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!

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!!!

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."

Gift of Giving

Christmas is over and now we are getting ready for the new year. May we make it a goal as we finish the old and ring in the new year to focus on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have rejoiced and celebrated His birthday, now we must continue to keep the Spirit of Christmas alive within us. He has called us to be a witness to others and be Christ-like. I am often reminded of 2 songs, "Light Your World" and "If Everyday Were Just Like Christmas What A Wonderful World This Would Be." Light Your World simply means go out unto the world and make a difference, be the light to someone else in need. If Everyday Were Just Like Christmas simply put, what a wonderful world this would be. It is a reminder that we don't have to just give gifts only at Christmas but we can continue it throughout the year. We can keep the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts all year long. I am not speaking of just material gifts but gifts from the heart, gifts that can make a difference to others.

Matthew 25:40 says, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Luke 6:38 says, "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Acts 20:35 says, ..."It is more blessed to give than to receive."

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Each man should give what he has decided to in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Whether it be giving of material gifts, your talents, your service to others, use it for the glory of the Lord. Let it be our prayer to remember CHRISTmas everyday. May our lives reflect you Lord. May we be an example unto others. May we give from the heart and continue to do so each year. The gift of giving is a gift that comes from the Lord. May we give unto you Lord and unto others with a caring and cheerful heart. May we be a light unto all the world, may we be the difference unto others and may we keep the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts everyday. May we start the new year with a new goal to make a difference for Christ! May it be our goal to win souls for Christ not just now but for the new year! May we seek God's will for our life and continue to be obedient according to his Word. Help us Lord to do your will and win the fight against the enemies of this world! Thank you Lord for giving us the gift of giving.

The Greatest Gift of All

The Christmas story is the greatest story ever told. Each year we celebrate Christ birthday. May we not forget the Reason for the Season. I remember when our kids were younger, Bill and I would read the Christmas story to them each year. I often think back as to when they were younger the joy on their face come Christmas morning when they would see the gifts under the tree. Now they are older, one married and one at home. This Christmas was different for us, it was our first one without our daughter at home. It was a happy and sad time. It seems to get harder as they get older. I often think back to when they were kids and how fast the years have gone by. I am also reminded how blessed I am to have 2 wonderful children and now a son-in-law. It was a joy to know that our daughter and son-in-law were celebrating their first Christmas together at their home. They did come over later that morning to open up gifts and celebrate Christ birthday. It was a wonderful day. We have truly been blessed. It was great to see the snow falling on Christmas morning and reflecting on Christ birthday. May we spend each Christmas reflecting on Jesus Christ, He is the Reason for the Season.

Just recently Bill spoke on "Who Are You in the Christmas Story?" in our youth service. It was an amazing sermon. Do our lives reflect that of the Pharisees or Herod? Or the Shepherds? Or the Wise Men? Think about it and meditate on it, which one does your life reflect? Do we let the busyness of the season take away our joy? Do we allow it to become more of a commercial than a holiday? Maybe if we take the time to reflect on Christ birthday, maybe we will truly see the joy of that special and glorious day. Don't allow the busyness of the season to take away your joy. Christ came to earth then gave his life for us. May we each remember the special gift that has been given unto us, the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Luke 2:10-11
An angel of the Lord appeared to them and said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Help us Lord to keep CHRIST in Christmas, help us to be a light unto all the world. Help us not to let the busyness during the season take away our joy or keep our focus on the real meaning of the season. Help us to use the gifts you have so graciously given us for the advancement of your kingdom. Help us not to lose sight of you Lord but keep our focus on you daily even in our most busiest times of the year. May we always remember the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Thank you God for your many, many blessings and your greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ!