Hope: To desire something with some confidence of fulfillment. A desire supported by some confidence in its fulfillment. A ground for expectation. To look forward. Expectation. Confidence. Anticipation. "Be joyful in hope..." Romans 12:12 "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 "..my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:5b
Monday, July 15, 2013
Yet.. See Verse 21
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentation 3:19-26
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Christmas In July - God, the child in a manger.
I know God only through Jesus Christ. The unique grandeur of Christianity is its belief in a poor God, like a wound in the absolute. God, the child in a manger. No man could invent that; it requires revelation. - Jean Sullivan, Morning Light
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
Talents
Use what talents you have; The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best. - Henry Van Dyke
Saturday, July 06, 2013
Mission Leads To Fellowship
As I was praying for two men who live in Ghana Africa this morning I began perusing pictures of the Ghana Trip myself and others took in early 2013. This is a great pic of fellow followers of Jesus Christ who were on God's mission in Northeastern Ghana Africa in Jan., 2013. We had an awesome time of fellowship with one another all because of Mission. Our Missionary God touched our lives through people who shared Christ with us (Mission) years ago. Over the years someone(s) came alongside each of us and helped us grow in our walk with God (Mission). As we grew we became involved in ministry and service through a local church (Mission). As we served in Ghana (Mission) we all got to know one another - most of us only knew the others by name upon arriving in Ghana, grew closer to one another, discovered things about one another, helped one another, encouraged one another, laughed and cried with one another and worked alongside one another (Fellowship). The true fellowship happened because of mission. The same is in the local church. When a church begins a ministry for fellowship it will rarely if ever accomplish it's mission, but if a ministry is created for the mission of the church (Mission) it will always lead to fellowship as the people work together for a greater purpose than themselves - the Kingdom of God (Mission).
I must add these people are Difference Makers, World Changers and Kingdom Builders. It was a pleasure to serve with them in Ghana and it is a pleasure to serve with them in the States.
I must add these people are Difference Makers, World Changers and Kingdom Builders. It was a pleasure to serve with them in Ghana and it is a pleasure to serve with them in the States.
Friday, July 05, 2013
The Bible In Fifty Words
God Made
Adam Bit
Noah Arked
Abraham Split
Jacob Fooled
Joseph Ruled
Bush Talked
Moses Balked
Pharaoh Plagued
People Walked
Sea Divided
Tablets Guided
Promise Landed
Saul Freaked
David Peeked
Prophets Warned
Jesus Born
God Walked
Love Talked
Anger Crucified
Hope Died
Love Rose
Spirit Flamed
Word Spread
God Remained
Vision - A Statement For The American Church
Our wealth and abundance of human resources have positioned us to accept a paradigm that provision precedes vision. This has been the foundation of building a no-risk faith. This is a tragedy when part of the adventure is the discovery that vision always precedes provision.
Erwin R. McManus, Chasing Daylight
Erwin R. McManus, Chasing Daylight
Thursday, July 04, 2013
Prayer For The Mission Of The Church
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you
through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him,
that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope
of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him,
that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope
of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Miqra - The Calling Of God
The Hebrew word for Bible is Miqra, a noun formed from the verb "to call," qara. The Bible is not a book to carry around and read for information on God, but a voice to listen to. I like that. This word of God that we name Bible, book, is not at root a word to be read and looked at and discussed. It is a word to be listened to and obeyed, a word that gets us going. Fundamentally, it is a call: God calls us.
Practice Resurrection, Eugene Peterson
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Time With God
This is a pic of some children spending time with God early in the morning as they began their day at Centri-Kid. They were given a devotional reading that is geared towards them and the adults helped them work through the devotional reading. They spent time with God and learned how to spend time with God at the same time. We as adults need to spend time with God on a daily or every other day basis. We need to have some system, reading, devotional book, or prayer guide that helps us spend time with God and seek to hear His calling. Our prayer time is not just a prayer time it is time with God. Much like we spend time with friends over lunch or a cup of coffee. Much like we spend time on the phone with loved ones who live far away. Much like...
The point is we need to spend time with God.
The point is we need to spend time with God.
A Call For Unity
I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don’t remember baptizing anyone else.) For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.
I Corinthians 1:4-17
I Corinthians 1:4-17
Centri-Kid
I did not post for over a week because I was at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center near Lynchburg, VA attending Centri-Kid with Horizon Community Church and many other churches. We had a great time. Many decisions were made by children and adults who desire to follow Jesus Christ. I thank God that years ago someone had a vision for Eagle Eyrie. I am thankful for those who had a dream for Centri-Kid. What visions or dreams do you and I have form God? God, please help us see just how important we are to you and your Kingdom.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Receive
Today, I receive. I have already received a night's rest, a cool room, a scented breeze, a welcome from my four legged friends, a warm cup of Dunkin' Donut, the local weather, a cardinal's song, the day's dawn and a morning greeting from my wife.
I receive. I recognize that my salvation is in Christ alone - a gift of and from God only, I received. I receive this continual salvation and redemption in the power of the Holy Spirit filling me as I open up my life and receive.
Today, I will practice receptivity.
I willingly acknowledge my responsibilities throughout the day and yet seek to grasp that even my day, the tasks and my responsibilities are from God - received.
Today, I will live in the salvation received and continue to be receptive. I will pray, "God forgive me, now empower me." I will take hold of God's redemption and live as a blessed, chosen, destined, drenched, lavished, enlightened, included receiver.
Today, receive.
I receive. I recognize that my salvation is in Christ alone - a gift of and from God only, I received. I receive this continual salvation and redemption in the power of the Holy Spirit filling me as I open up my life and receive.
Today, I will practice receptivity.
I willingly acknowledge my responsibilities throughout the day and yet seek to grasp that even my day, the tasks and my responsibilities are from God - received.
Today, I will live in the salvation received and continue to be receptive. I will pray, "God forgive me, now empower me." I will take hold of God's redemption and live as a blessed, chosen, destined, drenched, lavished, enlightened, included receiver.
Today, receive.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
20 Qualities Of A Godly Leader
1. Respectful
2. Faithful
3. Steadfast
4. Disciplined
5. Friendly
6. Approachable
7. Knowledgeable
8. Patient
9. Amiable
10. Gracious
11. Attentive
12. Integrity
13. Focused
14. Wise
15. Fair
16. Committed
17. Dynamic
18. Thoughtful
19. Encouraging
20. Intentional
2. Faithful
3. Steadfast
4. Disciplined
5. Friendly
6. Approachable
7. Knowledgeable
8. Patient
9. Amiable
10. Gracious
11. Attentive
12. Integrity
13. Focused
14. Wise
15. Fair
16. Committed
17. Dynamic
18. Thoughtful
19. Encouraging
20. Intentional
Monday, June 17, 2013
Resurrection Living - All From God
Once we get this through our heads and assimilated into our imaginations, we are out of the driver's seat forever. The practice of the resurrection is not a do-it-yourself self-help project. It is God's project and he is engaged full-time in carrying it out.
This rescues us from small-mindedness, from thinking too small about our lives. This salvation-resurrection world is large. Anything we can come up with for ourselves in terms of goal or purpose is puny alongside of what is already in motion in the cosmos "to the praise of his glory."
Practice Resurrection, Eugene Peterson
This rescues us from small-mindedness, from thinking too small about our lives. This salvation-resurrection world is large. Anything we can come up with for ourselves in terms of goal or purpose is puny alongside of what is already in motion in the cosmos "to the praise of his glory."
Practice Resurrection, Eugene Peterson
BOLD ACTIONS FOR CHILDREN
Bold actions we can take to help our children walk with God.
Listen to them.
Apologize to them when needed.
Admit parenting mistakes to them.
Relate to them on their level when in conversation.
Love and be committed to your spouse.
Teach them the Bible.
Have fun with them.
Be active with them.
Have supper together at the table.
Shut off cell phones and go "old school".
Worship regularly.
Raise them in Christ and not in the church.
Discipline as needed - spare the rod, spoil the child.
Teach then to not fear the world they live in - Show them.
Pray with them after "time out".
Live in forgiveness.
Teach consequences, but live in forgiveness.
Demonstrate tough love when needed.
Remember - kids are people too.
Tell them you love them.
Show them you love them.
Honor their decisions.
Have dinner together and have them pray.
Teach them to find comfort in the Holy Spirit.
Represent Christ everywhere you go.
Help then discern right from wrong.
Teach them to obey God.
Help them grasp that not all that society teaches is right.
Be involved even if it is long distance.
No absentee parenting - No excuses.
Give advice on how to treat young boys and young girls as they develop relationships.
Teach them equally yoked.
Let them see you reading Scripture and praying.
Learn their love language and practice it.
Lead them to accept Christ.
Teach them Bible verses and talk about the Bible in everyday life.
As a church - AIM YOUNG. Reach out to the young in everything.
Do not exhaust your children.
Follow God.
Send them to Weekend Retreats and Summer Camps for Christ.
Bless them. Learn about Biblical Blessings.
Be in a relationship with God.
Serve them.
Argue, discuss, sharpen, learn together.
Pray specifically for them.
Be in and with Christ daily.
Be a parent, friend, co-Christ follower.
Know that what you/we do as adults matters to children.
Step out in faith and be an example.
Serve in the church.
Lead your children to serve in the church.
Involve children in ministry.
Be completely God's.
Listen to them.
Apologize to them when needed.
Admit parenting mistakes to them.
Relate to them on their level when in conversation.
Love and be committed to your spouse.
Teach them the Bible.
Have fun with them.
Be active with them.
Have supper together at the table.
Shut off cell phones and go "old school".
Worship regularly.
Raise them in Christ and not in the church.
Discipline as needed - spare the rod, spoil the child.
Teach then to not fear the world they live in - Show them.
Pray with them after "time out".
Live in forgiveness.
Teach consequences, but live in forgiveness.
Demonstrate tough love when needed.
Remember - kids are people too.
Tell them you love them.
Show them you love them.
Honor their decisions.
Have dinner together and have them pray.
Teach them to find comfort in the Holy Spirit.
Represent Christ everywhere you go.
Help then discern right from wrong.
Teach them to obey God.
Help them grasp that not all that society teaches is right.
Be involved even if it is long distance.
No absentee parenting - No excuses.
Give advice on how to treat young boys and young girls as they develop relationships.
Teach them equally yoked.
Let them see you reading Scripture and praying.
Learn their love language and practice it.
Lead them to accept Christ.
Teach them Bible verses and talk about the Bible in everyday life.
As a church - AIM YOUNG. Reach out to the young in everything.
Do not exhaust your children.
Follow God.
Send them to Weekend Retreats and Summer Camps for Christ.
Bless them. Learn about Biblical Blessings.
Be in a relationship with God.
Serve them.
Argue, discuss, sharpen, learn together.
Pray specifically for them.
Be in and with Christ daily.
Be a parent, friend, co-Christ follower.
Know that what you/we do as adults matters to children.
Step out in faith and be an example.
Serve in the church.
Lead your children to serve in the church.
Involve children in ministry.
Be completely God's.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Free and Forgiven
One of the greatest barriers to the cleansed life of joy and fellowship with God is our ingrained unwillingness to accept the work of our advocate and with thanksgiving step out as persons who are free and forgiven.
The Secret Of A Spirit Filled Life, Charles L. Chaney
The Secret Of A Spirit Filled Life, Charles L. Chaney
Friday, June 14, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Ask
And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name I will do it. John 14:13-14
When The Holy Spirit Fills Us
1. We realize and recognize the presence of Jesus Christ in our daily life.
2. He creates the Holiness of God in our daily life..
3. He produces the mighty work of Christ in and through us in our daily life.
The Secret Of A Spirit Filled Life, Charles L. Chaney
2. He creates the Holiness of God in our daily life..
3. He produces the mighty work of Christ in and through us in our daily life.
The Secret Of A Spirit Filled Life, Charles L. Chaney
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
The Living Christ
Christianity without the living Christ is inevitably Christianity without discipleship, and Christianity with discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Important Reminder For a Follower of Jesus Christ
Reminding ourselves of the gospel is the most important daily habit we can possess. - C.J. Mahaney
Saturday, June 01, 2013
Sow A Thought...
Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Holy Huddles Are Helpful
Sin demands to have a man by himself. It withdrwas him from the community. The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be he power of sin over him. - Dietrich Bonheoffer, Life Together
STP
S - Stop: During your day pause in between activities, appointments, responsibilities and take a few seconds to...
T - Think: When you pause for a few seconds and calm your mind and heart give thought to your day, your tasks, your life, your family, your ____________ , and then ...
P - Pray: Offer up a quick prayer, listen to what God is whispering, look for the answer to what you have requested, thank God, praise God and move on into your day and keep STP'ing during the day.
T - Think: When you pause for a few seconds and calm your mind and heart give thought to your day, your tasks, your life, your family, your ____________ , and then ...
P - Pray: Offer up a quick prayer, listen to what God is whispering, look for the answer to what you have requested, thank God, praise God and move on into your day and keep STP'ing during the day.
10 Ways TO Apply Scripture To Your LIfe
1. Realize that all Scripture is God's Word.
2. Develop a personal time with God.
3. Read Scripture regularly.
4. Ask God for insight into His truth.
5. Listen to teachings on God's Word.
6. Become involved in a group that studies the Bible.
7. Memorize Scripture verses and passages.
8. Claim promises.
9. Act on Scriptural truths.
10. Align your prayers, your thoughts and your life with God and His Word.
2. Develop a personal time with God.
3. Read Scripture regularly.
4. Ask God for insight into His truth.
5. Listen to teachings on God's Word.
6. Become involved in a group that studies the Bible.
7. Memorize Scripture verses and passages.
8. Claim promises.
9. Act on Scriptural truths.
10. Align your prayers, your thoughts and your life with God and His Word.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Four Answers To Prayers
If the request is wrong, God says, NO.
If the timing is wrong, God says, SLOW.
If you are wrong, God says, GROW.
If the request is right,
the timing is right, and you are right,
God says, GO.
Too Busy Not To Pray, Bill Hybels
If the timing is wrong, God says, SLOW.
If you are wrong, God says, GROW.
If the request is right,
the timing is right, and you are right,
God says, GO.
Too Busy Not To Pray, Bill Hybels
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Revive Us
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Psalm 85:6-7
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Said the Robin to the Sparrow
Said the Robin to the Sparrow:
"I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so."
Said the Sparrow to the Robin,
"Friend, I think it must be,
That they have no heavenly Father,
Such as cares for you and me."
Elizabeth Cheney
"I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so."
Said the Sparrow to the Robin,
"Friend, I think it must be,
That they have no heavenly Father,
Such as cares for you and me."
Elizabeth Cheney
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
10 Things Caring Friends Will Do
1. Pray earnestly for you.
2. Spend time with you.
3. Help you when you need it.
4. Stand up for you.
5. Show you respect.
6. Keep your secrets.
7. Laugh and cry with you.
8. Listen carefully to you.
9. Fogive you.
10. Desire the best for you.
2. Spend time with you.
3. Help you when you need it.
4. Stand up for you.
5. Show you respect.
6. Keep your secrets.
7. Laugh and cry with you.
8. Listen carefully to you.
9. Fogive you.
10. Desire the best for you.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Psalm 150:1-6 The Message
Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;
Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;
Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;
Praise him with castanets and dance,
praise him with banjo and flute;
Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.
Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;
Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;
Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;
Praise him with castanets and dance,
praise him with banjo and flute;
Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.
Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!
Friday, April 19, 2013
I Peter 1:3-5 The Message
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Matthew 5:14-16 The Message
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Romans 12:1-2 The Message
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Choose Life - Obey The Lord
15 “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity; 16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the Lord your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it. 17 But if your heart turns away and you will not obey, but are drawn away and worship other gods and serve them, 18 I declare to you today that you shall surely perish. You will not prolong your days in the land where you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess it. 19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, 20 by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm 105:1-7
Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.
3 Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.
4 Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
5 Remember His wonders which He has done,
His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth,
6 O seed of Abraham, His servant,
O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!
7 He is the Lord our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.
3 Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.
4 Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
5 Remember His wonders which He has done,
His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth,
6 O seed of Abraham, His servant,
O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!
7 He is the Lord our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.
Monday, April 08, 2013
Thursday, April 04, 2013
Go - It's In The Easter Story
6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Mark 16:6-7
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Go - Power From On HIgh
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Luke 24:45-49
Luke 24:45-49
Go - Witnesses
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Acts 1:8
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Resurrection - Good Friday
It is Good Friday because God in the form of Jesus Chist took on all of your sins(mankind's sins) as the perfect Lamb of God. If your confess with your mouth that Jesus Chist is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be forgiven and saved from eternal separation from God (Hell) and will have eternal life in Heaven and a real life on earth now. Go to this link.
Accepting Jesus Christ
Accepting Jesus Christ
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Resurrection - Living The Resurrection - Pre Easter Thoughts For Post Easter Living
Post Easter Sunday Living:
Many followers of Christ observe Lent and give up something they enjoy for days prior to Easter Sunday with the idea of focusing on God. How about we practice Lent daily as we deny ourselves, take up our cross (not a burden but death to self) and follow Jesus as we live in His power and for His glory. Lent year round will help us live in the power of the resurrection. You cannot have the power of the resurrection without the death of the crucifixion.
Holy Week is a tradition in Christendom that is recognized from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. It is a time to reflect on the last week of Christ and seek to draw near to God. Holy Week really needs to be Holy Day everyday. As we realize just how much God loves us and His desire to live in and through us we will begin to live as God's people, a holy people, a people set apart to be in the world and yet not of the world. A people to be a light to the world - living witnesses of Gods redemption.
Easter Sunday is filled with anticipation as worship services are planned, sunrise services are planned, Easter egg hunts are planned and good crowds are anticipated for worship. In the resurrection of Jesus Christ we can live in anticipation regularly and live in an Easter heartset and mindset on a daily basis. God is victorious, Christ is risen, upon accepting Christ He live in you. It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. The power, compassion, mercy, truth and justice of God resides in His temple - Followers of Christ. We can approach every worship service with the anticipation that we bring to Easter Sunday. Wow - that will be incredible. We can approach everyday with the anticipation that we bring to Easter Sunday. Wow - what a way to live.
Easter is about NEW. New clothes, fresh flowers, Springtime, new shoes, new life. Jesus rising up from the dead is about NEW. He is making all things new, all things are new and all things will be new. We like NEW. Life in the resurrection is about NEW. New thoughts, creativity, forgiveness - which leads to new realms in relationships, new opportunities, a new future in Christ, new beginnings... NEW.
On Monday the 1st of April may we live in the resurrection and begin to grasp that Easter is much more than a Sunday or a season. Easter is life every day as we live in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Many followers of Christ observe Lent and give up something they enjoy for days prior to Easter Sunday with the idea of focusing on God. How about we practice Lent daily as we deny ourselves, take up our cross (not a burden but death to self) and follow Jesus as we live in His power and for His glory. Lent year round will help us live in the power of the resurrection. You cannot have the power of the resurrection without the death of the crucifixion.
Holy Week is a tradition in Christendom that is recognized from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. It is a time to reflect on the last week of Christ and seek to draw near to God. Holy Week really needs to be Holy Day everyday. As we realize just how much God loves us and His desire to live in and through us we will begin to live as God's people, a holy people, a people set apart to be in the world and yet not of the world. A people to be a light to the world - living witnesses of Gods redemption.
Easter Sunday is filled with anticipation as worship services are planned, sunrise services are planned, Easter egg hunts are planned and good crowds are anticipated for worship. In the resurrection of Jesus Christ we can live in anticipation regularly and live in an Easter heartset and mindset on a daily basis. God is victorious, Christ is risen, upon accepting Christ He live in you. It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. The power, compassion, mercy, truth and justice of God resides in His temple - Followers of Christ. We can approach every worship service with the anticipation that we bring to Easter Sunday. Wow - that will be incredible. We can approach everyday with the anticipation that we bring to Easter Sunday. Wow - what a way to live.
Easter is about NEW. New clothes, fresh flowers, Springtime, new shoes, new life. Jesus rising up from the dead is about NEW. He is making all things new, all things are new and all things will be new. We like NEW. Life in the resurrection is about NEW. New thoughts, creativity, forgiveness - which leads to new realms in relationships, new opportunities, a new future in Christ, new beginnings... NEW.
On Monday the 1st of April may we live in the resurrection and begin to grasp that Easter is much more than a Sunday or a season. Easter is life every day as we live in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Resurrection - Your Own Sunrise Worship
This Easter Sunday if the church you are a part of is not having a Sunrise Worship Service go out and have your own Sunrise Worship Service or have a family and friend Sunrise Worship Service. Read Scripture about the resurrection and ask God to fill you with His power for His glory as you empty yourself before Him and declare, "Jesus Christ is Lord."
Then go worship with others believers and leave the good parking spaces for guest, welcome everyone you encounter - especially those you do not know, pray for people to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord, pray for your pastor and leaders, and worship the Risen Lord.
Then go worship with others believers and leave the good parking spaces for guest, welcome everyone you encounter - especially those you do not know, pray for people to accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord, pray for your pastor and leaders, and worship the Risen Lord.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Resurrection - Mark 16:1-13
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, they *came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 Looking up, they *saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large. 5 Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. 6 And he *said to them, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.’” 8 They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
9 Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it. 12 After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country. 13 They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either.
9 Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it. 12 After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country. 13 They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Resurrection - I Corinthians 15:3-8
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; 7 then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Christianity Not Churchanity - God Desires A Relationship With You
My mission is to introduce Christianity into Christedom - Soren Kierkegaard
He Walks... - God Desires A Relationship With You
He walks with me, and He talks with me, and he tells me I am His own; and the joys we share as we tarry there none other has ever known.
You Matter - God Desires A Relationship With You
Your life matters
You were created as one of a kind
The mold was broken after you were born
Your life matters
There’s no one else like you
There’s no one else meant to do the things that you were meant to do
Your life matters
You were brought into this world for a purpose
You were brought into this world to touch someone’s life
You were brought into this world to share your special gift
Your life matters
To find your purpose you must search
You must try new things
You must not give up
Because your life matters
You must have faith, as faith will guide you
You must trust, trust God to help you find your purpose
Because your life matters
No purpose is too big or too small
Because your purpose is needed
Because your life matters
By Andrea Williams
You were created as one of a kind
The mold was broken after you were born
Your life matters
There’s no one else like you
There’s no one else meant to do the things that you were meant to do
Your life matters
You were brought into this world for a purpose
You were brought into this world to touch someone’s life
You were brought into this world to share your special gift
Your life matters
To find your purpose you must search
You must try new things
You must not give up
Because your life matters
You must have faith, as faith will guide you
You must trust, trust God to help you find your purpose
Because your life matters
No purpose is too big or too small
Because your purpose is needed
Because your life matters
Without you
someone will be hurt
Without you someone will be sad
Without you someone will fall
Without you a life will not be touched
Your life matters
So put on that smile
Strap on your armor of strength
Get your shield of faith
And go find your purpose
Because your life matters
Without you someone will be sad
Without you someone will fall
Without you a life will not be touched
Your life matters
So put on that smile
Strap on your armor of strength
Get your shield of faith
And go find your purpose
Because your life matters
By Andrea Williams
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Prepare Your Heart - God Desires A Relationship With You
He (God) is a person and can be known in increasing degrees of intimacy as we prepare our hearts for the wonder of it. - A.W. Tozer
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Follow Me - God Desires A Relationship With You
16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.
Mark 1: 16-20
Mark 1: 16-20
God Strolling In - God Desires A Relationship With You
8 They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.”
Genesis 3:8-11
Genesis 3:8-11
Psalm 146
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 I will praise the Lord while I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
3 Do not trust in princes,
In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 His spirit departs, he returns to the earth;
In that very day his thoughts perish.
5 How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth,
The sea and all that is in them;
Who keeps faith forever;
7 Who executes justice for the oppressed;
Who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free.
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 I will praise the Lord while I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
3 Do not trust in princes,
In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 His spirit departs, he returns to the earth;
In that very day his thoughts perish.
5 How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth,
The sea and all that is in them;
Who keeps faith forever;
7 Who executes justice for the oppressed;
Who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free.
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
The Lord raises up those who are bowed down;
The Lord loves the righteous;
9 The Lord protects the strangers;
He supports the fatherless and the widow,
But He thwarts the way of the wicked.
10 The Lord will reign forever,
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!
The Lord raises up those who are bowed down;
The Lord loves the righteous;
9 The Lord protects the strangers;
He supports the fatherless and the widow,
But He thwarts the way of the wicked.
10 The Lord will reign forever,
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Christ In Me - Confession Is Good For the Soul
Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,
Oh, to be lost in Thee:
Oh, that it might be no more I,
But Christ that lives in me.
Oh, to be lost in Thee:
Oh, that it might be no more I,
But Christ that lives in me.
Forgiveness - Confession Is Good For The Soul
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
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This post may seem long and yet it is only the beginning. Followers of Jesus Christ need to turn to God, worship Him - surrender to Him, see...






























