JUST KEEPING IT REAL

THE TEST OF LOVE

2012-01-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

We so often take this time at the beginning of a new year to make resolutions that we often fail to keep, but wouldn't it be a perfect time to reflect on: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith, test yourselves....?" (II Corinthians 13:5)We can become so comfortable in our journey sometimes, that we may not realize that we have strayed from the straight path. After all, aren't we doing better than most out there? We must never fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others, but must always measure our walk with the Word of God.Can we walk through these scriptures, ask ourselves if we meet the standard of the Word, and if not, can we not ask forgiveness and make sure that we are truly in love with our God and Savior and in love with our neighbor?May the Lord open our eyes and our hearts so that we may stay pure before Him and powerful in building the Kingdom.Command to Love:Jesus said, "Honor your father and mother and love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 10:19)Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang (hinge) on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40)Having been asked which was the Greatest Commanment, Jesus answered, "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these." (Mark 12:29-31)Jesus said. "A new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:24)Evidence of Love:Jesus said: "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35)Jesus said, "If you love Me, Keep My commandments." (John 14:15)Jesus said, "Whoever has and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me." (John 14:21)Jesus said, "If anyone loves Me, he will obey my teaching, (My words). My Father will love him and We will come to him and make Our Home with him." (John 14:23)God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)Love does no harm (does not kill, does not commit adultery, does not steal, does not lie, does not covet, etc) to it's neighbors. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the Law. (Romans 13:19)Love is patient; love is kind; love does not envy; does not boast; is not proud. It is not rude; love is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrong. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails....(I Corinthians 13:4-8a)The fruit of the Spirit (dwelling in you) is Love, (which produces) joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)Test of Love:Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbors and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven...." (Matthew 5:43-35)Jesus said, "But I tell you who hear me, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:-27-28)Jesus said, "He who does not love Me will not obey My teaching (My words)." (John 14:28)Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly beloved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us...(Ephesians 5:1-2)If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a noisy gong and a clanging symbol. (I Corinthians 13:1)He who would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. (I Peter 3:10-11)Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (I John 2:15)We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. ( I John 3:14)This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us, (therefore) we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. ( I John 3:16)If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? (I John 3:17)Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God. He that loves not, does not know God, for God is love. ( I John 4:7-8)The Ultimate Test of Love:When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 213:33-34)Jesus said, "Greater love has no man than this, that He lay down His life for His friends. You are My friends, if you do what I command." (John 15:13-14)Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. (I John 4:11-12)Jesus told us to love one another as He has loved us and that same love is what the world needs to see and experience from us. We are Jesus to this world......Let's love them like Jesus!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/A-Word-for-2012.html?soid=1101493197677&aid=9_mXZ7wJ4Q8

2011-12-30T16:36:00.000-08:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/A-Word-for-2012.html?soid=1101493197677&aid=9_mXZ7wJ4Q8

It's Christmas!

2011-12-17T14:25:00.000-08:00

Early business reports seem to demonstrate that the consumer is more hopeful, more positive about the future than what expert economists have been predicting. Sales are at an all-time high and the Christmas buying season has just begun.Some reports say that the consumer is actually in better financial condition than they were in 2004 because they have been paying down their debts, down-sizing perceived needs to actual need, paying cash instead of credit and basically bringing their financial priorities back to a reasonable level.The Christmas season is the last, great money maker of the year and most retailers measure their overall, year-end success or failure by the sales generated during this season.How do we, as followers of Christ, measure our relationship to the One who is the reason for this Christmas season? Do we remember, as we are caught up in the bargain hunting, Black Friday specials and Cyber Monday deals, that the Gift that was given when Christ was born cost Him His life? Do we shop for gifts to give to those we love because we are so grateful and thankful for the Gift that has been given to us?It is so easy to get caught up in this culture of frenzied shopping along with parties to plan, meetings to attend, dinners to prepare, all culminating in that great time of getting and giving all those gifts that have been purchased.As we lavish all of this exciting season upon ourselves, do we even think of those who are cold, without homes, without a place to stay warm and dry and without food to eat? Do we do more than a ’token’ act of random kindness just to meet the requirement of caring for others?At some point, the Bride of Christ must see this world through the eyes of the Bridegroom. If our hearts are filled with joy because of the incredible Gift of Salvation and this is what generates all of the gift giving activity…..then we are on the right pathway to bring honor and joy to our Savior……So we praise our Savior that despite the gloomy calculations of this world’s economy, there is a silver lining: consumers, overall, are paying down debt, not relying on credit and are taking a hard look at what their priorities are in the day in which we live. I like to think that the Biblical perspective of true followers of Christ have had an influence on this economy and on those around them, by setting an example of being debt free, and/or working toward being debt free, and being good stewards of what God has blessed them with.Page TwoIt’s ChristmasAnd I would like to think that we, as ambassadors of Christ, are so thankful and grateful for all He has done for us and the world that our joy spills over on this lost and dying world during this Christmas season and brings them into a saving knowledge of the One who stepped out of heaven, came to earth and paid the price for all our sins…..“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulder and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end….” (Isaiah 9:6-7)“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord, and this shall be a sign unto you: you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:11-14)

BIBLE CAFE FOR WOMEN

2011-04-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

Grab this button

THE SEASONS...

2011-04-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

The last time you heard from me, we were coming out of the wintery blast of 2011. Across the nation, about 75% of the states in America were covered with ice and unbelivable amounts of that beautiful but deadly white stuff called snow.

The chill has now left the air, grass is turning green and trees are budding out in preparation to provide shade from the summer sun which will soon be upon us. How awesome are the seasons of God!

Now, those who are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder, (lack of sunlight & causes depression), are looking forward to getting outside and soaking up some of those wonderful rays that provide Vitamin D to their muscles and bones. They are now filled with energy and hope for tomorrow. How awesome that God provided these benefits for us as the fall and winter seasons roll by into full blown summer!

We are cleaning house; putting away winter clothing; quilts; comforters; heaters; raking yards; cleaning the guttering (once again); dusting; emptying closets; cleaning out cabinets and drawers.....getting ready for celebrating life with a little less baggage to carry.

These wonderful experiences also should apply to our spiritual life, our walk with God. From time to time we need to take inventory of our journey and make sure that all the old baggage, the hurts, dissappointments, the losses, we have experienced have added to our life joy, faith, and longsuffering/patience. That those things which were meant to harm us have become the good that God meant them to be.

For it is God's plan for us to live with joy! Yes, trials will come, but because we know Him and have a relationship with Him, we can count it all joy, whatever this journey Home brings our way. When the dust settles, and we catch our breath, we can still say, ....."and yet will I trust Him!"

New and glorious events are coming our way, let's clear the deck so that we are ready and prepared to be Jesus to this world.

I pray for all of you that our God will heal you; bless your finances; heal your marriages; save your families and protect you with His mighty hand. May He cover you with the Blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, and carry you through tomorrow as you reach out to touch the lives of others in His Name. May He bless every relationship you have in this world and may your relationship with Him be greater and more real to you than it has ever been. Breathe His breath, hear His heartbeat, love like Jesus. In Jesus' Name. Amen

Heal us, O Lord, and we will be healed! Save us and we shall be saved, for You are our hope today and for all eternity!

BREAK OUR HEARTS WITH WHAT BREAKS YOUR'S

2011-03-20T02:59:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ajFnnKFivY

A TIME TO WEEP....

2011-02-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

For sometime now, I have been more or less home bound because of health issues, only leaving home to keep doctor appointments or visiting the Radiology Department for tests at our local hospital.

I have not attended church since December 19 but my church family has been so loving and diligent about checking on me and making sure that I have need of nothing, especially during this winter blast that left about 40" of snow stacked up on top of each other following three rounds of the beautiful white stuff.

I have comforted myself, knowing that I am the Temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells in me. I have found comfort in listening to the New Testament and hearing the Word come alive in my ears. I've enjoyed listening to our Pastor's sermons on our website; enjoyed Christian programing on television and participating in group, studying the Abiding Life.

I have been comforted by the postings (unrelated to my health issues)of my friends and family on Facebook and Twitter. I have been strengthened by the reminder that I am the healed of God and that by His stripes I am healed. Reminded that I am loved and missed and not forgotten.

I have missed being with my church family to worship Him together and to hear His Word expounded upon, but did not have a sense of loss somehow. But today, I wept. Today, even though He is as close as my breath, I have grieved for the fellowship that is my church family. I need them more than they know and more than I have ever realized, not because of illness, but because of a new awareness of the impact that the fellowship of love has on my life (our life).

My challenges will be resolved one day. but God has used this time to let me experience how those who are not able to be with us any longer, need our fellowship and love.

Jesus told us to love one another, as He has loved us. We have been instructed not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together as the manner of some is, but even more so when we see that day approaching. God knew that we would need each other. He knew that we needed that strong bond of fellowship that would hold us up when we could not hold ourselves up. He knew how important it was going to be for us to know one another and trust one another, as the days of testing approach.

If we don't know one another now, if we can't trust one another now, if we don't love one another now, what will the outcome be when the fiery darts of testing come?

It would seem that these kinds of transitions are going to come to most of us if we live long enough and the Lord tarries. Some are home bound for extended periods of time, perhaps until God calls them home. We need to remember them. Understand that they are in a transition time and bring that fellowship of the brotherhood to them. It's not over yet. They still need that strength and encouragement that comes from regular fellowship with other believers.

My Pastor and his wife have pastored this church for over 30 years, and they continue ministering to those who can no longer attend services. We need to do the same.

Weep for those who are no longer able to be with you in service and bring that service to them. Love them and fellowship them in the place where they are and hold them up in your prayers.

Be Jesus to someone who needs that love that only comes from the Giver of Life.

WOULD THIS SHAKE YOUR FAITH?

2011-02-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

Would This Shake Your Faith
Posted: 05 Feb 2011 05:20 AM PST
All week World Prayr has featured posts on persecuted Christians particularly in Gojra Pakistan. It is our hope and purposed intent to bring awareness to the plight, suffering, need and opportunity there exists to be a blessing, encouragement, and potentially help to support those who stand on the front line where others dare not go.

Our Exectutive Director of Ministry Erik Retallick and our Executive Director of Information Robert Dodson have put together a video which shows actual footage of Christians on those front lines. Watch the video then listen to Erik message as he shares.

We Warn You Though If Living Radical For Christ Offends You You May Want To Skip The First Part.

As we have been all week we encourage you to support this very urgent need. You can support this need by going to the following website.

The link for Hope NGO website donations is http://hope-ngo.org/appeal.php . World Prayr recommends that the donations are marked to provide food and clothing for Christians in Gojra.

LEST WE FORGET!

2010-12-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

I am concerned with the way Christians are dealing with Christians, using the examples of the harsh-toned discipline of Christ to the money changers in the temple; the fray between Paul and Barnabas over Mark; Paul's rebuke of Peter and the church for putting more on the Gentile converts to Christ than they themselves were able to bear.....etc.

To see Christ as harsh, and demanding as a pre-requisite, as an example of how we are to treat each other, is hurtful and offensive to my vision of the Savior. Some may say that I have created my own Christ and He is not the Christ of the bible but I would answer that the Christ of the Bible is the True Christ and is the Christ that has brought me to salvation and to an understanding of His great love for all.

He is the Christ who said, "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more." "Rise and be healed, your sins are forgiven." "Suffer the little children to come to Me." I will never leave you nor forsake you but will be with you to the end." My sheep know My voice." "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Was Christ passionate about His Father's House being a House of Prayer? You bet! It was His passion that drove the money changers out of the temple. Was He passionate about the corrupt teachings of the religious community that was used to manipulate and control the people? You bet!

Was Paul justified in his refusal to allow Mark to accompany his group on their next mission? He may have been, but we see Barnabas pleading on Mark's behalf and then leaving Paul's group and taking Mark with him. In the end, Mark is restored and Paul and Barnabas are still brothers. Who was right? Only God knows.

We are given specific instructions for correction in the church and are also instructed to do it with love, remembering that 'but for the grace of God, are we.'
If we are being harsh and demanding on our fellow laborers, I submit that it is not God's way. What is done for Christ must be done out of a heart of love for Him. Our goals will not be accomplished any other way. If we are using a tough, harsh, demanding type of leadership, it speaks of manipulation and control.

Even when we must turn and leave the one who will not receive instruction and turn him/her over....the very thought is so that somehow, someway they might be saved.

So then, do we just allow a fellow laborer to walk in error and in slothfulness? No! We do have to address these situations as they arise, but we must move cautiously as these are the children of the most High God and He will deal with us according to how we have dealt with others. Remember, He used heathen countries to overrun Israel to discipline Israel, but those countries were punished according to their wickedness toward Israel. Be careful, how you deal with God's children.

God is Just but He also is the God of Love. Bathe everything you do.....in Godly Love.

WE CAN TRUST HIM!

2010-09-17T05:44:00.000-07:00

There are times when we may not be sure if we are where God wants us to be. Have we obeyed His calling and direction, or are we on a path that we have set for ourselves?

It is not easy sometimes, to discern that still small voice, that unction that we sense when seeking direction for the project, the occupation, the vocation, the relationship or just the day. Many times we are influenced by our own wants, desires, ideas and then the waters get murky. I suppose that most of us have found ourselves in the middle of a decision that we have made, realizing that perhaps, it may not have been God's idea after all.

So now what? Do we abandon the current decision, project or whatever we find ourselves involved in or do we make the best of the situation, move forward.....or cut our losses and jump ship?

It's not an easy decision to make but there is an answer and it is found right where we should have started to begin with. Seeking Him and His righteousness and all the things that we need, including wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will be given to us. He instructs us to ask for those very things and they will be given us.

So if we seek Him and His righteousness, put Him first above everything and everyone, will we know, for sure, that this project, idea, etc., is His perfect will for us? Not always....but we can know this, if we have put Him first, confess we may have made a mistake, He can turn that mistake into good. He can cause it to produce a blessing that perhaps you did not anticipate when you began or He can bless your decision abundantly beyond what you could have dreamed or envisioned.

We cannot trust ourselves because our hearts are deceitful but we can trust God to watch over us and answer us when we bow before Him and allow that we cannot do this alone. The Word says for us to "ask, if we lack wisdom, and it would be given to us, without condemnation." (James 1:5) And the Word goes on to say, in James 1:6, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

Is the Word of God true? Then what say ye?

We can trust Him!

REFLECTIONS

2010-08-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

It's not like I haven't been here before....you know....where the road you were on suddenly changes and you begin to wonder if you missed your exit. Your GPS is turned off and your mind is busy mulling over what you have accomplished up to this point and what is on the to-do list for this day and the days ahead....and suddenly you become aware that the road seems unfamiliar.
I would imagine that many of us have experienced similar situations as this on a road trip to somewhere....but perhaps we do not always realize in our day-to-day world a very similar, subtle transition may have happened.
A good example of finding our roles changing with us sometimes struggling to shift gears, is when our children transition from needing our watchful eye, into becoming adults themselves, very capable of finding their own way just as we did. Sometimes, we keeping offering advice when it is not asked for; we keep instructing them in their choices, when they are now responsible for their own conduct; we keep anticipating a need and try to meet it without them ever hardly recognizing they had a need.
If we learn nothing else from this kind of behavior, hopefully, at some point we will realize we are on a different road now and our role has changed. It is to our children's harm when we continue to try to hang on to the control of their decisions beyond the time when they need to be making their own. They sometimes see what we do as interference in their lives and think we don't trust them to handle things on their own.
Boom! We missed our exit. We missed that transition where we became cheerleaders and sounding boards, available if needed, ready to advise if asked, and fully trusting that they would find their way because you equipped them to do that in the 18 years you had them in your School of Life. Now there are hurt feelings, strained relationships, nothing seems to go just right, resistance where there should be none.....wrong road....wrong role.
God has a way of still teaching us, even after we are off the 'milk' and into the 'meat' of His Word. He gives us the freedom to find our own way once we know His Son as Savior and Lord. He teaches us through His Word and life experiences how to seek Him in the decisions we make, the direction we take......but sometimes that road we were on transitions to the next level and we are still trying to move forward on the 'old road'.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 teaches us that there is a time for everything. Sometimes when we are struggling with changes that are inevitable, we resist because what we are doing, the road we are on is familiar, comfortable....when in reality, we are switching lanes to set us up for the transition exit to our next assignment.
God won't make those decisions for us because He wants us to make the right decision for ourselves. When we fully trust His plan for us, we will become more willing to let the Holy Spirit (our Heavenly GPS) direct us in making the transitions that are going to continue to honor God and build His Kingdom.
In reality, we were called here for a purpose, and as long as we remain committed to follow His calling and leading, He will propel us forward on this highway to Heaven. For at the end of this journey, lies Home.

HAVE YOU LOST SOMETHING?

2010-07-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

HAVE YOU LOST SOMETHING?

It looks like it has been about 3 weeks since I visited this blog page but so much has happened over the past three weeks, that it has been a blur.

My son, Michael, and daughter-in-law Lenora and their grand daughter, Trinity came down from Washington and spent a week with me and it was awesome. It had been four years since I had seen them and so much life has happened in the four years.

Trinity told her grandma and grandpa that they should just spoil great grandma while they were here and that is exactly what they did. They were such a blessing to me and I love them and appreciate them so much.

After they returned home, my grand daughter, Elisabeth, came home on R & R from Afghanistan. she was able to spend about 9 days with me before she had to return. She is always a joy to me.

While Elisabeth was still in Afghanistan, she purchased a miniature dachshund puppy for me and had her flown to Tulsa on June 30th. This little puppy is just the greatest little puppy ever born and what a little miracle worker she is!

She loves everybody unconditionally, she is full of joy and energy and I am sure her greatest desire is to be able to talk. Her little eyes are full of life and she communicates so much with them. She makes me know that God had a purpose for everything that He created.

When she is getting sleepy and wanting to go to bed or when she is loving you, she makes this little humming sound that gives you a sense of peace, a sense that everything is just right in her world.

How awesome would it be if we could be more like Molly, trusting that everything will be okay, trusting that even though our world can feel like chaos sometimes, that it's all in the hands of the One who loves us and it will be okay; trusting that His grace is sufficient for today and leave tomorrow in His hands as well.

I pray for all of us, that we will be found trusting that the life He has given us was born out of purpose and love and that He will never leave us or forsake us but will be there with us, even to the end.

"He that clings to 'his' life shall lose it and he that loses his life for My sake, shall find it." Matthew 10:39

Sharon Wilbur "Out of Zion"

2010-06-28T01:01:00.000-07:00

LET GOD BE TRUE & EVERY MAN A LIAR!

2010-06-28T00:54:00.000-07:00

June 28, 2010 - Monday
LET GOD BE THE TRUTH & EVERY MAN A LIAR!
Just wanted to give you an update and let you know that God is still in control!
Today has been the most amazing day of the Lord. Our altars filled in both services today with people who are hungry for the genuine move of God. Hungry for God Himself, to step into their lives and make their lives count in this generation.

I saw people come to the Lord today. I saw people re-commit their lives to Him today. I saw people filled with the Holy Spirit today. A little 4 year old girl from our congregation was bitten by a snake today and sent to Tulsa via ambulance because the weather would not permit her being flown. I heard the report from Tulsa saying that aside from the bites marks there was no evidence of a snake bite or any harmful thing in her blood! I saw God at work among His people today. I see Him preparing us for what is coming in this generation.

How about you? Are you satisfied with how your relationship with God fits into your lifestyle? Or are you hungry for a real relationship that will cost you everything? It will be worth it!

THINK ABOUT IT....

2010-05-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

This morning as I was reading a daily devotional, one of the comments struck home with me. In 1Corinthians 3:16, the scripture says, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" The commentator of the devotional re-worded it to say, "Do you not know that you are the Tablernacle of God (in the earth)....."

That caused me to think... The writer went on to speak of the Tabernacle that God had Moses to build. With intricate detail, each piece and part of the Tabernacle was constructed according to very specific instructions that God gave to Moses. The Tabernacle was the place where God was going to dwell on the earth. It represented His presence on the earth. But today, that Tabernacle constructed and put together by man no longer exists.

The scripture tells us in John 1:14, that the WORD (Jesus) was made flesh and "dwelt" among us, (and we beheld His glory.....)full of grace and truth. So while Jesus was on earth, He was God with us, dwelling in a Tabernacle of flesh. He was the presence of God on the earth, wherever He went. He said, if you've seen me, you have seen the Father. Again, He said I abide in the Father and He abides in Me.

He told us that when He went away, He would send another Comforter and that He would abide with us forever, "He will dwell with you and shall be in you." Even though I am very familiar with the scripture that tells us we are the temple of the Holy Ghost, today, I am compelled to reflect on what it means for God, the Holy Spirit to Tabernacle with me. It's even too awesome for me to grasp!

Shouldn't I represent the presence of God then, to those who are around me? Shouldn't I then, bring the comfort of His presence, the knowledge of His mercy, the faithfullness of His lovingkindness? Wherever I go, shoultn't I be the Cloud by day and the Fire by night? How is it, that the Awesome God of the Universe, would dwell, Tabernacle, in me? I am full of flaws and imperfections, sin. How can it be?

The only knowledge I have, the only answer to the question, is the BLOOD Of JESUS covers me. It clothes me in perfection, with perfect design and purpose that God placed in me before I was born and justified me by the sacrifice of His Perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ.

How then, should I walk before men?

Whisper His Name

2010-05-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Toby mac - Made to love

2010-05-03T00:31:00.000-07:00

Who Am I - Casting Crowns

2010-04-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?

2010-04-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

This morning as I am considering writing one more blog, I wonder where the time goes. At my age now, it seems to fly past at lightening speed, so fast, in fact, that if I don't write it down, or make note somehow, I may forget many things associated with the passing of that time.
I recall when I was young, with 4 children at home and a disabled husband, that I was able to work a fulltime job, outside the home, be the church clerk, worship leader, Adult Sunday School teacher, and lead singer in a trio that sang at other churches on invitation and special services, regional/district meetings, etc.
How did I do that?
Looking back down that tunnel of life, I don't know, except it was driven by a passion so strong that I could see no other way of life nor did I want another way of life. It seemed perfect to me except for a few nagging issues that I just could not seem to get worked out...
After 26 years of marriage (the last 13 as a sold-out, blood bought, heaven-bound follower of Christ)I was faced with divorce, not my choice, but his. And my world turned upside down.
The next 19 years flew by so fast, that it's all a blur to me now. In the last 6 years, my mother, my step-father (who was an awesome Dad to me), my biological father, and step-mother and my youngest child, Shelley, have all gone to be with the Lord. The last living sibling on my mother's side passed away 5 weeks ago and his last words to me were, "Stay here as long as you can, but when you are ready to come Home, I will be watching for you." Where has the time gone? A lot of it has gone on to be with Jesus.
How we 'spend' the time will make a difference in how we handle the issues of life, such as divorce, and the loss of loved ones. If we are rooted and grounded in the Word of God and have a fresh relationship with Christ, though there is pain and there is loss, we count it all joy that we are able to endure when these times of testing come, knowing at the end of it all awaits joy unspeakable.
How are you 'spending' the time that God has allowed you upon this earth? Are you always waiting for the time to be 'right' for you to allow God to use the gifts and talents He has placed in you. Are there other demands upon on your time, your life, that come before your service to Him. What price are you willing to pay, to bring Him the reward of His suffering?
Did I do it all right? Absolutely not! Could I have done more? Absolutely! All we have is right now. We have no promise of tomorrow. So what we do for Him, must be done today, right in the middle of life's demands. Does He understand that we have families to care for, baseball, soccer, basketball, football games to attend? Does He get it that we have to prepare meals after working all day, try to keep the laundry done and the floors swept, the dog groomed, the lawn mowed, the weeds pulled out of the flower beds, the garden?
There is nothing new under the sun. He gets it about the cares of life. All He requires is that you live it with a passion for Him. Let everything you do be done as unto Him. All of it! Then, as time passes, and you sense how quickly it is slipping away, you can rest in knowing that you have loved Him, and with great joy you have served Him and brought Him honor and glory with your life.....how are you 'spending' your life?

I'LL BE WATCHING!

2010-03-04T03:03:00.000-08:00

Today, I go the the Memorial Service being held for my uncle who passed away three days ago. He was 82 years old, and the last of my mother's family. The last connection of my childhood, with those who loved my mother and whom my mother loved.

My uncle had not led an exemplary life, and was pretty much known as a wild man, not held by any boundries but those of great pain and sorrow at the loss of his first wife and 12 year old son in a car accident forty three years ago. He drowned himself in a sea of alcohol and sorrow and rage seemly beyond his control. Yet you loved him. And through the veil of pain, you knew he loved you.

He finally remarried to a woman who already had six children and they had two of their own. From my observation window, life was still chaos, but in some ways, all the children seemed to draw down some of the self-destructive behaviors. And life went on like this for the next 35 years or so.

About eight to ten years ago, things started to change with him. His family, raised in chaos, his marriage always in chaos, was still the same, but he began to change. I have witnessed the bitterness in the family toward him, the wife, the children often rude in speaking to him. Critical of him when he would try to visit with family or friends, because this was the way they had always lived and though he was changing they could not see if for all the hurt and damage they had suffered.

As the change began to manifest, he would frequently call my mother, asking for prayer for some friend or someone he knew or had heard about that was sick or having some kind of trouble. He would ask Mom to pray and ask her to call me and ask me to pray. This went on for a number of years before my mother passed away in 2006, and then for a while, he was silent, broken once again by the loss of my mother, and then....he began to call me for prayer.

On the phone, he could have a conversation without the wife or one of the adult children, interupting or contradicting whatever he was saying. The phone was his safe place to share his heart.

His wife passed away two years ago, and because of his own health, he has been pretty much confined to the home where he and his wife had lived with their youngest son for the last 25 years. The son has never married and has supported his parents since he became old enough to work. But even living with this son, my uncle has been pretty much alone.

He loved my grand daughters, and when the grand daughter who is in the Army was home on leave, we would go to see him. He was crazy about her and her sister. In January he sent the grand daughter, who is now in Afghanistan, a quilt that he had made and some other items to bless her with and then he got a call from her that blessed him beyond expressing.

He had called me about a month ago and was wanting to ship her some miniture bananas but could not get any of his adult children who live near him to take them to the post offiice and because I do not live in the same city, I was not available to help with little things like that for him. He was always pleasant when he called me and we always had a nice visit.

My last conversation with him was two weeks ago when he called to tell me he had to eat the bananas but his plan was to get some more when his daughter came to visit from Wyoming, because she would ship them. She is his oldest daughter, from his first marriage, who was injured in the fatal accident that killed her mother and brother. She was 15 when she lost her mom and brother and she lost her father at the same time because his grief was too much to bear. She had to be placed with elderly grand parents who did the best the could to fill the gap. And she is today, an awesome woman of God and has been for more than 30 years.

In that last conversation with my uncle, he was speaking of my grand daughter and saying that when she comes home in October, she better come see him.....and then he stopped. He said, "No, sis, I won't be here when she comes home." He told me he did not feel like it would be long now, before he left this earth. I asked him if he was ready to meet the Lord and he assured me that he was. I told him that would make it easier to let him go, to know that he was safe with the Lord.

His last words to me were, "Katherine Marie, you stay here as long as you can, but when you are ready to come Home, I'll be watching for you." We said our 'I love you's and ended our last conversation on this earth.

Why have I told you all of this? Because I want to encourage you never to give up on someone. God never gives up......until the tree falls and then it is over. This tree fell, prepared to meet his Savior.

NOTHING TO OFFER

2010-02-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

Have you ever come to a place in your journey where you felt you had nothing to offer? Nothing to offer the world around your and nothing to offer the King who died for you? It seems to me, as I get older, that these places in the road come more frequently.

For the most part, ministry is happening, you are flowing in the Holy Spirit and lives are being touched as evidenced by the responses and feedback you receive.....And then...it happens.
I'm done, I'm empty, there is nothing left. What do You want of me, Lord? What would you have me do or say on this day? Who do I need to touch for You today? Where are You?

Why would this happen? You are obeying His instructions for your life. You have surrendered your gifts & talents back to Him who created and gave them. There is no unforgiveness, or sin in your life. You love Him and have no other gods and you love your neighbor......Why? I used to stress over these times when they came but I have learned to wait upon Him. I have learned, He is nearby, and this is the best thing for me now.

Did I get it when I began to recognize these bumps in the road? No! After a few times, did I get it? No! Over the years, it did finally started to make some sense to me. I can look back at the early days, and tell you that most of the time, I just ran out of what I could do on my own. And then, I would say, "Where are You, Lord?" Silence. Then I would proceed to make every effort to do what I am called to do and it felt like dragging a sack of potatoes around! "I need Your help with this, Lord. I cannot do this all by myself!" Basically, whining....still there was silence.

Then there came a day, when I am reeling off to Him, all the problems I am encountering: "I put everything I have into this for You and nobody cares. No one steps up to help or even acts like this means anything to them. I can work hours in preparation, 45 to 60 minutes its over and they just go on with their lives!"

Then comes the still, small voice...."So, this was all about you? What I have placed in you, your calling, your gifting....it's all about you." Life changing moment!

Did I get it after this encounter? No! I have found myself in this place more times than I can count. But in returning here many times, I have learned just to wait on Him. It has not always been because it was about me instead of Him and I have now learned that. I have learned to search myself, make sure that I am still walking in obedience to His Word and take care of it if I'm not.

The older Followers of Christ, have told us to keep short accounts with God. Don't let sin and frustration, unforgiveness, anger, sadness, steal what He has freely given you. Its time to stop and do some bookkeeping. Balance the accounts, so to speak.

When you know that you know everything is right between you and God.....wait. He is getting ready to do something awesome and He is giving you rest before the next journey.

"They who wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" Isaiah 40:31

OUTSIDE THE WIRE

2010-01-15T05:59:00.000-08:00

My granddaughter is a member of our U.S. Military and is stationed in Afghanistan. Because she has left the 'safety' of U. S. soil, I have become more and more interested in what the military does, the terminologies they use, etc.

I've learned that a F.O.B. is short for Forward Operating Base, which is the main base of operation from which all missions in that geographical area are conducted. And, I've learned what a Fobbit is as well. A Fobbit is a name adapted from the "Lord of the Rings" movies in which there were characters (Hobbits) that are normally loving and peaceful, who pretty much stayed at home and raised their little families, took care of their little gardens, and lived very peaceful lives for the most part. In the movies, several such characters were very brave and stepped out of their 'normal' way of life to defeat the evil one from controlling their world and the world of others.

So the military now uses the term 'Fobbit' to describe those soldiers whose duties require them to stay 'inside the wire' of the F.O.B.. Their contribution to the war effort and the ultimate success of the mission is dependent, in part, upon those who 'stay inside the wire' and conduct the day-to-day business of managing information, training, base operations, and intelligence. These soldiers are called Fobbits.

The Fobbit's exposure is less obvious than that of the infantry, special ops, field suppliers, as these are 'outside the wire,' engaging an enemy that cannot always be seen. An enemy that buries explosive devices in the path of those who are transporting troops, or carrying supplies to the troops. An enemy that uses children to lure a soldier to help, only to find that it is a trap.

To be a Fobbit is an honorable service as well, for they are the backbone of the operation to support the troops who are out in the field. One risk for them, is that they are always in the same place which makes them a static target, on a regular basis, for mortar attacks. They are always there, do not move around, the enemy always knows where they are and takes advantage of every opportunity to fire upon the F.O.B. in hopes of killing, injuring, or destroying equipment.

As I consider this military structure, it gives me pause to see that the true church of Jesus Christ operates much in the same manner. The followers of Christ are gifted and trained by the Holy Spirit for their particular assignment in the war against the evil one. For many, that assignment involves the teaching of the Word of God, supplying the information needed for a good soldier to carry out his duties. 'Inside the wire' of the church, encouragement, healing, structure, cleansing, and training are being conducted but the goal of all remains the same....take back what the enemy has stolen.

Those soldiers who are trained and skilled at confronting the enemy on his territory, go 'outside the wire' and conduct the rules of engagement against an enemy that is already defeated but is wreaking havoc in the lives of souls this side of eternity.

Are you a 'Fobbit' and conducting warfare from 'inside the church'? Are you building the troops, building disciples of Christ that will take the war to the streets? Giving them the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit and all the armor of God, so that they will stand against an enemy that cannot be seen and who uses every tactic to destroy souls before they can know how much Jesus loves them? Giving the basic training they need to follow the orders laid out so clearly, for the soldier of Christ?

Are you the soldier that goes 'outside the wire' and engages the enemy where he is? Are you the soldier that takes it to the street, always being aware of the snares that may be hidden from you to defeat or distract you from your mission?

It is an honorable thing to be part of God's Army, a soldier of the Cross, whether you work 'inside the wire' of the church or 'outside the wire' in enemy territory.

You have an assignment. It is temporary. Make it count!

WHO IS THE ENEMY?

2009-12-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

As I consider the lives of those around me, who mock the existance of God, my heart is greatly troubled. I see adults who once proclaimed that Jesus is Lord and worshiped in the House of God with me; participated in some of the most anointed dramas I've ever experienced and today are living lives that very much identify with the morally bankrupt lifestyles of most movies and television productions and the people that produce them.
Out of their mouths now, they are saying they have been liberated from the 'lies of the past' and are free for the first time in their life. And their children now reflect the parent's new lifestyle and every manner of evil choices are being done openly, without fear of consequences.
How can this be? Did some great trauma happen and suddenly everything changed overnight for them? Did they ever really have a relationship with the Lord? Was all they experienced in the Lord, an act? Was Jesus Christ ever real to them? Can't they see how their choices are now shaping the lives of their children?
It can be so subtle, going unnoticed as deception begins to creep into a life. We can blame it on the enemy of our soul if we choose. He definitly plays a role in the deception that will drag us off into a devil's hell but the Word of God tells us that we are drawn away by our own lust.
James 1:14-15 says, "Each one is tempted when, by his own desire, (lust) he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death."
For the most part, we deceive ourselves, so that we can satisfy our own lusts without the complication of having to be held accountable. We throw away the Truth and say it was a lie, so we can bow down at the altar of a self-directed, self-gratifying lifestyle; gods unto ourselves.
The enemy knows, that once we have started down the path of a lukewarm relationship with Christ, we need little help from him because life is all about us at that point.
And, even more deadly than these who are up front, in your face with their sin, is the one who is keeping all the rules, plays the perfect role, looks the perfect part, but under the surface, they are living another life inside their heads.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature, will reap destruction." (Galatians 6:7-8)
The grim consequences? "Don't you know that the wicked will not inherit the Kingdom of God?" (1 Corinthians 6:9)
Who is the enemy?

IS ANYONE LISTENING?

2009-10-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

Is anyone listening? That's an odd question to be asking when starting to write a blog. After all, you read a blog, you don't listen to it.....or do you?

Some of us think we are compelled to share what is in our heart....and then we may begin to question that drive to do so when there is no input, no reaction, no "Amen", no one listening....

Let me encourage you, as I encourage myself. Never, ever think that what you do does not impact someone's life, for better or for worse. We do not live in a bubble, separated from the world, but rather, we live in a fish bowl.

Inside the fish bowl we only see the plants and deep sea artifacts that may have been placed in it for looks, but outside the bowl, others are watching every move we make. It may just be the cat, but someone is watching and therefore we are affecting the lives of others. Especially the cat who may be hungry and is trying to figure out how to get his paw in the bowl and retrieve you...

Life is very much like this. We come and go, move about in this culture, and may never feel sure that we are contributing or making a difference. The fact is, whether we realize it or not we are making a difference, one way or the other.

When it is all over, and we draw our last breath, I hope we can know that we did the best we could to fulfill our purpose in this life. And, yes, we each have a purpose and we only have a brief moment in time to complete it...

Make it count. Don't wait another moment. Say what you have to say now....someone is listening.

"Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

WHO ARE YOU WATCHING FOR?

2009-09-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today many are looking at the condition of the nation and the world and wondering, "How much longer can this go on?" Even those who do not know the Word of God are questioning, "How much longer can things continue to spiral downward without complete chaos and collapse of everything as we know it?"
There is an answer found in the Word of God. Matthew 24 tells us that everything we are now witnessing is the prelude to the end of time.
Many are looking for the one called the antichrist. That one who will seem to have the solution to everything. Then, once he is in complete control, he will reveal his true agenda, which is to dominate the world.
Here is a Word for the world and the Church: Stop looking for the antichrist and start looking for Jesus!
Just like John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, we now must prepare the way for His return. There is much work to be done because many still do not know how much He loves them.
Soon, He will call the Church out of here and then He will return again, bringing the Church with Him. When His feet touch down on the Mount of Olives, in Jerusalem, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.
We have work to do. Let's go-->

IT"S THE BLOOD!

2009-08-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at how, over time, we lose sight of very profound truths. Truths that are an integral part of our faith, that somehow slip away into the shadows, only to be re-discovered.

Of late, it seems, I am going through a 'renaissance' period. I have been reading books written by Watchman Nee, specifically the "Normal Christian Life" and one by Arthur Katz, "Ben Israel, Odyssey of a Modern Jew.

Both of these guys from two entirely different cultures and perspectives, but their stories have touched deep within my soul and brought to light some precious truths of God.

I have not completed Watchman Nee's book yet, but out of the shute, he speaks of the power of the Blood of Jesus! He helped me to understand that Jesus took His Blood and sprinkled it upon the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies. Much like the high priest did each year, on the Day of Atonement. Jesus, as the True High Priest, took His Blood( that of the True Pure Lamb of God) into the Holy of Holies, once and for all, to wash away the sins of the world.

Once man believes and receives Jesus Christ as the Sacrifice for his sin, he becomes a child of the Most High God and now has access to Him. However, it can feel intimidating to approach Him in prayer and we can question how He could even look at us or hear us.

Watchman Nee, who was imprisoned the last 20 years of his life because he refused to deny Christ, explains that we can enter into the Holy of Holies with boldness, as the Word instructs us, because we go through the Blood everytime. The Blood is covering us each time we bring our petitions before the Lord. The Righteousness of Jesus Christ is all the Father sees.

It does not depend on how good we have been. We do not need worry when we have failed Him. The Blood covers us as we surrender to Him. All the time, everytime. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

I praise Him for the Blood of Jesus that washes my sin away, that allows me to stand before Him in prayer, without fear, and know that He hears my petition: not because I deserve it, but because Jesus has covered me.

WHAT IS YOUR 'REALITY'?

2009-08-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

Today, as I have spent several hours with the Lord ministering to me, I have come to realize a great gap in what I perceive my 'reality' to be and how the Lord sees it.
I recognize, and admit, that as long as I dwell in this house of clay, I am subject to faults and even sin, because of the choices I make based on my perception of 'reality'. Does it sound complicated? It really is quite simple.

We perceive our 'reality' based on how it relates (relative morality) to our core beliefs, standards set individually or by society or by the paradigms by which we govern our lives. In other words, we basically write our own 'reality'. The atheist or unbeliever and even the Church buy into the following: there are no absolutes; if it feels good, do it; if it doesn't hurt anyone, do it; there is no God, do it; there is a God but He is love, do it; everyone is doing it; there are no consequences....etc.

The Truth is there are absolutes that govern our life here on earth, beginning with: there is a God. We want to hide from this absolute, so that we do not have to experience guilt and can continue to satisfy our own lusts, of which there are many. It's just easier to go with the flow, than to follow the Truth, which was placed in all of our hearts at conception

The Truth died and was resurrected two thousand years ago, so that we might have life and that more abundantly. Not for us to squander it upon ourselves, but to let the Truth live through us.

We need to consider the way we interpret our 'reality'. God has placed Eternity in the heart of every man/woman. Whether we accept this or not is irrelevant. What His Word says is relevant and what His Word says is the guideline for being 'real'; how we must define our own 'reality'.

"You draw near to me with your mouth, and honor me with your lips, but your heart is far from me." (Matthew 15:8)

WHAT IS YOUR REALITY?

ONLY DEAD FISH FLOAT

2009-07-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

From the title of this message, you could probably preach your own message and would not need any assistance!

We all know that in the real world of all things fishy....only the fish that are alive are swimming and they are not always going with the flow. They work their way in and out of the current, always searching for just that right tidbit of food or just that right shady spot to keep away from the summer's hot sun. Maybe, even more importantly, evading the enemy above the water who is using a well concealed hook to catch them and end their life.

Using this analogy representling the life of the Followers of Christ, we can see that we must be continually on the move, looking, searching for that purpose we were created for and continually executing that purpose, being aware of the tricks of the enemy who would like to lure us into a place we do not want to go and even ending our purpose here on earth if he can.

If we are sitting by, just waiting for a special move of God before we get out there and do what we are called to do from the moment of conception, we are actually operating in disobedience and are in danger of getting hooked by one of the tricks of the enemy that cause us to just sit idly by while he is free to move about, looking and searching for whom he may devour.

This is our opportunity to shine for Jesus, using every opportunity afforded us to pray, comfort, encourage, strengthen, restore and rebuild and help the Body stay focused on our mission and our homecoming. It may never be convenient for us to fulfull this calling, but neither was the cruel death that Jesus submitted to convenient for Him.

This is the time that we need to empty our schedules and make sure that things of Christ and the souls of men are our priority. If we are otherwise occupied, it's only a matter of time before we will no longer have the option to do so.

What bait is the enemy using on you? Is he luring you into slothfulness, apathy, hardened heart? What is it that stops you from fulfilling God's call upon your life, that stands between you and a heart that breaks for those who do not yet know how much He loves them?

Only dead fish float!

HOW PRECIOUS ARE THE CONVERSATIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS!

2009-07-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we, as Followers of Christ, tend to think in terms of our life here on earth as separate from the life to come, but recently, I have discovered that God has, perhaps, a different opinion.

We have many conversations throughout any given day: with other Followers; with family members; with people in the market place; with people on the internet; with ourselves in our heart of hearts, and hopefully, with our Heavenly Father.

We all know that God knows everything about us. He knows our deepest secrets, nothing is hidden from Him. He knows every motive behind everything we do and in that final Day of Judgment, all that we have done, thought or said will be tried by fire, some to be burned up, others to be rewarded.

God is so with us, even now, on this earth that He keeps an account of our conversation: "Then those who feared the Lord, talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A book of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. "They will be mine", says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up My treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." (Malachi 3:16-18)

Those conversations that we have had between ourselves, lifting Him up and expressing our devotion for Him to each other, He will remember. When we stand before Him, He will recall the times when we have reminded another of His faithfulness even in the dark hours we have faced. The times we have spoken just that Word that lifted our faith and the faith of others to trust and believe that all His Word has spoken is true and that through it all, He is faithfull and full of mercy and grace. The times we have spoken that warning, in love, that turned a wandering one around and back to Him. He will remember the comfort that we received as one or the other spoke of the Life to come.

What is your conversation?

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR WAY?

2009-06-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

How does it happen? We know Jesus, we know the Word, we have walked in the power of His Holy Spirit, then one day we find ourselves on the outside looking in! Did it happen all at once? Did we not see it coming? Can we ever find our way back?

Sometimes it comes through an injury, delivered by someone we loved and trusted; sometimes through our own neglect, pride. We can't forgive them and we can't forgive ourselves. And then the true enemy begins to reveal himself, and make it personal, as he speaks to us regarding: all the time you have wasted; how could they have done this to you?; you deserve better than this?; what has this life ever gotten you but grief?; where was God when you needed him?; you have been a fool! And then, as you continue to allow him to speak to you, he convinces you that God is not who He claims to be and how could you ever hope that He would ever want you or use you again!

All of this takes place on the battlefield of your mind. Now is the time to stop the enemy with the Word of God. All of these things happened to Jesus but He used the Word of God on the enemy. No matter what you have done, no matter what you have thought, even denying that God exists, you do know the Truth!

God had no illusions about you when He called you. Do you think this day was a surprise to Him? He knew the roads you would take and the twists and turns you would be confronted with but He still called you anyway.

Your gift and calling is without repentance. Turn back to Him and repent. He is faithful and just to forgive you and you must forgive yourself. Who do we think we are in believing that we can't be forgiven? Is anything too hard for God? The Word is in you and you will never be able to expunge it from your spirit. God knows the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. That's why Jesus came here, in the form of a man, and suffered every temptation that is common to man, yet He sinned not. He gets it, beloved!

Don't let the enemy win! You are still a King and a Priest! Do not give your Authority away!
He is not mad at you and He is waiting for you to turn and say, "I'm sorry! Help me!

WHAT'S IT GONNA' TAKE?

2009-06-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

In this life, we spend so much time searching for what seems to always illude us. We are never quite satisfied; we are unsettled; we create busy-work/activities; always seeking what seems, in the end, to escape us.

It takes many forms such as: knowing the 'right' people; driving the 'right' car; participating in the 'right' social activities; dating the 'right' man/woman; having the 'right' house; wearing the latest fashion; belonging to the 'right' clubs. The list is endless and yet, nothing satisfies.

C. S. Lewis said, "If I find myself a desire which no experience in this world will satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

There it is! We were known before we were every formed in our mother's womb! We were called into this world, by whatever process, for a purpose and when that purpose is our focus, we will find satisfaction in this world.

What is it going to take?

THE LATEST DECEPTION

2009-05-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

The latest deception, written by Dan Brown, is out and getting all the media coverage that he desires. It's amazing to me, how diligently and how relentlessly the evil forces in this world pursue their convictions while we, who are given to a kinder, gentler opinion, sit silently.
We live in a country that is blessed with freedom of speech and that is as it should be. We do not protest the fact that others speak of their different opinion, but we are too hesitant to speak the truth in the face of a lie.
Followers of Christ know the 'source' of all deception and do not see the individual delivering the lie as the enemy, but do certainly believe that person has become an instrument in the hands of the one who would do harm to the Kingdom of God. Sometimes, what sells influences what we believe.
The enemies of God know just enough of the Truth to weave it into their deception. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent used this tactic skillfully.
Are we guilty of sitting silently by while the enemy pours out his lie to the innocent and unsuspecting who have not yet met with the Holy One of Israel?
The Dan Browns of this world are working. Are you?

MAKE IT WORTH WATCHING!

2009-05-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Today, most of us are going through the motions, day after day, not realizing what a gift life is, and what an opportunity we have to make a difference in this world of sorrow and saddness.
Some may respond that their world is not filled with sorrow and saddness, and that is wonderful, but to ignore that the world of many is just that, is extremely selfish.
They say that when the end of life comes that the life we have lived flashes before our eyes........make it worth watching! Get up in the lives of those less fortunate than you, love them up, bring them along. Let them know that they matter and that you love them.
Jesus said, "They will know you are Mine, by the love you have one for another."
Don't waste it.....burn it up for Him!

JUST KEEPING IT REAL

2009-05-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

In the day we are living in, too many of us are just going through the motions. We live as if this is all there is with no hope for tomorrow.
Some of us put on a 'show' to be seen and read by others but we are numb inside. The 'show' will take us places we don't want to go and the price will be more than we can pay!
What is your passion? What motivates you to live life every day? Discover it and follow it! Follow that passion that consumes you and know one thing; YOU WERE BORN TO BE REAL, NOT TO BE PERFECT.