You Don't Have To Hide - Joy Williams

You Don't Have To Hide, Joy Williams

Give it a listen.

Fears And Doubts

Some say if only my fears and doubts will leave then I will go to work. But instead you should get to work and then your fears and doubts will leave. D. L. Moody

Walk Towards God

My Thoughts About Lent

Wiki About Lent

Ash Wednesday, Madigras, Lent, Holy Week, and the Passion of Christ are in the news and on some people's mind these days. Over the past five years or so I have had some good and interesting conversations and discussions with friends, family members, colleagues and church members about Lent. I have even been asked if I participate and others have shared with me how they plan to participate.

So I must say, I think lent is a little ridiculous. Actually, I think it is absolutely preposterous. Yes, I am aware that this is "out there" for some and may cause your heart to stir and may even lead you to become a little bothered. Good. Now that the blood is pumping and the mind is stirred please read on.

This Blog is about hope so I must explain myself a bit. It seems Lent was started with good intent and yet "the drift factor" has occurred. Lent seems to have been a time for people to draw near to God and dwell on God and His love, sacrifice and power as Easter Sunday approached. The conversations and discussions I have been involved in are about giving up Coke, electronic devices, chocolate or even a fav TV program or other trite aspects of life during the 40 days of Lent. "The drift" factor has definitely taken place and therefore I do not care for Lent. Well, I guess I do like Lent if we as followers of the Way would seek to live it daily. Not the practice of giving up Coke, electronic devices, a TV show or even a favorite candy bar, but Lent in the sense that we draw near to God, dwell on and seek to walk in God's love, sacrifice, grace, holiness, and power on a daily basis as we follow Jesus Christ. Lent is a seasonal practice for many Christians yet it needs to be a daily expression for all followers of Jesus Christ. I do know a handful of followers who practice Lent in its full intent during the season, but I also know that they practice Lent in it's intent all of the time. So they are Lented followers (in it's full intent) all of the time. I mean they fast, pray, give, serve, read Scripture, love people, struggle with God, love God, converse with God, are Kingdom oriented and seek to live in Christ 23.5/6.3 (No one is perfect).

So I say, "forget Lent, the season." Enjoy your Coke, enjoy your candy bar, enjoy the TV show, use the electronic device in Christ. "In Christ", if not in Christ then move away from these things. I mean, I like my Dr Pepper, but if I drink the Dr. as much as I would like to there would be so much more of me (weight) than there should be. Catch the meaning. It's not just about health by the way, it's about "In Christ" which is "For Christ" which is "About Christ" which is "Of Christ". The early Church had a mantra long before Lent came along, "Jesus Christ is Lord." They got Lent without Lent, because they walked in the power of God and gave themselves fully to God.

So let's get the lint out of our pockets, purses, pillow cases, dryer vents and socks and get the Lent out of our lives so the Christ of Lent, the Christ of hope can increase in our lives and we can then experience His power in and through us which will bring others to Him. After all, Lent is about focusing on God and when we really do that others will be drawn to Him.

Galatians 2:20 NLT

Hosea 6:6 - The Living Bible

I (God) don't want your sacrifices - I want your love; I don't want your offerings, -I want you to know me .

There Will Be A Day - Jeremy Camp

The Ress and Early Christianity

The only possible reason why early Christianity began and took the shape that it did is that the tomb really was empty and that people really did meet Jesus, alive again.

N.T. Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God

Good News

The Good News of John, Chapter 20

Hope - Christ Was Raised

"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins."
I Corinthians 15:17 The Apostle Paul

The Symbol For Christianity

Missional Church - Timothy Keller

What Is Bigger Than Your Fears?

To The Ends Of The Earth

To The Ends Of The Earth from Drew Cline on Vimeo.

Your Life Matters

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

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

By Andrea Williams

In Memory Of Aunt Billye

I received word this past Monday morning that a dear relative passed away earlier that same morning. I remember Aunt Billye as a strong, fun, lively, gracious lady. She was kind, considerate, smart and had a "git ur dun" mindset. She and Uncle Tommy were fun people to be around and many family members enjoyed staying in their home for holidays we celebrated together. I especially remember her Red Velvet cake. I can taste it now. I mean, super"D"delicious, melt in your mouth Red Velvet cake. As I look back I am surprised that we did not have family feuds over slices of the cake. I guess miracles really do happen, and who knows Jesus Christ Himself may be enjoying a slice in Heaven as I write. I thank God for Aunt Billye, Uncle Tommy and their family. May Aunt Billye rejoice in Heaven and may her loved ones experience the peace and comfort of God.

A Beautiful Obituary

Billye Joy Nethery Landers, 82, went home to her Lord and Savior Monday, February 28, 2011.
Billye was born October 14, 1928 to Gladys and Emmitt Nethery in Maybelle, TX. She graduated from Vernon High School in Vernon, TX. She met and married the love of her life, Paul Thomas "Tom" Landers July 9, 1947 in Abilene, TX. They moved to Clyde, TX in 1968. She was a devout Christian and long time member of the Elmdale Baptist Church and subsequently the First Baptist Church in Clyde.
Billye was a homemaker until her two girls were grown and then she was a rural route postal carrier in Clyde for many years. She was a charter member of the Ladies Friendship Sunday school class at First Baptist Church at Clyde. She was a steadfast and faithful volunteer at the Clyde Public Library for many years.
She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her life was a fulfillment of Titus 2 and Proverbs 31. She was a true example to the younger women in her life whether they were her own daughters, granddaughters, great-daughters or just women in her life. She was truly a faithful servant to her husband. She" spoke with wisdom and faithful instruction was on her tongue" Proverbs 31:26.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Emmitt Nethery and brother, Eldon Nethery.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Paul Thomas "Tom "Landers, daughter and son-in-law Cheryl and Randy Chlouber, daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Barry Johnson; three grandchildren, Jennifer Boles and husband James, Michael Chapman and wife Jamie and Jeff Chlouber; and eight great-grandchildren, Austin, Caitlynn, Logan and Quentin Boles, Mica, Miette, Ellie Chlouber and Abigail Joy Chapman; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Tommy "Oily" Henderson, bother-in-law and sister-in-law Jack and Annette Frazier as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Family will receive visitors Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:30 PM at Bailey-Howard Funeral Home in Clyde, TX. Billye's life will be celebrated Thursday at 2:00PM at the First Baptist Church in Clyde with a graveside service to follow.

The Symbol Of Christianity

Worship Through the Scriptures

The scripture references are there for informational purposes only. Do not read them. All scripture taken from the NIV Bible. Included at the bottom of this page is a link for a PowerPoint presentation of these verses. The idea is to project them on the screen as the verses are being read. Also included are the image files for use in MediaShout or other worship software.

One: ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (1 Chronicles 16:29)

Two: You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. (Nehemiah 9:6)

One: Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalm 29:2)

Two: Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; (Psalm 95:6)

One: Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. (Psalm 96:9)

Two: Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. (Psalm 99:5)

One: Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy. (Psalm 99:9)

Two: Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (Psalm 100:2)

One: The Lord will be awesome to them the nations on every shore will worship him, every one in its own land. (Zephaniah 2:11)

Two: Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. (John 4:23)

One: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)

Two: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, (Hebrews 12:28)

One: Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

Two: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:8)

Both: Come! Let us worship the Lord!

Taken from www.nailscars.com

This Is The Message Of Hope In Christianity

Redeemed - How I Love To Proclaim It!

1. Redeemed--how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.

Chorus:
Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child, and forever, I am.

2. Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

3. I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long;
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

4. I know I shall see in His beauty
The King in whose way I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,
And giveth me songs in the night.

Words by Fanny J. Crosby

Where Were You

"Where were you Lord
When my heart was breaking in two?"
"I was there", the Lord said,
"Holding it together for you."

"Where were you Lord
When fear showed its face to me?"
"I was there," the Lord said,
"Protecting you from its grasp and keeping you free."

"Where were you Lord
When circumstances turned my joy to pain?"
"I was there," the Lord said,
"Those were my tears you felt, not tiny drops of rain."

"Where were you Lord
When my eyes were blinded and I could not see?"
"I was there," the Lord said,
"Guiding you where you needed to be."

"Where were you Lord
When I thought for me death would be best?"
"I was there," the Lord said
"Giving you purpose. Giving you rest."

"Where were you Lord
When storms of life encircled me?"
"I was there," the Lord said,
"Surrounding you with my arms and holding you next to me."

"Where were you Lord
When confusion came and I didn’t know what to do?"
"I was there," the Lord said
"I placed peace inside of you."

"Where were you Lord
When around me my enemies did swarm?"
"I was there," the Lord said,
"Protecting you from harm."

"Where were you, my child
When I called out your name?"
"I was busy and didn’t hear you Lord,
I’m sorry and ashamed."

"Your repentance has been heard,
I forgive you," said the Lord.
"It is the heart inside I see.
When your in need just call on me."

" I’LL BE THERE," said the LORD.