set,we should recall this amazing passage and remember nothing was, is, or will ever be "ours."

It is the Lord's, and the glory belongs to Him and Him alone.

Precious Jesus I often need to be reminded that all things are Yours and they are to be used to bring You glory not me. Keep me from ever becoming so consumed with this world and me that I fail to remember it all belongs to You. Amen

It's late

It's late, but you are on my mind (Yes you sitting on the other side of the screen) so I sent up a prayer, asking for Jesus to bless you and meet you where your heart is most vulnerable, desperate and in need of nothing more than His very presence, comfort, encouragement, and of course the very thing we need most, grace.

I hope at some point throughout your night you will be awakened by His calling. And if so, arise sweet brethren and take in all He wants to say to you. I hope you will not ignore His gentle nudge, as to wake you. There is healing and so much hope lying in that one conversation. Arise and listen, take in all that He says and grab hold of the love He is extending out to you.

Sweet Jesus dreams, and awakenings, and love!

Be careful not to confuse the two

"My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it-and I won't take it away from her." Luke 10:41-42

The time we spend with the Lord is more important to Him than anything we do for Him. We shouldn't confuse the two.

Jesus redirect me when I get caught up in the "doing" and begin missing out on what really matters, spending time at Your feet. Amen

A year’s worth-52 weeks 365 days and counting

“Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.” Psalm 119:2

As I sat at the feet of the Lord one year ago, seeking to know Him and His word more, He impressed upon me S.S.A.L.S. A call to commit to one year of nothing but studying, storing, applying, living and sharing His word. So I committed myself to Him and did just has He had called me to do. 52 weeks, 365 days!

Honestly at the time I did not think much about all the details, the true commitment it would take, the changes, purifying, or growing that would take place in my life, I just agreed and went forward.

As I sit here today ONE YEAR later…WOW! He remained faithful in speaking to me EVERY SINGLE DAY.

He was always the first one at our special place of meeting, ready and waiting with the biggest smile on His face. I don’t think I will ever get tired of seeing that smile or His presence.

There has been lots of teaching, lots of learning, lots of questions, lots of change, lots of confession, lots of tears, lots of letting go, lots of humbling, lots of comforting, guiding, and A WHOLE LOT OF protection as Satan has so desperately tried to ruin our time together.

 I have seen God’s word spread to greater lengths than I ever imagined in one year. I have heard from so many of you that have been impacted by His Holy presence as it made way into parts of your soul.

I have learned the difference between true fellowship and partial fellowship, condemnation verse correction, discernment verse feeling, Jesus given needs verse selfishness, how to love above what my  humanness finds suitable, and the greatest of all…how desperate and in need I am of my Savior and His word.

Honestly it is of no surprise that I endured a whole year, what surprises me is where I am at, what fire I am in the middle of and how amazing God’s grace is and has been.

Christ-likeness is still in process and will continue until I am made whole in Him.

Change has played a very important role in my life this year. Though I was hesitant at times and even questioned the reason for the change, the Lord always showed me the reason, not always right then as I would have liked and even asked, but in His time. Which of course always made more sense, so much it left me EXTREMELY thankful for the change(s) that were made. Not only in my life but in the life of others who were experiencing Jesus change as well.

When we understand that change is for our good and His glory it brings joy, healing, hope, and a deeper understanding of why we are to enjoy it and not complain about it. I have come to love Jesus change!

Brethren the Lord has been so good to me, and though more times than I care to share, I have found myself in a battle with Satan’s attacks, lies, and many attempts to weaken my faith. BUT…victory has been won in every battle and will win from here on out because Jesus already fought and won the battle for me along time ago.

Yes there will still be battles to fight, but I can assure you each battle will be done in Christ’s strength and not my own, I learned real quick, okay not so quick that it is way easier to fight the battle WITH Christ than on my own.

So as the Lord brings this season of my life to a close, I anxiously await to see what His new assignment will be. Where He will take me, show me, teach me and use me for.

Jesus thank You for allowing me the honor to walk closely with You over this last year. Thank You for directing my steps, taking delight in every detail of my life, catching me when I stumble and for holding me by the hand every step of the way. May Your name be honored, adored, praised, glorified, celebrated…throughout every part of my life! In Your name Jesus, Amen

Remove the cover and let your transparency show.

“Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:14-16

He has never made Himself anonymous. Nor did He wear a cover on the outside to hide who He really was on the inside. He has always known who He is-Jesus Christ.

He is real, honest, open, and upfront. He does not pretend to be our friend, our protector, our healer, our Lord. He is who He says He is, and means what He says. He has no hidden intentions or motives. Everything He represents, shows, and reveals is His true identity.

We on the other hand, well…we make ourselves anonymous, so we can voice our opinion, vent our anger, hide what we are doing if wrong, check-up on others without being seen, and so forth.

We cover ourselves up to hide who we really are. Why, because of the fear of being rejected, made fun of, hurt, left out, and/or having our sins exposed.

I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine about being transparent. When asked how she is doing it is always, “I am good.” When in reality she is a complete mess on the inside. But because she does not want to burden anyone or admit she is in desperate need of prayer, fellowship, and friendship she leads others to believe she is fine. Knowing what I know now, I can always tell when I have the transparent part of her, or if she has put on a cover. Help and growth cannot take effect unless truth is involved.

I think we have all done that a time or two. Remember that day when you were really struggling with some things personally, yet when your colleague, church member, or friend asked you how you were doing, you put on that instant smile reached down for that cheerful voice and said, “I am doing good.” Maybe you are doing good, and maybe that moment was not the moment for you to put your struggles, stress, or issues on them, but what if instead of throwing on that quick cover up you replied with a , “Pray for me?” Now that is transparency and vulnerability! And those who are prayer warriors do not need an explanation of why you need prayer, they will just begin to pray knowing the Lord knows.

As believers, seeking to be Christ-like, we no longer have to make ourselves anonymous or cover up who we are or what we are struggling with or feeling. Better yet we don’t have to be ashamed of our past either because we have been forgiven, redeemed, washed cleaned, and our very Father Himself remembers them no more!  So it is okay to be our transparent selves without fear of what others will see or think.  And we can do so because of Christ in us.

The more we begin to represent Christ, the brighter our projection of Christ will be, and the more we will walk in the confidence of who we are in Him, instead of who we are in the world. 

We should never be afraid to let the work of Christ in us be seen. There are so many people struggling and if they can see how the Lord delivers us, works in us, loves us, and accepts us, it will give them hope and might even open their eyes to the need for Christ in their life. None of that can be done if we are anonymous or covering His work up.

Who we are in the world is night and day different than who we are in Christ.

In the world we are imperfect, sinful, anonymous, covered up, and messed up people, who fall prey to the lies of Satan. But in Christ we are perfect, forgiven, straightened out, revealed, exposed and covered in grace, children of God.

Jesus You know everything there is to know about me, yet at times I try to cover up the true identity of my heart. If there is anyone who accepts the true me, it is You, the very One whom created me. Thank You for teaching me the importance of being transparent and how through my transparency You are seen. May I never be afraid to let the real me be seen, for when the real me is seen, so are the work of Your hands. Amen

It’s not more hours you need…

“When you reach the banks of the Jordan River, take a few steps into the river and stop. So Joshua told the Israelites, ‘Come and listen to what the LORD your God says.’ Today you will know that the living God is among you.” Joshua 3:8-10

She is a mommy, a wife, an employee, whether to an actual boss or her family. She is a friend, a daughter, and a sister. From the time her eyes open to the time they close, she never stops going.

The moments she has to spare, are filled with work, dishes, laundry, cleaning, or catching up on loose ends from the day before. It seems as though there is never enough time in her day, yet she adds more to her load every day.

As the day comes to an end and her head hits the pillow, she wonders how another day has gone by so quickly, and yet again, she has failed to spend time with the One who so desperately longs for her attention.

Her mind replays all her day consisted of and even begins to wonder off to the things that await her tomorrow. The new agenda, the newest needs of her children, husband, and so on. She is even reminded of the task she so easily said yes to.

Before she knows it her mind is racing with all the things she has to do, that she has agreed to do, signed up to do, that she has already been so distracted by the tugging in her heart.

The tugging begins again this time with a little more force than before. She becomes unsettled, frustrated, and even sad over the thought that another day was here and gone and she was so busy with her daily chores that she missed that intimate, personal, and much needed time with the One who desires her.

“Jesus I need more time in my day.” She prays.

It’s not more hours that you need, my sweet princess. It’s rearranging your schedule to make Me priority. I take precedence over your family, your duties, and commitments. Just as you make time to do everything you do, you must also make time to be with Me. I am the most important thing in your day. I need and must be placed above ANY and everything. There is plenty of time in your day, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to be with Me. Give your schedule to Me and I will show you all the places and times that you could spend with Me. I will fuel your tired and weary body with the energy it needs to rise and meet Me. I desire YOU! Your day should be filled with time for Me.


 I will fill your day with accomplishment, but You must give Me your day. I am the LORD. I will have no idol before Me. Don’t let your busyness consume you, for then it becomes your idol. You begin to focus on it, think about it, and do all you can to be successful at it. I am to come first even over the things you value the most; your children, spouse, job, etc.

Let me amaze you by the time I create for you when you come to Me. I have SO much to share with you, to tell you, to lavish upon you. Come to Me, I have and will not move no matter how quickly the time goes. You are my precious creation; I have found favor in YOU. And I love you.


Make time for Me

With love,

Jesus

Lie #4 – “Demons aren’t active like they were in the Bible.”

Many people today don’t believe that demons have any power, much less exist anymore.  Beyond this, many believers feel that demons can’t have any effect on them because they have the Holy Spirit. 


These are all false claims.  You can ask any missionary who has been to a third-world country and most of them have seen demonic activity in some form or fashion.  Well what about in America and other developed, modern countries?  Demonic activity is just as prevalent, it just comes about in different forms…..

            First of all, demons are just as real and just as active now, in 2011, as they were back in Biblical times.  Satan prowls around “like a roaring lion” looking to devour believers.  Once Satan finds us in a weak spot he pounces, and then the rest of his demons share in the feast. 

How does this happen?  Sin!

Sin is the key to the door of our lives for Satan and his demons.  Once that key is handed over to Satan, through continuous, habitual sinning and a lack of repentance, then he and his demons make their way into the living room of our lives and they throw a party.

As Dr. Randall notes in his book, there are a 4 primary areas where demons are able to make their way into a believer’s (or any person for that matter) life:

a.      Illicit sexual practices or fantasies that are out of control

b.      Deep-seated anger, bitterness, hatred, rage and rebellion

c.       A sense of rejection, guilt, poor self-esteem, unworthiness, and shame (usually through alcohol or drug abuse)

d.      Strange attraction to the occult and to the spirit world

e.       

These are easy ways for Satan and his demons to enter into an individual and to take control.

            How does one overcome this?  How does one overcome Satan and his demonic forces?

One phrase – Repentant faith!

Through the forgiving blood of Jesus, sin can be toppled and Satan can be overcome.  We serve a mighty, holy, all-powerful, living God. 

Remember the words of Jesus, given to John, in Revelation 20:1-3; 7 -  “…..And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed…….And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

Lie #3 – “God is love. Therefore, I don’t believe there is a literal Hell.”

This is an emerging argument and it’s gaining quite a bit of power in our churches these days.  This is a concept founded by two popular movements today known as New Ageism & Universalism.  New Age has been around for a while now and Universalism is really picking up steam as of late.

            In these movements, ministers with these beliefs teach that the concept of Hell in the Bible is always denoted as meaning “Sheol” which is ‘grave.’  They then use this to say that it is a reference, in some places, to a literal grave (being buried), and then in other cases to the garbage heap that was outside of the city of Jerusalem where citizens’ trash was dumped and then burned.  In both explanations, a literal Hell is not real or feasible.

            This is unfortunate, because there are many people being tricked and mislead with this belief system.  People are willing to accept only ½ of God, that part being love and mercy, but the other ½ of wrath and judgment is far from their thoughts and beliefs.  Without Hell and Judgment, there is no urgency to come to Christ, much less share the gospel with others. 

Without Hell, the price Jesus paid on the cross is drastically cheapened.  Without Hell, we cannot truly understand His grace, mercy, and love.  Without Hell, we cannot know God.

            Hell is a literal, real place.  Think of the account of the rich man and Lazarus.  The rich man was pleading for just a drop of water to cool his tongue from the ongoing torment in the flames.  Apart from this account, we have several other references to a literal Hell; in fact, Jesus speaks more about Hell than He does Heaven.  It’s very real and God doesn’t want any of us to go there.  However, the choice is ours.

 Allow me to leave you with a few references Scripture makes to the fate of the lost:

“Shame and everlasting contempt” – Daniel 12:2

“Everlasting punishment” – Matthew 25:46

“Weeping and gnashing of teeth” – Matthew 24:51

“Fire unquenchable” – Luke 3:17

“Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish” – Romans 2:8-9

“Everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord” – 2 Thessalonians 1:9

“Eternal fire…..the blackness of darkness forever” – Jude 7, 13

“He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone….the smoke of their torment ascended up forever and ever: and they have no rest day or night” – Revelation14:10-11

            Hell wasn’t created to scare us to the cross.  It was designed so that we could see the perfect holiness, righteousness, and grace of God.  How?  Because, for God to be a just and holy Judge, punishment must come for every wrong doing.  Any court system knows this.  However, God went a step further – the fine was paid for our crimes before we ever committed them because we would commit them.  If that doesn’t illustrate grace and mercy to its fullest, then I’m not sure anything can.

Lie #2 – “The Bible can’t be the Word of God. Men wrote it.”

This is a classic Evolutionist/Atheist argument against the Bible (it actually began back in the 1800s - it’s a tired act indeed).  “You can’t expect me to believe a book that was written by man!  It’s full of errors!  Even if some higher power did in fact inspire these guys, they still wrote the words down themselves and man makes errors.”  Of course, when you ask people to give you proof of these ‘errors’, they can’t quite come up with any….but they know they’re in there!

​“’Come now, and let us reason together,’” Says the Lord” Isaiah 1:18.  The Bible is all about intelligence and reason and God promises to provide those who ask with knowledge abundantly.  It makes perfect sense yet it seems so foolish to this world.

​Let’s look at a few other religions out there that come under little to no scrutiny and hardly ever have their validity or origin questioned:

Buddhism – Founded by 1 man – Siddhartha Gautama; has 3 schools of thought that each disagree on key parts of the original doctrine; formed by Gautama because he couldn’t accept the fact that a good and holy God would allow suffering and judgment (very close to Atheism)

Mormonism – Founded by 1 man – Joseph Smith; Mormons accept 4 books as scripture as well as the Bible, but the Bible is full of errors unless translated properly; Smith had a personal visitation from God in 1820 in which he was instructed to start the Mormon Church as the one true church

Islam – Founded by 1 man – Mohammad; has both extremists and modern-day pacifists looking to edit the holy texts; Mohammad was alone, received a revelation an angel as well as through grand-mal seizures, tried to pitch his revelation to both Jews and Christians who rejected his claims, he became very angry and bitter and found a group of people who would follow him, claims death to all Jews, Christians, and unbelievers

​Let’s soak all of this in real quick.  These particular religions are hardly ever questioned or scrutinized, yet we see debate and unrest within each over their respective ancient writings.  Also, the strongest evidence against each in my eyes would be the fact that they were each founded by 1 man with no witnesses.

 Think about that…..

​The Bible wasn’t written or founded by 1 man.  It was provided to and written by 40 different men, from 3 different continents, over a 1,300 year period, and it agrees throughout.  Also something to note, Jesus is mentioned in many non-biblical historical documents by well-noted ancient scholars, philosophers, and historians.  What more proof is needed, my atheist friend?

​“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness”  2 Timothy 3:16

​“No prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”  2 Peter 1:21
 

“Lingering Lies of Lucifer”

So what better way to finish up 52 wks 365 days of studying, storing, applying, learning, and sharing God's word than with Ryan Burchett? This series will be GREAT!

-A series of lies in our world about Scripture and God in general-

I’ve begun reading a book given to me by my uncle called Lies that Kill by Dr. Rob Randall.  It basically lists the most popular lies, in detail, that our world and even Christians have slipped into believing.  I’d like to periodically go over a few of these questions for the Godly Gossip blog, which I will entitle Lingering Lies of Lucifer, because I believe knowing the answers to some of these questions are very helpful since we hear most of these on a regular basis. (and as I go through these they are in no particular order)

Lie #1 – “Any god will do, as long as I’m sincere.”

How often do we hear this?  One of the most popular and influential advocates of this belief system is Oprah.  Basically, the worldview today is that you can choose or form a god to your own liking and your own understanding and as long as it works for you and it doesn’t harm or offend others, it’s perfectly ok and it’s still the same god as the God of the Bible.  As a matter of fact, all gods are the same as the God of the Bible, they just have different names.

Can we all get together and have a collective laugh real quick? HAHA!

Ok, back to business.  Do you know how many gods there are in the world?  There are roughly 4,616 different gods actively being worshiped present day.  These range from many different cultures, ethnic groups, etc.  How in the world can each of these be the same god?  Simply put, they cannot and are not!

​“1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;”  2 Peter 2:1-2

This passage tells us exactly what has been going and what will continue to go on in our world.  Satan is the ‘father of lies’ as Jesus so called him.  We are creatures created with the desire to worship something and we will look to any and everything in order to fulfill that desire.  If we refuse to repent, we will not have that desire met by the only One who can and we find something else to take His place.  This is a lie Satan has been telling mankind since the beginning and he will continue to trick and deceive people into following him until Jesus finally puts him to rest in the End.

​Any other religion out there was either founded by 1 man or a small group of radicals.  Christianity was founded by Christ – the only founder who conquered the grave might I add.  When you ever here this lie, that all gods are the same and all paths lead to the same heaven, don’t be fooled.  Trust in Christ and Christ alone.

“20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  2 Peter 1:20-21

The embrace you will never forget

"See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young." Isaiah 40:10-11

My boys have now been with their Nana and Papaw for 11 days, which is WAY TO LONG and WAY to far away-11 hours. G and I have never left our boys that long and I doubt we will again until they go to college.  Lord willing. It has been hard being without them.

 I will admit the first few days were nice just getting to be with each other, but after those few days of not having those sweet things in my hair, and kissing me, and needing me, was just...well I needed to be needed, and kissed, and loved by those two amazing joys of mine.

So, since I couldn't stand it any longer I booked a flight to Lubbock Tuesday. I got to the airport super excited, until my flight got canceled. I was not a happy sister and G was not a happy camper, since he had just pulled into Jasper and had to turn around to come get me.

I got another flight out at 6:00 this morning which came way to quick. I rushed to catch my flight got seated and off we went.

I love to fly! I have always felt that much closer to Jesus when I fly. The beauty that surrounds you on that plane is breath taking, and it just so happened that I got to be above the clouds and eye level with the Sun as it came up.

As I sat basking in the beauty of the Lord and His presence I began to think how wonderful the moment was going to be when I saw my boys and the excitment we all will have.

And I must say, that joy and excitment went way beyond what I expected. It overflowed out of me and my boys onto the 50 other people standing around us.

The minute they saw me they took off running and screaming, "MOMMY" I literally dropped my bags and hit my knees with my arms wide open, and as always they both fit just perfectly.

I think we knelt there in the airport for a good 3 minutes just loving on each other. I didn't know if there was another feeling greater than that.

Until the Lord redirected my thinking to Him and reminded me of two moments that were and will be greater. The first moment came when I ran into His arms the first time I accepted Him as my personal Lord and Savior.

The second moment, will be when I literally and physcially run into my Father's arms. Oh mercy, can I just tell you that thought hits to the deepest part of my soul and fills me with a joy and anticipation that overwhelms me, it is so good brethren, just so good.

I hope you have experienced the embrace of Jesus as you ran into His arms for the very first time as His child. I know if you have then you can agree there is no greater feeling than that one.

If you have not I hope you will do so today. He is waiting with His arms wide open waiting to embrace you. Just accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior and in that moment no running will be required He will come directly to you!

Jesus though the joy and feeling of embracing my boys is magnificent, it does not compare to the joy and feeling of Your embrace. I wait with great expectation for the day when I feel Your warmth and arms wrap around me as You welcome me home. Amen

We can wait no longer

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10


I just cannot think of a verse that needs to come alive within us more than this one. Now is the time we rise up and become the most active hands and feet of Jesus than ever before.

It is time we devote ourselves in love to those in need, whether in our hometown, or around the world. It is time to place others above ourselves.

There is a world full of people desperate for the touch of Jesus and He has called You and me to offer that touch.

There is ALWAYS the opportunity for us to serve and help, and it is through prayer.

So brethren pray! Not only pray but become devoted to praying, to serving, to helping, loving and being the most devoted utensil for the Lord to use.

Do it because of your love for the Lord but most of all because of His love for you!

Jesus use us! Make us become a stronger more devoted body of believers that are bonded by Your love. Amen

One thing will ALWAYS remain

With each turn of our heads there is devastation. Lives are being taken, homes have been destroyed, and brokenness has began to fill the hearts of many. And in all of this, there is one thing that remains.

The Lord's presence

"God is our refuge and strength, 
   always ready to help in times of trouble.


 So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come 
   and the mountains crumble into the sea. 


Let the oceans roar and foam. 
   Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! 


A river brings joy to the city of our God, 
   the sacred home of the Most High.


God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed. 
   God will protect it at the break of day. 


The nations are in an uproar, 
   and kingdoms crumble! 


God thunders, 
   and the earth melts! 


The LORD Almighty is here among us;
   the God of Israel is our fortress.


Come, see the glorious works of the LORD:
   See how he brings destruction upon the world
and causes wars to end throughout the earth. 
   He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two; 
   he burns the shields with fire.


Be silent, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.


The LORD Almighty is here among us; 
    the God of Israel is or fortress.


Jesus may Your very presence fill the hearts of all those in Joplin, Japan, Alabama, and around the world. Give them the ability to stand in silence and know that You indeed are God. May Your presence become the very blankets they cover up with. Amen

Happy 10,950 days of life

G,

 God love you sweet man of mine. I hope today is the most amazing God-filled day of your life. I am thankful to celebrate this special day with you. Can you believe ...years ago your mama brought you into this world?

I cannot think of a better gift than to shower you with God's word, so sweet God fearing man of mine.

I pray God richly blesses every part of your life, from head to toe to soul. I pray from God's glorious unlimited resources that he will give you a mighty inner strength through His Holy Spirit. A strength that will give you the ability to lead young men and women to know Him better.

I pray this day will be full of God's presence, love, and faithfulness to you. May He continue to lavish you with His unfailing love from here to eternity.

You have been made with such beauty and complexity. You are of such value and joy to the Lord, to me, and to our boys.

What Jesus joy you bring to our home and to our lives. We love you!

Jesus I praise You for this man who loves and fears You. I ask You Lord to bless every part of his life. Lead him and guide him down the path You have set for Him. Thank You for all 10,950 days of his life. Give him many, many more days of walking with You and filling our home and lives with his love. Amen

Happy Birthday daddy!