Altar Sunday

"Abraham placed the wood of the burnt offering on Isaac's shoulders, while he himself carried the knife and the fire. As the two of them went on together, Isaac said, 'Father?' 'Yes, my son,' Abraham replied. 'We have the wood and the fire,' said the boy, 'but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?' 'God will provide a lamb, my son,' Abraham answered. And they both went on together. When they arrived at the place where God had told Abraham to go, he built an altar and placed the wood on it. Then he tied Isaac up and laid him on the altar over the wood. And Abraham took the knife and lifted it up to kill his son as a sacrifice to the Lord. At that moment the angel of the Lord shouted to him from heaven. 'Abraham! Abraham!'
'Yes,' he answered. 'I'm listening.' 'Lay down the knife,' the angel said. 'Do not hurt the boy in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld even your beloved son from me.' Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering on the altar in place of his son.' Genesis 22:6-13

Abraham loved the Lord so much he didn't even withhold his own son from Him. This act of faithfulness and obedience spared the life of Isaac, and the ram became the substitute. Jesus did the same thing for us. He gave His life so ours would be spared.

From the altar to the Cross.

Starting Point

"God loves you dearly, and he has called you to be his very own people." Romans 1:7

I wonder if our inability to fully know and become like Christ is due to our lack of knowledge in who He is?

This inability to really know Him is not because He failed to show us, it's rather quite the opposite. It's our lack of spending time getting to know Him, don't you think?

The Holy Spirit, our Counselor, has been given to us by Christ. He is the key to knowing Christ and living like Christ. Without Him we have no hope.

As the Lord reveals these things to me, my eyes are exposed to knew things about Him, His Word, and the way I am living and searching for Him. 

And the truth is, if I really desire to know Him and become more like Him, then there needs to be some changes made within me; changes that only Christ in me can do. 

And I desperately want those changes to be made, because...God loves me dearly and He has called me to be His very own.

And well, I want to reciprocate that love in return the best that this mortal body can.

So where does one begin in doing so? I believe by getting in the Word (With no distractions) everyday, accepting that I am sinner saved by grace, confessing my sinfulness, repenting, and allowing God's love to consume me and set me free from any lawful living I might be doing, along with focusing on the joys of heaven rather than the problems here on earth.

It might be easy to type and read even hard to do, but brethren with Christ we can do it because all things are possible with Christ.

Jesus You have shown me where to begin in knowing You more and becoming more like You and less like "ME". So as I begin I pray for the strength to persevere, the faith to not doubt or question, the endurance to keep on going, the obedience to be faithful, the vision that sees only You, and the mindset that focuses on Your ability and power. Amen

Look No Farther

"I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him." Ephesians 1:19

What is it that you search for, need, desire, long for, want?

Is it love?
Is it hope?
Is it forgiveness?
Is it freedom?
Is it healing?
Is it joy?
Is is companionship?
Is it understanding?
Is it peace?
Is it comfort?
Is it success?
Is it attention?
Is it wealth?

Whatever you are searching for, needing, desiring, or wanting, Jesus is the only one who can fulfill and give you what you TRULY need.

Therefore you can stop looking to man and worldly materials to fulfill and satisfy you.

Jesus You are all we need. What You offer and give has everlasting value. Amen

Overcome

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Tonight I was visiting with the Lord and we were talking about battles, battles that we fight on a day to day basis; battles such as addictions, sins, habits, etc. I recalled a battle that I had fought and praised the Lord for delivering me from that battle. 

And then I said something that He replayed over and over in my head. 

"Father it often seems like once we overcome one battle we still have another battle right in front of us to overcome. I know this is because we live in a fallen world, but it becomes wearisome and frustrating."

And then He spoke, "Yes, you live in a fallen world. But these battles you don't fight alone. If you will put on your full armor I will protect you from these and together we will overcome them. But it is one battle at a time, and remember with each battle comes growth.  But remember there is something greater, Me, I died for You, I took all these battles that entail sin and placed them upon Me. They are forgiven, every single one of them. So though these battles will come, take courage, because I have overcome the world.”

There is no battle that is greater than our God. Take courage brethren, for this battle you are facing can be overcome in Jesus name!

First Impression

"For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me." John 12:45

When you meet someone for the first time, what is their first impression of you? Are they seeing a genuine you or a deceiving you?

Do they see Jesus immediately?

Do you think it's possible for a stranger to sense something different about you?

This is not only my prayer for myself but for my family, especially my boys. As school approaches I pray that every new friend and teacher my boys meet will sense Jesus in them.

I pray Avery and Dax will be able to discern between those who have a love for Jesus and those who don't. I pray their love for all will be great, but that their desire will be to surround themselves with friends who encourage them to be the best for the Lord they can be.

And if your wondering, YES I believe without a doubt that at age 6 and 3 God can and will give them the discernment they need.

First impressions are huge, especially as a follower of Christ.

Jesus may we leave a lasting first impression on those we meet. Shine through us in such a way that people walk away wanting to know what makes us so different. For then we can share You and Your love with them. Amen

From Young to Old

"Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, "The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is nothing but goodness in him!" Psalm 92:14-15

This new role God has called my husband and I into has been quite different. We have gone from working with and praying for high school students to working and praying with and for the elderly. 

Both of these are great things, but very different. In this new calling we are now ministering to men and women who have enjoyed a very full and long life.  

Getting older is inevitable. It's a part of life. It's a part of God's plan. Times will be hard, but this God-given life can be as good as we choose to make it. 

For G and I we have been blessed by these precious men and women who walk into our clinics every day and share their stories with us. 

And do you know one of the greatest things about this new profession? Is that a majority of these patients know and love the Lord and absolutely LOVE to share what Jesus has done for them. 

Since we have started this new calling we have had the opportunity to see joy brought back into the lives of many of these patients when they begin to hear things they have missed for so long. There are many tears shed, lots of laughter, and the most beautiful smiles. 

These precious men and women know what life really is. They are full of knowledge and wisdom, and can bless you so much if you take the time to listen. 

I will admit brethren, it has been quite an adjustment for us, but each day gets better and better and God blesses us more and more and  He continues to reveal Himself to us through the lives of every patient we see. 

Enjoying life is a choice. You either choose to be happy and serve the Lord with joy or you choose to make life hard and spend it joyless. 

For G and I we are getting to see that even though we face difficult times, some even really hard, God will always bring us through it. 

And we have these precious patients that are living proof of God's hand of protection and love. 

Jesus thank You for teaching us and showing Yourself to us through the lives of these patients. Bless them as they continue to live a life that is pleasing to You. Thank You for allowing us the opportunity to serve them. Amen

How Do We?

"You have accomplished this great victory by the strength of your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of these pagan people? Judges 15:18

Just like Samson we often take our eyes off of the Lord and place them on ourselves. How often does this happen? Probably more than any of us care to share.

What is it that makes our eyes go from Christ to self? Do we realize when our vision has changed? Do we immediately try to correct it or do we allow our eyes to stay on ourselves?

How do we focus on God more than we focus on ourselves?

Altar Sunday

Do you have a lot of stress in your life? If so the perfect place to become stress free is the Altar. Jesus will be there to take the load.

You

"Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah." Romans 1:4-7

The world might make you feel like you are a nobody, but to God...

YOU ARE A SOMEBODY! You are His, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. You are the child of the Great I Am and you have a PURPOSE.

A God given PURPOSE!

You have meaning and REASON!

Your identity is NOT in the world, it IS in the ONE who CREATED YOU!

Your identity is in JESUS CHRIST!

When Someone Needs Proof

"But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves. For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God." Romans 1:18-20

What do you do when someone tells you they need more proof that Christ is exist?

Do you share your experience of how you came to know Christ?

Do you share your testimony?

Do you search for answers?

Do you avoid the question?

Do you share the Word of God?

Do you pray with and for them?

What do you do? 

If you need some places to go for help on how to share the reality of Jesus you can always begin in Genesis. Then flip on over to Psalm 19 and 139.

From there share what God has done for you. Then always remember to pray with and for them! Once you have shared leave the rest up to the Lord. 

And always praise God for the opportunity to share the truth of the Good News.

Jesus strength our faith in You and use us to share Your truth with those who doubt Your existence. Thank You for revealing to us the beauty of who You are and the love You have for us. Amen

For Every Mom

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/08/10-ways-to-be-a-happier-mom/

A Double Day of Thankfulness and Praise

I opened my eyes early so I could just stare at him before he woke. I rubbed his precious little face and praised the Lord for the beauty of His creation. 

My heart full, I whisper a prayer of thanks for this precious gift of life. A life full of health, love, and laughter. 

I am blessed. He is blessed we are all blessed. 

We spend the day celebrating and thanking Jesus for 6 years of life. 

As the day nears an end, he looks at me across the table and says, "Mommy can you believe I have been alive for 6 years? That is a really long time.'

Daddy and I laugh.

Not fast forward several several years to the life of a man who has done nothing but give of himself for me and my sisters and mom. 

He has shown us Jesus through every action and shows us what it means to serve. He still gives of himself to be there whenever we need him. 

With my heart filled up, I whisper another prayer of praise and thankfulness for allowing me to have the most amazing earthly daddy a child could have. I am blessed.

Jesus we are blessed, thankful, and can't praise You enough for this precious gift of life You gave us 6 years ago. Nor can we praise You enough for the precious gift of life You gave my daddy ...years ago. I am thankful, not only for two wonderful men in my life, but that You have made this day double precious. Bless these two as they celebrate another year of life. Amen

Heart Check

"You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.  For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.  They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.  They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!" 2 Timothy 3:3-5

How do we keep from becoming like this? How do we make sure our family does not fall into these categories? 

Maybe we could start by admitting which ones we personally struggle with and then make sure we confess and repent turning away from them. 

It's not an easy thing, but if we don't confess and repent then not only will that way of living destroy us, it will destroy our families.

Have you already seen these things amongst your family and yourself?

It happens, God even says so.  

It's sad when you see families fall apart because of pride, selfishness, bitterness, and anger. 

You know this verse goes against Christ's nature, love and commands.

Maybe we need to stay here a little while and allow Christ to reveal to us the parts that He sees in us. Then we need to take those parts and see what the rest of His Word says about them and how to overcome them and be set free from them.

I will be the first to admit it stinks when the Lord reveals to you areas that need to be fixed. But what's worse is when He shows us and we don't do anything about it! 

But I want to be better for Him, don't You?

Jesus reveal to me any of these sins that are lurking within me.  Reveal to me any and all sour aroma. I want to be better for You. I want to offer up the sweetest aroma to You and I want to be a reflection of You, so others will come to know and want more of You. Amen

The Role of Dads

"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus

It's this role, this example that daddies and men must set for their boys. It starts at birth and continues until death. 

Every action, expression, word spoken, mannerism is watched. Trust must be established and kept. Love must be weaved through every single thing. 

The example that is set now will last a lifetime.

Let's pray for our dads as they seek to raise young boys into Godly men.

Jesus thank You for all the dads. We ask Your hand to be upon them as they raise these precious boys You have given them. Give them wisdom and strength and discernment. May their greatest achievements come from knowing their sons have a personal relationship with You. Amen

Altar Sunday

She entered the Church for the first time nervous and scared. She didn't know what to expect but she was desperate; desperate for help, hope, and relief.

The shame and guilt she carried was so great she felt as though everyone could see it. She makes her way to a seat, sits down completely unnoticed. The emptiness grew even bigger within her.

As the service began she realized how alone she felt surround by a big group of people laughing and hugging and visiting. She began to fill out of place.

But she stayed...

She was desperate to learn about this Jesus that could save her, free her and heal her. She stayed in hopes of finding Him.

As the service began to draw near to the end the invitation was given and the altar was open. Not sure what she was to do she felt a uncomfortable tug to go. Shaking, scared and broken she kneels at the altar and begins to cry. Having no idea what to say she feels someone kneel beside her and they begin to whisper all the words she was searching for but couldn't find or say through the tears and pain.

The altar...someone needs you there.

What's the Title of Your Book?

"Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him." Ephesians 5:1-2

If our lives were an open book for all to read, would Jesus be found on every page? Would people come to know the Lord from what they read? Would they see and desire a relationship with Him like the one you and Him have that has been written about?

Would they read a life that has been saved by His amazing mercy and grace, that now offers the same mercy and grace to others?

Would each page represent the magnificent blood of Christ that delivered you and set you free?

At the closing of your book would people walk away knowing more about Christ than they did before they read your life book?

What would the title of your book be?

A Thick Layer of Jesus

"Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

I was overwhelmed by the group of kids that walked in front of me and my family at the mall. I couldn't believe the language that came out of their mouths, nor could I get over the outfits these young ladies were wearing. 

I was shocked to say the least and as I did what I could to remove my boys from the profanity G looked at me and said, "This overwhelms you doesn't it?"

Right after G said that another wave of young teens walked by us doing the same thing, and I felt trapped, sad, and uncomfortable. 

We finally got out of the mall and I was speechless. I became so sad at the thought of all these young men and women acting in the manner that they did that I immediately wanted to home school my boys. 

And then it began, question after question I began to throw G's way. Why? How? Where are their parents, do their parents know they are doing this, dressing like this, speaking like this? 

How can I protect my boys from all of this, what is it going to be like when they are that age? How can I make sure God is the focus of their life?

Oh, merciful Lord cover my babies in the thickest layer of Your Word that is possible. I can't remove them from this world and the sin that fills it, but You Father can protect them, surround them, and live so strong within them that they live differently. Help them to see the bigger picture, the picture of heaven and You that awaits them. Take control of their thoughts, guide their every action, and shield their eyes and protect their ears from the ugliness that is seen and heard that is not of You. Jesus choose their friends for them, friends who love and serve You with all of their being. Friends who challenge them to be better for You. Friends who will encourage them and build them up. Jesus G and I know the importance of Godly friends, they are valuable and last a lifetime. Fill our boys with wisdom beyond their years, wisdom that is genuine, loving and sincere. Make them leaders who lead others closer to You. Give them a desire to live and reflect You. Clothe them in Your armor protecting them from the fiery arrows of Satan. Thank You for loving us and most of all thank You for what You did on the Cross for each of us. Amen

Bleach Germs Sin and God's Word

I was once told to stop using so much bleach and to stop keeping my house so clean so that some germs could get in allowing our bodies to build up ammunity to them. I laughed at the comment because if anyone knows me they know that is not going to happen.

Besides it doesn't matter how much bleach or Lysol I use germs are always present. Just like sin!

Sin is everywhere and it needs to be handled just like germs. We need to be constantly on guard, prepared, covered and protected with God's Word. His armor is our weapon of defense. It is our safety, protection and it is what kills and keeps sin at bay.

Bleach is a killer to germs like God's Word is to sin.

We need more of God's Word, we need to be using it more, sharing it more, speaking it more, and storing it more because sin is spreading.

Jesus wrap us in Your armor and protect us from sin. Amen

Teaching our Children Selfless Living

How do you teach your kids to be selfless?

I have noticed with my two that we have been headed in a direction of selfishness. Are we giving them more than they need? Are we showing them what living a selfless life looks like?

Do they see and understand through our actions what selflessness is, does, and it's purpose? Or do they see selfish living?

Jesus was the most selfless person, so if we desire to be like Him, won't we too desire selflessness for ourselves and our children?

Jesus help me and G to set a better example of selflessness. May we put our selfish desires aside and do more for You and others. Amen

Be Reminded

"Now you can have sincere love for each other as brothers and sisters because you were cleansed from your sins when you accepted the truth of the Good News." 1 Peter 1:22

Is there a hurt or fault that is so bad that you can't forgive? Do you, in your heart hold such resentment towards that person(s) that you are allowing Satan to have such a stronghold on you that you are full of more bitterness than you are love?

If so, be reminded that not only did Jesus forgive you, He took everyone of your sins upon himself and then died so that you might be saved.

How can you not forgive when you have been forgiven?