Do our lives show the difference?

"Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too and what they are doing." Philippians 2:3-4

There is a huge difference between selfishness and self LESS ness. 

Selfishness...

1. Hinders our relationship with Christ and others.

2. Interferes with what God wants to do in us and through us. 

3. Says "Me" first

4. Weakens our spiritual growth

5. Blinds us to God's truths

6. Focuses inward

7. Says, "Do for me."

Self LESSness...

1. Says, "God first."

2. Is concerned about others

3. Keeps its focus on God and the things above. 

4. Loves without requirement

5. Speaks truth

6. Encourages

7. Gives of its time 

8. Works for God and to bring Him glory

9. Doesn't seek the praise of man

10. Is aware that time is fleeting and doesn't waste opportunity to serve and share Christ with others. 

11. Has not hidden agenda or impure motive. 

We Too Can Overcome

"For forty days and 40 nights He ate nothing and became very hungry." Matthew 4:2

When we think of having to go without something apart of us panics and begins to question, "what about this? How will it work? What if this happens, what will I do?" 

To be able to separate ourselves physically (flesh) and spiritually requires a great help from the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus knows exactly what it is like to go without. He spent 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. 

Not only was He alone, tired, weak, hungry and thirsty, but He also endured the temptations Satan tried to throw at Him. 

And despite all that, Jesus never gave in, He never quit and He never sinned. 

This is just a glimpse of how amazing Christ is. 

Not only that, but we now have Jesus within us. 

If we could just take some time and draw deep into the well spring of His living water and allow it to nourish us, we would be able to display and live a life more like His. A selfLESS, rich, satisfying life that is able to overcome and deflect the fiery arrows Satan and the world shoots at us. 

Let Matthew 4:1-11 encourage you to desire to live more and more with less of the things your flesh wants and more of what your soul desires, Jesus! 

Be encouraged, Jesus overcame many things and because He lives within us, we can too! 

Pure At Heart

As we begin a new day that the Lord has made, let's focus on having pure motives in all that we do. 

It's easy to let self get in the way this causing our motives to become selfish. 

Let's remember why we are choosing to be healthy. Not for ourselves but for Christ. 

May our motives be pure in His sight and pleasing to His eyes. 

In your time with the Lord today ask Him to reveal your true motives.

And as He does thank Him, praise Him and confess the ones that displease Him. 

May this verse fall upon you today and begin to weave itself into the deepest parts of your being uprooting any impure or selfish motives. 

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." 

Jesus thank You for loving us so much that You desire only the very best. May every thought, spoken word, action and reason be to magnify You. Help us be mindful and conscious of our health today. Before we eat or do anything may we think of the benefits and effects it will have on our bodies. Help our motives to be pure and selfless. Amen

Revealing the Truth

Grab your Bible and flip over to Romans 12:1-5

1. Why is it important for us to give our bodies to God? What does this look like?

2. Make a list of 10 things God has done for you. 

3. How can you surrender your thought life to the Lord? 

4. What are some ways you have copied the behaviors of the world with your health? 

5. What role do you play in the Body of Christ? 

6. Why are we to function as one body? 

7. How does our health affect the Body of Christ? 

8. What are some areas you need God to cleanse in order for you to honor Him with your health and walk with Him? List those out. 

    -I.E.Your eating habits, your thought life, etc. 

Jesus as we look over this powerful passage, may we not just read it, but may we study it, absorb it, chew on it and digest it. Help us to be open and honest in our answers so we can truly be transformed. May each one of these sweet people in this group find the time to get with You and discuss these areas. Reveal amazing things to them. Jesus we desire to be the absolute best we can be for You. Help us not to walk away feeling defeated or ashamed of the truth of our answers but instead to walk away refreshed and excited to change. Amen

On Loan

"You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

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For true change, we must fully accept and acknowledge that we don't own our bodies. They have been loaned to us by Christ. He allows us to live in them while we live here on earth. , and He expects us to take care of them. 

1st spiritually

2nd physically

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Jesus thank You for the body You have given me. May I honor You by honoring it. Amen

Life Is Short

Life is so short, let's not neglect what is truly important-telling others about Jesus. 

No matter how long we live, life is short. So how can we make the most of each day we are given? 

Love more

Forgive more

Share JESUS more

Become more disciplined

Focus more on Christ and less on self

Laugh more

Hug more

Care for the place Christ lives-within us

Fuel our bodies with God's Word

Praise more

And spend more time saying thank you! 

Don't put off the things God has called you to do today! 

It Was Never a Second Thought

He never thought twice about the cost, He knew exactly what/ who He was paying/dying for…YOU! Jesus didn't put us on layaway, nor did He take out a loan. And He never once thought about returning us. He gave up His life and paid in full. 

He did it because He loves us. He paid the price so we wouldn’t have too. 

He was completely committed to saving us, redeeming us; cleansing us, and restoring us back to Him. 

Don’t you think it’s time we give back to Him?

 “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I please with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will accept. When you think about what He has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” Romans 12:1-2

Finish the Race

I don't have a life changing story. But I have a heart that is being changed daily by the grace of God. His word within me, His love for me and the very fact He lives in me is my on going transformation. 

I have a love to encourage and share Christ with others and a passion to walk with them as they grow in their relationship with Christ. 

It's all about fighting the good fight and finishing the race with a group of other passionate Jesus followers. 

One of the newest ways Jesus is using me is through health. 

This is an area I never thought I would be used in, being the fact that food and me haven't meshed well and well...cooking let's just not go there. So when my hubby became fed up with eating horrible food one night, it was the beginning of a much needed change within me. I knew that night I needed to start making a better effort to fuel all three of my boys with the proper foods to help them be the best they can be for the Lord. 

That's where the Daniel Plan came in (Rick Warren) I spent a lot of time in prayer and still have and began reading what God's Word said about our health and bodies. 

It's been almost two years since that night and the Lord has done amazing things in and through each of us. As you have seen the greatest change has taken place in my husband's life. It's a joint effort. It requires teamwork, commitment, planning and action. 

But most of all it requires three key factors that will not only benefit your health but also your relationship with Christ. 

1. Counting the cost 

2. Giving up yourself

3. Commitment to finish the race. 

So what's keeping you from taking care of the one thing God created to be used for His glory? 

Our bodies are not our own. They belong to Christ and were bought with a price only Christ could pay. 

He gave up His for you, will you do the same for Him? 

Let's visit! 

Committed

Today, commitments are made and broken as though they were never intended to be kept. But there is one commitment that must always remain. It's the commitment you and I made when we counted the cost of following Christ and then said, "Yes!" No matter how hard life gets, or how much Satan attacks, we MUST remain committed to the One who committed to giving up His own life to save us. 

Before we make a commitment let's make sure we are willing to keep it and see it through all the way to the end! 

If you have committed your life to Christ are you following through with it? Are you doing your part? That is the first and most important commitment. 

If you are committing to take better care of your body, the temple where Christ lives, are you willing to stick with it to the end? 

Before you commit to anything ask yourself these three questions. 

1. Will this commitment draw me closer to the Lord or away? 

2. Will this commitment honor and bring glory to His Name? 

3. Why do I want to make this commitment?

Have you made a commitment to the Lord? How are you keeping your end of that commitment up? 

As I step into a new, yet unfamiliar calling to encourage others to honor the Lord with their health, bodies and relationship with Christ. It is a commitment I am taking very serious. Because if He finds me, a sinner, worthy enough to be used, it is a role I want to honor Him with and be fully committed, obedient in. I want Him to be known! I want others to see that counting the cost and giving up their life for Him is truly the best commitment and decision they will ever make. 

Are you ready to commit your life, body and  healthy to Christ? 

It's an investment spiritually and financially but He is worth it! 

If you're ready to commit, leave us your email and we will help you get started. 

Clothed in the Truth

"Who do you think you are? You're never going to change! You have never been able to change in the past. What makes you think this will be any different? It's hopeless, and you're hopeless. So don't even try! People will laugh at you. You have nothing to offer. You aren't good enough..."

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Do any of these lies run through your mind? These are all lies Satan wants you to focus on. His main goal is to deflate you, convince you are incapable, unworthy, and he wants to make you quit! ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖

He wants to fill your thoughts with so much doubt and insecurity that you would rather stay hidden then expose yourself or allow God to use you. (Trust me I have been there and still go there at times)

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But here is the truth! You and me were created in the image of God. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. We have purpose and meaning which is found in Jesus. He is our strength and source of hope. It is He who we are to live for. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖

Focus on God's truth and let His promises drowned out the lies of Satan!

It's Not A Competition

Do we take offense when others leave a Church?

Do we stop and evaluate the Church as a whole when people begin to leave? 

Do we become angry and precede to make accusations without knowing the why? 

Not to long ago I heard a Pastor speak poorly against a Church here in Midland because of the way they structured their services. As I thought more about this I began to wonder what it was that he truly didn't like.

Had he actually attended one of the services there to back up what he was saying? 

Did he go off of what others said?

What made him come to the conclusion that he did? 

There is a huge difference between these two Churches. We have attended both. One is very traditional and still has the mindset it did 20 years ago. 

And the other is a more contemporary young Church that packs people of all ages in. So much so it requires 4 services verse one. 

One has Sunday School classes one doesn't. They each have different children's programs both of which are good. 

One seeks to outreach to the community and make all feel welcome and one is content with reaching just within the four walls. 

The one thing they both have in common is they both preach the Word of God. 

As I began to discuss this with the Lord I really began asking and listening to what He thought about this matter. 

And this is what He taught me. He has called and trained men up to become leaders and preachers that can reach people in all walks of life. 

Some men He has trained up to have a heart for the poor, the sick, the broken and people in the community who want to know that God loves them and accepts them just the way they are. 

I think you will agree with me that not all Pastors have hearts like this nor a lot of us. How can you tell the difference? Look at the Church, it's growth and range of age groups that attend. 

It's NOT about man, it's about sharing the Gospel of Christ to ALL people. It's about extending the four walls of the Church and leaving open the door for people to come in. 

It's about focusing on the life of Christ and how He lead and ran His ministry.

It's about looking beyond self to see the needs of others. It's about making a way for all people to come in and be able to use the gifts and abilities God has given them. 

You cut that out from a Church and tell people no, watch God begin to shake a Church up. Watch people begin to leave and go where they can be used by God. 

Why is it we do what we do? Is it to truly teach the Word of God or to draw attention to ourselves while making accusations against another Church that really does have a desire to serve God and others. 

Remember what Paul said in Galatians 2:7-10

"Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles. In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do." 

And then again in Philippians 1:15-19 which I believe puts it all into perspective. 

"It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance." 

I want to close with this verse. 

"Don't make accusations against someone who hasn't wronged you." Proverbs 4:30

Jesus thank You for the truth of Your Word. Thank You for seeing the true motives of our hearts and for loving us in spite of them and our sinfulness. Help us not to make accusations against those who haven't wronged us. And to stand up for them when others try to tear them down. Thank You for giving us the choice to choose a Church home where You are the center, alive, and doing big things in the lives of others. Thank You for bringing people into our lives that have the same vision and passion to reach all people and who encourage one another to fulfill and use the gifts You have given each of us. Thank You for showing us it's not a competition rather it's about teamwork. Amen

Join Us!!!

Y'all this man, my amazing husband has such a wonderful transformation taking place in his life. 

______________________________________

He started out skeptical about the Daniel Plan, Beachbody, shakeology and doing a DVD workout but once he began to see the benefits of them and the changes they began to make in his health, his body and spiritually, he instantly became addicted, thankful and excited. 

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It has been so awesome to see and watch him during this transformation. The way he feels, the way he now encourages others, and the impact he is making on others is a beautiful thing. 

______________________________________

Together we are better for the Lord our boys and one another because of the decision we made to take care of our Temples. When we realized our temples housed the living God, it no longer became a question. 

Can we encourage you to seek the Lord today and allow Him to reveal the importance of taking care of your body. We would love to walk with you and encourage you as you seek to make healthy changes for Christ. 

Join us in our next challenge group where its all about healthy eating, feeding on God's Word and exercising. And it's ALL FOR FREE!!!

Leave your email below and we will add you to the group!! 

Jesus we are excited to watch You begin to work in the lives of couples as they seek to honor you with their bodies spiritually and physically. Amen

The Greatest Architect

What does

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Blue

Purple

Scarlet yarn

Fine linen

Goat hair for cloth

Tanned ram skins

Fine goatskin leather

Acacia wood

Olive oil for lamps

Spices 

Onyx stones

Other stones

All have in common? 

What purpose do each of these items serve?

What made them unique?

Why were they so precious to God?

Want to know more? 

Join me as we review the Great Architecture design of the Tabernacle! 

It's Time for A Change

Are you tired of things never changing? Jesus has something so amazing in store for you. 

But it's YOUR choice. 

Are you ready to make some healthy and spiritual changes? 

If so, I would LOVE for you to join me in a 30 day challenge starting February 16. 

The Challenge will consist of...

PiYo

Private group to share and be encouraged by other women seeking to honor the Lord. 

Accountability

Meal ideas

Daily devotions

And much more. 

If you are ready to make that change leave your email in the comments or email me at coffeeatthecross@gmail.com

Exodus 24-Outline

Exodus 24

Study: The Establishment of the Laws

Store: “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

Apply: God’s Deliverance

Learn: What’s Right and What’s Wrong

·       Exodus 24

o   Israel Accepts the Lord’s Covenant

o   3 Key Points

§  1. Moses is called up into the Mountain-The Israelites promise their obedience-Exodus 24:1-8

§  2. The glory of the Lord appears-Exodus 24:9-11

§  3. Moses goes up into the Mountain-Exodus 24:12-18

1.    Moses is called up into the Mountain-The Israelites promise their obedience

-Exodus 24:1-8

v  Why did God say only Moses was to go close to Him?

v  How did the people respond to Moses after he had announced all the teachings and regulations the Lord had given them?

v  Why did Moses write down all the Lord’s instructions?

Ø  What is the advantage of written Scripture verse just hearing it?

v  What was the purpose of the altar and the 12 pillars?

v  What was the purpose of the sacrifices?

v  Why did Moses read the Book of the Covenant again?

v  What did the sprinkling of blood on the people represent and what significance would this have on them?

Ø  Why is the blood of Christ significant to us today?

Ø  What does His blood do for us?

2. The Glory of the Lord Appears

                  -Exodus 24:9-11

v  Why could the Elders and Moses now go up and meet with God?

v  What was the purpose of this meeting?

v  What does it mean when it says “They saw God?”

Ø  How could they see God and still be alive?

v  Why do you think God allowed them to see His footstool?

Ø   

Ø  What did they see under His feet?

§  Can you imagine how beautiful that image must have been?

Ø  Not only did they get to see God and not die but also they shared a meal together in His presence.

3. Moses goes up into Mountain

                  -Exodus 24:12-18

v  Who did God call up to the Mountain?

Ø  Who went with Him?

Ø  How would this experience shape Joshua later?

Ø  Why did call Moses to come up to the Mountain?

v  Who did Moses leave in charge?

v  Why did a cloud cover the mountain?

v  During the 6 days of the cloud covering what do you think Moses was doing?

v  Why did Moses stay with God for 40 days and 40 nights?

Ø  What an amazing opportunity and experience this must have been for Moses, Joshua and the leaders. But what a huge responsibility as well.

v  Are you living your life in such a way God would find favor upon you, like He did Moses?

v  Why do we not desire to be used more by God in big and marvelous ways?

v  What is your favorite take away from this Chapter?

Be A Woman Who Encourages

When we accept a position as women, serving the Lord and other women, we have to be careful to not become consumed with self, laziness, jealousy or complacency.

When we take on that leadership role, it should be because we know it's what God has called us to do.

There are so many hurting and broken women in this world, in Churches and in homes right next to us. So when we have the opportunity as a leader, to take as many women as we can to an event where God's Word will be lavished upon them and worship will be real and raw and draw us nearer to the presence of God, why would we say no?

Why, as leaders would we look at this event as competition. Is the Body of Christ suppose to be competitive or work together as one?

In just a few short hours 1300 women will join together as one and worship Jesus Christ. Women who are hungry for more of Him. Women who are broken and lost looking for hope will come in hopes to find joy, help, love and life.

Why we would neglect any woman or say no to what God has called us to do because of selfishness, or competition?

Isn't there already enough comparison and competition between women today? Why would you encourage there to be more of that?

When a woman is seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ or use their talents God has created within them, why would you turn them away?

Why would you belittle them and make them feel unworthy?

What is your mission?

Oh, sweet woman, who has assumed a position such as yours. May Jesus come in and intervene in your life in a way that opens your eyes so the heart of women.

Ladies, we are ALL called to love and minister to women of all ages. We are called to work together for His glory. We all have many gifts, and that is what makes the Body of Christ so special so unique. Let's join together and encourage women to fulfill those roles God has called them too.

Let's not hinder the Holy Spirit and what He is wanting to do in the life of others.

To you 1300 hundred women I am about to have the amazing opportunity of serving, I pray God's presence and love surrounds every ounce of you these next two days.

I pray you each encounter Him in a way that changes you forever.

May His love be lavished on you broken one. May His arms wrap around you lost one that leaves you being found forever.

May His mercy encompass you woman entangled in sin so much it sets you free.

Ladies you are loved richly by the King of Kings who is madly in love with you.

You are His living design.

My Why

Dear Body,

Your make up alone is one to be admired. You have been created in the image of God. That alone is an honor. Not only did He create you in His image but once He was finished and looked over what He had made He was so very pleased! 

You are a marvelous design and one that is to be cared for because of who lives in you, Jesus! 

You hold within you the One who died for you. You are designed to reflect Him and live like Him. 

The nourishment you need comes not from bread alone, but from the living Word of God. 

You will never feel satisfied or nourished or balanced from earthly things or food. You need Jesus. You need the meat of His Word. You need to feast and bask in His presence. 

Investing in you, taking care of you is actually investing in Him and taking care of the Temple for which He lives in. 

Yes, your outward features are important, but it's what's inside of you that is of greater importance. 

You see one day you will die and soon begin to decay, but the one thing inside of you, your soul, it will rise and live forever wearing a new body, one that is perfect and whole and complete. 

So until that day comes, I have been  entrusted with you. And I want to honor the One that lives within you. 

I want to take such good care of you so I can then invest and take care of others. I want you to be the best you can be so I can be the best I can be for Him! 

You are far more capable then you realize. Not because of anything you can do, but because of who made you and lives in you. 

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Let's do amazing things for the kingdom of God. 

Jesus finds you more than worthy and He loves you. So walk in confidence because of who made you. 

Exodus 23-Outline

Exodus 23

Study: The Establishment of the Laws

Store: “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

Apply: God’s Deliverance

Learn: What’s Right and What’s Wrong

·       Exodus 23

o   3 Focus Points

§  1. A Call for Justice-Exodus 23:1-13

§  2. The Annual Festivals-Exodus 23:14-19

§  3. A Promise of the Lord’s Presence-Exodus 23:20-33

1.    A Call for Justice

-Exodus 23:1-13

v  Justice for All!

Ø  Let’s sum up verses 1-13 with one word or one sentence.

§  Verse 1-No Gossip and don’t pervert the truth.

§  Verse 2-

§  Verse 3-

§  Verse 4-

·       Why did verse 3 and 4 seem so foreign to the people?

§  Verse 5-

§  Verse 6-

§  Verse 7-

§  Verse 8-

§  Verse 9-

§  Verse 10-

§  Verse 11-

§  Verse 12-

§  Verse 13-

2. The Annual Festivals

                  -Exodus 23:14-19

v  What 3 Festivals were to be celebrated?

Ø  1.

Ø  2.

Ø  3.

Ø  What was to take place at each Festival?

§  1. Festival of Unleavened Bread-

§  2. Festival of Harvest-

§  3. Festival of the Final Harvest-

Ø  What was God’s requirement in verse 19? How do we fulfill this verse today?

God is a fair and merciful God. He has a heart for the orphaned, widowed, and poor. What rules did He put in place to protect them?

3. A Promise of the Lord’s Presence

                  -Exodus 23:20-33

v  Three Key Points in this section

Ø  1. God’s Presence

§  Who did God send to lead them?

§  Why was it important for the Israelites to listen and obey Him?

Ø  2. God Protection and Guidance

§  In what ways did God say He would protect and guide the Israelites?

·        

·        

·        

·        

·        

·        

·        

·        

Ø  3. God’s Warning

§  What makes sinful living so contagious?

§  Why did God warn them over and over to avoid it?

§  How can we stay away from things and people that encourage sin?

What is your favorite take-away from this Chapter?