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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Have You Experienced True Peace?


Charles Spurgeon once asked his congregation, "Are you pacifying your own conscience by crying,"peace, peace when there is no peace"?

He was speaking to people who were living in sin (fleshly desires), blatant rebellion against God, all the while telling themselves they were fine..."God doesn't expect me to give up promiscuity, drunkenness, cursing...etc." Actually he demands it for His child! See for yourselves by reading Galatians 5..

Many have a false perception of Jesus, meaning, they "believe" in their head that He died on the cross for their sins and to many this means they can keep living according to the flesh...after all, didn't Jesus forgive me that day on the cross!?

Truth is, Jesus had to die a horrible death, in order for sinners to be reconciled to God. Our sins were placed on the Innocent Lamb of God so that we could be made right with God! Being made right with God, or reconciliation, means to have peace with God! The Bible is clear...

2 Corinthians 5:17-21(NLT)
"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin,so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Until you truly surrender of your life to Christ, you will only experience a temporary artificial peace. To have lasting peace, one can only have it through Jesus Christ, KNOWING He is the Prince of Peace!

It all starts at the foot of the cross! "I am crucified with Christ, and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:19b-20

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Can God Trust You With Silence?

"If Jesus Christ is bringing you into the understanding that prayer is for the glorifying of His Father, He will give you the first sign of His intimacy - silence."~Oswald Chambers

During my reading of "My Utmost for His Highest", by Oswald Chambers, God spoke to my heart. How many times have I wondered why God wasn't speaking to me? Wondered if He even cared about my struggles...I even wondered if I did more to get His attention, such as fasting, spending longer amounts of time with Him in the morning reading His word, would He speak then?
There were times that I had cried out to Him for help, understanding, or healing with no answer...
Did He hear my cries for His touch. Doesn't He want me to hear Him and feel His presence? I even wondered if He was truly with me. Have you ever felt that way?

As my relationship with God began growing stronger each day, I began to recognize God's hand in different places and at different times. There are countless times that I felt His presence and then there were many times that I did not, however, deep down I knew He was there. I started believing the truth of God's Word over my feelings. Truth is, God is always with us (Hebrews 13:5)!

I believe the title says it all; Can God trust you with silence?

Here's an illustration:
You're on a long road trip with your family and all of a sudden there is silence. Is it awkward silence or is it peaceful silence? Do you feel as though you need to say something to strike up a conversation, or do you just enjoy their presence? Having four children the silence is often welcomed and needed.

On the other hand, lets say you ask a co-worker for a ride home because your car broke down. You get in the front seat, you begin to think of what you can talk about. You don't really know this person outside of work related stuff, so the 20 minute ride seems to take forever...
"How was work today?"
"Good. Stressful but good."
"How's your family?"
"Good. Yours?"
"Great."
"What do you think of this weather we're having?"
"It's been nice."
The questions are forced and the answers are vague.  Then comes the dreaded silence and you think to yourself, "What do I say now?"  It feels very awkward after only a brief period of no words...

So can God trust you with His silence? Do you know Him well enough to just sit in His presence without having to hear Him speak to you? Or is it awkward? Do you try to force a conversation with God or does it feel peaceful just being in Christ Jesus?

I am at a place in my walk with the Lord that I do not feel awkward silence in His presence. I believe Him at His word; that He is always with me and He will never forsake me (Hebrews 13:5), He hears my cry for help (Psalm 18:6), His love for me is unconditional (John 3:16)...He always has an answer for me. Sometimes His answer, "Be still and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10.

As I sit in wait, His presence is all I need to know!
Psalm 16:11, "You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures."

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Manifestation of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (HCSB), "A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial:
to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit,
to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit,
to another, faith by the same Spirit,
to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
to another, the performing of miracles,
to another, prophecy,
to another, distinguishing between spirits,
to another, different kinds of languages(tongues),
to another, interpretation of languages(tongues).
But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each one as He wills."

Acts 11:16-17
"Then I remember the word of the Lord, how He said,'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' Therefore, if God gave them the same gift that He also gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God?"

I was pondering the power of the Holy Spirit on my way home from work and just really thinking about some teachings that can be misleading. So I have asked God for wisdom when it comes to the gift of the Holy Spirit, the gift/s, as well as the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I pray for the truth of God's Word to be in my heart and on my mind always as I am called to be His Ambassador.

I have had people of a certain denomination tell me that I was not truly saved since I did not speak in tongues...I had them question my salvation, tell me that I must not want to gift of tongues because I had not told God to give it to me. I am not trying to offend anyone so please hear me out.

Let me give you an analogy: Let's say your birthday is coming up and your dad goes to several stores looking for a special gift just for you. He has watched you grow into a mature young adult and being your dad, he probably knows what you like and don't like. He also knows how you will handle the gift he wants to bestow on you. Now you, knowing your dad will pretty much give you whatever you ask for since it's your birthday, you decide to go to him begging for something you really desire. The begging becomes pleading and then manipulation...all before you have seen the gift he chose for you.

To me if you go to your dad begging for a specific thing for your birthday and he gives you exactly what you asked for, it ceases to be a gift...A gift is a special something, chosen by a special someone, to be given on a special occasion.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is given to all who believe in Christ Jesus as Savior. The gift/s of the Holy Spirit are giving to each Believer according to God's will. I can't go to God and beg Him for something I already have. I can't go to God and tell Him that I would rather have the gift of speaking in tongues over the interpretation of tongues.

The bottom line here is our Abba, Daddy, The Gift Giver, has chosen which gifts to bestow on each of His Children. When I was saved by trusting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I was baptized in the Holy Spirit and God chose to give me the gift of faith, wisdom, discernment and the gift of interpretation. My life transformation from who I once was to who I am now, is a testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. I CANNOT live as I do without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and His gifts to me!


Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Childlike Faith--My Daddy Can do Anything!

When you were a little kid, didn't you believe your daddy could do anything? Even though my father wasn't around much when I was growing up, I still believed that he could do ANYTHING! I idolized him as a SUPERHERO, MY SUPER DAD! No matter how many times he let me down, I still believed in him. I still waited on him to "save" the day! The crazy thing is, once I realized my dad was only human, I still loved him. Often times feeling abandoned, I still loved him. I desired my daddy's love so much that no matter how bad I felt he treated me, I wanted him to know I still loved him.

That is the kind of faith God is looking for in His children. The faith that says, "God, I believe You can do anything and I trust You no matter what!" God, you are my SUPER DADDY, and even if you can't "save" my day, I will still love You!

Is your life saying "I love you Daddy?" If not, ask Him for childlike faith, He will give it to you!


Psalm 116:6 NLT
The Lord protects those of childlike faith;I was facing death, and he saved me.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

"I will use you to speak to millions"

The Lord spoke to my heart about 7 or 8 years ago about speaking His Truth to people. I felt Him so strongly that day! I will never forget when He told me that He would use me to speak to millions....I kept it to myself for a long time until one day the Lord had me share it with the ladies in my Bible study so they could be praying for me and the ministry God was preparing me for. They encouraged me to listen to the Lord. I found myself searching the Bible for Truths that many of us overlook...Oh what a treasure God's Word is!!

Back to the millions, I began to ponder what that would look like..Would I be in a football arena, a baseball arena?? Or maybe the Lord would put me on T.V. We can dream big! We serve a Big God!!

As I grew in my faith, the Lord would gently whisper to my spirit, "Speak my truth no matter if it offends them or not." Eventually He taught me that as I share His Word with others, even if it's one at a time, He will turn that number into millions.

You see, being faithful to God even when you only have 1 person in the audience, is what God wants. If you can't be faithful with the little....

God is my One audience that I am concerned with pleasing, not a million people!

The cool thing about bloggin, is you can reach a million people by sharing His Truth on the WORLD WIDE WEB....maybe that's what He meant when He said I would speak to millions?? I will be faithful in the little and I will keep dreaming Big! Can't wait to get to heaven to see the millions ; )I love you Jesus, my Lord and my King!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

On the Couch With God!


Here is a simple analogy that the Lord spoke to my heart about being in His presence.

It's like being in the same house with your family and everyone is doing their own thing. Maybe the kids are in their bedrooms, your husband is sitting in the recliner watching television and you are sitting in the sun room reading a book. You're all in the same house but no one is engaging with another.
Then everyone makes their way into the living room. Dad still in his recliner, the kids plop down on the couch with their iPod's and headphones in, and you sit down on the love seat. Everyone is in the same room, all are in your presence but communication is vague, no eye contact is made because everyone is still doing their own thing.

You notice the kids on the couch and decide to join them. You sit right in between them. Communication begins; talking, laughing, enjoying their closeness. Then you invite dad to join in the fun and he hops on the couch with you. The family is now in one another presence. Being intimate, knowing and being known, living in a concentrated effort to achieve "oneness" as a family.

God spoke to my heart about how I sometimes treat Him. I know He is in this "house" of mine yet I often become content knowing He is "here" that I forget to commune with Him. There is so much more to His presence. Amen!

In our relationship with God, He wants to be on the "couch" with us. Not sitting alone in His "recliner". He is waiting for an invite. There must be a concentrated effort on our behalf to achieve oneness with God because He has already done His part; Jesus on the cross and His Spirit in us! Once we invite Him, He will "plop down on the couch" with us and we will enjoy the fullness of His presence! Knowing and being known by our Creator God. Oh, to live in His presence!

Lord God, Help me to live in Your presence at all times that I may glorify You and know the fullness of Your presence! In Jesus Name, AMEN!!

Hosea 6:3 "Oh, that we might know the Lord!
Let us press on to know him.
He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn
or the coming of rains in early spring.”

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Are You Living in Amazing Grace?


I'm sure as you read the title, the words of "Amazing Grace" came to your mind. It may be the original verses or the more contemporary, either way the message remains the same.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me...I once was lost but now I am found, was blind but now I see..."

Since 1760 this hymn has been around the globe. People have sung it in Cathedrals, Country churches, Mega churches, house churches, in their homes and even in their vehicles. The message is clear but I believe due to the tradition of singing this song, it has become stale among church goers today. We often sing this song without thinking about the meaning.

You see this song was written in past tense and present tense..."I once was lost". Being lost means to be separated from God because of our sin nature. "But now I am found". This means you are now reconciled to God through the precious blood of Jesus because of God's amazing grace! If we sing this song and still live in the "past tense" of being lost, there is no amazing grace to experience...

Yes, God's grace is extended to ALL people but if you don't confess Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead(Romans 10:9)then you are not "found"/saved. You are still living in a "lost" position of life eternal. The lie that has ensnared people all over the world, especially "Christians" in the United States is: "As long as you prayed a prayer and asked Jesus to come into your heart, you are saved. You don't have to change to way you live to be His child." This is only partial truth.

The Truth is, if a person truly repents and asks Jesus to be their Lord and Savior, there is change in their lifestyle! He loves you so much and accepts you just as you are but refuses to leave you just as you are. It won't come all at once but it will happen. Why? Because the Holy Spirit has taken residence in your body and has given you the Spirit of Christ.(Read Ephesians 5)

I believe too many have prayed a prayer out of fear, just as I did when I was younger because I didn't want to go to hell when I died. There was no evidence of Jesus in my life, no life change, no remorse when I sinned, etc. I lived how I wanted to live until I was 28 and I realized my sin separated me from Holy God. I repented and gave my life to Christ. I then started living in the "found" position of life, because the Holy Spirit made His home in me and convicted me of sins.

When I hear this song, no matter where I am, I am truly thankful for His AMAZING GRACE, that saved a wretch like me! How about you? Are you living in His Amazing Grace?

Monday, July 18, 2011

Enter in and WORSHIP!



Psalm 100:3-5
"Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."

During a church service, our praise team did an awesome job of leading us in worship. There's just something about being in corporate worship, in the Lord's presence! It truly is a miracle that we can worship freely in our country! But an even greater miracle is the fact that we can enter His courts with praise, and we are not limited to when we enter into worship.

The Lord spoke to my heart saying, "My gates are wide open and I invite all to enter into my courts with praise and thanksgiving, but few accept the invitation. There are those that truly enter in, with their hearts full of rejoicing simply because I am their Lord and Savior! Then there are those who are standing outside the gates peeking in, they claim I am their Savior, but they seem to say I am not worthy of their worship as Lord of lords and King of kings."

How sad to know that few will enter in to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Many are satisfied with worship outside the gates of His courts...until a person truly surrenders ALL and realizes Jesus is ALL they need, they will remain outside the Gates of Splendor!

Where will you worship Him?He has invited you to enter His gates, so what are you waiting for?

Thursday, July 7, 2011

I Am a Byproduct of Your Affair

I am a Byproduct of Your Affair
Selfish is my name, satisfying the flesh is my game

I cause you to look out for #1
I cause you to satisfy your fleshly desires
I cause you to ignore those in need
I cause you to love yourself more than you love others
I cause you to have a cold and indifferent heart toward the Truth
I cause you to want more and more
I cause you to throw out all morals
I cause you to think of Jesus as a slave driver
I cause you to believe Jesus' yoke is heavy

You see I am a byproduct of your affair with the prince of this world, the Prince of Darkness. Those "stuck-in-the-mud's, goody-goodies, holier-than-though, born-again Believers" say I am the reason for sin. That's what they think.
It's fun being ME, Selfish,then there is no need to care what others think, especially God. If you are like me then you will have a fun, thrilling, adventurous, exciting, better life. Not dull and boring like that "narrow" road Jesus talks about. I don't mind if you want to call yourself by my name...the more the merrier!! Although it might get confusing, everyone going around saying, "Hey, Selfish how ya doing?" But since we don't care what others think, then whoopy doo. We will just live in a world full of Selfish people.

Yours Truly,
Selfish

Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Yoke of Unbelief


Matthew 11:20 "Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God."

Matthew 11:28-30 NLT "Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

At the start of Matthew 11, John the Baptist, who was sent before Christ to announce His coming to the world was put in prison, Jesus was performing miracles and the Gospel was being proclaimed throughout the region of Galilee.

The people who lived during the time of Christ, actually saw the miracles being performed! Can you imagine being an eye witness to His majesty? The Messiah in their midst and guess what? They didn't believe! They rejected Him, the One and Only Savior! I call this a "yoke of unbelief". They chose to enter the "yoke of unbelief" with satan because of their unrepentant hearts. You did know that not believing is sin, right?

Let me ask this...How many of us have experienced the miracles of Christ in our own lives and yet decide to not believe? I am convinced this "yoke of unbelief" is from satan himself. In that case,satan's yoke is going to be hard and heavy! Why?
The yoke is hard and heavy because satan is the one on the other side of the yoke with you...Because of God's truth, I see satan as weak and puny, therefore he has to use others to help him carry the "yoke of unbelief". Can you visualize powerless old satan trying to lift a heavy load of any kind? I laugh thinking about it. Now picture yourself in a yoke with scrawny satan....who is carrying most of the load? You are! That is why it's hard and heavy, you ain't got no help!

Now visualize the "Yoke of belief" if you will...Jesus on one side and you on the other. Jesus is strong and can hold the yoke all by himself. He doesn't need your help. What He wants is a partner. Think about it, Jesus and you walking side by side. You are not ahead of Him or behind Him, but right with Him in a yoke He made specifically for you. It fits like a glove when Jesus is in it with you.

My challenge to all God's children, is that when you start to doubt God is able, when that little voice tells you not to believe, visualize Jesus' yoke upon you...better yet visualize that scrawny, weakling, satan telling you not to believe. Then verbalize your belief in Jesus and tell satan to get lost! He is just wanting you to do his dirty work, so don't fall for it!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Satan or Jesus? Who are you a slave to?

Romans 6:12-18 (New Living Translation)
"Do not let sin control the way you live;[a] do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living."

Paul,in writing the book of Romans, asked the most important question to the believer and that is,"Do we keep on sinning because we have been set free from the law? Do we keep on sinning to allow God's grace to abound? Paul's answer, "Absolutely not!"(Romans 6:2)

Many Christians take advantage of the sacrifice that was made for them on the cross. Using it as a "golden ticket" to live as they please. To me, it's like slapping Jesus in the face when we deliberately sin. Many use the excuse that God died for all people and for all sin, therefore they can live however they please. But that is a lie from the Devil himself. Reread the verses above. When we choose to live in sin, we are a tool for satan! Did you get that? Let me say it again...when we choose to live in sin we are a tool for satan! I didn't come up with it, God did.

The opposite of being a tool for satan is being a tool for God!(vs.13)I desire to be used by God for His glory, for His Kingdom! I fail at times but the Holy Spirit is alive and well in me, therefore; I feel the conviction from my Lord when I am sinning or about to...what a freedom that brings! The kind of freedom that shows me a better way. A freedom that says to my heart, "the temporary joy is not worth the pain that will follow this sin." or "The sin your are about to do will affect more people than you can imagine."

I don't know about you all but I will not be satan's tool! After all, we were created for God's purpose and for His glory!

Lord God, please help us to be familiar with the schemes of the devil that we may avoid his traps. May we stay on the path that You planned for us from the beginning of time and enjoy the freedom that comes with following Your narrow path. We need your help for we are weak, but we know that we have victory as long as we follow You! Fill us with the Holy Spirit and guide us as we live in this evil world. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Happy Mother's Day Mom, I love you!


Dear Mom,
I just wanted to write this Mother's Day letter to tell you how much I love you and how much I miss seeing your face. I miss hearing your laugh. I miss seeing your beautiful brown eyes, that always had a sparkle. Mom, I just miss you. I wish I could call you up when I am having a rough day or just want to chat.
It's strange to me that this Mother's Day seems to be very hard since you went home to be with the Lord. It's been a little over 2 years now and I have my days where I just need your touch or words of comfort. I often think of the things you have missed, like Stephone graduating from high school, the kid's birthdays and such. Trea is graduating this month and you will miss that too. It saddens me to know you are not apart of the celebration physically, but joy comes to my heart knowing you are having the time of your eternal life, in heaven with our sweet Jesus!
I talk about you often with the kids. Asking them what they remember about you...we laugh and cry as we recall special memories we have shared....like you searching for that unique rock, always looking for a 4 leaf clover, and making flower bracelets for the girls. You recognized God's creation as something to be treasured.
Stephone and Trea remember going fishing with you and Papa during the summer. Keanna remembers you singing to her as you rocked her to sleep and she said,"Shhh grandma, I trying to sleep." I reminded her of the time she wanted to go live with you and she packed her suitcase when she was only 2 years old. Kobe remembers you playing Mario and another video game on the Nintendo and watching cartoons with you on Saturday mornings or the Tool Time show with Tim Allen.
When I was little, I remember your long brown hair...and I remember you telling me everything was going to be alright when bad things happened.
When you were in the hospital during the last week of your life, you told me you were sorry for any wrong you had done and asked me to forgive you. I told you that I forgave you and how much I loved you. Then you held me in your arms and told me how proud you were of me and how much you loved me.
Mom, I am proud of you! I love you so very much and I want to thank you for all the sacrifices you made for our family. We didn't have much growing up but one thing we did have was your love! That can never be replaced or taken away!
I thank God for you and allowing me to be your daughter. I know you are having the BEST Mother's Day because you are in the Lord's presence, free from all of lives trials and tribulations and for that I am grateful!
This Mother's day I honor you, my mom!
Proverbs 31:25&28
"Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come....
"Her children rise up and call her blessed"

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Satan has asked to sift each of you!

Luke 22:31-34 CEV Jesus said, "Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks.But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others." Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to jail and even to die with you." Jesus replied, "Peter, I tell you that before a rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say three times that you don't know me."


Jesus was speaking to Peter before He was betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Jewish leaders. He had given Peter a stern warning. He told Peter that Satan wanted to "sift each one like wheat". One commentator said it means,"to take us apart". Did you get that? Satan wants to take us apart!(Biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries)

Jesus assured Peter that He had prayed for his faith to remain strong and that after Peter's denial, Peter would strengthen others through his own experience.

Peter did not fully understand his weakness, yet Jesus did and he warned him. When Jesus led them to the garden to pray, He told the disciples to wait there and pray so that they would be able to withstand the coming trials. The disciples fell asleep when they were supposed to be praying. Luke 22:45 says that when Jesus went to check on them, they were all asleep, exhausted from sorrow.

I can definitely relate to the disciples. I can remember several times praying during a sorrowful time and falling asleep out of pure exhaustion. The moment my feet hit the floor, Satan knew I was weak because of my lack of prayer. I fell for his lies and rushed to become agitated and grouchy, my temper flared easily, grumbling words rolled off my tongue, negativity filled my mind and anyone within ear shot knew to stay out of my way...Ever been there?

What happened when Jesus was arrested? Some of the disciples fled but Peter was ticked and went into warrior mode! He drew his sword, thinking he was protecting Jesus, and cut off the ear of the priest's servant. Jesus rebuked him and demanded he put away his sword. Peter followed with his flesh...much like I do.

I often think about how I would have acted or reacted in that situation? I am similar to Peter and I know when I am not prayed up and filled with the Holy Spirit, I can lose my cool. I am a natural born fighter and I have to stay in a mindset of prayer so that I am not tempted to blow my top...I fail many times but praise God, less and less as I mature in Christ. Just being real.

After Jesus was arrested, Peter then followed Him from a distance. This is when he denied Christ three times before the rooster crowed. A rooster's crow signals a new day, which for Peter would mean a new beginning. I love that Jesus' words to Peter before all of this took place, knowing Peter would fail, were words of hope! For Peter, this new day was the beginning of his faith walk with Jesus! I think of the verse in Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

Peter wept the night before, fell asleep when he was to be praying, was unable to withstand the temptation of sinful anger, denied Christ three times, and then...the rooster crowed! The instant Peter heard the sound, his heart was broken and he realized his sins. I imagine Jesus looking Peter in the eyes with compassion as to say, "Remember the warning I gave you? Now accept my grace now go strengthen your brothers."

Peter may have failed at the moment, but he did not stay in the failure mode. I have failed in moments of weakness as well but I don't stay there long. You know why? I envision Jesus looking at me with His grace-filled eyes saying,"Now get up and go strengthen your brothers and sisters in Christ."

We always have a way of escape from any sin or temptation(1 Cor 10:13). Through Christ's strength, depending fully on His Spirit, and continual praying; is our way of escape. Just as Jesus told Peter to be in prayer because the Devil wants to take us out...and he tries us one at a time! Know that Jesus is praying for us and we too have to be praying in order to win our battles on this earth!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Seek First the Kingdom of God

Matthew 6:33 NKJV "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."


I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS TRUTH! Unfortunately not everyone understands it. When I have asked Christians what this means, many have a perplexed look on their faces. Some say, "It means to seek God's Kingdom??" I then I ask, "What is God's Kingdom?"

I recently had this conversation with my oldest son, Stephone. He is constantly asking for advice and if I know God's plan for him. I respond with Matthew 6:33, You have to seek God's Kingdom 1st." He says, "I know that..I am praying and sometimes I read my bible..but I still don't know what He wants me to do with my life."

So I asked him what he thinks the Kingdom of God means? He said, "God's will???" "What is God's will?" I asked. "Ummm I don't know, I guess to pray and .....I don't know."

For quite some time I have been in search of God's Kingdom. I asked God to reveal His Kingdom to me and I believe this is what He showed me......If you disagree with me, let me know. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

He lead me to think about Heaven, His Home...what is it like in heaven? Peaceful, tranquil, no more tears, no more pain, JESUS! He is the bright and shining Presence that never goes away. Saved people are there...Love is abundant and never ceases! Sin no longer effects us! I could go on and on....

Then I thought about God's will...what is God's greatest desire? Matthew 18:14 "Just so, it is not the will of My Father Who is in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost and perish." Another desire He has is that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Mark 12:30 (New King James Version)
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.'
Before Jesus ascended in to Heaven, He gave His last command for the disciples(if you are a believer this applies to you too)Matthew 28:18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I believe when we seek the Kingdom of God, this means we are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we are to seek His Peace, we are to pray for the lost and share the gospel with them, we are to live as we say we believe and everything else will fall into place. We have to put 1st things 1st! Loving Jesus means serving Him through serving others. Loving Jesus and dying to self means we are seeking His Kingdom, His will to be done on earth!
If you struggle with bitterness, hatred, selfishness, greed, sexual sin, drunkenness, anything that is keeping your mind from seeking the Kingdom of God, then you are not seeking His righteousness. Start praying that the Lord will help you change your vision. He will and when you start seeing others the way Christ sees us, then you will be seeing the Kingdom of God on earth!
May we bless God and bring a smile to His face today!

Love in Christ,
Angie

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

How I Long For Her Touch

"How I Long For Her Touch"


My mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer on December 9, 2008 at the age of 55. The Dr.'s told us she had 6-8 months to live and so I decided to stay with her as long as she was with us. I lived in Fort Lauderdale at the time and she lived in Missouri. I had a wonderful job that allowed me to transfer to Missouri so I could be with my mom. We shared some wonderful moments together. We laughed, we cried, we laughed some more. My mom taught me a very powerful lesson during the last few months of her life. That is, she taught me to slow down and hug.....
Being a wife,mother of 4 kids, and working a part-time job, I found my self running ragged, not really spending quality time with my family. Yeah, I hugged them, and told them I loved them but something was lacking....
I was getting ready to leave for Florida to spend super bowl Sunday with my husband and kids. I went in to see my mom at the hospital before I left. As always, she hugged me good bye but this hug was different. It was the most wonderful hug! She hugged me as any mother would knowing her days were numbered. She held me for what seemed an eternity. Putting her hand behind my head and gently caressing my hair. She whispered how much she loved me and couldn't wait for me to get back. "I will miss you while you're gone, so hurry back." she said. I held back the tears as I hugged her goodbye. "I'll see you in a few days, mom. I love you," I said as I walked out the door. When I returned, the Dr. told us she only had a few days left. The Lord allowed me to spend the last 5 days of her life with her at the hospital. We hugged a lot. I held her hands. I caressed her hair. I laid with her. I loved on her and she loved on me. How I miss my mom! How I long to be in her arms! Oh, How I miss her hugs!
" Her Hugs"
Her touch, her smile, her heart,
her hugs, her eyes,
her laugh, her wink, her whistle.
Who could forget?
Oh, how I miss her hugs!


This poem is dedicated to my mom, Cindy Rose who lost her battled to Lung cancer on February 9Th, 2009. She may have lost on earth, but she won the grand prize! Eternity in heaven with Jesus!
For those of you who have lost a loved one whether it be to cancer or any
other reason,I pray that you remember their hugs.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Journey of Life


The fog was so thick that you could cut it with a knife. It was about 7:15 am and I had to turn on my head lights for oncoming vehicles because the visibility was so bad. The roads from Fayette to Columbia are hilly and winding, low valleys and high peaks. It is a beautiful sight during these snow filled winter days! A winter wonderland is what I would call it.
The Lord speaks to me through his creation and this day was no different. As fog consumes the scenery around me, so my troubles consume me. I was beginning to feel as if God had left me...I could not see Him or feel Him...the worries of my life began to drown out the truths that I have hidden in my heart...then it happened. "I will never leave you, Ang.." He whispered to my spirit.
As I was driving along, I could vaguely see the tail lights of the car in front of me. It was like the Lord said, "See if you look hard enough, I am always before you." I then entered a low valley and the fog began to lift and the car in front of me was completely visible. Then I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed a truck behind me....
You see in our lowest valleys of life, the Lord showed me that He is before us and behind us! He will not leave us! The fog represented my worries and when I worry, I can't focus on God. Notice something, when I hit the lowest point of my valley, He is so visible, so real. When I am at the peak of my mountain, there He is again, so visible, so real...but on the way up or down the "mountain of life" our worries will consume us, just as the fog consumes the scenery. We have to keep truckin' along even though we can't see Him because He is always there!
Thank You Lord, for the way you speak to my heart. I love you and on this "journey of life", through the valleys and the peaks, help me to fix my eyes on You!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

"God D*** It!"

Do you misuse the Lord's name and don't even realize it? In Exodus 20:7 God instructed Moses to tell His people not to use His name in vain. “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name."
The other day I was at my son's basketball game and the coach yelled,"Jesus Christ!" because he was mad at a referee. I was highly offended! I actually felt heat coming from my face and I said,"Hey, Jesus has nothing to do with this!" You should of seen some of the looks I got. I think it was more of a shock for people to hear me say that than for them to hear the Lord's name being misused.
God's name has become more of an ordinary "household name" that is used without thought. There is no AWE to His name anymore at least for most people.
I started to think about how flippantly some will use the Lord's name in vain and may not realize they are misusing His name. I came across this scripture in Matthew today and the bible is clear...Matthew 12:34b "For whatever is in your heart determines what you say." Why do you think Jesus spoke of this? Why do you think God had Moses tell His people not to misuse His name in Genesis?
I think God was and still is making a point! "I AM holy and my name should be feared and reverenced!"
Many who say they love the Lord Jesus will misuse his name by saying, "God d*** it!" or "Jesus Christ" when they are upset or maybe have nothing else to say.
This should offend every born again Believer! When I hear T.V shows or movies using my Lord's name in vain, it burns me up! It truly hurts me, because it hurts the Holy Spirit which lives in me. Do we fully understand He is Holy God! Holy therefore, we have to treat Him, His Name, His Word with the utmost respect and honor! We must be careful of what we say and also what we do. If we call ourselves Christians then we must honor our Lord by reverencing His NAME. The NAME which is above all NAMES!
May the sweet name of Jesus, God Almighty be HIGHLY HONORED among His children! Think about it this way...How do you feel when someone calls your mom, dad, sibling, son or daughter a bad name? That same feeling that makes us want to rip their head off, should come when we hear our Lord's name misused! He deserves so much more than we offer Him!

Matt. 12:33-35
33 “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.

If you are a Believer in the Lord Jesus, then your heart has been made clean and should produce good things from the inside out! Let's keep His name HOLY, FOR HE IS HOLY AND WORTHY OF PRAISE!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Are you a living sacrifice?


Romans 12:1 NLT "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him."

For a while now, I have been contemplating the meaning of being a living sacrifice. Several thoughts have come to mind, on what God is asking His children. Also, what He is not asking of His children.

First of all, Paul is pleading with his brothers and sisters in Christ,(this means you and I) to give our bodies(lives)to God because of ALL He did on the cross. I looked up a few scriptures on sacrifice and what God desires most from His children and this is what I found...
Psalm 51:17 NLT "The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God."
Hebrews 10:5 NLT "That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings, But you have given me a body to offer."
Hosea 6:6 HCSB "For I desire loyalty and not sacrifice,the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."
The first step is the obedience of a repentant heart, a broken spirit. If there is anything in our lives that is hindering the spirit, we must repent! The second step is knowing our bodies our not our own. Once we have asked Jesus to forgive our sins and be our Savior, He has the "rights" to our bodies. We have been bought with the price of His blood that was shed on the cross.(Read 1 Cor. 6)The third step is to make a commitment to follow Him no matter what. He desires our loyalty! He desires for us to gain more knowledge of Him!Ya know they say knowledge is power!

The bottom line is we owe Jesus our lives for what He did for us on the cross over 2,000 years ago! We should be willing to lay our lives on the alter, to be poured out for His use! One thing to remember, it's easy for a living sacrifice to get up and walk away when life with Christ becomes painful or a bit uncomfortable. Because God is not a "puppet master", He will never force us to stay on the alter to be a "sacrifice".

Yet He desires us to be completely surrendered, a living sacrifice that is holy and acceptable(only because of Christ)to God. When we surrender our will to His,then we will know His perfect will! That is when we truly worship our King!

I pray for each of us to dig deeper into the Word of God and find ourselves fully surrendered to Him! There truly is no better place to be than on the alter, poured out ready to be used by God!