To all my followers and friends, I wish you all a very blessed and Merry Christmas!!! Take this time to celebrate Christ birthday remembering He is the reason for the season. God gave us his most precious gift, Jesus Christ. May we take the time to reflect upon our life and ask ourselves these questions, "Are we really giving our very best to Jesus?" "Are we really being obedient to His call upon our life?" "Are we really walking by faith?" "Are we really being a witness as He has called us to be to others?" I pray many blessings be with each of you this Christmas season and the new year to come. We have to look at each day as a gift from God for He hasn't finished with us yet. He has something for each of us, we just have to listen for His Word. I have been very blessed in my life. I consider everything I have went through to be a blessing from God and a learning experience. I have always said "Something good comes out of something bad." When I was faced with a major storm in my life, I had to stay positive and remember what I always said and really seek the face of God. Jesus has truly blessed me with my family, my friends, my church family and the youth group. Thank you all for the many prayers!!! Thank you to my family and friends for helping us get through such a rough year. Forgive one another and love one another. I say that in all honesty for it is in God's Word and it is so true. No matter what you are going through or what someone may have done to you, forgive them and love them. God has given me a gift and for that I am thankful. Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and remember that through all the hustle and bustle that He is the reason for the season. May we show the love of Jesus Christ this holiday season not only at Christmas but all year through and the years to come. May we go and light the world with the love of Jesus Christ. I would encourage you to please listen to the song below titled "Where Are the Lines to See Jesus" by Becky Kelley. It is truly a beautiful song and has such an inspiring and beautiful meaning. Hope you enjoy it. Love you all! God Bless! Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Blessings to you all,
Cindy
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Storms of Life
Well I wish I could say that this year has been a great year but that would not be true. Satan has really attacked our family this year so it has been a very rough year for me and my family. My mom went on to be with the Lord July 2nd of this year. She lived with my husband and I for 15 years so needless to say this was very tough on us. I know she is in a much better place but I have to admit the holidays have been tough as we celebrated our first Thanksgiving without her and now celebrating the Christmas holidays without her as well. She loved Christmas, it was always her favorite holiday and I miss her dearly. After her death, Satan attacked our family. My husband and I had been having some marital problems due to finances and other issues. I didn't realize how bad it really was until just a few months ago. My husband resigned as youth pastor effective October 7th and left me on October 8th. We were separated for 2 weeks. We did speak to one another regularly and within a few days he informed me that he did want to save our marriage and was willing to go to marriage counseling. We then set a date for marriage counseling. Needless to say, during this ordeal, I was shocked and very upset. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. I don't wish it on anybody nor do I ever hope you have to go through it. I looked to God, my family and friends during this trial as this happened only 2 months after my mom's passing. Satan was attacking our church, our youth ministry and our family. The youth ministry was our passion. It broke my heart. In a matter of months, I had lost my mom, my husband and my second family, our youth ministry. I knew God had it all under control. I simply had to trust him and give it all to Him. I give thanks to God for helping me through this storm in my life and giving me the strength to get through it. I also give many thanks to my dear friends and family for helping me through that difficult time. I am truly blessed to have such great friends. After spending many hours in God's Word and praying daily, God performed a miracle. God gave me incredible strength through this storm, strength I never knew I had in me. When you think God has given you too much, He hasn't. It is when you are at your weakest you become strong. God gives you the strength and you are able to persevere. He never gives you more than you can handle, I know this to be TRUE. I prayed day and night for a miracle and God answered that prayer. I received a devotional email through a friend of mine which really helped me during this storm and I prayed it day and night. Prayer works! Prayer is so powerful!!! I wish I could say that after my husband returned for marriage counseling, he reverted back to his old self and the man I no longer knew. In August of 2011 he left me for good and filed for divorce a couple weeks later. What I had suspected and feared was true, he had been having an affair and it was with someone that I knew and was also married as well. I did suspect there was someone else but had no proof. I do know God warned me of this in a dream which He gave me a year prior to my mom's passing. At the time I thought it was just really bad dreams and that the enemy was attacking me. I later found out that the dreams happened precisely in the order God gave them to me and even who the person was and it didn't come back to me completely until it all happened. God warned me of this very thing and was looking after me. He is such a good God. He loves us unconditionally and wants the very best for us. I thank God and give Him all the praises because He helped me through the storms in my life when I felt I had lost all that was most important to me other than my kids. I would encourage you if you are going through some tough times, maybe even something like this, please keep your eyes focused on God, give it all to Him. He will see you through this storm. Even in your darkest of days, He is always with you. He will speak to you and He will use whomever or whatever to speak to you. I consider myself very blessed. I learned to praise God in the midst of the storms. One night as I was reading Job during this trial, a verse really spoke to my heart and I would like to share it with you. "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" Job 2:10. That scripture really hit me and I knew God was speaking to me. I praise God for what He is doing in my life. I give God all the glory for seeing me through such a difficult time. I believe you have to look at each storm as a learning experience to help you grow more in your faith. I know this was not of God but of Satan but I also know that in all things God is there. I had to fully rely on God each day. I learned that I had not been doing on a regular basis. It is amazing what God will allow you go through. I consider myself very blessed. You will get through the storms of life, trust God and keep your faith and focus on Him. Don't fall into Satan's temptations or lies, trust God! Keep the faith!!! I pray for all those who are experiencing storms in their life whether it be finances, job, marital problems, or health related, whatever it is I pray God's mercy and grace be upon you this Christmas season. May he blanket you with comfort and peace. I pray for blessings to fall upon you and may He give you the strength to endure it. We serve an AWESOME and AMAZING God!!! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! Blessings to you all!
Cindy
Cindy
Sunday, July 11, 2010
A Mother's Love (In Memory of our Mom)
In memory of our mom, Barbara Edwards. She went on to be with the Lord on Friday, July 2nd, 2010 after a year long battle with cancer. I wrote this story in memory of our mom. I have also included a story from my sister, Cathy. We hope these stories will help all those who have lost a loved one.
A mother's love is as deep as the ocean. Her love never ends. She had seen us cry, laugh, mad, disappointed, and fail her. Even through the failures and disappointments, she never stopped loving us. She helped us along the way, showed us right from wrong, and followed the ways of the Lord. She helped us through many trials and was always there to listen. She made you laugh and was a joy to be around. A mother knows when you are hurting and seems to always know how to mend it. She offers words of encouragement and words of wisdom. Can I sum up a mother's love? No, not really. For what I have experienced, a mother's love is never ending. A mother's love is caring, nurturing, gentle, full of patience and wisdom, compassionate and loving. She had an incredible love that would light up a room and was evident to those she was around. We were truly blessed to have a mom such as her. We are considered blessed. My prayer is that the same legacy will continue. I would like to share a scripture which sums up my mom; it is from Proverbs.
Proverbs 31:25-30
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household... Her children arise and call her blessed... Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
There is a song that is perfect for a situation like this titled "You Wouldn't Cry" by Mandisa This song really spoke to my heart. If you have lost a loved one, I would encourage you to listen to this song. Our mom will always live on within us. She is rejoicing with the Lord and we know she is in a much better place now. She has no more pain, no more suffering, she is cancer free, completely healed! It is not good bye for we know we will see you again, it is more like a "see you later.
I would like to share this story from my sister, Cathy (sentimental and funny).
When I think of the characteristics of my mother, I think of a nurturing, supportive, caring, gentle, loving woman. She loved her family like a true warrior. When she received the news that she was terminal, she cried some, but she accepted the plan that God laid out with peace, rather than with fear. This brought such comfort to the family. She was a remarkable woman, mother, and friend that will be greatly missed.
I remember once that mom gave me this pot to cook with. I had never seen anything like it. I asked if it was a steamer and she said "yes," although later she did not recall telling me that. Anyway, I decided to steam broccoli in this new pot and noticed it had a little screw thing that went on the top, so I screwed it on. I went in the kitchen a few minutes later to check on it and I couldn't open the pot. I had to force it open with all of my strength. When I did, broccoli flew from the floor, literally to the ceiling and the pot flew all the way up and broke the kitchen light fixture and ended up in the sink. After hours of cleaning, I called mom to tell her about this steamer and she said, "Cathy, that's a pressure cooker, I see I shouldn't have given you that!" We made an agreement that she would no longer give me anything unless there was a box and a set of instructions.
If you knew my mom, you would know she was a sweet woman of God. She had accepted the fact that she was terminal and had come to peace with it. I really believe that mom went so quickly and peacefully because she knew we were at peace with it. Everyone spoke about how quickly she declined and they had not seen anyone go so quickly. She was at peace and ready to meet her maker, our Lord Jesus Christ. I told her Thursday that she would soon be singing with the Lord and that she would have an angelic voice. Little did I know that the Lord would call her that next morning. Now she is rejoicing with the Lord and I know one day I will see her again. It is not good bye for we know we will see you again, it is more like a "see you later."
Blessings,
Cindy & Cathy
A mother's love is as deep as the ocean. Her love never ends. She had seen us cry, laugh, mad, disappointed, and fail her. Even through the failures and disappointments, she never stopped loving us. She helped us along the way, showed us right from wrong, and followed the ways of the Lord. She helped us through many trials and was always there to listen. She made you laugh and was a joy to be around. A mother knows when you are hurting and seems to always know how to mend it. She offers words of encouragement and words of wisdom. Can I sum up a mother's love? No, not really. For what I have experienced, a mother's love is never ending. A mother's love is caring, nurturing, gentle, full of patience and wisdom, compassionate and loving. She had an incredible love that would light up a room and was evident to those she was around. We were truly blessed to have a mom such as her. We are considered blessed. My prayer is that the same legacy will continue. I would like to share a scripture which sums up my mom; it is from Proverbs.
Proverbs 31:25-30
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household... Her children arise and call her blessed... Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
There is a song that is perfect for a situation like this titled "You Wouldn't Cry" by Mandisa This song really spoke to my heart. If you have lost a loved one, I would encourage you to listen to this song. Our mom will always live on within us. She is rejoicing with the Lord and we know she is in a much better place now. She has no more pain, no more suffering, she is cancer free, completely healed! It is not good bye for we know we will see you again, it is more like a "see you later.
I would like to share this story from my sister, Cathy (sentimental and funny).
When I think of the characteristics of my mother, I think of a nurturing, supportive, caring, gentle, loving woman. She loved her family like a true warrior. When she received the news that she was terminal, she cried some, but she accepted the plan that God laid out with peace, rather than with fear. This brought such comfort to the family. She was a remarkable woman, mother, and friend that will be greatly missed.
I remember once that mom gave me this pot to cook with. I had never seen anything like it. I asked if it was a steamer and she said "yes," although later she did not recall telling me that. Anyway, I decided to steam broccoli in this new pot and noticed it had a little screw thing that went on the top, so I screwed it on. I went in the kitchen a few minutes later to check on it and I couldn't open the pot. I had to force it open with all of my strength. When I did, broccoli flew from the floor, literally to the ceiling and the pot flew all the way up and broke the kitchen light fixture and ended up in the sink. After hours of cleaning, I called mom to tell her about this steamer and she said, "Cathy, that's a pressure cooker, I see I shouldn't have given you that!" We made an agreement that she would no longer give me anything unless there was a box and a set of instructions.
If you knew my mom, you would know she was a sweet woman of God. She had accepted the fact that she was terminal and had come to peace with it. I really believe that mom went so quickly and peacefully because she knew we were at peace with it. Everyone spoke about how quickly she declined and they had not seen anyone go so quickly. She was at peace and ready to meet her maker, our Lord Jesus Christ. I told her Thursday that she would soon be singing with the Lord and that she would have an angelic voice. Little did I know that the Lord would call her that next morning. Now she is rejoicing with the Lord and I know one day I will see her again. It is not good bye for we know we will see you again, it is more like a "see you later."
Blessings,
Cindy & Cathy
Mom's Battle With Cancer
I would like to take a moment and share with everyone what has been going on over the last year. I have not been writing lately as my mom has been battling cancer over the last year. The last few months took a turn for the worse. She was diagnosed last June with Non-Hodgkin T-Cell Lymphoma cancer. Her mass was near her bowels around the small intestines. It is a very aggressive type of cancer with only about 30% survival rate. She had went through 3 different chemo treatments, the last one (strongest chemo treatment) appeared to have worked. The mass had gone down from 7 inches to 2.25 inches. Within a month the mass started growing again. Her oncologist was going to start her on a clinical trial which was her last option other than a miracle from God. They had to do more tests before the treatments could be done. After all the tests were done, the scan revealed that the mass had grown from 9 inches to 14.5 inches which meant she could not do the clinical trial for the mass was too big. She was given only weeks to live. We had prayed for God's healing but God had other plans for her. My mom was a fighter and she did cry when she heard the news but she accepted it with grace. My mom was at peace and she knew where she would be going. She wanted to go back to Marion, Arkansas where most of our family is at. We took her back to Arkansas and I stayed that week there for I wanted to be with her during her last few weeks not realizing it would be much shorter. We arrived that Saturday, by Monday my mom was showing signs of deteriorating. She had already stopped eating. When she heard the news, she no longer had the fight in her she once had, she simply gave up. My mom had been a fighter but she knew the time had come and she had no more fight in her, she was simply at peace. She was ready to go home. My sister and I saw my mom during her last few days, we saw the pain and the weakness. She slept most of the day, responsive at times. We had prayed that if God wasn't going to heal her here on earth, please go ahead and take her on home. We couldn't bare to see her in pain anymore. I am very thankful to Hospice for helping out and showing us what to do. We were blessed that our mom didn't suffer too long. Mom received the hospital bed on Tuesday, she was alert somewhat but having weird conversations. That night she spoke about seeing a light, my sister and I knew what she was talking about. We knew the way she was progressing it was going to be a matter of days. Mom slept most of the day on Wednesday and was awake on and off most of the day on Thursday. Then later on Thursday evening, she appeared to be in a comatose state. We could not wake her for anything. We checked on her periodically throughout the night but we had a feeling her time had come. My sister went in to check on her at 5:00am and she was not breathing. We called Hospice and when the nurse got there she confirmed what we thought to be true. Apparently it had just happened shortly before we checked on her for she was still warm but by the time the hospice nurse came mom was getting cold already. My mom went on to be with the Lord on Friday morning, July 2nd; she went peacefully in her sleep. I thank God that He blessed us with a wonderful and godly mom. She didn't suffer as long. Her symptoms didn't appear to get worse until the last two months. She passed within 2 weeks of hearing the news that there was nothing else they could do. The last week was the worse, she really declined during that week in fact within a matter of days. She is completely healed now, rejoicing with the Lord. I know I will see her again when God calls us home. Please take a moment to read the next post as it is in memory of my mom. Hope this helps someone who may have lost a loved one.
Blessings,
Cindy
Blessings,
Cindy
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Love One Another
God gave me this message to speak to our youth back in May and I felt led to share it with you.
1 John 4:20-21:
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: "Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
For God commanded us to love one another. His Word is very clear on that. Love (loved, loves) is mentioned in the Bible 697 times. Why is it that we struggle with loving one another, especially your own brothers and sisters in Christ? Why do we hate the sinner and in some cases even our own family of believers when we should be showering them with the love of Christ and lifting them up in daily prayer. Why do we speak badly about our own fellow Christians? James 3:9-12 speaks about taming the tongue. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and curse men. This should not be!!! Are we really showering them with the love of Christ? It is time we stop the games! Just because we have a relationship with Jesus Christ does not make us any better than the other person! Maybe it's time we refocus! 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keep no record of wrongs."
What have you done lately with your love letter? Have you stepped out in faith and obedience to God's calling? Are you just playing the religious game? Do you really think you are fooling others? NO you are not! You are NOT FOOLING GOD! Jesus in coming, He may be a loving God but He does bring justice. God knows what you are doing and He will not take you to Heaven if you don't repent! (Ezekiel 33:12)
2 Timothy 2:5 "Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules."
God desires you to to love others as he loved you. It is time we start humbling ourselves and realizing that we are not above any other person. It is time we get off the high horse and stop thinking we are all that as a Christian. If you were all that, you would be bringing friends and this youth group would be full! I'm not saying this to hurt you, I'm speaking what God laid upon my heart. If you are harboring any unforgiveness or bitterness you really need to seek the Lord. You have to let it go and give it to the Lord. The longer you harbor bitterness and unforgiveness towards others, the worse it will get. Your spiritual walk with the Lord will be weakened or possibly even ruined by your own selfishness.
Matthew 6:14-15 clearly states "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
How many of us have sinned? How many of us have done something stupid in our life that we wish we had a redo button? We have all done something we wish we could take back. We cannot think we are better than that sinner. We cannot think we are any better than our fellow Christians. What does it take for you to get it? God desires us to love one another. If we can't love our own, how can we really love God?
If you are one of those who are saying you are not growing in Christ, you need to ask yourself "Why?" Have you been spending time in God's Word daily? Have you been spending time in prayer with Him on a daily basis? Have you been telling others about Jesus Christ? Have been inviting others to church? What have you done to grow? Ask the Lord "Why?" Have you done anything or are you being complacent? DO NOT blame others when you are not growing due to you not being obedient to God's calling on your life. Do not place the blame on your youth pastor, your youth sponsors or leaders! The blame falls on you! God is simply saying it is time to WAKE UP!!! It is easy to be friends with people we get along with but what about the people we have differences with. What are you doing to grow closer to them? We MUST shower them with love whether they are our enemy or our own brother and sister in Christ. We have to learn humility. We have to learn that we as children of God are called to be witnesses to the lost. We are to be the light of the world. We cannot be ashamed of Him. We cannot fall into that trap. We must go and tell our friends before it is too late. His Word tells us that if we are ashamed of Him for He will be ashamed of us (Mark 8:38).
How many times has Pastor Bill given an altar call for anyone struggling? For anyone who desired to grow closer to Christ? Think about it. Did you go or were you one of those who sat back thinking he's not speaking to me? What are you doing to show love for one another. It is time we put our petty differences aside and forgive one another. It is time to get right with God. It is time to pray for humility and ask God to give you a heart of love for others. What are we waiting for? We should be lifting each other up in daily prayer. WE should always be lifting our youth pastor, youth sponsors, youth leaders, and youth group up in daily prayer. If you love God, you will obey his command, "Love one another." We must be united in brotherly love. Galatians 6:10 says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." We should all have each others back. Do you understand what love is all about? Jesus Christ is the perfect example of this, He died on the cross for our sins.
John 15:12-13, 17 "Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. This is my command: Love each other."
I would encourage you to listen to "How Can You Say You Love Me?" by G.L.O. (clips from passion of Christ) on YouTube. Pay attention to the words. I played this during youth service at the end right before altar call.
1 John 4:20-21:
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: "Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
For God commanded us to love one another. His Word is very clear on that. Love (loved, loves) is mentioned in the Bible 697 times. Why is it that we struggle with loving one another, especially your own brothers and sisters in Christ? Why do we hate the sinner and in some cases even our own family of believers when we should be showering them with the love of Christ and lifting them up in daily prayer. Why do we speak badly about our own fellow Christians? James 3:9-12 speaks about taming the tongue. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and curse men. This should not be!!! Are we really showering them with the love of Christ? It is time we stop the games! Just because we have a relationship with Jesus Christ does not make us any better than the other person! Maybe it's time we refocus! 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keep no record of wrongs."
What have you done lately with your love letter? Have you stepped out in faith and obedience to God's calling? Are you just playing the religious game? Do you really think you are fooling others? NO you are not! You are NOT FOOLING GOD! Jesus in coming, He may be a loving God but He does bring justice. God knows what you are doing and He will not take you to Heaven if you don't repent! (Ezekiel 33:12)
2 Timothy 2:5 "Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules."
God desires you to to love others as he loved you. It is time we start humbling ourselves and realizing that we are not above any other person. It is time we get off the high horse and stop thinking we are all that as a Christian. If you were all that, you would be bringing friends and this youth group would be full! I'm not saying this to hurt you, I'm speaking what God laid upon my heart. If you are harboring any unforgiveness or bitterness you really need to seek the Lord. You have to let it go and give it to the Lord. The longer you harbor bitterness and unforgiveness towards others, the worse it will get. Your spiritual walk with the Lord will be weakened or possibly even ruined by your own selfishness.
Matthew 6:14-15 clearly states "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
How many of us have sinned? How many of us have done something stupid in our life that we wish we had a redo button? We have all done something we wish we could take back. We cannot think we are better than that sinner. We cannot think we are any better than our fellow Christians. What does it take for you to get it? God desires us to love one another. If we can't love our own, how can we really love God?
If you are one of those who are saying you are not growing in Christ, you need to ask yourself "Why?" Have you been spending time in God's Word daily? Have you been spending time in prayer with Him on a daily basis? Have you been telling others about Jesus Christ? Have been inviting others to church? What have you done to grow? Ask the Lord "Why?" Have you done anything or are you being complacent? DO NOT blame others when you are not growing due to you not being obedient to God's calling on your life. Do not place the blame on your youth pastor, your youth sponsors or leaders! The blame falls on you! God is simply saying it is time to WAKE UP!!! It is easy to be friends with people we get along with but what about the people we have differences with. What are you doing to grow closer to them? We MUST shower them with love whether they are our enemy or our own brother and sister in Christ. We have to learn humility. We have to learn that we as children of God are called to be witnesses to the lost. We are to be the light of the world. We cannot be ashamed of Him. We cannot fall into that trap. We must go and tell our friends before it is too late. His Word tells us that if we are ashamed of Him for He will be ashamed of us (Mark 8:38).
How many times has Pastor Bill given an altar call for anyone struggling? For anyone who desired to grow closer to Christ? Think about it. Did you go or were you one of those who sat back thinking he's not speaking to me? What are you doing to show love for one another. It is time we put our petty differences aside and forgive one another. It is time to get right with God. It is time to pray for humility and ask God to give you a heart of love for others. What are we waiting for? We should be lifting each other up in daily prayer. WE should always be lifting our youth pastor, youth sponsors, youth leaders, and youth group up in daily prayer. If you love God, you will obey his command, "Love one another." We must be united in brotherly love. Galatians 6:10 says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." We should all have each others back. Do you understand what love is all about? Jesus Christ is the perfect example of this, He died on the cross for our sins.
John 15:12-13, 17 "Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. This is my command: Love each other."
I would encourage you to listen to "How Can You Say You Love Me?" by G.L.O. (clips from passion of Christ) on YouTube. Pay attention to the words. I played this during youth service at the end right before altar call.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Share the Love of Christ
Don't wait it may be too late. You have to get on fire for God. Lukewarm isn't going to cut it! God said he would spit you out. Revelation 3:15-16 "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
Don't think you have another day to live. You don't know if God will take you or not. Don't think you can put talking to someone about God another day. Don't think you can put it off until tomorrow for tomorrow may not come. You may miss out on a chance to be a witness. The person you intended to talk to about God could pass away the next day.
Wake up! What does it take to get in God's Word? Why are you ashamed to talk to others about God? Mark 8:38 "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." The Word of the Lord clearly states that if you are ashamed of him, He will be ashamed of you. If you care more about what your friends think of you, you may need to think about who is really more important in your life. Is God first above all things? Your true friends will accept you for who you are as a Christian. You should not be ashamed to tell others about the love of Christ. Do you get it? Don't give up! God is bigger; He's bigger than Satan and any lie he's ever told you. Be willing to be used! Be obedient and faithful to God. Be willing to share the love of Christ with others!
Don't think you have another day to live. You don't know if God will take you or not. Don't think you can put talking to someone about God another day. Don't think you can put it off until tomorrow for tomorrow may not come. You may miss out on a chance to be a witness. The person you intended to talk to about God could pass away the next day.
Wake up! What does it take to get in God's Word? Why are you ashamed to talk to others about God? Mark 8:38 "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." The Word of the Lord clearly states that if you are ashamed of him, He will be ashamed of you. If you care more about what your friends think of you, you may need to think about who is really more important in your life. Is God first above all things? Your true friends will accept you for who you are as a Christian. You should not be ashamed to tell others about the love of Christ. Do you get it? Don't give up! God is bigger; He's bigger than Satan and any lie he's ever told you. Be willing to be used! Be obedient and faithful to God. Be willing to share the love of Christ with others!
Praise Reports
For those who don't know, my mom found out she had cancer in June of last year. It has been a battle over the last several months finding treatments that worked. They put her on an aggressive treatment and it worked. Praise the Lord! She had her last treatment over a month ago, had the scan done a few weeks ago, it showed very little activity. They said it was not enough to be concerned about right now. For now no more chemo treatments. They are monitoring her by checking her blood count, everything appears to be good right now. She goes back in another month for her next appointment, just had one last week. Thank you for all the prayers.
My husband had his "Credential Ceremony" at District Council in Columbia, MO on April 20th. He received his Certified Credential for minister. He is an official youth pastor. Now he will be working on his license. Then the next day he had to have left knee replacement surgery. Everything went great! It is a long recovery. I'm hanging in there. I'm relieved that God allowed some healing for my mom, it would have been really tough to take care of both and hospital visits at the same time. God is in control and He took care of it all. He is our Father, our Healer, our Comforter, our Strength, and our Deliverer, etc. He has pulled us through the storms every step of the way and I'm very thankful for the strength He gave me during this ordeal. We serve an AWESOME God!
Blessings,
Cindy
My husband had his "Credential Ceremony" at District Council in Columbia, MO on April 20th. He received his Certified Credential for minister. He is an official youth pastor. Now he will be working on his license. Then the next day he had to have left knee replacement surgery. Everything went great! It is a long recovery. I'm hanging in there. I'm relieved that God allowed some healing for my mom, it would have been really tough to take care of both and hospital visits at the same time. God is in control and He took care of it all. He is our Father, our Healer, our Comforter, our Strength, and our Deliverer, etc. He has pulled us through the storms every step of the way and I'm very thankful for the strength He gave me during this ordeal. We serve an AWESOME God!
Blessings,
Cindy
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Time To Act!
As in my earlier post, God really spoke to me concerning some things that I have put off. It is now time for me to act! We each have to take time and just listen to God and act in obedience. One of my favorite scriptures is from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It reminds us that the Lord has a plan for each of us. I find encouragement in that scripture. It seems that some of us are more interested in the worldly ways than God's ways. It seems that we are so consumed with the business of our lives that when it comes to God, he is often overlooked, sometimes becoming second in our life and in some cases maybe even further down. We must take a look at our priorities. God should always come first, he comes before our husband, our kids, our family and friends, our work, our school and all other activities. Hope you are paying attention. We get so consumed with watching TV, playing video games, computer games, and spending time on the Internet that God's time becomes minimal. We spend more time with that than we do with the Word of God or praying. We have probably got up at least one morning in a rush and didn't even think to give the Lord time that morning. We probably all have been guilty of this very thing. God has something so great for us if we would just listen and spend more time in His Word and be willing to be used. It is time to start taking that leap of faith and doing it and stop sitting back waiting for something to happen. We have to desire the same love for others as Jesus Christ. He sought the lost and that is what we are each called to do. We must seek the lost and share the good news of Jesus Christ. It is time to act! We cannot be a people or a church of complacency but a church and a people whose deepest desire is to minister to others and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ desires that personal relationship with Him. Revelation 2:4-5 speaking to the Church of Ephesus "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love... Repent and do the things you did at first..." James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
The Lord really spoke to my heart about really loving him during the Winter Retreat. It really makes you think, are we really doing everything God has intended for us to do? Can we do more? It takes being committed to Christ and living for Him. We must learn to Pray, Live, Serve, Tell and Give.
* Pray - Prayer is the key, it is our communication with the Lord, our time alone with the Lord where we lay down our requests and our burdens before the Lord and listen for His Word.
* Live - Live a life that reflects that of Jesus Christ, in other words, be an example of His great love. May others see your life as a reflection of Jesus Christ.
* Serve - Be a servant, in order to serve you have to be willing to be a servant first.
* Tell -Tell your story, your testimony, everyone has a story. You have to be willing to be a witness for Jesus Christ. You must be willing to share your story with others. You never know what others have been through; your testimony could be what they need to hear.
* Give - Give your lives to God, give him your all in all. Give of your time and of your finances. He deserves our very best in everything we do.
We each have a mission in life. Are we willing to yield? Are we ready to follow Christ? Are we ready to give him our very best in everything we do? Are we listening to His Word? Are we being obedient to what he has called us to do? Now is the time to act. Put your complete trust in Christ and allow him to use you. God has incredible things in store for each of us if we only obey his Word. We can all be used whether in school, at work, at the check-out line, at the park or even at a game, God can always use each of us to be a witness. It may even be in front of you and you may not realize it until you take the step of faith. It seems God always uses you the most when you least expect it and sometimes in circumstances in which you are facing a hardship. I thank God for his saving grace. He has graciously blessed us. May God help you to become a prayer warrior, live fully for Him, a servant, a witness and give your life to Christ. Help us to be obedient to your Word and walk by faith. Help us Lord to give our very best in all that we do. Help us to take that leap of faith and act now! May your will be done in our life Lord, not our will, but your will be done. Thank you Lord for your many blessings!
The Lord really spoke to my heart about really loving him during the Winter Retreat. It really makes you think, are we really doing everything God has intended for us to do? Can we do more? It takes being committed to Christ and living for Him. We must learn to Pray, Live, Serve, Tell and Give.
* Pray - Prayer is the key, it is our communication with the Lord, our time alone with the Lord where we lay down our requests and our burdens before the Lord and listen for His Word.
* Live - Live a life that reflects that of Jesus Christ, in other words, be an example of His great love. May others see your life as a reflection of Jesus Christ.
* Serve - Be a servant, in order to serve you have to be willing to be a servant first.
* Tell -Tell your story, your testimony, everyone has a story. You have to be willing to be a witness for Jesus Christ. You must be willing to share your story with others. You never know what others have been through; your testimony could be what they need to hear.
* Give - Give your lives to God, give him your all in all. Give of your time and of your finances. He deserves our very best in everything we do.
We each have a mission in life. Are we willing to yield? Are we ready to follow Christ? Are we ready to give him our very best in everything we do? Are we listening to His Word? Are we being obedient to what he has called us to do? Now is the time to act. Put your complete trust in Christ and allow him to use you. God has incredible things in store for each of us if we only obey his Word. We can all be used whether in school, at work, at the check-out line, at the park or even at a game, God can always use each of us to be a witness. It may even be in front of you and you may not realize it until you take the step of faith. It seems God always uses you the most when you least expect it and sometimes in circumstances in which you are facing a hardship. I thank God for his saving grace. He has graciously blessed us. May God help you to become a prayer warrior, live fully for Him, a servant, a witness and give your life to Christ. Help us to be obedient to your Word and walk by faith. Help us Lord to give our very best in all that we do. Help us to take that leap of faith and act now! May your will be done in our life Lord, not our will, but your will be done. Thank you Lord for your many blessings!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Do You Truly Love the Lord?
My husband and I just got back from our Youth Winter Retreat. It was truly AMAZING! The Holy Spirit was felt throughout the place; students’ lives were being transformed. I love to see the Lord at work in our students. The message that night spoke to our hearts, for each one of us felt the presence of the Lord. The speaker had us get alone with the Lord and write a love letter to Jesus that night. It was a time to reflect on how much we really love the Lord. Do we really love the Lord? Are we going through the motions just because it is the right thing to do? Are we playing the religious game? Are we really being real with the Lord? How much time do we spend with the Lord? Do we put our activities, TV, computer and video games ahead of the Lord? Do we allow our relationships with our boyfriend\girlfriend, wife or husband to come before the Lord? As I was writing my love letter to the Lord, I felt such a heaviness in my heart for I knew that I could do more for Him than what I was doing. I was praying, crying and writing from the heart. I knew that I had failed God so many times and yet He has graciously forgiven me and given me chance after chance. It is truly amazing what God reveals when you just listen.
How do we show him our love, is it by what we do? What we say? How we worship? How we live? Why is it that when we come to church, we come unexpecting or unprepared? Maybe we haven't even spent time alone with God or even read our Bible that day. Yet when we have a basketball game we are ready for the game filled with excitement. When we have a dance competition or cheerleading tournament we come prepared. What does that say to God? Where does God truly stand in your life? Do you truly love the Lord? It is time we start coming to church with that same excitement, prayed up and ready for what God has in store for us. When we come expecting great things, filled with excitement and ready for the move of the Lord, then we will see a revival start to take place within our hearts and our church. So the question remains, "Do you truly love the Lord?" Where are you putting God? In other words, are we putting our family, our activities above the Lord? It is time to set our priorities straight, God first! I challenge each of you reading this post, get alone with God and write your own love letter to Him. You will be amazed at what God will reveal to your heart. If we allow God to move in us just imagine the difference we could make to a lost and dying world. We must allow others to see the love for Christ within us and show them the same love. God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, what greater love is there than that? Please take a moment and reflect on the Word of God.
Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied: "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."
Romans 12:9-10 "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
God loves you! Do you really love God? I am often reminded of the scripture found in John 21: 15-17: Jesus saids to Peter, "Do you truly love me?" Peter replies, "Yes Lord you know that I love you." Jesus asked Peter this 3 times. The third time Peter replied, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Do you truly love Jesus? Do you give him your very best? May God Bless each of you. May he speak to your heart about His true and amazing love. May we desire more and more of Him. May we be filled with an overflowing of His great love. May His Word consume our hearts. Thank you Lord for your love and help us to be the witness you have called us to be. Help us to fall in love with you again!!! Help us to have that burning fire for you! Go expecting and receive a blessing!!!
How do we show him our love, is it by what we do? What we say? How we worship? How we live? Why is it that when we come to church, we come unexpecting or unprepared? Maybe we haven't even spent time alone with God or even read our Bible that day. Yet when we have a basketball game we are ready for the game filled with excitement. When we have a dance competition or cheerleading tournament we come prepared. What does that say to God? Where does God truly stand in your life? Do you truly love the Lord? It is time we start coming to church with that same excitement, prayed up and ready for what God has in store for us. When we come expecting great things, filled with excitement and ready for the move of the Lord, then we will see a revival start to take place within our hearts and our church. So the question remains, "Do you truly love the Lord?" Where are you putting God? In other words, are we putting our family, our activities above the Lord? It is time to set our priorities straight, God first! I challenge each of you reading this post, get alone with God and write your own love letter to Him. You will be amazed at what God will reveal to your heart. If we allow God to move in us just imagine the difference we could make to a lost and dying world. We must allow others to see the love for Christ within us and show them the same love. God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, what greater love is there than that? Please take a moment and reflect on the Word of God.
Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied: "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."
Romans 12:9-10 "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
God loves you! Do you really love God? I am often reminded of the scripture found in John 21: 15-17: Jesus saids to Peter, "Do you truly love me?" Peter replies, "Yes Lord you know that I love you." Jesus asked Peter this 3 times. The third time Peter replied, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Do you truly love Jesus? Do you give him your very best? May God Bless each of you. May he speak to your heart about His true and amazing love. May we desire more and more of Him. May we be filled with an overflowing of His great love. May His Word consume our hearts. Thank you Lord for your love and help us to be the witness you have called us to be. Help us to fall in love with you again!!! Help us to have that burning fire for you! Go expecting and receive a blessing!!!
Friday, January 29, 2010
To Save A Life
My husband and I took a group of our youth to see the movie "To Save A Life." I strongly encourage your youth group, you and your family to see the movie. It is very inspirational and shows you just how God can use you if you are willing to be used and make a difference. It really makes you think about how you should treat others. Do you love others unconditionally? Does your life reflect that of Jesus Christ? Are we living one way at church and another outside of church? Are you playing the religious game or are you being real with God? These are questions I have pondered lately, especially since I have seen the movie. It has really made me think and has changed my heart even more. Even as children of God, we are continually growing and learning. I am very thankful that I serve a God who is very gracious and forgiving, He never gives up on me. We must learn to see others as Christ sees us. You may be able to fool others but you can never fool God. We must do our very best to live a life that reflects that of Jesus Christ. Sometimes as Christians we can become like the pharisees at heart if we are not careful, especially when it comes to those who are lost and in desparate need of Jesus Christ. We must learn to love unconditionally. We have to reach out to the lost and show them the same compassion that Jesus Christ has given each of us. Romans 12 is good example of how we should treat one another and love others as Christ loves us. We need to be the difference in a sinner's life and show them the love of Jesus Christ. God can use each of us to save a life. You never know what may seem like a small gesture to you could save a life of a sinner. God places people in our lives for a reason and you may never know when you could be the one whom God has chosen to use. Let us each make a difference and be that difference to the world. May we be the light of Jesus Christ and save the life of a sinner. We can choose to make a difference for Christ or we can choose to stay within our comfort zone. The choice is up to us, we must be obedient to what God has placed upon our heart and act on it! God has truly blessed me and now I am even more ready to make a difference and be the one that could possibly save the life of a sinner. May we each take to heart what God has called us to do. Thank you Lord for your unconditional love.
Romans 12:9-18
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
Romans 12:9-18
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
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