We are living in a world that is slowly removing God. It is time we fall on our knees and begin praying for our nation. It seems we are living in times where jobs are scarce, people are losing their jobs, their homes, nothing seems to be secure at the moment. Storms and trials are everywhere and many people are facing them. My husband and I were going through some trials about a month before our Youth Missions Trip. God is so good and He has helped us through the storms. My mom was just recently diagnosed with stage 2 T cell Lymphoma (NonHodgkins) cancer. It is a very aggressive type of cancer, treatable with chemo, but has very high rate (80%) of coming back within 5 years. She is the only parent left from both sides. We are praying for a healing touch from God. We believe in miracles. We have put our trust in God and he will see us through this storm. You must praise God even in the difficult times. Even in our darkest times, we must rely on God and give him the praises for he has it all under control.
Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Acts 16:22-26 tells the story of Paul and Silas beaten and thrown into prison. While in prison, they began singing and praising God. They were going through a difficult time. Imagine how you would act if you were thrown in prison for something you didn't do, how would you react? Would you begin praising and singing praises to God? Would your reaction be a different story?
Luke 8:23-25 tells the story of Jesus calming the storm. A storm came and the disciples woke Jesus. Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, the storm subsided and all was calm. In Luke 8:25, Jesus asked his disciples, "Where is your faith?" In the midst of a storm, it is Jesus Christ we must rely on. We must keep the faith in Jesus Christ. He will see us through the storm.
James 1:2-5 says,
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
In the midst of storms and trials, let us seek God and praise Him for He knows the outcome and He has it all under control. May we seek God and focus on Him to get us through the storms. May we look to God's Word and learn to praise Him even in the difficult times. God is truly in control and His timing is perfect.
James 1:12 says,
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Passion for Christ
Where is our passion for Christ? Our pastor spoke on a message that really touched by heart. It was taken from one scripture, Acts 4:31. Acts 4:31 says, "After they (Peter and John) prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."
Have we as believers and followers of Christ allowed our passion for Christ to slowly diminish? Are we giving the Lord all we have? Are we willing to give it all up for Him? Peter, John, and Paul are just some of the followers of Christ that demonstrated their true passion and boldness for Christ. They were willing to give it all up for Christ.
In today's society, it is easy to blend with this world and give part to God and part to this world. God wants and desires our very best and to be first. We as Christians and followers of Christ are not going to blend with this world but we are going to stand indifference to this world. We must be set apart and make a difference. We must not be afraid to share the love of God with others. Let us regain our passion for Christ. Let us go out and witness, boldly proclaiming the Word of God. Paul was another example of boldly proclaiming Christ. Whatever came Paul's way, he didn't let it get to him, he remained faithful to Jesus. He was a willing and faithful servant who had a true passion for Christ. When trouble comes our way, let us continue to follow Christ, giving it all to him and remaining faithful to the very end. Jesus is our Comforter, our Provider, our Healer, our Strength, our Father, the Alpha and Omega, our Lord and Savior, He is always with us.
When you develop that personal relationship with Christ that will help you develop that true passion and love for Christ. We can very easily put other things such as activities ahead of God. I believe in the activities but not when you allow them to consume your life and become your primary focus. When we put our activities (ballgames, wrestling, cheer leading, dance, etc.) ahead of Christ, what does that say to God? When did we start allowing games on God's holy day? When your kids turn 18 and stop going to church, how will you feel then? We get so caught up in this world, God becomes second and not first. As Christians we need to take a stand, enough ballgames and other activities on Sunday, we are going to worship the Lord. If your child does not get to play a game due to him missing on a Sunday, then so be it. Maybe it is time to reinvest in a christian league for your child. It is time we let our children know God comes first above all. If this seems harsh, God gave me this and I am not apologizing for what God has placed upon my heart. It is meant to encourage and get us to think about our relationship with the Lord.
It's all about our relationship and our passion for Christ. It is time we start investing our time on reaching out to the people of our community. We need more "Peters, Johns, and Pauls" in our own community. It is time we take that step of faith. Christ called us to be a witness so lets boldly proclaim the Word of the Lord to others. Let us have a heart and passion for Jesus Christ and let it be a light to others. Bless each of you on your journey.
Have we as believers and followers of Christ allowed our passion for Christ to slowly diminish? Are we giving the Lord all we have? Are we willing to give it all up for Him? Peter, John, and Paul are just some of the followers of Christ that demonstrated their true passion and boldness for Christ. They were willing to give it all up for Christ.
In today's society, it is easy to blend with this world and give part to God and part to this world. God wants and desires our very best and to be first. We as Christians and followers of Christ are not going to blend with this world but we are going to stand indifference to this world. We must be set apart and make a difference. We must not be afraid to share the love of God with others. Let us regain our passion for Christ. Let us go out and witness, boldly proclaiming the Word of God. Paul was another example of boldly proclaiming Christ. Whatever came Paul's way, he didn't let it get to him, he remained faithful to Jesus. He was a willing and faithful servant who had a true passion for Christ. When trouble comes our way, let us continue to follow Christ, giving it all to him and remaining faithful to the very end. Jesus is our Comforter, our Provider, our Healer, our Strength, our Father, the Alpha and Omega, our Lord and Savior, He is always with us.
When you develop that personal relationship with Christ that will help you develop that true passion and love for Christ. We can very easily put other things such as activities ahead of God. I believe in the activities but not when you allow them to consume your life and become your primary focus. When we put our activities (ballgames, wrestling, cheer leading, dance, etc.) ahead of Christ, what does that say to God? When did we start allowing games on God's holy day? When your kids turn 18 and stop going to church, how will you feel then? We get so caught up in this world, God becomes second and not first. As Christians we need to take a stand, enough ballgames and other activities on Sunday, we are going to worship the Lord. If your child does not get to play a game due to him missing on a Sunday, then so be it. Maybe it is time to reinvest in a christian league for your child. It is time we let our children know God comes first above all. If this seems harsh, God gave me this and I am not apologizing for what God has placed upon my heart. It is meant to encourage and get us to think about our relationship with the Lord.
It's all about our relationship and our passion for Christ. It is time we start investing our time on reaching out to the people of our community. We need more "Peters, Johns, and Pauls" in our own community. It is time we take that step of faith. Christ called us to be a witness so lets boldly proclaim the Word of the Lord to others. Let us have a heart and passion for Jesus Christ and let it be a light to others. Bless each of you on your journey.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Parable of the Ten Virgins
As a bride prepares for her wedding day, we are to be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Anyone who has ever planned a wedding knows the preparation involved for that special day. It takes planning, time and commitment. Weddings take preparation such as setting a date, finding a reception hall, a wedding dress, a florist, a photographer, the cake, setting up the gift registry, etc. - the list goes on. Our daughter's wedding has really run smooth, she is a planner just like her mom. The weeks before the wedding may be overwhelming but it is well worth it in the very end. We spent yesterday decoration the church, so much fun. Today is our pampering day (relax and get manicures and pedicures)! Tomorrow my daughter will join her groom and become one. Tomorrow she will take on a new last name. I am very thankful to God that he chose me to be her mom and helped me along the way to raise her up in his ways.
Early this morning at 4:00 (normally not awake at that time), God gave me a scripture which I wanted to share with you. It is from Matthew 25:1-13 "The Parable of the Ten Virgins." Five of the bridesmaids were wise, carrying with them oil in jars and their lamps. Five of the bridesmaids were foolish, carrying with them their lamps but no oil. At midnight the cry rang out: "Here's the bridegroom! Come out and meet him!" Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones did not have enough oil and had to leave to go buy some more oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. When the others returned, they said "Open the door for us." But he replied, "I tell you the truth, I didn't know you." Matthew 25:13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do no know the day or the hour."The parable is referring to each of us being ready for the coming of the Lord. We are to be prepared for our bridegroom. Just as it takes preparation for a wedding, we must be prepared spiritually. We do not know the day or hour the Lord will return.
The wise virgins were ready at any time whereas the foolish were not ready, they had prepared only enough for their wait. God makes it clear that Christ will come unexpectedly. All the virgins (both faithful and unfaithful) were taken by surprise at the bridegroom's coming. Following Christ takes spiritual preparation and a daily commitment. It is being faithful and persistent to the very end. If we are spiritually prepared, we will be at peace and ready to meet our Lord and Savior when He returns. As the day draws very close for our daughter, she will be joined with her earthly bridegroom. It is a joy to know that all who are ready will be joined with our bridegroom, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us be prepared and ready at any given moment, let us be wise as the five virgins were wise. Thank you Lord for giving me this word during this joyous time and reminding me to be ready for your glorious return.
Early this morning at 4:00 (normally not awake at that time), God gave me a scripture which I wanted to share with you. It is from Matthew 25:1-13 "The Parable of the Ten Virgins." Five of the bridesmaids were wise, carrying with them oil in jars and their lamps. Five of the bridesmaids were foolish, carrying with them their lamps but no oil. At midnight the cry rang out: "Here's the bridegroom! Come out and meet him!" Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones did not have enough oil and had to leave to go buy some more oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. When the others returned, they said "Open the door for us." But he replied, "I tell you the truth, I didn't know you." Matthew 25:13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do no know the day or the hour."The parable is referring to each of us being ready for the coming of the Lord. We are to be prepared for our bridegroom. Just as it takes preparation for a wedding, we must be prepared spiritually. We do not know the day or hour the Lord will return.
The wise virgins were ready at any time whereas the foolish were not ready, they had prepared only enough for their wait. God makes it clear that Christ will come unexpectedly. All the virgins (both faithful and unfaithful) were taken by surprise at the bridegroom's coming. Following Christ takes spiritual preparation and a daily commitment. It is being faithful and persistent to the very end. If we are spiritually prepared, we will be at peace and ready to meet our Lord and Savior when He returns. As the day draws very close for our daughter, she will be joined with her earthly bridegroom. It is a joy to know that all who are ready will be joined with our bridegroom, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us be prepared and ready at any given moment, let us be wise as the five virgins were wise. Thank you Lord for giving me this word during this joyous time and reminding me to be ready for your glorious return.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Mothers Day Blessing
Mothers are truly a blessing from God. I would like to say a "Happy Mother Day" to all the mothers. May God Bless you and your family this very special day. This blog is a dedication to all the moms and to my daughter, Krista. In this blog I will be sharing the qualities and responsibilities of a mom and also share a little about my daughter. As mothers we have many qualities and responsibilities. Mothers qualities may include gentleness, kindness, caring and nurturing, patience, understanding, compassionate, faithfulness and wisdom. These are just some of the qualities a mother possess. The qualities and responsibilities seem to come natural to each of us.
Proverbs 31: 26-31
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. 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. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
The Bible gives us some instructions as a mother. As mothers we are to be Women of Faith in God (2 Timothy 1:5), Love our children (Proverbs 4:3), Teach and Train our children in the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 1:8), Discipline our children (Deuteronomy 8:5) and Comfort our children (Isaiah 66:12-13). We are to be thankful for the many gifts and blessings from above. God has blessed us with children.
I consider my 2 children a blessing and a miracle from God. I still remember their birth, how much they weighed, how long they were and the time they were born. God had their birth and their life planned. My son Will is 23 years old and my daughter Krista is 20 years old. They are the joy of my life. My husband and I have truly been blessed. I am learning over the years, the hardest thing to do is let your child go, whether it be your child leaving for college, moving into an apartment or getting married. We have a daughter getting married in 2 weeks, May 23. I am excited and sad at the same time. I know that she will not be coming home after work to talk or watch a TV show with us for she will have her own home to go to soon. Letting go is definitely hard but I know God has her in his hands. She will soon start her life together with her fiance, Nick. I consider it a blessing to have her as a daughter and I am also gaining a wonderful godly son-in-law. He is already considered family. I will always be there for her, she is the joy of my life. This scripture has made it easier for me during this joyous time.
Mark 10:7-8
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one.
I consider this to be a very special Mothers Day. I know it may be the last one with our daughter Krista at home but she will be near and have her own family someday in God's wonderful timing.
On this special day, may we take in our own experiences, maybe you are going through the "letting go" stage or maybe a hardship, give it to God and trust him. We have enough on our plate, it is time we start trusting God and letting God take control and not trying to take control of it our self. As moms, we somehow can sense when things are wrong or something is bothering our children. God has given us a special gift. He has equipped each of us. It is our goal to be the best we can be for God and for our family. Let us be the example of Jesus Christ and be the mom that we hope our child will become one day. My prayer on this very special Mothers Day is for all the women who are mothers and soon to be mothers, may God Bless you and keep his hand upon you. May he give you the wisdom and guidance needed to raise up your child in the Lord. May he help you to be an example of His great love with your children. May we keep the faith, trusting you always. Blessings to each mom and soon to be mom. Blessings to each of you. Relax and enjoy this very special day!
Proverbs 31: 26-31
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. 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. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
The Bible gives us some instructions as a mother. As mothers we are to be Women of Faith in God (2 Timothy 1:5), Love our children (Proverbs 4:3), Teach and Train our children in the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 1:8), Discipline our children (Deuteronomy 8:5) and Comfort our children (Isaiah 66:12-13). We are to be thankful for the many gifts and blessings from above. God has blessed us with children.
I consider my 2 children a blessing and a miracle from God. I still remember their birth, how much they weighed, how long they were and the time they were born. God had their birth and their life planned. My son Will is 23 years old and my daughter Krista is 20 years old. They are the joy of my life. My husband and I have truly been blessed. I am learning over the years, the hardest thing to do is let your child go, whether it be your child leaving for college, moving into an apartment or getting married. We have a daughter getting married in 2 weeks, May 23. I am excited and sad at the same time. I know that she will not be coming home after work to talk or watch a TV show with us for she will have her own home to go to soon. Letting go is definitely hard but I know God has her in his hands. She will soon start her life together with her fiance, Nick. I consider it a blessing to have her as a daughter and I am also gaining a wonderful godly son-in-law. He is already considered family. I will always be there for her, she is the joy of my life. This scripture has made it easier for me during this joyous time.
Mark 10:7-8
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one.
I consider this to be a very special Mothers Day. I know it may be the last one with our daughter Krista at home but she will be near and have her own family someday in God's wonderful timing.
On this special day, may we take in our own experiences, maybe you are going through the "letting go" stage or maybe a hardship, give it to God and trust him. We have enough on our plate, it is time we start trusting God and letting God take control and not trying to take control of it our self. As moms, we somehow can sense when things are wrong or something is bothering our children. God has given us a special gift. He has equipped each of us. It is our goal to be the best we can be for God and for our family. Let us be the example of Jesus Christ and be the mom that we hope our child will become one day. My prayer on this very special Mothers Day is for all the women who are mothers and soon to be mothers, may God Bless you and keep his hand upon you. May he give you the wisdom and guidance needed to raise up your child in the Lord. May he help you to be an example of His great love with your children. May we keep the faith, trusting you always. Blessings to each mom and soon to be mom. Blessings to each of you. Relax and enjoy this very special day!
Following Jesus
I have been reading and studying Luke. I came across the story "The Cost of Following Jesus" and this question kept coming to my mind, "Are we willing to follow Christ no matter what the cost?"
Luke 9:57-62
Jesus said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you Lord; but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
It is a daily choice to take up our cross daily. We must make time to be with God, to spend time in prayer and reading His Word. It requires a daily commitment in order to grow in Christ and develop that personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Are we really giving him our very best? Are we committed? To follow Christ takes commitment on our part.
Back in the Old Testament, the people of God left everything to follow Him. They slept outside using stones as pillows. I am not much of a camper when it comes to sleeping outside. I have to admit I like the cabins or a camper, I guess a tent would do. Back in the early days if someone welcomed you in their home, you would sleep there but if not you would sleep outdoors. It goes back to our faithfulness and commitment to Christ. Can you imagine leaving everything (your family, your friends, your job) just like that to follow Christ? The choice is up to each one of us. The disciples were willing to follow Jesus and leave everything no matter the cost. In Matthew 4:18-22 and Luke 5:1-11 recalls the story of the calling of the first disciples (Peter, Andrew, James and John).
Matthew 4:18-22 says, As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Luke 5:10-11 says, Then Jesus said to Simon (Peter), "Don't be afraid, from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."
Following Jesus Christ means living for Him and boldly sharing Christ with others. Jesus is the reason why we are here. We have been called and chosen for a purpose. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Don't give up when storms come your way, trust God and lean on Him, He will see you through the storm. Jesus Christ is worth following no matter what the cost. The cost of following Jesus is great and well worth the reward we will receive - eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke 9:57-62
Jesus said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you Lord; but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
It is a daily choice to take up our cross daily. We must make time to be with God, to spend time in prayer and reading His Word. It requires a daily commitment in order to grow in Christ and develop that personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Are we really giving him our very best? Are we committed? To follow Christ takes commitment on our part.
Back in the Old Testament, the people of God left everything to follow Him. They slept outside using stones as pillows. I am not much of a camper when it comes to sleeping outside. I have to admit I like the cabins or a camper, I guess a tent would do. Back in the early days if someone welcomed you in their home, you would sleep there but if not you would sleep outdoors. It goes back to our faithfulness and commitment to Christ. Can you imagine leaving everything (your family, your friends, your job) just like that to follow Christ? The choice is up to each one of us. The disciples were willing to follow Jesus and leave everything no matter the cost. In Matthew 4:18-22 and Luke 5:1-11 recalls the story of the calling of the first disciples (Peter, Andrew, James and John).
Matthew 4:18-22 says, As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Luke 5:10-11 says, Then Jesus said to Simon (Peter), "Don't be afraid, from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."
Following Jesus Christ means living for Him and boldly sharing Christ with others. Jesus is the reason why we are here. We have been called and chosen for a purpose. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Don't give up when storms come your way, trust God and lean on Him, He will see you through the storm. Jesus Christ is worth following no matter what the cost. The cost of following Jesus is great and well worth the reward we will receive - eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ.
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