Do You Know?

Do you know God loved you when no one else did? Ezekiel 16:6-8

Do you know He is the only one that knows everything about you and still loves and desires to be with you? Psalm 139

Do you know that God had you in mind when He sent His only Son to earth to die? John 3:16

Do you know that you are of value and have been set apart for the Lord? Jeremiah 1:4-5

Do you know that the Lord promises to never leave you nor forsake you? Hebrews 13:5

Altar Sunday

Today I come to the altar for him.

When Your Name is Mentioned

When people hear or mention your name, does Jesus immediately pop into their heads? Isn't that what reflecting Jesus is all about?

You being put aside and Jesus being seen and thought of?

The Golden Rule

"Do for others what you would like them to do for you." Matthew 7:12

 I think the greatest place to start is by seeking the Lord and asking Him to reveal to you how exactly you want to be treated.

This might sound crazy but the truth is we have fallen far away from this Golden Rule.

All throughout Scripture we see how the Lord treats us and He did it knowing that it might not ever be reciprocated.

After you have sought the Lord's counsel then I say make a list. List out 10 ways or things you would like others to do for you or how you want them to treat you and then you begin to do it for them first.

I think it is wise to go into this knowing that it's not about you getting something in return, but that you are returning the same love Christ has given and shown you.

I think we could all apply this Golden rule a little more than we do.

Jesus cleanse me from self, so that I can offer all of me to loving and serving others the way You have taught me to, with selflessness and mercy. You have done the most amazing things for me and I want to pour that out onto others. Forgive me for failing to obey You in this area. Amen

The Two Women that Fulfill this Verse

"Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God." Titus 2:3-5

There are two women in my life who have taken me under their wings and teach me daily what a godly woman looks like.

They fulfill every part of this Scripture. They are rare and very special.

My mom and Sue Gee!

I learn from them daily and soak up every ounce of wisdom that the Lord pours out of them.

They are some of the greatest blessings! I value their opinion and I know, when they say they will pray for me, that they will truly pray for me. They don't just talk it they walk it and you can see it in every part of their lives.

I need them in my life! I want to sit and learn from them. I love to see how God has worked in their lives. I love and desire to have a home and family that is as blessed as theirs is because of their faithfulness to Christ.

They are beyond beautiful on the inside. Jesus I. Them shines so bright you can't help but to be drawn to Him.

They are humble, gracious, merciful, loving, wise, and two of the most precious jewels in my life.

It is my prayer for you, that God will bring a truly godly woman into your life to teach you His ways, His truths, His love. So that one day you can fulfill this passage and bless another woman. Ladies we need these women!

Jesus I know the importance of having godly women in my life and I am so blessed to have these two amazing women in mine. Bless them Father as they daily seek to serve and honor You. Thank You that they daily give of themselves to teach women the importance of Your Word and love. Jesus help me to live this passage out! I want to do the same thing for other women that these two did and do for me daily. Amen

At What Point?

"Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe." Colossians 2:8-10

At what point did we start allowing the world to control our thoughts rather than God's Word?

We have to bring Christ and His Word back to the forefront of our minds and control us. Otherwise we will be led astray by the lies of Satan.

Jesus this is so much easier said than done. Please take control of our every thought and hold it captive, examining it with Your Word. If any thought is found to be opposite of what Your Word says, give us the strength, discipline, and self-control to remove it.  So many times we don't even think before we act and in return we express ugliness through our speech and attitude. Father give us the ability to push our feelings and emotions aside and allow the truth of Your Word and the power of the Holy Spirit to take over and be in control. Remove us from the thrones we have placed ourselves on. Amen

Do You Get Bogged Down...

Do you get bogged down by the problems, frustrations, sin, and failures in your life?

If so take heart, "For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:4-5

Christ will help us bear the load.

It's My Choice

"It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord, even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." 1 John 3:19-20


I can spend my day focusing inward on myself, my wants, or my failures OR I can get up, put my focus on Christ and others and take action doing what pleases the Lord.

It's my choice.

Altar Sunday

Today you can find me at the altar, praying for you. Nothing in general, just everything specific, just as the Holy Spirit would have it.

My Heart's Daily Desire

"Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me the purity of heart, so that I may honor you." Psalm 86:11

Jesus let this verse become my hearts daily desire. Amen

Acknowledge His Goodness

"I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name." Psalm 138:2

The more we focus on Christ's goodness the more we allow change to take place within us. It's a good change, a needed change. It takes our focus off of our problems, the negative, our doubts, fears, and shines light on His faithfulness, love, mercy, forgiveness, and kindness.

The more we do it, the more joy we will have. The more love we will have, the more we will be grateful for the things He has given us. The more content we will become. And the more we will experience healing and hope.

Jesus thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for all You do every second of every day. Amen

Christians and Social Media-Ryan Burchett

Ryan Burchett has so graciously blessed us with many devotionals on Godly Gossip and now he has his own.

His devo yesterday was amazing and he was so sweet to share.  Please check it out.

http://alongthewaywiththeryno.blogspot.com/

Expressing the Faith We Claim To Believe

“Dear brothers and sisters, what’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone.” James 2:14

Jesus I don’t want to only have mere words that speak of faith, yet never show it. It is easier to read and speak of faith, but to actually live it out…

That is real, genuine faith. It requires a heart that has been transformed by the blood of Christ and the filling of the Holy Spirit, which will then express a real transformation.

It is no longer the same as it used to be.

If we are going to claim to believe it with words, then we must express with our actions.

Please Be Praying For This Event and If You Feel Led, Please Donate

If you feel led, please donate!

Jesus we ask that You continue to go above and beyond and do great and mighty things at this event for Mark and Dana. May all the money raised bless You first and foremost and in return bless them. Thank You for Your goodness, love, and comfort. Amen

Oh Mercy

"So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33 

Since G stepped out of football, we have spent more time together in the last 8 months than we have in the last 9 years.

This has been great, yet hard at the same time. We are learning a lot of new things about one another. 

And the Lord is teaching me a thing or two as well. The biggest is treating G with respect and building him up with words of affirmation, which just happens to be his love language. 

I am horrible at this! I will admit it! 

So seeking God’s help in this, I want to hit on a few verses that God has brought up from the store well of my heart. 

“In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands, even those who refuse to accept the Good News. Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words. They will be won over by watching your pure, godly behavior.” 1 Peter 3:1-2 

          -  G is a believer and lover of Christ and I am so thankful. So in that I must listen to him and respect his decisions for our family in all Spiritual matters. In doing so I can than also share my heart with him and know it will be received. 

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

            -Seek peace, no matter how heated the conversation might become.  I need to learn to hold my tongue, take a few minutes, let the Lord calm my heart, and then reply.  

“A wise woman builds her house; a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.” Proverbs 14:1

                I want a home built on Christ, not bitterness, frustration, stress, etc. This is up to me; I need to be active, obedient, and mindful of my home.

“A worthy wife is her husband’s joy and crown; a shameful wife saps his strength.” Proverbs 12:4

                -I can tell very quickly when I am zapping G’s strength. His entire body expresses it.

“Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” Proverbs 17:14

                -Is this worth making a big deal about? Don’t speak of something that will cause a fight. Take it the Lord first Kristi.

“It is better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a contentious wife in a lovely home.” Proverbs 21:9

                -This speaks for itself. Bless his heart!

“It is better to live alone in the desert than with a crabby, complaining wife.” Proverbs 21:19

                -Oh mercy help us Jesus. Baby thanks for not packing your bags.

I am beginning to see that how I treat G is how I treat the Lord; if I am ugly and hurtful, complaining and negative, disrespectful and lack love and mercy towards G, I also am treating Jesus the same way. And that just plain hurts!

Oh, mercy Father help me have more respect for You first, which will lead to more respect and love for G. I need Your help; I can’t overcome this on my own. Thank You for Your mercy and love for me at all times. Even when I don’t deserve it You give it anyway. Help me to be mindful of this, and show G the same love and mercy I am shown. This has been years of doing, years of hurtfulness that I can’t take back. Forgive Father I want to be a loving and respectful wife. Keep me accountable to this Father. Amen

 

Altar Sunday

Today I come to the altar for the lost. For the family member who is lost and confused, whose time is becoming shorter by the day.

Today I come to the altar for the women enslaved by sex trafficking, abuse, abandonment, addiction, and brokenness.

Today I come to the altar for those battling cancer.

Today I come to the one who can take care of it all.

Where?

When life gets hectic, stressful, overwhelming, frustrating, scary, sad, etc.where do you go to find peace?

Was Jesus your first answer?

It's What He Wants

"No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Jesus as we focus on Your Word let it penetrate to the depths of our hearts cleansing as it passes by every dirty and sinful area. 

May it renew us and bring us to action. Action that expresses our time spent with You and the love that overflows from within.

The truth is Jesus, we need You. We need Your help on a daily basis. We often try to make our own requirements all to come up short and frustrated. Only You know what is best and pleasing to You. 

Show us Your ways and soften the stubbornness of our hearts so we can fulfill Your requirement and live lives that do good, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. Amen

May today be the day...

"In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, know is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."  2 Corinthians 6:2

I could tell by her voice on the other end of the phone that she was worried. Worried about him, his health, his soul.

She asked, "Kristi do you think he knows? I just don't know if he knows. Do you?"

Her concern has been my concern for sometime. So what do you do when he chooses to not listen, when he changes the subject?

You trust Jesus more, you pray more, and you continue to talk, even if he doesn't want to. Because at this point minutes even hours are valuable for him.

But Jesus, He knows, and He is waiting.

Brethren our family time is valuable and we need to be doing what God has called us to do to ensure that all of our family knows Jesus.

I believe that the Lord will soften his heart and that he will be open and receptive. I believe this, because Jesus loves us and wants us to come to know Him. He wants to give us everlasting life, full of joy and peace that goes way beyond the world's definition.

Our lives are like a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow. Salvation is not something we should put off. Today is the day. It's life or death and there is no way around it.

Heaven or Hell, those are the options.

For me, I refuse to stay silent. I choose to speak about Jesus whether the timing is right or not, because hell is just not a place I want any of my family to be. "Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2  I do believe and know God will prompt us at the exact times, so we need to be ready.

Jesus you know our families need. You know the situation at hand, the health and the time remaining. Open his heart to hear from You, to receive You, to know You and to soon be with You. Ultimately it is his choice, and You already know the outcome. I trust You and know that You are always at work. Be with her Father as she continues to share Your love with him. May today be the day, his heart becomes Yours. Amen

Hard Work is a Requirement

"Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others." Psalm 34:14

When I read this passage I am reminded that to have peace and live in peace I must work hard at creating peace.

Peace does not come effortlessly. It requires work, humility, and selflessness.

Jesus teach me how to be a peacemaker. You set the perfect example for us and I want to follow in Your footsteps. Amen