Do You Get It?

Dax lays down on the floor, his arms stretched out, and out of nowhere looks at me and says, "Mommy is this how Jesus died?"

"Yes it is." I replied

"Did it hurt Him mommy?"

"Yes baby it did" I responded

"Did it hurt real bad?" He asked

"Yes it hurt really bad."

"Mommy I know why He did it."

"Why?" I asked

"For my sins." Dax replied

He's THREE and he gets it, he knows.

Do you?

What's Your Priority?

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

How do we make Christ and others become our priority? How do we stop focusing only on ourselves and those in our circle? 

There are so many hurting, broken and lost people all around us that we can miss out on the opportunity to serve them, encourage them, love them, and share Jesus with them.

We have so many things that we make priority, Christ needs to be the first one on the list. 

How do you make spending time in the Word and prayer a priority in your life? 

Jesus show us all the priorities that are displeasing to You. Reveal to us where You are on our list so we can make You first. Stay fresh on our minds and convict us when we place You anywhere other than first. In Jesus name, Amen

Accept His Love

"See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are!" 1 John 3:1


Brethren, you are so loved. I love you, I love you! Jesus loves you! He loves you so much. Jesus loves you just as you are. He designed you very specifically and that design is pleasing to Him. Don't try to change into someone or something God did not intend for you to.

We often try to become someone or something because someone told us to. We are only to be the way Jesus wants us to be.

Where are you right now? Are you bogged down with sin? Are you trying to figure out who you are? Are you trying to figure out what you are suppose to do, your purpose?

Turn your eyes to Jesus, He will take you in just as you are. He will remove the layers and influence of the world and show you exactly who you are in Him and that living is to be lived for Him.

No one has a greater love for you than Jesus.

Jesus thank You for loving us. Amen

Altar Sunday

Come just as you are

Come and see

Come and believe.

Come just as you are

Come and lay them down

Each and everyone

He will forgive

Bring them 

Bring you, just as you are

You are loved

You are His

He loves you just as you are

Come and see.

Come to the altar and He will open your eyes to see

that just as you are is exactly how He wants you to be

Whether broken or ashamed

suffering, or hurting

angry or infested in sin

Come to the altar 

and there He will be.

Exposed or Surrounded?

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." Proverbs 4:23

Imagine your heart two ways.

One, completely exposed

Two, completely surrounded

Heart in number one is exposed to all the things of this world and because of that exposure its actions, speech, and thoughts are vulnerable and easily swayed. It is easily hurt, played with, and can even be damaged, torn, and broken.

Heart number two is surrounded by God's Word and because of that exposure, it's actions, speech and thoughts are Jesus led, loving, kind, gentle, and faithful. God's Word becomes a barrier that surrounds the heart. That barrier protects the heart from the influence of the world. 

What surrounds your heart? Is it being protected daily by the Word of God or is it exposed and vulnerable?

Jesus keep our hearts from the exposure of the world. As we study Your Word, surround it, layer it, fill it, and protect it. Amen

Unable to Leave the Throne Room

"By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place." Hebrews 10:20

There is the unexplained desire to cry out for those who are hurting today. To run as quick as I can to the Throne Room and beg Jesus to heal them, help them, deliver them, save them. 

There are lists of those precious people who today need more than just me running to the Throne Room for them; they need all of us, every single brother and sister in Christ.

The Parker's- As they now wait for Jesus to take Bubba home. I know that this time for them has to be so hard, (Even though Bubba has SO much peace) so I plead for Jesus to wrap them up in His arms and literally carry them through this, every step of the way.  

Mark and Dana Miller-The Cancer has now spread to her lungs. This news today devastated me, because my heartaches for her, for them. And I want nothing more than to beg for Jesus' healing to fall all over her. Yet I know Jesus' plan for her life is far better, so I sit weeping at His feet for her, but trusting and praising Him for loving her and being with her.

The couple whose marriage is crumbling- 

Dr. Brogan and family- Their son was recently in a motorcycle wreck and is now in a coma. And all while this was going on, he was saving my dad's life. We are indebted to this man, who though hurting greatly, still found strength to come and heal my daddy's heart. I cry out with tears of joy yet sorrow, pleading for Jesus to bless his family and heal their son, because he has blessed and healed so many of our families. 

The Hall Family- This is a sweet family, whose little girl was diagnosed with HLH at 6 weeks old and has been enduring Chemo ever since then. I cry out for healing for Kinley. The tears fall as I sit at His feet asking for their little girl to be healed. Yet, I rejoice because He graciously reveals to me His hand that has been upon her, healing her and meeting her needs every day.

Ty Cooley- This sweet little boy just lost four of his family members in the tornado in Oklahoma, and has been recovering in ICU. I believe he is now out of ICU here in Lubbock and is continuing to heal closer to home. Oh, merciful Lord be with him as he begins to hear the news of all that has happened. Be with his mommy as she has had to bury all four, all while staying by Ty's side. Jesus may she find strength in You. I have no words of the devastation that floods my heart for this family. I know death is inevitable, but I can't imagine the reality of losing four. All I can do is grab hold of Jesus' feet and weep. 

The Lost- This is the greatest devastation and brokenness that fills my heart. I can't breathe at the thought of one person going to hell, especially if it is because we wasted opportunity in sharing Jesus with them. I understand those who right out refuse Jesus, and though they do, it stills saddens me greatly that they would reject "life." I honestly can't fathom ever leaving the Throne Room for the lost. 

Honestly I am not sure we should EVER leave the Throne Room. There is just too great of needs, and Christ is the ONLY one who can heal, help, protect, comfort, restore, forgive, and save.

Brethren, would you enter the Throne Room with me?

Light and Joy

"The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the sinners light is snuffed out." Proverbs 13:9

Do you ever have days, weeks, or months when you feel as though you have no joy?

Do you ever wonder how bright the "light" in you really is?

We all have times when frustration, stress, sadness, sin and overwhelming busyness bring us down emotionally and physically.

But we need to be reminded that the life of the godly is full of light and joy. We can either rise above the stress of this life or be full of joy, or we can let the sin and world snuff out our light. 

It's our choice!

Jesus we choose the godly life that is full of light and joy. We are accepting every ounce of joy You give us and we ask that You make our light so bright it becomes blinding. Amen

Praying and Rejoicing for a Very Special Family

 Brethren I have a very special friend whom I love so very much. I have spoken of her on here before. She is a second mama to Dax, whom he loves to pieces (as he reminds me daily) and misses SO much. 

Her family needs all the prayers you can offer on their behalf. They need you to spread this prayer request far and wide. 

Her precious husband has heard the Lord calling him home, and he is ready. He is ready to go be with the Lord and receive the new body that is awaiting him. He has battled heart conditions for some time and especially over this last month in the hospital. 

So, as the decisions have now been made, and as he has spent the last several days spreading Jesus to every family member, nurse, doctor, and stranger that walks by, he now waits for Jesus to welcome him home.

Pray that it will be quickly. Pray there will be no suffering, pray it will be peaceful. Pray for his precious family as they sit by his side soaking up every last second with him they can. 

Pray for strength. And then...REJOICE! Rejoice for him, for soon he will be sitting at the feet of Jesus, the place we all desire to be. 

"Our bodies now disappointment us, but when they are raised, they will be full of glory. They are weak now, but when they are raised, they will be full of power. They are natural human bodies now, but when they are raised, they will be spiritual bodies." 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

You my precious brother in Christ are entering a place I long to be. I rejoice with you and praise our Heavenly Father, for very soon sweet Bubba you will be full of glory and power. Your body will no longer hurt nor will there be a struggle ever again. You are healed in Christ Jesus! 

We love you so very much!

Do It Because It's His Will For You Who Belong to Christ Jesus

"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

This very important thing Jesus has called us to do is something that needs to be done more. Prayer! Prayer for our brothers and sisters, prayer for our nation, prayer for a cities, prayer for the lost, prayer for the missionaries, prayer for the widows and homeless, prayer for the orphans, and prayer for the battered and abused men and women. 

Prayer for the addicted, prayer for the confused, prayer for the weary, prayer for those who are mourning, prayer for the suffering, and prayer for our Pastors and Church. 

And not just prayer for the things above, but prayers of praise, joy, thankfulness, love and adoration. Pray prayers of praise because Jesus is alive and He loves each of us. 

Let's start praying more; more for others rather than ourselves alone and prayers of praise and thankfulness. It does a body good...really!

The Only Thing You Want To Do

When this life has become so crazy, all you want to do is crawl up in Jesus' lap, put your head on his chest, listen to NOTHING but the beat of His heart, and feel His warmth as He wraps His arms around you.

"How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 36:7

Altar Sunday

As you kneel at the altar, may you relinquish control, lay down any pride, remove yourself, cast aside your fears, confess your sins, claim His healing and power, and praise His name.

The Key to Your Life

"You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life." Deuteronomy 30:20


Choose the Lord

Love the Lord

Obey the Lord

Commit to the Lord

At All Times We Will Shout with Joy!

"Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! 

Worship the LORD with gladness.

Come before him, singing with joy. 

Acknowledge that the LORD is God!

He made us, and we are his.

We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise.

Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good.

His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." Psalm 100

Jesus today we praise Your Holy Name! For You have been so faithful and gracious to our family during this time. May every word of this praise be pleasing to You as we shout with joy for what You have done. Thank You Father for making Your presence known, and for Your hand of protection and healing that You revealed to us during these last two days. You are worthy of all the praise, and not just today but at all times. Thank You Jesus, amen

 

   

When You Are the One Needing to Listen

"Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise." Proverbs 1:23

Have you ever tried to explain something to someone and no matter how many times or years you have told them, it seems as though they still don't get it?

I wonder how often we do the same thing to the Lord. How many times or how many years has Christ been telling us something over and over and we are still not getting it?

It is a frustrating thought, yet a sad thought all at the same time.

As much as we want the other one to listen and really grasp what the heart is saying. Christ wants us to do the same thing. He wants us to listen and then obey.

Maybe there is a huge lesson Christ wants to teach us in this area. Maybe when we start listening to Him, we will see a change in our heart that only He can change. We will even see the need our heart has become fulfilled in Him. 

Jesus You already know what our hearts need. Help us to listen so we can receive the fulfillment that only You can bring. Amen

When In Need...Cling

"I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely."  Psalm63:8

When unexpected things happen, seek the face of Jesus. Fall at His feet grab a hold and don't let go until He reaches down, lifts up your face and tells you He has it taken care of.

Then as you get up and move forward, trust EVERY SINGLE WORD HE SAID!

Jesus thank You for allowing us to run to Your feet and cling to You. Thank You for the amazing comfort that is found in Your presence. Amen

Paul's Prayers

"I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again." Philippians 1:4-6

His prayers were a reflection of the love in his heart. He was always encouraging, always teaching, and always sharing his joy in every prayer.

His desire for people to grow deeper in love with the Lord, always flowed from his prayers. He wanted everyone of his churches to know Jesus more and more and to walk in wisdom and truth;  therefore he was constantly entering the Most Holy Place on their behalf.

Paul knew the best way to help people was through prayer. He knew Jesus was the only one that could tend to them the way they needed. He also knew that through prayer; encouragement and desire in the heart of the recipient would grow.

Could I pray for you today the way Paul prayed for the Church in Philippi?

"God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ-for this will bring much glory and praise to God."  Amen
Philippians 1:8-11

What Account Will You Give Jesus? What Will His Response Be?

"Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones."  Luke 16:10

We have the opportunity ever day to be a good steward with the things the Lord has given us. Whether we have been given little or much, it is what we do with it that matters to the Lord.

Are we good stewards with our time, money, families, relationships, homes and jobs?

Are we seizing every opportunity we have to share Christ with others, to help those in need, to spend time in prayer and the Word with our family, and to deepen our relationship with Christ?

In the book of Matthew Jesus shares the parable of the Loaned money. (Matthew 25:14-30) The Master gave three servants bags of gold according to their abilities. 

Servant number 1 received 5 bags of gold.

Servant number 2 received 2 bags of gold.

Servant number 3 received 1 bag of gold.

Servant number 1 invested his money and it doubled. 

Servant number 2 also went right to work and doubled his money. 

Servant number 3 dug a hole and buried it. 

When the Master returned each servant was to give an account for how they used their money. 

Servant number 1- “Sir, you gave me five bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount. The Master was full of praise. Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!" Matthew 25:20-21

Servant number 2- "Sir, you gave me two bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount. The Master said, well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!" Matthew 25:22-23

Servant number 3- "Sir, I know you are a hard man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. i was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth and here it is. The Master replied, You wicked and lazy servant! You think I'm a hard man, do you, harvesting crops I didn't plant and gathering crops I didn't cultivate? Well, you should at least have put my money into the bank so I could have some interest. Take the money from this servant and give it to the one with the ten bags of gold. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 25:26-30

Are we using every opportunity to use well what Christ has given us, or are we hoarding it and hiding it?

Let's use this day to become better stewards in every area of our lives. When we seize the opportunity now we will accumulate more later.

Jesus we long to hear the words, well done, my good and faithful servant. Teach us to be the best stewards we can be for You and Your Kingdom. Amen

Altar Sunday

"Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out. Each morning the priest will add fresh wood to the fire and arrange the daily whole burnt offering on it. He must then burn the fat of the peace offerings on top of this daily whole burnt offering. Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Leviticus 6: 12-13

Is the fire that Christ started in you still burning? Are you adding fresh wood (God's Word) to the altar daily. 

Making the Most of Our Time

"Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom." Psalm 90:12

Would it be possible to stop planning our own time frames and instead allow the Lord to plan them? I mean He is the Creator of all things, including time.

If our desire is to grow in wisdom, then we need to ask the Lord to help us make the most of the time we are given. 

Time is so fragile in the first place, and as children of the Lord, we need to be using our time to invest in His Kingdom. 

I can tell you from experience, that once you begin asking the Lord to help you manage Your time, He will show you areas that have been spent more on your Miss or Mr. "ME's" then on Him. He might even reveal to you that your children should not be in every sport, especially if they take time away from Him. 

He might even show you that sitting in front of the TV or computer robs you of blessings. So what would happen if we spent that time with Him in His Word and with others? How much closer would our relationship with Christ grow? How much more would we grow in wisdom?

He might also show us that we spend more time investing in our careers when we should and could be investing in Him and His Kingdom.

If we want to become better stewards of our time, we need to ask the Lord to teach us and show us how to make the most of the time HE has given us.

Jesus teach me to make the most of my time so that I may grow in wisdom. Forgive me for being a poor steward with the precious time You have given me. Amen

God Forbid that We Should Boast

"As for me,God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world died long ago, and the world's interest in me is also long dead." Galatians 6:14

Has our interest in the World died because of the Cross?

Have we lost the depth and meaning of the Cross today?

What does the Cross mean to you? When you think about the Cross, do you think about the extension of Christ hanging on it, bearing the weight of the world's sin?

Do you boast about the Cross or do you boast about your worldly accomplishments? God forbid that we should boast about anything except the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Could this passage describe us as a Body, oh that it would, for then Christ would be displayed more and more and we would be displayed less and less.

Jesus bring us back to the true meaning of the Cross. We want our interest in this world to die because of  what You did on the Cross. Keep us from boasting about anything except the cross. Amen