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."
Friday, January 29, 2010
Saturday, December 26, 2009
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.
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!
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!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Words of Encouragement
Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs."Our words should be used to build others up.
James 3:9-10 says, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." Wow what a powerful scripture. Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? Why is it that we struggle with our choice of words? Gossip and slander can be the most hurtful to others. I have found that if I take the time to pray, God will give me the words to say. I had a situation just a few weeks ago concerning someone whom was speaking very badly and spreading false information concerning my husband and myself. Needless to say, I was hurt and felt betrayed. For those who know me, they knew not to listen to the lies. I did speak to her by phone and asked her where she heard this information, she would not give me an answer as to who told her the information. I will say that before I spoke with her, I had to go to the Lord in prayer as I was deeply hurt by what was said. I simply had to give it all to the Lord. I will never understand why people choose to lie and spread rumors. It causes hurt and pain. I found out all this during the same week I found out bad news concerning my mom's cancer. We were definitely under attack. God reminded me that He has it all under control and gave me a great peace concerning the situation. We have seen growth within our youth ministry. God is really moving within our youth group. It is so AMAZING to see God moving.
Instead of choosing words to bring others down, let us be careful and wise in what we say. May we use words that will build others up. Encouraging words can make a person's day. Taming the tongue is hard for it takes the help of the Holy Spirit daily. I encourage you during the weeks ahead to choose your words carefully. If you find yourself in a situation similar to mine, be very careful in what you say, give it to the Lord. Let us pray blessings over our enemies. May our words be an inspiration to others.
James 3:9-10 says, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." Wow what a powerful scripture. Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? Why is it that we struggle with our choice of words? Gossip and slander can be the most hurtful to others. I have found that if I take the time to pray, God will give me the words to say. I had a situation just a few weeks ago concerning someone whom was speaking very badly and spreading false information concerning my husband and myself. Needless to say, I was hurt and felt betrayed. For those who know me, they knew not to listen to the lies. I did speak to her by phone and asked her where she heard this information, she would not give me an answer as to who told her the information. I will say that before I spoke with her, I had to go to the Lord in prayer as I was deeply hurt by what was said. I simply had to give it all to the Lord. I will never understand why people choose to lie and spread rumors. It causes hurt and pain. I found out all this during the same week I found out bad news concerning my mom's cancer. We were definitely under attack. God reminded me that He has it all under control and gave me a great peace concerning the situation. We have seen growth within our youth ministry. God is really moving within our youth group. It is so AMAZING to see God moving.
Instead of choosing words to bring others down, let us be careful and wise in what we say. May we use words that will build others up. Encouraging words can make a person's day. Taming the tongue is hard for it takes the help of the Holy Spirit daily. I encourage you during the weeks ahead to choose your words carefully. If you find yourself in a situation similar to mine, be very careful in what you say, give it to the Lord. Let us pray blessings over our enemies. May our words be an inspiration to others.
The Struggles We Face
James 1:2-3 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."
Over this past year, we have been through some battles, persevered only through the help of the Lord. I will say that this past month was not a good one. We were facing one trial after another. We were hit hard. I am a person who pleases God but I also want to please others. I have learned both in Youth Ministry and in life that you cannot please everyone. It is a struggle when you are a people pleaser. I know God will get us through the hurdles. I know there will be more to come. I want to be like Paul and Silas when they were thrown into prison, they sang songs of praise unto the Lord. They kept the faith and their focus was on the Lord and not the trial. There will always be struggles in life. We must choose to keep the faith and keep our focus on the Lord and not the storms of life. Storms are a part of the journey. Everything that happens has a purpose.
After much prayer, God has given me scriptures and words of encouragement along with the help of my friends. Thank you to all my dear friends for your many prayers. May we learn to lift others up, pray for our enemies, and have a heart for the lost. We are called to be like Christ. Lord give us a heart for lost souls. When others mistreat us, may we bless them, pray for them and shower them with kindness as your Word instructs us to do. Help us Lord to praise you even in our struggles. Help us to persevere. May we put our complete trust in you daily. Help us Lord to keep our focus on you no matter what storms we may face. May we sing songs of praise to you even during the storms. Thank you Lord for your great love and mercy. Thank you for what you are about to do in our life!
Over this past year, we have been through some battles, persevered only through the help of the Lord. I will say that this past month was not a good one. We were facing one trial after another. We were hit hard. I am a person who pleases God but I also want to please others. I have learned both in Youth Ministry and in life that you cannot please everyone. It is a struggle when you are a people pleaser. I know God will get us through the hurdles. I know there will be more to come. I want to be like Paul and Silas when they were thrown into prison, they sang songs of praise unto the Lord. They kept the faith and their focus was on the Lord and not the trial. There will always be struggles in life. We must choose to keep the faith and keep our focus on the Lord and not the storms of life. Storms are a part of the journey. Everything that happens has a purpose.
After much prayer, God has given me scriptures and words of encouragement along with the help of my friends. Thank you to all my dear friends for your many prayers. May we learn to lift others up, pray for our enemies, and have a heart for the lost. We are called to be like Christ. Lord give us a heart for lost souls. When others mistreat us, may we bless them, pray for them and shower them with kindness as your Word instructs us to do. Help us Lord to praise you even in our struggles. Help us to persevere. May we put our complete trust in you daily. Help us Lord to keep our focus on you no matter what storms we may face. May we sing songs of praise to you even during the storms. Thank you Lord for your great love and mercy. Thank you for what you are about to do in our life!
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