After the Rain

Whatever our cross, whatever our pain,
there will be His sunshine after the rain.

We may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God is always ready to answer our call.

He knows every heartache, He sees our every tear,
a word from His lips will calm our every fear.

Our sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But will vanish in His dawn's early light.

The Father is waiting, somewhere above,
giving us His grace in Jesus and sending His love.

Poem by Jane Day

Living the Call Together - - - - - - - - - - All for the Glory of God

The Stranger

A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small town in eastern Pennsylvania. Way back then people were used to helping each other out by necessity. From the beginning, my Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer, and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later. As I grew up I never questioned his place in our family. Mom taught me to love the Word of God. Dad taught me to obey it. But the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries and comedies were his daily conversations. He could hold our whole family spellbound for hours each evening. He was like a friend to the whole family. He took Dad, my brother and I to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies and he even made arrangements to introduce us to several movie stars. The stranger was an incessant talker. Dad didn't seem to mind, but sometimes Mom would quietly get up - while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places - and go to her room read her Bible and pray. I wonder now, if she ever prayed that the stranger would leave. You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions. But this stranger never felt an obligation to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house - not from us, from our friends, or adults. Our longtime visitor, however, used occasional four-letter words that burned my ears and made Dad squirm. To my knowledge the stranger was never confronted. My dad was a teetotaler who didn't permit alcohol in our home - not even for cooking. But the stranger felt he needed to exposure us and enlightened us to other ways of life. He offered us beer and other alcoholic beverages often. He made cigarettes look tasty, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely about sex. His comments were sometimes suggestive and generally embarrassing to me. I know now that my early concepts of the man/woman relationship were influenced by the stranger. As I look back, I believe it was by the grace of God that the stranger did not influence us more. Time after time he opposed the values of my parents. Yet he was seldom rebuked and never asked to leave. Many years have passed since that stranger had moved in. But if I were to walk into my parent's den today, you would still see him sitting over in a corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures. His name? We always called him TV.

Living the Call Together - - - - - - - - - - All for the Glory of God

Is Our Testimony Worth More Than A Quarter

Several years ago, a preacher accepted a call to a church in Houston,Texas .
Some weeks after he arrived, he rode the bus to the downtown area.
When he sat down, he discovered that the driver
had given him a quarter too much change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself,
You'd better give the quarter back.
It would be wrong to keep it.
Then he thought, Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter.
Who would worry about this little amount?
Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it.
Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.
It all balances out anyway,
because many times I'm shorted on change given back to me.

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door,
and then he handed the quarter to the driver
and said, 'Here,you gave me too much change.''

The driver, with a smile, replied,
'Aren't you the new preacher in town?'
'Yes' he replied.

Well, I have been thinking about going somewhere to worship.
I wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change.
I'll see you at church on Sunday.

When the preacher stepped off of the bus,
he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on,
and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read.
This is a real example of how much people watch us as Christians
and will put us to the test!
May we always be on guard,
and remember that we represent Jesus to the world we live in.

May we watch our thoughts - they become words.
May we watch our words - they become actions.
May we watch our actions - they become habits..
May we watch our habits - they become character.
May we watch our character - it effects others.

A friend forwarded this to me.

Living the Call Together - - - - - - - - - - All for the Glory of God

So... Your Not Going To Pray or Read My Word

"I had a personal shipwreck in 1984 up in Alaska...
That morning before I left for work... I was frustrated with being a Christian...
my life was horrible it was nothing like the name it and claim it faith...
it was the exact opposite... my family was in ruins and I was working, but broke...
after reading and praying every single chance since 1977...
I couldn't bear it any more...
couldn't be strong or faithful... bla bla bla...
so I cursed God and threw my bible in the garbage can...
saying as I walked out the door for work...
I was "never" gonna read His word again
and was never gonna pray again "ever"...

Long story... short, I was knocked overboard off a barge that day...
fully dressed in boots, arctic coveralls pants, long johns coat and gloves...
I sunk like a stone went down so deep my ears almost burst...
I started praying God save me...
I heard a voice say...
"so your not gonna pray no more...
your not gonna read My word no more?"
I couldn't repent fast enough, all I could do is say I'm sorry I didn't mean it...
please help me...
When I finally reached the surface, I knew I was screwed...
The water was freezing and I couldn't get my boots off.
I was so tired of treading water... but it was sink or swim...
God help me I prayed with every stroke...
When I finally made it to the side of the barge there was nothing to hang onto...
so I floated down it's side and then I saw the tug boat churning powerfully against the current...
I realized I was gonna get ground up inside it's propellers ...
I was ready to die a horrible death worse than drowning...
all of a sudden my glove was caught on a little bur of metal
that was sticking out on the wall of the barge...
it was the cotton of my glove that got snagged and held...
I was totally at the end of my strength exhausted and frozen...
but ooooh so grateful... it took six men to pull me up to the deck of the barge.
I just collapsed there.

When I got home, I dug my bible out of the trash can
and asked God to show me something...
I opened up to Psalms 34... in the old living bible...
and read... "the Lord is near to all who's hearts are breaking...
He rescues those who are sorry for their sins... the good man has his troubles...
but the Lord saves him... He even protects him from calamity and accidents"...

I have been sailing with Him ever since."
(Dan Tindal - State of Washington)

Thank you Dan for sharing your testimony with us.
You can learn more, on what the Lord has been doing with Dan since that day by becoming a fan of FaceBook "City Church" page.

He is now giving his life to pulling others onto the deck of the Lord's ship.

You are a blessing, brother... finish strong for Him.

Think Again

We think: "It's impossible" - God says: All things are possible.
(Luke 18:27)

We think: "I'm too tired" - God says: I will give you rest.
(Matthew 11:28-30)

We think: "Nobody really loves me" - God says: I love you.
(John 2: 16 & John 13:34)

We think: "I can't go on" - God says: My Grace is sufficient.
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

We think: "I can't figure things out" - God says: I will direct your steps.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

We think: "I can't do it" - God says: You can do all things.
(Phillipians 4:13)

We think: "I'm not able" - God says: I am able.
(II Corinthians 9:8)

We think: "It's not worth it" - God says: It will be worth it.
(Romans 8:28)

We think: "I can't forgive myself" - God says: I forgive you.
(I John 1:9)

We think: "I can't manage" - God says: I will supply all your needs.
(Phil 4:19)

We think: "I'm afraid" - God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear.
(II Tim 1:7)

We think: "I'm always worried" - God says: Cast all your cares on me.
(I Peter 5:7)

We think: "I don't have enough faith" - God says: I've given faith.
(Romans 12:3)

We think: "I'm not smart enough" - God says: I give you wisdom.
(I Corinthians 1:30)

We think: "I feel all alone" - God says: I will never forsake you.
(Hebrews 13:5)

Thank you Erlend Hovdhaugen

When Tears Turn Into Joy

Psalm 126:5-6 "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."

When we pray for a lost friend, we break up the harden ground with the spiritual plow of prayer, watering it with our tears, and making it ripe to receive the seed of the Word.

May we pray for our lost friends until our tears water their harden hearts. When our hearts are so stirred that we weep over others... a powerful witness will seep out of us.

"I have tears for my own sins....but God dries them for me with His hand of forgiveness... but for the lost souls of others... it is a pain unspeakable." (Linda Fawkes)

"The power of the heart when stirred by the Spirit within... will move us with compassion, travail and tears." (Scott Harper)

Sow in tears - "There are tears which are themselves the seed that we must sow; tears of sorrow for sin, our own and others; tears of sympathy with the afflicted church; and tears of tenderness in prayer and under the word." (Matthew Henry)

Will reap - "God's word shall not fail. Nothing shall prevent the harvest of a laborer in the Father's vineyard."
(Humphrey Hardwick.)

Songs of joy - "The Spirit of God by His convictions comes into the soul with some terrors, but it closes with peace and joy. As we say of the month of March, it enters like a lion, but goes out like a lamb." (William Gumall)

PSALM 40:3 "And he has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD!"

"May His bright light shine out through us - May it shine far and wide - Showing others how their lives could be - With Jesus by their side." (Pauline Macpherson)

"In much the same way stained glass is made up of pieces of shattered and broken glass and when His marvelous light shines through it creates a spectacular spectrum of color that cannot be achieved from ordinary glass... the signs that it was once broken are still visible but it is seen through an entirely different perspective." (Mike Clark)

"With our brokenness, God will bring beauty and full restoration."
(Roma C-Pirri)

"Tears are the raindrops of the soul." (Tom Zart)

Living the Call Together - - - - - - - - - - All for the Glory of God

A Love That Overcomes

"Love covers a multitude of sins"
As we grow to love with our Father's love...
our "behaviors" will change.

Galatians 5:13 "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

WHEN WE LOVE... we will not steal - we will not curse - we will not covet - we will not judge - we will not keep score of offenses - we will forgive - we will seek the best interest of others - we will give - we will surrender all to the Father's ways. This in many ways is a picture of the ongoing process of sanctification in a believer's life.

"GOD IS LOVE" May we in Christ... allow our "behaviors" to be directed and motivated by "His love". Our "behaviors" should not be driven by the expectations of man. Trying to obey the laws of man's religious do's and donot's... will gain nothing before our Father.

Attempts to self discipline our flesh will always end in failure. Battling our flesh in our own strength is like trying to calm a hurricane with our bare hands. It is time, we stop beating ourselves up on this and start loving with "God's love". God's love never fails.

When God's love reigns in us we will be able to forgive others
and humbly be able to ask those we have offended for their forgiveness.

May we continue to be hid in Christ having His LOVE reigning in us.
Colossians 3:3 "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God"

The Knots Prayer - "Dear God - Please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and my life. - Remove the have nots, the cannots and the do nots that I have in my mind. - Erase the will nots, may nots and might nots that may find a home in my heart. - Release me from the could nots, would nots and should nots that obstruct my life. - Thank you Jesus." (Annelize Hayes)

"His love brings the Hope that unties all the knots in our minds and hearts." (Teresa Brady)

"Many tears I have cried in thinking I was letting people down and letting God down... wishing I could be healed and hating myself for being so weak... Until God in His mercy showed me not to worry about what others were thinking... not to listen to their criticism... but to just accept that God loved me as I was... HE LOVED ME... SO I COULD SHAKE THE HAND OF PEACE WITH MYSELF." (Linda Fawkes)

Living the Call Together - - - - - - - - - - All for the Glory of God

Being Refined for His Glory

God is in hot pursuit of us! God wants us to burn with the fire of His presence in every area of our lives. May we choose to forgive. May we choose to lay down all our disappointments. Choose to lay down all our discouragements. Choose to expect God's goodness and fiery presence to awaken us afresh.

He wants us to be totally free from everything that has hindered. May we choose today to align our will with His. Choose to live God's presence in JESUS CHRIST and receive fresh hope, fresh encouragement, fresh vision, fresh energy, and fresh oil for this season!

In refining silver, a silversmith holds a piece of silver over a hot fire and lets it heat up. The silver must be kept in the middle of the fire where the flames are the hottest inorder to burn away all the impurities.

The silversmith must sit in front of the fire the whole time of the refining, keeping a close watch on the silver as it is heated up. If the silver were to be left a moment too long in the heat, it would be destroyed.

One silversmith was asked how do you know the moment when the silver is fully refined.? He answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

When we feel the heat of the fire... may we remember that God has his eye on us and is watching over us.

Psalm 12:6 "The words of the LORD are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." May we trust in them, always.

Living the Call Together - - - - - - - - - - All for the Glory of God

The Battle Between Duty and Desire

Christ is the end of "duty" and the beginning of "desire".
Another way of saying this would be... Christ is the end of the "Law" and the beginning of "Grace".

God is love and His love is foreign to our flesh (old nature).
One of the things our flesh seeks is recognition and acceptance by man, which can lead to works.

Doing stuff out of duty and conformity... is a "religion".
We are called to serve our Lord out of love... not man's expectations.

When we do something because we "want" to do it... it is not a burden, but a joyful desire. How different it is when we feel we "ought" to do this or that out of a sense of duty or compliance.

"A perfect man would never act from sense of duty; he’d always want the right thing more than the wrong one. Duty is only a substitute for the love of God and of other people... like a crutch which is a substitute for a leg." (C.S. Lewis)

Our life in Christ should not be "duty", but an intimate personal relationship of devotion. This sometimes gets lost in the church framework of "stuff to do". The mere suspicion that acts of kindness done in the "church body" are being done out of "duty" instead of the love of Christ... poisons the waters... with wormwood.

"We do not wish either to be, or to live among, people who are clean or honest or kind as a matter of duty: we want to be, and associate with, people who like being clean and honest and kind. The mere suspicion that what seemed an act of spontaneous friendliness or generosity was really done as a duty subsequently poisons it." (William Tyndale)

In serving our Lord... we need to guard our hearts from becoming performance driven to please man or church institutions... instead of having a love driven relationship with Him.

There is a big different between having a relationship driven faith and a works driven one.

WE CANNOT FAKE or MANUFACTURE THE LOVE OF GOD... WE NEED TO LIVE IT. Death to "self" and alive in the love of Christ.

"Die to self before you die... there is no chance after wards."
(C.S. Lewis)

When we surrender "self" completely to Jesus... our tree will produce good fruit for His Kingdom and people will see the love of Him in us.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." - Matthew 16:24

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Obeying God Takes Courage

When the apostles were told to stop preaching in Jesus’ name,
they responded,
“We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

"Nothing good can come from rebelling against the Lord
and nothing bad can come from obeying Him...
even physical death for the sake of following the Lord
is better than denying Him." (Charles Stanley)

God may ask us to do something that doesn't make sense
from a human perspective.

When we need to make an important decision,
may we not rely primarily on our own reasoning,
the opinions of others, or even what worked in the past.
May we get on our knees before the Lord
and pour out our heart.

Spend time prayerfully reading His Word.
Listen for His voice, and then follow His specific guidance
for your life.

Obeying God takes courage...
because following His will often leads to conflict.
We must be willing to do what is right anyway...
fully surrendering to Him.

Noah was asked to build a massive boat...
which made him the laughing stock of his community.
But he was ready when the flood came. ARE WE READY ?

Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.
If we will take to heart this one principle,
we will have the awesome privilege of watching the Lord
accomplish great things in and through us.

( Thank you Charles Stanley for this word.)

"A religion that gives nothing - costs nothing - suffers nothing - is worth nothing." (Martin Luther)

"We need to do the WHAT and leave the HOW to God." (Joy Rollins)

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

May We Not Be Part Of The Mess

"To act like the rest
Makes you part of the mess.
To be salt
Where there is no taste,
And be light
In a gloomy place,
We must be so unlike
The seething throng
Who as slaves are held
In the senseless grip
Of the need to fight
Wrong with wrong.
To act like others
Is to let them smother
Your light
And kill your fire
Until you are cold and dark,
Just like others.

How could you ever get even,
When in Acts you read of Stephen,
Who forgave while being stoned
And the Lord rose from his throne
To honor a forgiver
Whose love flowed as a river
That would never be stopped;
Who lived as a giver
Till the moment he dropped;
Only to be raised,
And for endless days,
Crowned with heavenly praise?

There’s no better way
To make the devil’s day
Than to fight for right
The wrong way.
There’s no greater way
To multiply evil
Than to try to stop evil
By acting like the devil.
When you come against sin
In the lives of others,
You either act like the Son
Or the devil has won.

We need a way
That’s better still;
That makes the supernatural real.
So lift your eyes even higher,
Through the clouds
Of heroes that inspire;
Go beyond human feats
Till your eyes meet
Your glorious Savior.

This does not mean
An end to pain;
Christ will lead you
Through the flame;
He’ll take you to the cross,
Where, like him,
You’ll suffer shame
And temporary loss,
To win eternal fame."

By Colette Guindon

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Was It The Lightning or God

My Wife directed our children's Christmas program today and she couldn't find any wings for her angel Kelsey Groll, so she prayed asking God for help in finding some wings. At the second practice, the lightning was used and she heard someone say " Look she has wings" and there they were. God answered the prayer. Thank you God for the Awesome wings. You never know how God will answer your prayers, but He aways does.

I'm convinced it was the light of God
that made those wings...
I can see the outline of feathers.

Be a Caleb

Do Not Listen To Others Who Choose To Fear the Giants.

Be a Caleb... do not fear the giants before you...
focus on the power of God and walk in His promises.

Tune out the negative voices of doubt
and possess what God wants you to inherit.

You are close to a special victory that the Lord has for you...
walk out from the crowd and grab hold of Jesus...
then tell the giants in your life to leave.

Choose to believe His Word,
and He will do what others say is impossible
and lead you into your promise land. (Numbers 14)

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

LORD ENLARGE MY HEART

These words and thoughts are from David Wilkerson... a brother I disagree with at times, but that is the purpose of this post... LORD ENLARGE MY HEART FOR THOSE WHO ARE DIFFERENT THAN ME.

The evangelists George Whitefield and John Wesley were two of the greatest preachers in history. These men preached to thousands in open meetings, on the streets, in parks and prisons, and through their ministries many were brought to Christ.

But a doctrinal dispute arose between the two men over how a person is sanctified. Both doctrinal camps defended their positions strongly, and some vicious words were exchanged, with the followers of both men arguing in unseemly fashion.

A follower of Whitefield came to him one day and asked, “Will we see John Wesley in heaven?” He was asking, in effect, “How can Wesley be saved if he’s preaching such error?”

Whitefield answered, “No, we will not see John Wesley in heaven. He will be so high up near Christ’s throne, so close to the Lord, that we won’t be able to see him.”

Paul called this kind of spirit “enlargement of heart.” And he had it himself as he wrote to the Corinthians, a church in which some had accused him of hardness and who had sneered at his preaching. Paul assured them, “O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged” (2 Corinthians 6:11).

When God enlarges your heart, suddenly so many limits and barriers are removed! You don’t see through a narrow lens anymore. Instead, you find yourself being directed by the Holy Spirit to those who are hurting. And the hurting are drawn to your compassionate spirit by the Holy Ghost’s magnetic pull.

So, do you have a gentleness of heart when you see hurting people? When you see a brother or sister who has stumbled in sin or may be having problems, are you tempted to tell them what’s wrong in their lives? Paul says that hurting ones need to be restored in a spirit of meekness and gentleness. They need to encounter the spirit that Jesus demonstrated.

Here is the cry of my heart for my remaining days: “God, take away all narrowness from my heart. I want your spirit of compassion for those who are hurting…your spirit of forgiveness when I see someone who’s fallen…your spirit of restoration, to take away their reproach.

“Take away all exclusiveness from my heart, and enlarge my capacity to love my enemies. When I approach someone who’s in sin, let me not go in judgment. Instead, let the well of water springing up in me be a river of divine love for them. And let the love that’s shown to them kindle in them a love for others.”

BEING A SERVANT TO ALL - May we each obey our call and serve God... as He has purposed in our hearts and shown us in His Word. "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:15-17)

God Knows About Broken Hearts

Great Video...
Got a problem... run to God.

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Mustard Seed Faith

Unless a seed dies it cannot live...
So I'm learning to daily die to self...
New growth is happening...
Praise God.

Faith The Size Of A Mustard Seed
Faith the size of a mustard seed
Will move a mighty mountain
That's what His word tells me
To believe is to trust in Him

To know that His word is truth
To know that He will do as He says
To stand on those words
And accept them through his Grace

So why do I doubt
Why do I limit Him
Why do I fear
Is fear really a sin

Faith the size of a mustard seed
Is what I have and more
Yet I whine and cry
When adversity knocks on my door

I know my God is there
To wipe away my tears
I know my God is there
To calm all my fears

I know my God is there
To fix all that's broken
I know my God can do all things
With only one word spoken

He's the creator of all the universe
He's the creator of my soul
He's the reason I'm alive
He can make me whole

He takes me by the hand
He walks me through the dark
I've trusted Him through all the years
To chase away the enemy's sharks

Yet when a new problem arises
When I'm faced with sadness again
I cry and whine and wail
I guess I never learn

Faith the size of a mustard seed
Will move a mighty mountain
Nothing is impossible with God
When you simply trust in Him
Amen!!
Anonymous

Worship

Clear the stage and make some space
for the One who deserves to be front and center.

Please click below
to listen to an inspiring song about worship

CLICK HERE - "Clear the Stage" by Ross King

We Do Not Have To Speak For Jesus To Hear Us

"We Do Not Have To Speak
For Jesus To Hear Us...
When the pain leaves you speechless...
The hurt runs so deep you can't begin to pray...
Just be still In His presence...
Know He is there...
He knows your every thought...
He feels what you feel...
Let Him comfort your soul...
He will heal your heart and make you whole...
Just be still in His presence...
Be still."
(Still by Scott Zacaroli)

A SONG THAT WILL MINISTER TO YOUR HEART
Click On the Link below
and listen to this NEW song -"STILL" by Scott Zacaroli

CLICK HERE

"He leads me beside quiet waters and restores my soul." (Psalm 23:2)

I'm praying for a special friend to be restored... lift her up Lord.

Do Not Be Counted Among The Foolish

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Rise Up and Live Jesus

May we keep ourselves immersed in the things of the LORD.
Let us allow HIM to set the agendas in our lives.

God wants us to be living under the umbrella of HIS Kingdom,
shielded from the fiery darts of the evil one.

The enemy is trying to give us defeated spirits.
May we put on the whole armor of God and live in HIS Word.

Encourage and build one another up in JESUS CHRIST.
The clock is ticking and winding down.

May we purge ourselves of the things of this world,
that try to pull our hearts away from our LORD.

May our hearts weep in repentance before our God.
Rise up and LIVE JESUS... in this new day.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Walking In Faith

Following in our Lord's footsteps
takes a lot of faith.

We must keep taking those steps for Him.
Walking in faith is an adventure
that takes absolute trust.
Jesus will call us to do things that seem impossible,
but to God nothing is impossible.
What He asks us to do... will sometimes
seem too big for us to accomplish in of ourselves.
That's when He will cause us to lean on Him,
to draw upon His strength.
May we all keep stepping out for our Lord.
We must walk and exercise our Faith.
Our eyes and ears will try to give us doubts,
but when our hearts are trusting in Him...
we will soar high with the eagles.

God can move those mountains in our lives...
But we must Believe and Trust.

Jesus looked at them and said,
With man this is impossible,
but with God all things are possible.
(Matthew 19:26)

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Flowing Down

Amazing grace... how sweet the sound...
amazing love now flowing down.
His hands and feet were nailed to the cross...
His grace flowed down and has covered me.
Thank You Jesus... may others see...
Your amazing grace living in me.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Lord Revive Our Hearts

I dare you to watch this whole video!
Please click on the link below:

CLICK HERE

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)

May every area of our lives...
confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

Lord... if we be sleeping... wake us up.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

In the Event You Can Not Find Me

If I am declared missing by the police,
please click below to learn what happened to me,
through this brief two minute video:

CLICK HERE

Do not search for me... I'm safe.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

What Season Are You In

“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

We would all rather...
laugh than weep
dance than mourn
gain than lose
heal than tear down
peace then war.

We must remember... whatever the season we are in...
it is the season to trust in Him.

"God is our refuge and strength..." - Psalm 46:1

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Stimulate One Another

"Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love
and good deeds." - Hebrews 10:24

Can't think of any additional words to add to that.
Thank you Heavenly Father for pouring out Yourself
through your word... for us to better know Your ways.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Fourth of July

As a nation we can grow complacent in our land of plenty.
It is often... not until we have a tragedy or emergency
that we turn our thoughts back to God.

Our nation is about to celebrate another Independence Day.
We use this holiday to commemorate
the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776,
which declared our independence from Great Britain.
I am thankful for all the freedoms that we enjoy,
which have been paid for by all those who have served
and are presently serving in the armed forces.
May our nation also, humbly recognize how God has blessed us.
May our nation never operate independently of Him.

"If my people, which are called by my name,
shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face,
and turn from their wicked ways;
then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

How do we typically make judgments
about matters facing our country?
Do we rely on logic and personal preference,
or do you examine the issues according to the Scriptures?

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Keep Pressing On

Do not be focused on past failures or successes,
instead be focused on finishing strong for the Lord.
Philippians 3:10-21

Apostle Paul completely surrendered his old identity
and embraced his new identity in Christ.
He did not live in the past... he plowed ahead.
Paul kept pressing on to finish strong for the Lord....
He focused on being found in Jesus Christ in every area
of his life.

Have you ever been sidetrack in your walk with the Lord
by dwelling on past failures or successes?
We need to intimately and passionately keep pressing on.
The finish line is just ahead... I can almost see it.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Trusting God

Thus says the LORD,
Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches.
But let him who glories, glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight, says the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:23-24

What if we wake up tomorrow and we've lost everything?
Everything that the world says we need to have is gone.
Would we still trust, love and worship God?
What if we lose our job, our home, our finances or our friends?
If we had nothing left in our lives besides Jesus,
would we still trust Him and still love Him no matter what happened?
Are we trusting the stuff of this world,
or maybe our own might for our secruity, instead of trusting God?

Are we able to find peace and contentment through Christ
despite what's happening around us in this world?

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

We Need You Lord

Like lost wanderers in a burning, empty desert
thirst for cool, clean water,
we long for you to quench us.
In a world gone progressively mad,
with chaos all around us,
we seek refuge in the order and purpose of your law.
With evil sneaking, leaking everywhere,
spreading heavy darkness,
creating feelings of emptiness,
we hunger for your goodness and light.
Turn us around, Lord, we pray;
retrieve your sheep who have gone astray.
Draw us to the satisfaction
of your purity and righteousness.
Cleanse us, and make us more like you,
for others who are searching for meaning for their lives.
Come, Lord Jesus.
We need you, Lord.

By Joanna Fuchs

Above All ...

"Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another,
because love covers a multitude of sins."
1 Peter 4:8

How does love cover a multitude of our sins?

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Capture That Moment For Jesus

Pastor Cliff's Bible study was very inspiring tonight.
He challenged us to be "found in Jesus Christ".
To capture those passing moments in our lives
and share Jesus with all those around us.

Then I came home and logged on to a Pastor's blog in another State
and found the following story written there:

"Last Monday Morning, I was at Wal-Mart
and as I entered the building, I was practically run over
by three security officers chasing down a shop-lifter.
This young man had stolen several play station games
and as they wrestled him to the ground,
many people gathered around to watch.
It was quite a spectacle.
I thought to myself as I was buying some Doritos,
Surely, if a shoplifter can stir up that much interest,
Godly, men and women who are serious
about being set a part for God’s service
can magnetically draw people to our Jesus.
Let’s create our own spectacle in the days ahead."
Pastor Don Schultheis

In Philippians 3:9, Apostle Paul talks about being "found in Jesus".
No matter how ordinary our daily lives are
we need to look for those moments
where we can point people to Jesus.
Pastor Cliff told us to capture those moments
and build on them.

May I be found in Jesus
by a lost world who needs to know Him.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

I Am

Jesus said... "I Am the Alpha and the Omega,
the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
Revelation 22:13

I Am the Alpha and the Omega...
I Am the first and the last...
I Am the beginning and the end...
I Am the maker of the heavens and the earth...
I Am the breath of all creation...
I Am the Kings of Kings...
I Am the holy lamb of God...
I Am your fountain of living water...
I Am the risen Son of God...
I Am the healer of the broken hearted...
I Am the one who bore the sins of man...
I Am the word upon your heart...
I Am the one who knew you before you were born...
I Am the one who walked on water...
I Am the one who calmed the seas...

I Am your Savior and Redeemer.

There are only four possibilities.
Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, a legend,
or the Truth.

Jesus is our Truth... He wants to be our Lord of everything.
Will we call upon Him... to calm our seas
and allow Him to continue to transform us
in every area of our lives ?

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Sick and Tired ?

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?

I don't know where you been,
or where you are today.
But Jesus is ready to wrap His arms around you.

Tell Jesus that you need His help and forgiveness.
He will transform you and give you a new life.
No more... sick and tired.

I am with you always,
until the end of the world. - Matthew 28:20

Our Savior never fails us.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

The Altar Call

Today, our Pastor shared a wonderful Spirit led message.
He ended the worship service with an altar call.
People were encouraged to come forward and pray.

I contemplated whether the Holy Spirit wanted me to go forward.
There were not any heavy convictions in my heart,
that I thought needed to be confessed to my Lord.
Then the Holy Spirit quietly whispered these words to me
"Paul... never be satisfied with how your walking with the Lord."
That quickly resolved in me... that I needed to go forward.

We shouldn't be satisfied with our walk with the Lord today,
considering where He is going to take us tomorrow.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

You Must Be Jesus

Donna emailed me a story today,
that reminded me about an encounter I had in a hospital.

Some years ago, a small boy said to me... "you must be Jesus",
after I prayed with a group of people in a hospital waiting room.
I told him no... but Jesus loved him very much.

Just thinking out loud...
Do people mistake us for Jesus?
Should we live our lives so much like Jesus,
that people can't tell us apart?
Maybe that's just the Pastor's job.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Seat Cushions

An unfortunate reality is
that a person can use church activities
to avoid a hurting world.
Charles Roesel and Donald Atkinson on "Sharing Christ"

Do we as believers have a siege mentality
that sees the world as our enemy, instead of our mission field?
Are we hiding behind the protective walls of our churches,
keeping busy with church activities?

Has separation from the world
become our highest expression of faith and piety,
when we need to be taking it to the streets?

Just thinking out loud here...
but are the pew cushions too padded !

Somebody... please drag me into the streets with you.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Optimum Power

" I am the vine and you are the branches.
If a man remains in Me and I in him,
he will bear much fruit ;
apart from Me you can do nothing. "
John 15:5

Sometimes we can feel so very distant.
We become disconnected from the source
that gives us the power to live by.

May we never forget ...
we need to stay connected to Jesus ... the true vine.
He is our true source of power...
apart from Him we can do nothing ...
connected to Him we can do all things... through Him.
( John 15:1-8 )

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Fly with the Eagles

Yet those who wait for the LORD;
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles;
They will run and not get tired;
They will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:31

Don't settle for ordinary... fly with the eagles.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Walking the Talk

Preach the Gospel ............
if necessary use words !

Do People See Jesus In Us ?

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Put On Jesus

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
Romans 13:14

A grandfather told his grandson a story
about 2 wolves that live inside him.
He told his grandson that the one wolf was good
and the other wolf was bad.
He went on with the story and said...
both wolves were continually fighting inside him.
The grandson interrupted his grandpa
and asked him which wolf wins the most fights?
The grandfather leaned over and told him...
the one I feed the most... always wins.

Paul is telling us in Romans not to feed our sinful desires.
Instead... we need to put on Jesus
and make Him "Lord" over our thoughts and actions.
The more we focus on Jesus
and the more involved we are in sharing Him with others...
the less we will desire the things of the flesh.

Put on Jesus everyday... before stepping out the door.

Living the Call Together - All for the Glory of God

Just Give Me Jesus

The world is filled with lots of clutter
and so many distractions.
Sometimes the noise of life
drowns out the voice of God in my ears.

I want to base my life on the fact that I am a child of God...
through believing in Jesus Christ.

I am an heir to the Kingdom of God... I want to live like it.
May the fruit of the Holy Spirit be practiced in my life...
peace, joy, love and all the other Gifts of the Spirit.

I want to move more stuff out of my life...
to make more room for Jesus.

Just give me more and more of Jesus...
and more people to share Him with.

There are a lot of people lost in this world
and our Heavenly Father wants them found...
by sharing the Good News of His Son... Jesus Christ.

Let's go... starting with Cambridge Springs...
the clock is ticking.

Needy Take From Church Collection Plates

Church lets needy take from their collection plates...

In these hard economic times,
we can't be so into church business
that we forget what our business is,
and that is to help people.
Pastor Toby Slough

A North Texas pastor passes the collection plates at his Church,
but now he tells struggling people to take what they need.
Toby Slough, pastor of the Cross Timbers Church in Argyle, TX,
says the church is helping single moms and widows,
and people who are behind on their utility bills.

Slough says it all started early this year
when he told his congregation to take money from the plates
if they needed it, even though donations were down.
That day, he tells the Dallas-Fort Worth TV stations,
the church took in the largest offering ever,
even after people took for their needs out of the plates.

Slough says, that it all started after he gave a ride to a jobless man
who was down to his last bus pass.
That's when the Lord told him...
to turn the collection plates into giving plates.

Would you be willing to trust God and do this in your church?

Turning Fear Into Boldness

Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength
is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work.
But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit,
then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.
Corrie ten Boom

I have personally found...
that when trying to do the Lord's work
the most important thing is to pray first.
The time spent in preparation
is certainly vital too.
But the absolute most important thing
is to be prayed up........
You will be operating in His confidence after praying and preparing.
Cling to the promise.......
that the Lord will equip us for whatever He calls us to do.
Be not... overly concerned about what words to minister with
our Holy Spirit will put them on our lips...when we are prayed up.

Be bold for our Lord... step out in His confidence...
be prayed up.

Keep Pressing On For The Lord In All You Do
Bringing Glory To The Name Of Jesus Christ.

What Is Enough

My friend Dale, who loss his wife last year,
just shared this story with me.
It is an account that has been posted on the net before,
but it really touched me

Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter
in their last moments together at the airport.
They had announced the departure.
Standing near the security gate,
they hugged, and the mother said,
'I love you, and I pray you enough.'
The daughter replied,
'Mom, our life together has been more than enough.
Your love is all I ever needed.
I pray you enough, too, Mom.'

They kissed, and the daughter left.
The mother walked over to the window
where I was seated.
Standing there, I could see she wanted
and needed to cry.
I tried not to intrude on her privacy,
but she welcomed me in by asking,
'Did you ever say good-bye to someone
knowing it would be forever?'
Yes, I have,' I replied.
My wife went to be with the Lord last year.
'Forgive me for asking,
but why is this a forever good-bye?'
'Well...I'm not as young as I once was,
she lives so far away & has
her own busy life.
I have some challenges ahead and the reality is,
her next trip back will be for my funeral,'.

'When you were saying good-bye,
I heard you say, 'I pray you enough.'
May I ask what that means?'
She began to smile.
'That's a prayer that has been handed down
from other generations.
My parents used to say it to everyone.
'She paused a moment and looked up
as if trying to remember it in detail,
and she smiled even more.
'When we said, 'I pray you enough,'
we wanted the other person to have a life
filled with just enough good things to
sustain them.'

Then, turning toward me, she shared the following
as if she were reciting it from memory.

I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright
no matter how gray the day may appear...
I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I pray you enough happiness
to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I pray you enough pain so that even
the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Then, she began to cry, and walked away.

They say, it takes a minute to find a special person,
an hour to appreciate them,
a day to love them,
but an entire life to forget them.

"To all my friends and loved ones,
I PRAY YOU ENOUGH..." Dale Sabin

Make Time To Love

If you judge people,
you will have no time to love them.
Mother Teresa

Lord forgive me for all the time I have wasted.
Teach me to love people with your love.

An Unforgivable Sin

Chapter 5 of the book of 1st John,
is a very exacting declaration that faith in Jesus Christ
is the only way to receive forgiveness and eternal life
from the Heavenly Father.

Verses 10 thru 16 read,
10. Anyone who believes in the Son of God
has this testimony in his heart.
Anyone who does not believe God
has made him out to be a liar,
because he has not believed the testimony
God has given about his Son.
11. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son.
12. He who has the Son has life;
he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13. I write these things to you who believe
in the name of the Son of God
so that you may know that you have eternal life.
14. This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
15. And if we know that he hears us,
whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of him.
16. If anyone sees his brother commit a sin
that does not lead to death,
he should pray and God will give him life.
I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death.
There is a sin that leads to death.
I am not saying that he should pray about that.

A lady once asked me to identify the sin that leads to death,
mentioned in verse 16.
Her question started a 15 week Bible study
on the Book of 1st John.
The answer to her question is revealed in verse 10.
"...Anyone who does not believe God
has made him out to be a liar,
because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son."

God's word is telling us here
that if we go to our grave not believing in His son,
we have called Him a liar.

We concluded from the study
that an unforgivable sin would be not believing
in Jesus Christ and thereby calling God a liar.

While we still have breath,
all who repent and receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior
can know that they have eternal life.
But woe to those who knowingly do not and call God a liar.

Keep proclaiming Jesus Christ
to the loss world we live in.

"Living the Call together"

Letting Go of Our Anger

Sometimes anger can sneak up on you.
You think everything's fine
and then the smallest thing
will cause you to erupt.
But before our emotions get away from us,
we must remember that rage often comes at a great personal cost.
Dr. Charles Stanley

Anger is an extremely powerful emotion.
It can destroy lives, tear relationships apart,
and ruin a believer’s witness.

The apostle Paul understood the negative potential of resentment,
and he offered this advice on how to deal with it:

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger
and clamor and slander be put away from you,
along with all malice.
And be kind to one another, tender-hearted,
forgiving each other,
just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32

Our anger can shut down communication with others.
It can also lead to a silent and very damaging type of resentment.
The “passive-aggressive” person takes out his bitterness on others in subtle ways.
One of the most harmful consequences of uncontrolled anger is depression.
Over time, inner turmoil and unresolved conflicts
will take their toll on a person’s mental health.

We can let our anger control us and suffer the consequences.
Or we can conquer it by forgiving others
that we feel have stirred up the bitterness in us.
Try to identify the causes of anger in your life,
and give those burdens over to the Lord.
Trust that He will empower you to overcome them.

We can't move ahead - if we're trying to get even.
Frank Tyger

More Than A Village

When warmth exists in God’s house, God is pleased and glorified!
Don Schultheis

Look at Acts 4:42-44
“They devoted themselves to the fellowship…
All the believers were together”

The people in that very first church loved each other.
The atmosphere was warm and caring.
They were devoted to fellowship and all the believers were together.

Ten times in the first five Chapters of Acts,
the word tells us that the early Church in Jerusalem was unified.

Look at these phrases:
They were in one accord.
They had one heart.
They had one purpose.
They had one spirit.
They were all united in thought.

There is a mighty movement of God
happening in our church.
May our cups continue to overflow
and spill into our neighborhoods.
Keep lifting up the name of Jesus Christ in all you do.

God is doing something in our midst... be in the center of it.

Can the Enemy Read Our Minds

"No, I don’t think Satan can read your mind.
Because the Bible reveals that satan is not omniscient.
He's fallen, and sin curses the intellect, even an angelic intellect.
I don't think he was ever omniscient.
Omniscience belongs only to God.
Satan can not read your mind.
But, satan can pretty well peg what you are thinking
by how you are acting and how you are talking.
And, he can pretty well analyze the pattern of your living.
And, he pretty well knows what affects you in what way
and how you respond and react to things.
So, he can pretty well pinpoint your weaknesses,
but he can not read your mind.
There is nothing in scripture to indicate that satan can read your mind."
John MacArthur

We should seek to live Holy lives with never giving satan a foothold or place in our thoughts, words and conduct.
The best way to flee from satan
is to be running the race that God has given each of us.
Finish strong for the Lord in all you do.
Seek the things of God
not the things of this world.
If you are weak and tempted
build yourself up through prayer, reading of God's word
and assembling with God's people often.
If you have not received Jesus into your life
the first step is to go to the foot of His cross
and repent and believe.
When we come to the end of ourselves
Jesus has His arms open to receive us.
Flee from the enemy today... run to Jesus.

Leave all your bad deeds, sins and burdens
at the foot of the cross and believe in Jesus Christ.
Your Heaven Father will renew your life
and welcome you home.

Heart of Worship

Song writer, Matt Redman’s church was struggling
to find truth worship in their services.

Reminding his church family to be producers in worship,
not just consumers, his pastor Mike Pilavachi, asked
"When you come through the doors on a Sunday,
what are you bringing as your offering to God?"
Pastor Mike said, we have lost our way in worship
and the way to get back is to strip everything away."
His pastor did a pretty brave thing and got rid
of the sound system and band for a season
with them gathering together with just their voices.
Initially there was embarrassing silence,
but eventually people broke into a capella songs
and heartfelt prayers, encountering God in a new fresh way.

Some of the words from the song "Heart of Worship"
written by Matt Redman :

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You Jesus

Click Here - To Listen To This Song

May new worship come out of hearts
everyday of our lives.

His Favor Is Within Reach

"Scripture tells us repeatedly that our Lord is gracious
and compassionate.
He bestows unmerited favor on us,
and he desires to alleviate our suffering.
All throughout his word,
we see a God who is extending his arms
and ready to run to those who are earnestly seeking him."
Burt Wichek

The above comments are from a friend's FaceBook page.
Burt has reminded me of the importance of
always seeking out God in every area of our lives.
Our pastor said yesterday on his blog
that he wants each of us to become more dangerous
in our war against satan.
If we are seeking God with all our hearts
there will be no room for the enemy in any of us.

But if from there you shall seek the LORD your God,
you shall find him,
if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 4:29

I want to be living in the center of God's will and grace.

Standing On Your Convictions

Miss California produced a controversial moment
in this year's Miss USA Contest,
when questioned about gay marriages.

"We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage,
" Miss Carrie Prejean said...
"And you know what, I think in my country, in my family,
I think that I believe that a marriage,
should be between a man and a woman.
No offence to anybody out there,
but that's how I was raised."

Some in the audience cheered, others booed.

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me
before it hated you.
John 15:18

Putting Our Competence In Him

Many of us as believers,
tackle difficulties using our own resources,
and thus attempt little and often fail in the little we do attempt.
All of God’s giants have been weak men and women
who did great things for God
because they depended on His power, presence and strength within them.
Hudson Taylor

Thank you Heavenly Father for equipping us.
Keep my competence in You alone and not my own strength.

If you are a Christian, expect folks to criticize you,
but live your life so nobody will believe them.
Author Unknown

By the Grace of God

I am not what I ought to be,
I am not what I want to be,
I am not what I hope to be in another world,
but still I am not what I once used to be,
and by the grace of God I am what I am today.
John Newton

Lord Jesus, thank you for your grace.
You are my true redeemer.
Thank you for restoring me to my Heavenly Father.
May the Holy Spirit continue to lead me in Your ways.

God Wants To Bless Us

How do we hear the voice of God in our lives ?
Are we obeying His voice and walking in His Light ?

"And all these blessings shall come on thee,
and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken
unto the voice of the Lord thy God.

Blessed shalt thou be in the city,
and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body,
and the fruit of thy ground,
and the fruit of thy cattle,
the increase of thy kine,
and the flocks of thy sheep.

Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in,
and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
Deuteronomy 28:2-6

Are we listening to God's voice
or is the noise of life causing a hearing loss ?

What's Going On ?

Last night Brian walked to church with a couple of children,
escorting them to the weekly Team Kids program.
It was stuffed animal night,
so the kids were carrying their favorite ones with them.
As they walked by one of the neighbor's homes,
someone yelled from the porch... "What's going on".
Brian immediately told them, that they were on their way
to Team Kids - a church club for boys and girls.
The neighbor then said, can my children go with you too ?
I guess you know what Brian's answer was.
Brian ended up being a missionary last night
by walking a group of children to church
where they all heard how much God loves them.

During Betsy's group Bible time a new child asked a neat question.
Children learning about God - "What's going on"

Our Pastor has been seeing people in our worship services coming to receive salvation in Jesus - "Whats going on"

Giving to missions is up in our church - "What's going on"

Pastor has a baptism class of 10 or more people in it, with 9 of them wanting to join our church - "What's going on"

There were over 135 people in last Sunday's worship service.
We witnessed God's blessings - "What's going on"

People are praising God for the encouragements,
they receive when they assemble together - "What's going on"

Then the LORD said,
" ... I am watching over My word to perform it."
Jeremiah 1:12

God wants to perform His word in every area of our lives.
SEE YOU IN CHURCH SUNDAY.

I Will Rise

I love this praise song !
I hope Tom will add it to the ones we sing in church.

"I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin
(CLICK HERE - TO LISTEN)

There's a peace I've come to know...
No more sorrows... no more pain.
A day is drawing near... when I will rise on eagle wings.
The darkness will break into Light.

Lord, you are the anchor of my soul.
Storms come and go,
but your anchor always holds.

Living Our Lives For His Glory

Live as though Christ died yesterday,
rose from the grave today,
and is coming back tomorrow.
Theodore Epp

Have you ever looked at your life
and wondered how God could possible use you ?
God wants to use all of us in His Kingdom work.
We need to let Him be in the center of our lives.
Always puting our trust in the finished works of Jesus Christ
in every issue we face.

For I am confident of this very thing,
that He who began a good work in you
will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6

Casting All My Cares Upon Him

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow,
it empties today of its strength."
Corrie Ten Boom

“Casting all your care upon him,
for he careth for you.”
1 Peter 5:7

David encouraged the same type of commitment in Psalm 55:22,
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee..."

Lord, help me to continue to lean on You.
Your word tells me that You will meet my every need.

I Love You Back

In some of President Obama's recent townhall meetings,
some people in the crowds have been yelling"I love you Obama".
The President in return, immediately shoots to them
"I love you back".

Jesus loves all of us and always has,
can you think of some ways... we say to Him - "I love You back".

"We love because he first loved us"
1 John 4:19

It Is Not About A Religion

Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life,
no one comes to the Father but through Me.
John 14:6

Curious to know what comes to mind
about Jesus stating "I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life"

I have two sets of uncles and aunts along with cousins,
who have been Jehovah Witnesses for many years now.
One of the principles of their faith
is that the Jehovah Witness Religion is Truth.
They have been taught that all other beliefs
and religions are false.
I asked one of my cousins what he was trusting in
to receive eternal life from God.
He said, on judgement day if God would find
that he lived an obedient life as a Jehovah Witness
he would be rewarded with eternal life in a newly created earth.

The word grace and it's understanding
is not in his vocabulary.
My cousin's faith is performance driven.
We are on two different roads.

I do confess that I am a driven person also,
but I am depending upon the finished work of Jesus Christ,
for my eternal life.
If my faith is performance driven
it is based on the performance of my Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank the Heavenly Father for driving me
to the foot of the cross of His Son.
There the pierced hands of Jesus reached out to me
and I grabbed hold of them... never to let let go.

Today, I have many brothers and sisters in the Lord.
They have church memberships in many different denominations,
but we are all one... through our saving faith in Jesus Christ.

The good news is that one of these cousins
came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord.
He and his wife have sinced joined a Baptist church in Florida.
Praise the Lord... God never gives up on any of us.
His hands are always stretched out
to recieve us into His loving arms.

The Last Three Words from the Cross

When He had received the drink,
Jesus said, "It is finished"
with that, He bowed His head
and gave up His spirit. (John 19:30).

What do you think the significance is ...
of Jesus's last three words ?

Some Of My Favorite Songs

"AT THE CROSS" by Hillsongs
Oh Lord' You've searched me...
and even when I fail You,
I know You still love me.
At the cross I bow my knee,
where Your blood was shed for me.
There's no greater love than this.
You have overcome the grave.
Nothing can now separate me from You.
You made the Way for all who will believe.

"EAST TO WEST" by Casting Crowns
Time and time again, Your truth is drowned out
by the storms within me.
In Your arms of mercy I find rest.
You got me through the night
and brought me to the Light of Your Son.
I don't want to slip back
to that place where You found me.
Keep holding on to me...
You have turned by night into Light.

PSALM 103:12
"Just as far as the East is from the West,
so far has He removed our trangressions from us."

Our daughter, April and our two grandchildren
visited us a couple of weekends ago.
She said to me, dad you like alot of "7 and 11 songs".
I asked her what she meant by that.
She said most of my favorite songs
have 7 words in them that are sung 11 times.
I guess that might be true in some cases,
but if a song moves me to worship,
it can't be a bad thing... right ?

What are some of your favorite praise songs
and their meanings to you ?