A Child Is Born

December seems to be getting more hectic every year, for everyone....It has been especially hectic for me, so far, due to surgery - but it was said, on a sweet card, "this too shall pass"; it is getting better.

As December is a hectic time, my prayer is for people to relax and enjoy the season; it really is too commercialized. Once we stop and think about the "real reason" we are celebrating, it should put an ease into the holiday. My family is not much on the gift giving; we just try to get together and enjoy each other - sometimes easier said than done! :)  But, all in all, we do have a good time enjoying each other, nibbling on food, and giving Praise to the Lord - this is why we celebrate Christmas, right?

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

When we remember WHO we are celebrating, we will be able to be relaxed, thankful, grateful, helpful, and even friendly, to everyone. This will also bring out the generosity in us - I'm not saying we shouldn't give gifts - it just shouldn't be the priority! It's all about Him!

Merry Christmas to everyone - enjoy your family, friends, and even the strangers you meet during this time of year......You may be the only Bible anyone reads - make it count this Christmas!

Too Busy to Give Thanks??

Wow! November got here quick!

It seems we all get so enthralled with the goings-on of Fall, that November and "Thanksgiving" sneek up on us suddenly.

We shouldn't really wait until November to be "thankful" - it should be a year round affair. We all tend to take things for granted and then suddenly become "thankful" in the month of November; why is that? Well, humanistic, I guess.

Philippians 4:6 says "Be careful for nothing (don't worry); but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (KJV)

He (God) is eager to hear our requests, but those requests are to be accompanied "with thanksgiving". Again, this is a year long process; always give thanks! Sometimes we need to bow before the Lord and just give thanks - not asking for anything; just being thankful!

I am thankful for everything God has "allowed" in my life - you know, it ALL is filtered thru Him; good and bad. As I've grown this year, I am even more thankful for the way God has worked. He could have let me "decide" on some things, but allowing Him to make those decisions for me, was and is the best way.

As we become more aware of God working, we will find ourselves "thanking" Him more than "asking" Him, for things. He loves us so much and when we finally learn that, we tend to love Him even more.

I thank Him, today, for Saving me 11 years ago!! What a difference in my life! More on that later....

Thanking Him today and everyday.......

Pastor Appreciation

Wow! Hard to believe it is already October; the air is cooler, the leaves are turning, and we are all celebrating our beloved Pastors.

With October being "Pastor Appreciation" month, I would like to share something that is copied; I received this at church years ago and have always kept it in my Bible.

    A Pastor's heart is Protective and guards his flock from satan's snares.
    A Pastor's heart is Attentive and seeks to know his people's cares.
    A Pastor's heart is Sacrificial and for his sheep will give its all.
    A Pastor's heart is Tender and listens to the Spirit's call.
    A Pastor's heart is Obedient and heeds the Master's commands.
    A Pastor's heart is Reflective and considers, he is but a man. ...... (copied)

To ALL Pastor's ---- A huge THANK YOU, for following God's call!!


Colossians 3: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (KJV)

Thank You, Lord

     Ephesians 5: 20     Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Faher in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What a day to celebrate!

We don't always get exactly what we want but God is always faithful to give us what we need.

My husband and I have been praying for a situation and as usual, God answered!!! We always pray for things, believing; whether it is answered in the way we think it should be or not, it is always answered in God's way, which is the best way and at the best time.

We never doubted the answer would come; we just didn't know when. If we get frustrated when things don't take place when we think they should, we are having little faith. God will always answer our prayers but it will be in His time. Never give up!!!

We praise Him today, thanking Him for loving us so much, that no matter how undeserving we are, He always blesses us. Whether the answer is yes, no, or not yet, God will answer; we just have to be willing to pray for His Will. As you continually pray, know that God is orchestrating everything to work out for your good.

     Romans 8: 28    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Praying that your prayers are answered, in His way, and you are able to see His hand at work, giving you the exact answer you need, at the exact time you need it.

Having faith and never doubting..............


    

Making A Difference

Jude .... Verse 22   And of some have compassion, making a difference (KJV)



As Christians, we all want to make a difference in someone's life; how do we do this? As I heard a dear preacher explain it in a sermon, years ago, I will paraphrase it for you.

These are simple steps in making a difference to family, friends, and to the world.......

1. Grow--in the Lord daily.

2. Care--about the condition of the world and the calling on your life.

3. Learn--how God is using you and listen to Him speak

4. Focus--on the Lord and do not become distracted by the world, the flesh, or the devil

5. Strive--for more, by not becoming complacent or satisfied........Always:
    a. Be sensitive  to God's working
    b. Be teachable  by His Word
    c. Be responsive  to God's Will
    d. Be confident  He will work in your life

And, above all else:

6. Stay--Clean  before God, Close  to God, and Committed  to God!

As we continue our journey with the Lord, my prayer is that each of us can follow these simple steps in order to make a difference in someone's life; encouraging others and loving them along the way. We must all let our light shine, in hopes of planting a seed that leads right to the heart of Jesus.

Working to make a difference......

A Strong Tower

     Proverbs 18:10  The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the (consistently) righteous man (upright and in right standing with God) runs into it and is safe, high (aabove evil) and strong. (Amplified)

Wow! What a month it was; August is over.....Thank you, Lord.

I lived Proverbs 18:10 during the last month; alot of things took place and I needed a place to run;  I found that place in the Lord. I know that God allows everything that we go through, for a reason. He wants us to grow strong in Him each day.

There were times, I asked, "Why, Lord?", all the while knowing the circumstance had been filtered through Him. Before I even completed the question, I had to repent and begin praising Him for loving me the way He does. He cares for me so much!!! And, is always there to shelter me, if I run to Him, praising Him for Who He is.

As the old song goes, "when the praises go up, the glory comes down", He is just waiting for us to respond. When we praise Him before, during, and after our circumstance, He witholds nothing from us; His blessings are our blessings!!!

I am thankful He brought me through the month of August and gives me (and all of us) a place to run; His arms are our strong tower. When we figure out we can't do it on our own, He is still there with open arms....Run to them, they are our best protection.

Running with you.......because His arms are big enough for all of us..................

It's Not About Us.....

     Matthew 24:42  Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (KJV)

Lately it seems as though alot of people have taken for granted their very existance. More and more our world has become overwhelmed with SELF. We go here, do this, do that, want this, seek this, get this; all in all, circling like vultures for our next piece of happiness, not giving any thought to others, or where they will spend eternity, or when we may enter there.

Several times lately, I've heard people asking the same question, "why do they never talk about God?" or, "why are they acting that way?". And the sad part is, these questions are being asked of Christians. We should, as Christians, act as though it's our last day here on earth. We all have loved ones, neighbors, or friends that do not know the Lord. Whether we talk to them about the Lord and their Salvation (which we should) or not, we should at least let them see Him in our life.

We do not know when Christ will return....But, we do know He WILL.....We should all be ready for Him when He comes to take us home; be doing His work - not ours, and telling others of Him.

     Matthew 25:13  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (KJV)

Praying that we all let go of ourselves for a while and focus on God and others; our time is short...........

The acronym J-O-Y says, JESUS-OTHERS-YOURSELF.......Let's all strive for this and when we do, we will have the joy that only God can give!

Praying Together and Loving You...........

Just Do It

At times, I have thoughts just pop into my head; where do they come from?

Have you ever wondered why you suddenly think of things; ideas that come into your head for no reason, or thoughts of doing something totally outrageous. There is a reason and it isn't from you or me.

     Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (KJV)

God is working in us all the time. When we have thoughts of doing things for the Lord or for others that we think seem impossible, it's from God. We know we can't do things on our own, so we automatically disregard those thougths and we shouldn't. When God prompts our heart to do something...Just Do It. He is the one putting the desires in our heart and gives us the ability to follow through.

     Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (KJV)

The day you asked Jesus into your heart, He began a work in you; He began prompting your heart and He will give you what you need to serve Him and others. Trust His Word!

God does not call the equipped-He equips the called!!

He will provide where He guides................

Sin Is Not Measured

Have you ever thought about sin being on different levels? Well, you can't! A sin is a sin, no matter how big or how small.

     James 4: 17  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is a sin. (KJV)

So, even when we know to good (or the right thing) and we don't, it's a sin. That makes it pretty simple to understand.

As I had a conversation with a lady recently, she commented on a particular situation that took place, with a sin being committed; and stated she wasn't so sure that this person should continue to be in ministry. She went on to say, "how bad" their sin was. I immediately said to her, "a sin is a sin; it doesn't matter the size".

This is how alot of Christians view sin and we can't put a level on it. We call it what it is...SIN. And all sin is seen and handled by the Lord. He will take care of the sinner. We've always heard the phrase, "love the sinner, hate the sin". Well, I believe alot of people, including Christians, pick and choose which sin they will hate and which sinner they will love.

     Psalm 103: 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. (KJV) 

The Lord forgives when we ask and He remembers no more. As Christians, we should do the same. We are not perfect....For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God - Romans 3:23 (KJV) This doesn't mean we turn a blind eye and pretend nothing happened; it means we love the sinner, hate the sin, and pray for them to repent and turn away, no matter what size sin it is.

We are not the measuring stick, nor are we the standard................remember - Jesus was the carpenter!

Good Samaritan??

What happened to the days when people helped others; you know, "good samaritans".

I believe they have gone by the wayside. As I traveled by car this morning, I noticed a vehicle pulled into an "exit", headed the wrong way. As I slowed to look, making sure the person was alright, immediately I heard a horn blow and looked up to see another vehicle right on my rear bumper. All I was doing, was trying to see if the person was okay. Evidently, this driver was in a bigger hurry than me.

After years of a vocation, helping others, it sort of comes natural when I see an accident or someone pulled over to the side of the road, to check on them. Where has the compassion gone? Do people really not care about others? I don't believe they do. We live in a "dog eat dog" world, not giving thought to anyone else but ourselves.

     1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.....

It really is simple, follow God's Word and love one another, care for one another, and have compassion. It doesn't take a long time to check on someone, making sure they are okay; then help them with whatever the need is.

The next time you pass an accident or see a stranded motorist, take a moment to see if you can be of help; you will feel good for it later and may just encourage the one you stopped to help.

Just a thought: We are not comforted to be comfortable - We are comforted in order to comfort others!!

Calling all Good Samaritans.................

What If ?

Have you ever wondered, "what if"? I know I have on numerous occasions; then I remind myself, "that is in the past and I am moving forward". It's hard at times to think back on choices we've made or things we've done, and realize we could have or should have done them differently. But even if the "what if's" are from our own doings or from God, we must grasp hold to His Word and move forward.


     Philippians 3: 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (KJV)


Things will never be as they were, but they can be as they should. God's Word tells us that if we will delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4) and if we commit our way to Him and trust in Him, he shall bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5).


Start today, look forward, and keep moving. God will be with you each step of the way; He won't let you down and He doesn't throw anyone away.


     Philippians 1: 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (KJV)


God is not finished with you yet!!!


Pressing forward with you........

Walk The Talk

     Galatians 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (KJV)

People that do not know the Lord, do not and will not understand "living in the Spirit" or anything about the "Fruit of the Spirit" - I didn't before I was SAVED.

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He fills us immediately with His Spirit; which is love, joy, peace, patience, etc. All of the virtues He wants us to display, in order for others to see Him in us.

We don't begin immediately to "walk in the Spirit", but over time, as we seek God and live according to His commandments, we develop these traits. As we become aware of our transformation, we notice others are becoming aware of the same. They may wonder what we have.

I strive everyday to be Christlike; I fail ALOT....Sometimes things just spiral downward before we know it; but this is where we get up, dust ourselves off, APOLOGIZE for the mistake, harsh words, rudeness, etc. and move on. I've learned there is a HUGE difference between REACT and RESPOND; with the latter being the better choice. As we RESPOND to things, others still feel the love of Jesus that is in us.

So, when that turn of events takes place today, you're greeted by a bad attitude, you're treated badly, or someone talks about you, RESPOND to it, do not REACT....You will be the better person for it and others will see that you do "Walk in the Spirit". My daily prayer is that others will see Jesus in me; I need Him because I can't do it alone.

Be Filled Today...............


                   

Worry Free

Do you ever feel as though you have the weight of the world on your shoulders?

As women, we do tend to feel this way; we think WE should fix things instead of asking for help.  God's Word tells us differently....

     Psalms 55:22a Cast your burden on the Lord (releasing the weight of it) and he will sustain you; (AMP)

We struggle with letting go of the weight of worry, when it is so easy to let go and let God take care of it, and us. We just need to turn to Jesus.

     Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and i will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

As women, we sometimes make this harder than it is, we can't see the help that is staring us in the face. he is always with us.

The next time you feel the weight bearing down, look up; there, you will find relief.

     When worried, you can look down and all around...but, until you look up, you will still be bound!!

Letting go and Letting God..................

Creation

A week at the beach does wonders!!!

As I sat on the balcony, overlooking the ocean, watching the waves come in, I thought of all that God has created. I watched the water move in different directions each day. It reminded me of how God's mercies are new each and every day. We get up and start each day, not knowing what lies ahead; God knows and gives us what we need in order to press through the day.

The ocean waves are like that; they are new and different each day. One morning we awoke to crashing waves and white caps; another morning there was silence; the water barely rippling in. We looked at the ocean in different ways depending on what the water was doing. Amazing, no matter if the water was rough or smooth.

That is how God is with us; He sees us in whatever situation we are in. We, at times, make Him smile; other times, we break His heart. But, He gives love, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness each new day. Whatever the situation, He is there and handing out what we need.

I thank God each day for all He does. I enjoyed sitting, watching the waves and thinking of how wonderful it is to have a Lord and Savior that wants us to enjoy the beauty He created. He made it for us, lets take the time to see Him in everything!

Created for A Purpose......

Confessions

Why do people feel the need to confess..... to me? I don't know but I'm thinking it may just be a compliment. They may know they do something wrong and what I might think if I find out or they may just need someone to confess to, trying to get someone to tell them, "it's ok". I'm not the person to tell you it's ok.

I took a call today from a lady, immediately confessing something when I answered the phone. And then she asked, "what would you do?" Well, she actually knew what I would do but wanted me to tell her anyway; I did. She then stated she had asked God to forgive her. That's really all she had to do; I make no difference, at all. She didn't sin against me.

After a few minutes of talking, she said she was going to go back, over the next couple of days and set the record straight; she will "do the right thing". I hope she does.

Psalm 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me

All we have to do is ask and He will cleanse us. Ask forgiveness and then make it right; You will be blessed.

In His Loving Hands.................

Love One Another

Have you ever known someone that was/is hard to get along with? I think everyone has known this person, or you may have this person in your life at the moment. Try to show love; this is when people will see your light shine.

It is so easy to be nice to people who are themselves nice. But, when we are nice to the not-so-nice, that's when people take notice. It is not any work at all being nice to those we like; it's very hard to be nice to those that do not deserve it. This is when we need God's help the most. Our flesh wants to be just as ugly to them as they are to us....but with God, we just let His love flow through us onto them; you never know the seed you are sowing, but you are.

So, the next time you want to yell at someone, stop and think; and remember, God sees everything!!

1 John 4:11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Loving Him and you.....

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Happy Memorial Day!!

This Memorial day take a moment to THANK a soldier and/or a soldier's family. It may be just the encouragement they need; and it will show them that someone does care.

There have been and are many men and women that have sacrificed for our freedom. They gave of themselves for you and me.

     John 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

There is one that made the greatest sacrifice of all.....God gave his only son that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life....John 3:16. This sacrifice, of God's only son, Jesus, I will be eternally grateful. He gave me life!!

My prayer today is for all the soldiers serving today, families that have lost loved ones in their service, and for all that have not yet fully understood the sacrifice and great gift God has given them.

May you know him today...........

Confusion or Peace?

Have you ever been faced with a decision to make, only to find confusion and uneasiness? Well, I have; when things seem ok, but we aren't positively convinced that they are okay, we need to hit the pause button. When making decisions, we truly need to invest in prayer, for the answer(s).

When we allow God to show us the answer, He will give us peace about any situation.

1 Corinthians 14: 33  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (KJV)

Today, when making decisions, any decisions, ask God to guide you. He will give you the peace that only you will know comes from Him. Many times I have made quick decisions, only to wish I had not acted so quickly. Let God guide you today and then enjoy the very thing He has provided for you or protected you from; only He knows what is best. Let Him bless you, as only He can.

His Love to All.....

Inspiration

Has anyone ever "inspired" you to do something?

When we think of being inspired, we think of being encouraged or influenced, in some way. We may have a picture of younger, slimmer days that "inspire" us to lose weight. Or we may want to step out and do something we've never tried before, but need a word of encouragement or inspiration to move forward. We all look for inspiration in one way or another, when we should look at the only inspiration we need - God and His Word.

Webster defines "inspiration" as, "the act or power of moving the intellect or emotion", and "inspire" as, "to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration". In biblical terms "inspired" means "breathed out by God".

By reading God's Word, He is literally breathing onto us, touching our emotions and intellect. Our verse today 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (KJV) In the Holman Christian Standard Bible, it reads, "All scripture is INSPIRED by God......" This is a product of God's Spirit working thru men.

Job 33:4 reads "The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the almighty hath given me life."

We can be an inspiration to others by a simple smile, hello, or even a compliment. As Christians, we should look for ways to guide or move (inspire) others; as if God Himself were "breathing out" to them. We may, by God's power, breath life back into someone having a bad day.

Take time this week to notice if anyone around you needs a word of encouragement. Sometimes our (good) attitude may be just the inspiration someone needs, to help them make it thru.

Allow God to influence, move, and guide you today. Get in His Word - this is His direction for you and me. We will have the spirit within us to help us help others, as we allow God to "breath out" to us. As we encourage others, God always seems to encourage us.

Jesus loves you...Be inspired!