December 4, 2010
Turn Your Heart Toward Jesus...More!
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrew 12:28
Hope you are embracing this Christmas season with an awesome view of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
As 2010 comes to an end, I have found myself in a time of reflection. This is usually experienced at the first of the New Year. But none the less, reflection time has begun with an increasing awareness of God's love, grace, and mercy. Honest reflection revealed that too many things have interrupted my awareness of Jesus. This year's spiritual struggles brought me to a realization that I had lost my awesome view of Jesus and the reality of that shook me to the core of my heart!
BUT, our amazing and most loving, gracious, and merciful Lord took pity on me and has begun to renew my heart with a more awesome view of Him. While I have experienced spiritual ups and downs; the Lord is leading me to confidently persevere in Him and live for Him with a much more awesome view of Him. It has been evident that in 2010 the love and patience of Jesus Christ toward me has been abundant.
It has become clear that having an “awesome view of Jesus” ensures that He will dominate everything I do. It gives me an awareness of His heart in everything and everywhere He leads me. It will keep the right focus on what I do being all about who He is. It want be the doing that will be the consuming fire, it will be JESUS!
This is what the Lord is calling me to, a renewed awesome view of Him that leads my heart to be consumed with His heart. I’m not waiting till the first of 2011; I’m yielding this minute to His leading to turn my heart toward Him MORE! And what’s more, He is leading me to invite YOU!
In 2011, our Women's Ministry's motto is "Turn Your Heart Toward Jesus...More!" and our scripture reference is:
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrew 12:28
What a powerful verse to memorize and meditate on. May each of us seek to have an “awesome view of Jesus” and for HIM to become a consuming fire within our hearts?
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
LOOKING FOR A ROPE TO TIE A KNOT IN?
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil ~~ Hebrews 6:19
I will never forget the illustration Kay Arthur used for this verse as she taught during the Fall Women's Conference at Precept Ministries last month. This was my first time attending the conference, and it definitely won't be my last.
We seem to always be looking for that proverbial rope to tie a knot in and hang on as life overwhelms us. Kay had a real rope that she anchored to the podium and used it over and over to drive home the point.... WE HAVE A ROPE and it is the hope that anchors our soul from within the veil!! Read Hebrews 10:10-14. We have a High Priest, Jesus, who offered one sacrifice for sin. No matter what happens to us, when we fail, when we go through trials, when we go looking for that rope to tie a knot in.... it is never any farther away than down on our knees.... and that rope holds.
I will never forget the illustration Kay Arthur used for this verse as she taught during the Fall Women's Conference at Precept Ministries last month. This was my first time attending the conference, and it definitely won't be my last.
We seem to always be looking for that proverbial rope to tie a knot in and hang on as life overwhelms us. Kay had a real rope that she anchored to the podium and used it over and over to drive home the point.... WE HAVE A ROPE and it is the hope that anchors our soul from within the veil!! Read Hebrews 10:10-14. We have a High Priest, Jesus, who offered one sacrifice for sin. No matter what happens to us, when we fail, when we go through trials, when we go looking for that rope to tie a knot in.... it is never any farther away than down on our knees.... and that rope holds.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
THE LOVE OF GOD
Judy asked me to post the Scripture God laid on her heart to share with us.
I John 5:3-4
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His
commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
How is everyone doing with scripture memorization, are you going back and reviewing? Review all the scriptures that have been posted in these last months and keep them fresh in your mind.
I John 5:3-4
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His
commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
How is everyone doing with scripture memorization, are you going back and reviewing? Review all the scriptures that have been posted in these last months and keep them fresh in your mind.
“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding… than memorizing Scripture… No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends…”
~Charles Swindoll
Thursday, October 14, 2010
WEARING HIS CLOTHES
This is Tonya's week to share a verse with us. She asked me to post it for her as her computer is having some "issues".... she tried but the computer wouldn't cooperate. She would like us to memorize the following verses.....
Colossians 3:12, 14
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience..... And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
As I read these verses Tonya asked me to share with you, I was reminded of something the Lord just showed me in the study of His Word, the meaning of Covenant. As He walked the earth in order to become our means of delivery from God's wrath, He clothed Himself in our humanity. How humbling that must have been for Him, I really have a hard time grasping what this must have been like for Him. He who created all things and for whom all things were created wrapped Himself in flesh.... All so we could clothe ourselves with His heavenly garments! In Covenant the Lord exchanged clothes with us!!! ... and going back to ancient times, this is one of the components of Covenant, you exchanged cloaks with the one you were entering into a covenant with. Because he "put on" our flesh, we can now "put on" His garments of holiness, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love!!! Wow!!!
Oh and for those who came to the Simulcast and the Junctions following the Simulcast.... there is that word again, kindness! :-)
Colossians 3:12, 14
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience..... And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
As I read these verses Tonya asked me to share with you, I was reminded of something the Lord just showed me in the study of His Word, the meaning of Covenant. As He walked the earth in order to become our means of delivery from God's wrath, He clothed Himself in our humanity. How humbling that must have been for Him, I really have a hard time grasping what this must have been like for Him. He who created all things and for whom all things were created wrapped Himself in flesh.... All so we could clothe ourselves with His heavenly garments! In Covenant the Lord exchanged clothes with us!!! ... and going back to ancient times, this is one of the components of Covenant, you exchanged cloaks with the one you were entering into a covenant with. Because he "put on" our flesh, we can now "put on" His garments of holiness, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love!!! Wow!!!
Oh and for those who came to the Simulcast and the Junctions following the Simulcast.... there is that word again, kindness! :-)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Being a Christian Mother
Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it. ~ Proverbs 22:6
If you know me it probably comes to no surprise that I would share scripture on motherhood. I am expecting my second son the beginning of December. As I spoke in my testimony, it is crucial to me that my boys have a solid foundation in the Lord.
Being a mother is a very important role that the Lord chooses to give to many women. The Bible never states that every woman should be a mother. However, it does say that those whom the Lord blesses to be mothers should take the responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children. Motherhood is not a chore or unpleasant task. Just as a mother bears a child during pregnancy, and just as a mother feeds and cares for a child during infancy, so mothers also play an ongoing role in the lives of their children, whether they are adolescents, teenagers, young adults, or even adults with children of their own. While the role of motherhood must change and develop, the love, care, nurture, and encouragement a mother gives should never cease.
I love that my GrandMOTHER took extra time to make sure that we had a strong Christian foundation. She knew that one day all her hard work and teachings would pay off and I must say looking at all of us now she really out did herself and has made God very proud. I want that for my boys and my grandchildren one day.
The thing that I love the most is my Grandmother, my mother and myself are ALL active Christians and it gives me great comfort to know that I can call on them for guidance and encouragement and they are quick to pray for me and most importantly pray with me. I pray that I am just that for my boys when they get older and I encourage all you women to pray for your children and with your children often.
If you know me it probably comes to no surprise that I would share scripture on motherhood. I am expecting my second son the beginning of December. As I spoke in my testimony, it is crucial to me that my boys have a solid foundation in the Lord.
Being a mother is a very important role that the Lord chooses to give to many women. The Bible never states that every woman should be a mother. However, it does say that those whom the Lord blesses to be mothers should take the responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children. Motherhood is not a chore or unpleasant task. Just as a mother bears a child during pregnancy, and just as a mother feeds and cares for a child during infancy, so mothers also play an ongoing role in the lives of their children, whether they are adolescents, teenagers, young adults, or even adults with children of their own. While the role of motherhood must change and develop, the love, care, nurture, and encouragement a mother gives should never cease.
I love that my GrandMOTHER took extra time to make sure that we had a strong Christian foundation. She knew that one day all her hard work and teachings would pay off and I must say looking at all of us now she really out did herself and has made God very proud. I want that for my boys and my grandchildren one day.
The thing that I love the most is my Grandmother, my mother and myself are ALL active Christians and it gives me great comfort to know that I can call on them for guidance and encouragement and they are quick to pray for me and most importantly pray with me. I pray that I am just that for my boys when they get older and I encourage all you women to pray for your children and with your children often.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Experiencing God's Peace!
Phil 4:7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus"
I was brought to this verse recently while under a lot of stress and pressure at work. For about a week I was so angry and frustrated, but instead of giving the problem to God, I just wanted to be angry. When I had finally had enough, I sat down with the Lord and started reading about His peace and this verse stuck out.
The great thing about the peace that God gives is that is it far greater than anything we can understand, even when we cannot see an answer to a situation and feel hopeless, God know the answer and can give us peace about it. So often I find myself getting caught up in such selfish things and can worry myself to death. But God does not want us to have anxiety, worry or fear. John 16:33 tells us that we will have struggles in this world, but not to worry over them, because He has overcome the world!
God has given me a peace in this situation that I know can only come from Him, and I am so thankful for that. He has also reminded me what a loving Father He is. I could almost see Him with His open, loving arms waiting for my frazzled self to run to Him so He could give me the comfort and peace I so needed. What an awesome God we serve! I am grateful He understands that I am a work in progress and that I am in constant need of Him. I hope this verse may come to your mind next time life seems to get a little too crazy to handle.
I was brought to this verse recently while under a lot of stress and pressure at work. For about a week I was so angry and frustrated, but instead of giving the problem to God, I just wanted to be angry. When I had finally had enough, I sat down with the Lord and started reading about His peace and this verse stuck out.
The great thing about the peace that God gives is that is it far greater than anything we can understand, even when we cannot see an answer to a situation and feel hopeless, God know the answer and can give us peace about it. So often I find myself getting caught up in such selfish things and can worry myself to death. But God does not want us to have anxiety, worry or fear. John 16:33 tells us that we will have struggles in this world, but not to worry over them, because He has overcome the world!
God has given me a peace in this situation that I know can only come from Him, and I am so thankful for that. He has also reminded me what a loving Father He is. I could almost see Him with His open, loving arms waiting for my frazzled self to run to Him so He could give me the comfort and peace I so needed. What an awesome God we serve! I am grateful He understands that I am a work in progress and that I am in constant need of Him. I hope this verse may come to your mind next time life seems to get a little too crazy to handle.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Understanding you are loved!
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1 (b)
How many times have you questioned your life? Your importance? I remember having a lot of these questions and concerns when I was in middle school and after I moved to a new high school. I didn't know a person and I didn't believe there was anything special about me. I still question this sometimes when I am down and feeling lonely... But... This verse explains that I should know better!!! Slowly reread the verse above.
This Bible verse proves that we are special because we are chosen!!! WE ARE HIS!!! How awesome is that! God chose you and me. We are special and honored. What a privilege it is to know that He picked us. He knew us before we were born and He loves us no matter how often we fall short of His glory and Holiness.
Later on in the 43rd chapter of Isaiah it says that "When we pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God.... verse 4- states "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you" I am shocked that the God of this Universe that created everything around me says that I am precious... honored... and He loves me... WOW!!! What an amazing experience having that in my life.
I know as a Christian, we are not told that life will be perfect. The Bible verse says that "When you" have these hardships. Life is hard, especially with the economy, the world issues, the local issues!!! We have a close friend who is suffering from an unknown kind of cancer. He just got married and the doctors don't know how to treat him. My husband was concerned for him and his salvation. Bryan didn't sleep for three nights because he needed to talk to this man. I hate to admit it, but I was more concerned about my issues. I felt horrible when God opened my eyes. Nothing should be more important in our lives than telling the World of His great love for us. We need to be fishers of men and women. Remember when you question your worthiness that HE has redeemed us, summoned us and YOU ARE HIS, if you put your trust in Him! Rejoice and spread the good news! We are loved. Never forget your importance in Him!
I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1 (b)
How many times have you questioned your life? Your importance? I remember having a lot of these questions and concerns when I was in middle school and after I moved to a new high school. I didn't know a person and I didn't believe there was anything special about me. I still question this sometimes when I am down and feeling lonely... But... This verse explains that I should know better!!! Slowly reread the verse above.
This Bible verse proves that we are special because we are chosen!!! WE ARE HIS!!! How awesome is that! God chose you and me. We are special and honored. What a privilege it is to know that He picked us. He knew us before we were born and He loves us no matter how often we fall short of His glory and Holiness.
Later on in the 43rd chapter of Isaiah it says that "When we pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God.... verse 4- states "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you" I am shocked that the God of this Universe that created everything around me says that I am precious... honored... and He loves me... WOW!!! What an amazing experience having that in my life.
I know as a Christian, we are not told that life will be perfect. The Bible verse says that "When you" have these hardships. Life is hard, especially with the economy, the world issues, the local issues!!! We have a close friend who is suffering from an unknown kind of cancer. He just got married and the doctors don't know how to treat him. My husband was concerned for him and his salvation. Bryan didn't sleep for three nights because he needed to talk to this man. I hate to admit it, but I was more concerned about my issues. I felt horrible when God opened my eyes. Nothing should be more important in our lives than telling the World of His great love for us. We need to be fishers of men and women. Remember when you question your worthiness that HE has redeemed us, summoned us and YOU ARE HIS, if you put your trust in Him! Rejoice and spread the good news! We are loved. Never forget your importance in Him!
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