I posted a message earlier today, only to find it didn't actually post. I hope that everyone enjoyed their day and celebrated it for its true significance. For some, Christmas is the most important holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus. However, Resurrection Sunday should hold at least equal, if not even greater importance to our faith and our lives. Jesus triumphed over death! He rose with all power and is seated in heaven with the Father. I am so thankful for His sacrifice and thankful that His Spirit lives inside of me and all those who know Him as Lord and Savior.
In John 16:33(NLT) Jesus said, " Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
My hope is that we all remember this not just today but every day. There is great power in the name of Jesus. Rejoice in knowing that we do not walk alone, but our Savior walks with us. Call on Him, cry out to Him! If the story of His life, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection teaches us anything, it's certainly that He knows about all the things we face. He cares deeply for us and can deliver us from all that we encounter.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
OUR REASONABLE SACRIFICE this GOOD FRIDAY
Today is GOOD FRIDAY. A day to remember the ultimate sacrifice that JESUS CHRIST gave for all the world. He died so I could live, so you could live, so we ALL could live closer to GOD. I'm thankful for His sacrifice. He laid down His life and shed His blood, taking all of our sins to the cross with Him. He was whipped, mocked, slapped in the face, beaten and bruised, nailed to a wooden cross and pierced in His side. ( John 19) Through His sacrifice we have been freed from the curse of sin, healed from sickness and disease and given the promise of eternal life.
Romans 12: 1-2 (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. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
It's important to me to remember JESUS' sacrifice not just today, but everyday, through the way I live and the way I teach my children to live. JESUS said we must pick up our cross and follow Him. We must die daily to the flesh. So, as we remember the price He paid for us today, let us give ourselves to Him in heart, mind, body and soul. Stand up, stand out and stand for Him. Don't let today just be another day, let it be GOOD FRIDAY.
Romans 12: 1-2 (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. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
It's important to me to remember JESUS' sacrifice not just today, but everyday, through the way I live and the way I teach my children to live. JESUS said we must pick up our cross and follow Him. We must die daily to the flesh. So, as we remember the price He paid for us today, let us give ourselves to Him in heart, mind, body and soul. Stand up, stand out and stand for Him. Don't let today just be another day, let it be GOOD FRIDAY.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Power of Writing
I recently came across some journaling I had done last summer. I smiled when I read it, as I was reminded of the great family memories we made during that time. My children are growing each day and I treasure the moments we spend together.
All of my life, I've been one to write and journal little notes. Whether my emotions were up or down, it was always a great release for me. It's been powerful for me to look back and realize the growth that has occurred in my life. You may sometimes hear people say, "God has brought me a mighty long way." Well, I can certainly say that, with a resounding AMEN! HALLELUJAH! and THANK YOU LORD!
A businessman on television once said, "If you attend a business seminar and don't write down at least one thing you need to change on Monday morning, then you really didn't get anything out of it."
That said to me, if I attend church on Sunday and don't write down at least one thing that I can apply to my life, then I didn't get anything out of it. Not because the Lord didn't say anything to reach me, but because I didn't take the time to make note of anything and hold on to it for its appointed time in my life or the life of someone else that I could help.
Each time I attend church, I'm sure to take notes - the scripture, sermon title and important points of the message. I've kept them all and always manage to come across just the right message at the right time. I treasure God's Word and I am so thankful for the opportunity to hear from God each week through the pastor.
Isaiah 8:16(NLT) says, "Preserve the teaching of God." It is because of writing that we have God's Word today- to teach us what is right and true, correct us and prepare us to do His work. With all of today's technology, writing by hand is becoming a pastime of sorts. I find that unfortunate. I treasure handwritten notes from loved ones, as it is a little piece of them. Just another example of the magnificence of God's creation, making each individuals handwriting unique. With a simple pen and pad, you can preserve the lessons in life that God has taught you. You never know how it can later impact you or future generations.
All of my life, I've been one to write and journal little notes. Whether my emotions were up or down, it was always a great release for me. It's been powerful for me to look back and realize the growth that has occurred in my life. You may sometimes hear people say, "God has brought me a mighty long way." Well, I can certainly say that, with a resounding AMEN! HALLELUJAH! and THANK YOU LORD!
A businessman on television once said, "If you attend a business seminar and don't write down at least one thing you need to change on Monday morning, then you really didn't get anything out of it."
That said to me, if I attend church on Sunday and don't write down at least one thing that I can apply to my life, then I didn't get anything out of it. Not because the Lord didn't say anything to reach me, but because I didn't take the time to make note of anything and hold on to it for its appointed time in my life or the life of someone else that I could help.
Each time I attend church, I'm sure to take notes - the scripture, sermon title and important points of the message. I've kept them all and always manage to come across just the right message at the right time. I treasure God's Word and I am so thankful for the opportunity to hear from God each week through the pastor.
Isaiah 8:16(NLT) says, "Preserve the teaching of God." It is because of writing that we have God's Word today- to teach us what is right and true, correct us and prepare us to do His work. With all of today's technology, writing by hand is becoming a pastime of sorts. I find that unfortunate. I treasure handwritten notes from loved ones, as it is a little piece of them. Just another example of the magnificence of God's creation, making each individuals handwriting unique. With a simple pen and pad, you can preserve the lessons in life that God has taught you. You never know how it can later impact you or future generations.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
A Great Day
"Children are a gift from the Lord"- Psalm 127:3(NLT)
Eleven years ago today, April 9, my life changed forever. While the journey was just beginning, I felt the strength of God's love for me. I wept tears of joy and I praised God for the beautiful blessing of my first born child. Today, celebrating my firstborn and expecting my sixth, I praise God for all of HIS wonderful blessings.
Eleven years ago today, April 9, my life changed forever. While the journey was just beginning, I felt the strength of God's love for me. I wept tears of joy and I praised God for the beautiful blessing of my first born child. Today, celebrating my firstborn and expecting my sixth, I praise God for all of HIS wonderful blessings.
A Lesson from the Recycling Bin
"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Mark 10:14-15 (NLT)
Have you ever noticed how babies love to play with things like boxes, paper, empty plastic containers? Simple things. While us adults ooh and aah at the newest, brightly colored toy that can sing and speak in multiple languages and will make our children the next Einstein. There is always the latest and greatest, next best thing at the store, begging for your dollars. Meanwhile, treasure awaits in a place right in front of you - the recycling bin. Things that have already been paid for, headed to the trash. Yet, a baby can look at those same objects and see a treasure trove of fun and learning through simple play.
What if we adults took on this simple way of viewing things? Sometimes we can over complicate situations in life that really could be handled with a more simple solution. So much time is wasted trying to find the next best thing or person that will make us "happy", while JESUS is there waiting all along for you to simply call on HIM.
Just like those recyclables we have already been paid for. While we were yet sinners, JESUS paid it all when HE died on the cross for the sins of the world. HE can transform a life headed in the wrong direction, into one full of purpose and love. The treasures HE holds for those that believe in HIM, bring far greater joy and fulfillment than anything else in this world.
Have you ever noticed how babies love to play with things like boxes, paper, empty plastic containers? Simple things. While us adults ooh and aah at the newest, brightly colored toy that can sing and speak in multiple languages and will make our children the next Einstein. There is always the latest and greatest, next best thing at the store, begging for your dollars. Meanwhile, treasure awaits in a place right in front of you - the recycling bin. Things that have already been paid for, headed to the trash. Yet, a baby can look at those same objects and see a treasure trove of fun and learning through simple play.
What if we adults took on this simple way of viewing things? Sometimes we can over complicate situations in life that really could be handled with a more simple solution. So much time is wasted trying to find the next best thing or person that will make us "happy", while JESUS is there waiting all along for you to simply call on HIM.
Just like those recyclables we have already been paid for. While we were yet sinners, JESUS paid it all when HE died on the cross for the sins of the world. HE can transform a life headed in the wrong direction, into one full of purpose and love. The treasures HE holds for those that believe in HIM, bring far greater joy and fulfillment than anything else in this world.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Pardon the Interruption
" Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." Philippians 2:4-5
I was recently out shopping and wanted to purchase a few snacks for my family. While my husband was checking out, I went over to the concession area and placed an order. I turned to ask my husband if he had a dime, so I wouldn't have to break a larger bill, but pay the exact change. The gentleman behind me in line took out a dime and offered it to me. While this may be a seemingly small gesture, I was sure to tell the man thank you and that it was very kind of him.
In today's world, we encounter so many people that are walking around in a hurry, on the phone or texting, oblivious to the things and people around them. Many older gentlemen will still hold a door for a lady but many youth try to squeeze through the door at the same time, without saying excuse me. It falls on the parents and mentors of today. We set the example.
It was once said to me by a man holding the door for me, "There are a few gentlemen left in the world." My response, "Yes, I'm raising a few myself." Not only gentlemen but young ladies as well. My husband and I are sure to instill "The Golden Rule" in all of our children, " Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."( Matthew 7:12) It only takes a moment to extend courtesy and manners to our fellow man.
There are so many examples in the Bible where Jesus was on His way to do one thing, yet someone interrupted in order to receive healing that only He could give. Everyday we have opportunities to share His love with others. Extend a helping hand, hold a door, say hello, smile... all simple things that today are being seen less and less as everyone is in such a hurry to take care of themselves. You never know how you can touch a person's heart with a simple gesture of caring. You can show them that there is good in the world today and His name is JESUS.
I was recently out shopping and wanted to purchase a few snacks for my family. While my husband was checking out, I went over to the concession area and placed an order. I turned to ask my husband if he had a dime, so I wouldn't have to break a larger bill, but pay the exact change. The gentleman behind me in line took out a dime and offered it to me. While this may be a seemingly small gesture, I was sure to tell the man thank you and that it was very kind of him.
In today's world, we encounter so many people that are walking around in a hurry, on the phone or texting, oblivious to the things and people around them. Many older gentlemen will still hold a door for a lady but many youth try to squeeze through the door at the same time, without saying excuse me. It falls on the parents and mentors of today. We set the example.
It was once said to me by a man holding the door for me, "There are a few gentlemen left in the world." My response, "Yes, I'm raising a few myself." Not only gentlemen but young ladies as well. My husband and I are sure to instill "The Golden Rule" in all of our children, " Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."( Matthew 7:12) It only takes a moment to extend courtesy and manners to our fellow man.
There are so many examples in the Bible where Jesus was on His way to do one thing, yet someone interrupted in order to receive healing that only He could give. Everyday we have opportunities to share His love with others. Extend a helping hand, hold a door, say hello, smile... all simple things that today are being seen less and less as everyone is in such a hurry to take care of themselves. You never know how you can touch a person's heart with a simple gesture of caring. You can show them that there is good in the world today and His name is JESUS.
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