What are you determined to know???

As I look forward to the New Year, I was looking up the mentions of the word "resolve" in the Bible on YouVersion. When looking, I realized I was searching under the Amplified Bible, which pulled up 1 Corinthians 2:2. I would like us to take a look at the passage, 1 Corinthians verses 1-5 (this is the KJV)..."And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. (2) For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (3) And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. (4) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (5) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

Looking to 2009, my prayer is that I am not drawing others to myself, but to Jesus!!! I must daily deny self and the sinful habits that can come so easy when walking in my own power. I like the way verse 2 was brought out in the Amplified version, shown here..."For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified." This just makes it jump out that much more...I need to worry not of the things that are of this world! My mind needs to be on Christ crucified...and realize that because of that crucifixion and resurrection, no matter what happens, therein lies my Hope!

Look at this passage and leave a note about what else jumps out at you...let's truly discuss the subject!!! More to come...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf!!!

How was your 2008?

As I have been thinking about the past year over the past couple days, my mind has been on the abilities of God to use an imperfect being to achieve His perfect will. Many of my friends on Twitter saw a small note about what is to come in the following words in a short note I posted yesterday...

We are at a point in the year where we are all looking back on the past year, and looking forward to what the possibilities are for 2009. How many of you are planning to fall miserably? That was not what my mind was on either, but that is the result nonetheless.

Many times in my life I had bowed my knees and said God, you can have me...although I was still holding a part for myself. "Hey, nobody knows about my personal sins anyway, so it won't hurt, will it?"

I am reminded of the verse found in Romans 7:18..."For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. " Too often, I catch myself counting the works that "I" have done for God...but really, without the gifts He gave, none would be accomplished anyway, right?

I have to remind myself DAILY "that in me dwelleth no good thing"...I also must keep straight that personally I can not perform that which is good.

It has been one year since God chose to open my eyes. A year that has held not only shame, regrets, questions about my future, my calling, and anguish on my family, but also great personal and spiritual growth, a better awareness that the devil is always there...seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), and learning that through some of the greatest "tragedies" in life, come some of the greatest rewards for those who continue in God's call.

I am thankful to have the family, both human and spiritual, that I have...a God who is a God of second, third, fourth, etc chances...and an enhanced view of those around me, who are looking for someone who is real, not a facade on stage and in the public places, but in and out of season.

Our weaknesses prove the strength of the God we serve. Like I have said before..."A superman would have made it look easy. It took an ordinary man to make it look like God"...the world around us is looking for people who don't have all the answers all the time...to be a witness, we must allow ourselves to become more transparent and that does bring vulnerability, but God will bless if we let Him show through us...

As I stated in my Twitter post yesterday afternoon, my goal is to be able to look back each year and see how much I have grown and been used by God. This past year it is obvious, but shouldn't we see that kind of growth each and every year? This year, that is my goal...not a resolution!!!

What are your personal and spiritual goals for 2009? Or do you have resolutions? Is there a difference in your mind? Share your thoughts...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Know the scriptures???

We have taken the challenge to memorize scripture together, right? I've been thinking about how learning scripture can help us when we talk to those we come in contact with. This evening, I came across a video at BluefishTV that puts it in a very humorous way, but many of us take it so flippantly that we may actually come across like the kid in the helmet...



Once again, let's look at this week's verse in Colossians 3:2..."Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Think over it...ask God to speak to you through it...and ask for the opportunity to share it TODAY!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf!!!

Having a blue Christmas???

I know that there have been so many stressful indicators in the world today...from the markets, the dollar value, housing troubles, jobs...you name it! But, is our happiness truly set upon the things of this world? If so, our Christmas spirit can be dimmed remarkably.

The verse I think we should look at in times like this is Colossians 3:2, and it will be our memory verse for this week..."Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

To get a glimpse of the verse, let's look at the text starting in verse 1..."If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (3) For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

Let's also take a look at the Amplified Bible's translation of these verses..." IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. (3) For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God."

Does that bring it out a bit to you, like it speaks to me? This is telling me to not place my hopes and dreams on the wood, hay and stubble that the world is offering, but rather on "the higher things" that are to be set up above!!! Remember, this Christmas, that Jesus came to live a perfect, sinless life that He could pay the sin debt that you and I are unworthy to pay. God became flesh...suffered persecution and anguish...rejection, shame, spat upon, and crucified...not in vain, but rather that we may live a life victorious!!!

Don't get down because your money doesn't go as far as you would like...As I have stated before your Father in heaven owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10)...His eye is on the sparrow (Luke 12:6 & 7)...consider the lilies (Matt 6:28 & 29)...

And, I will leave you with this verse from Isaiah 40:31..."But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Put your faith in Him and let your strength be renewed, so that whatever comes your way will not bring you down!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Christmas Offering

First off, let's look at this week's verse found in Psalm 46:10..."Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Take some time during this Christmas season to simply sit down...take a deep breath...and simply be reminded that the Lord is God. No matter if the gifts are just right or not, He has everything under control!!! Cast all your cares upon Him...

I sent a message out to those of you who follow me on Twitter about this video from worship leader Paul Baloche. This is a Christmas version of his worship anthem "Offering". Check it out and leave any thoughts below. Have a very Merry Christmas season!!!





Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

You Need Some Rest???

What a week it has been!!! This will be the first post of the week, and probably the last, as well. Our annual Christmas musical (cantata) is this Sunday morning, so trying to get all the final touches all ironed out. Plus, my son will be flying in on Saturday morning for Christmas break.

I've been focused the last couple weeks on being more concerned with the reason for the season, rather than worrying about buying gifts. And, as usual, I find myself a bit behind. We never make a huge deal about the gifts, because the Gift that was given for us is what this Christmas season is for.

During the holiday season, we seem to be in such a rush to get this done, that done, call this family member, send these cards out, etc!!! So, the verse that comes to mind for our memory verse of the week is Psalm 46:10..."Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." This verse reminds me, during the Christmas season also, to take a step back, slow down, and remember what the TRUE meaning of this season is. Don't let all the gift buying, decorating and get-togethers bring you down!

I do hope you have a great time with family and friends this year, and pray that this Christmas is one you will remember for years to come! Keep going over the verse...pray that God will speak to you through it...and share it with someone TODAY!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Am I walking alone???

As we move closer to Christmas Day, my mind draws more upon sharing the Gift that was given for us. This morning, I was visited by a family friend of my parents, who has just found that he has cancer. I was amazed by his strength and faith that God had a plan, even though it is such a trying time. One thing he mentioned to me truly stuck. He mentioned how a men's prayer time was held. On the prayer list was his name with cancer beside as the request. He told me..."I told them not to pray for the cancer, but if it be God's will, a miracle occur."

He knows the Great Physician and is confident that a mighty work is being done through him. We shared some stories from the distant past and some from the very near past. We both talked about trials and difficulties in our lives and lives of those we love. And, each tragedy (as we originally perceived them) turned into a great opportunity for ministry.

Why is it that sometimes we have to be at a low point before we look up for the Light? It took the darkest moments in my life to look for the One who is there to carry me. I think of the "Footprints in the Sand" poem most of you have read. In the hard times, we tend to think we are all alone...when in fact He is carrying us through and trying to guide us.

The "chance encounter" that took place today (not really a "chance encounter", but a way for God to speak through another to me in His timing) was an opportunity to re-focus my thoughts and realize that even our darkest hours can be the times when God's light shines through us the brightest. Don't forget that the struggles we make it through, make us stronger and also give us something to share with others. Those who think they have no hope aren't looking for "perfect Christians", but rather real people that have gone through struggles like they are...and we have the Hope that they are so desperately in search of...let's share it TODAY!!!

Let's look again at this week's memory verse from Psalm 84:10..."For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." How are you doing at the memorization so far? Has anyone kept with it? Anybody learned all of them? Have you challenged anyone else to join you?

Keep reading through this week's verse...pray that it will speak to you...ask for someone to share it with...then share it...God will provide opportunities if we will take Him up on them!

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Excitement is in the air!!!

Alright, last night turned into one of those times. You know, something you think will be easy that ends up occupying more time than you care to spend. Yeah, I heard how changing a template and theme on my blog would be a cinch, hah! What I planned to do in minutes, turned into hours. However, I am pleased with the outcome and hope you enjoy the new layout. That said, I am very glad it's behind me, for now...I guess bloggers never truly quit tweeking a site, do they?

Okay, before we get into today's thoughts, let's look at this week's verse is found in Psalm 84:10..."For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."

Pray that God will use this verse to speak to you...say it to yourself throughout each day...ask for opportunities to share it...and then, share it...God will bless if you are willing to get a little uncomfortable!

Our house is definitely sparkling right now with all the Christmas decor you could hope for (actually, my wife is still begging me to put the lights outside on the bushes). Our 3 year-old is asking everyday..."how long 'til Christmas?" Of course, we are now telling her two weeks, but what does two weeks mean to a child? Then again, when we tell her about the true meaning of Christmas does she truly grasp it?

I am reminded of the verse found in 1 Corinthians 13:11..."When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

I know that doesn't seem like a great Christmas season thought, but am I still acting like a child, begging for my "piece of the pie"? Or am I putting my things on more mature things? Do I spend my days thinking about how great it would be to have an iPhone, iPod, Playstation 3, Wii, X-box, flatscreen HDTV, and things like that, or am I keeping my mind on Christ's gift to me and how I can share that gift with someone else? Brings to mind that old saying..."it's better to give than receive", right?

This year, let's put aside our wants, and share the love of Christ with people who need His love now more than ever!!! Don't let this season of joy and hope pass without sharing the Hope that you have with someone else...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Good will toward men...

You know, in the ministry, many times there are decisions to be made. Not always the easy ones, either. It seems as if the church is one of the places where people "take the gloves off" and forget sometimes to be Christ-like. Sometimes, things get said "off the cuff" or without being thought through. It's at these times that others feelings are sacrificed. Why is it? Why do we feel like we have the right to tear each other down? My favorite is when somebody tears another down and then says, "I only said that out of love". It doesn't feel like love does it?

This time of year can be such a fragile time for many. I know of many who have difficulty during this season because of the recent loss of loved ones and some who are estranged from family and friends, either because of jobs or duty or whatever it may be. Shouldn't this time of year be the time when we make a concentrated effort to show the love of Christ? I am going to do my best to show love and not judgement, will you?

Let's look at this weeks verse again from Psalm 84:10..."For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."

What does this verse say to you? What meaning does it hold? It reminds me that the luxuries that are offered here are only to fulfill the selfish desires of the flesh, and to find true meaning, I need look no farther than the will of my heavenly Father. As we talked about yesterday, the affairs of this world are only for temporary satisfaction...not really satisfaction, but almost like a sedation or numbing of our desires temporarily.

Keep going over the verse and pray that it will speak to and through you...pray for an opportunity to share it with someone who needs to hear it...God will provide the opportunity, if we are diligent to take full advantage of the calling He gives us!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

What am I celebrating???

I know this time of year brings many memories to each of us of times gone by, with dreams of Santa bringing that special something, the baking cookies, setting out milk, and other things like that. The problem with that is many people know nothing different. I am one that likes the decorations and lights, garland, I put wrapping paper on our inside doors of the house, the whole nine yards, if you will.

My question today is: Is my celebration of Christmas about the One Who came to give life, or about the one (myself) who wants the most?

For many years, it has unquestionably been about me, and it is still hard to pull back from thinking about what I want under the tree this year! Do you have the same struggles? Aren't we raised to think about what WE want out of life? Isn't that what it's supposed to be about? If you answer yes to that, then there is a meaningless, empty life in your future...much like the life I had for many years.

It was a search for what made me feel good, what made me laugh, what thrills I could achieve, what money I could make, what toys I had...ME, ME, ME!!!

Last night, our church had the annual "Hanging of the Green" service. It is a service unlike any I had ever attended during my years before coming here. The significance of this service is that rather than just hanging lights, decorating a tree, lighting Advent candles, and having poinsettias set out - the historical reason for them is shared.

This is a service that all can be a part of...from Children's Choir, Youth Choir, special singers, spoken parts, and of course the Christmas story is read from Luke 2:1-20. If you've never been to a "Hanging of the Green" service, it might change your view of the season we celebrate and bring new meaning when you decorate your tree and follow other historic traditions.

I want to share my favorite reading from our service about the history of the Christmas tree. It goes like this...

"In our church, the tree is decorated with Chrismons, each being a symbol of Christ. Some use Greek letters that spell His name; others symbolize the various roles that He played. All are made in white and gold, symbolizing His purity and His kingship.

The most famous story about the early use of the evergreen tree at Christmas centers around Martin Luther. As the story goes, he walked through the forest one starry night, with snow covering the ground, and he marveled at the beauty of the starlight as it shone upon the branches of the fir trees. When he tried to tell his family of the glory and beauty of the forest, they failed to comprehend what he had seen. He then brought a pine tree into the house and placed candles upon it to represent the twinkling of the stars."

I pray that your outlook on this Christmas season will be different than before along with me. The season isn't about you or me, but rather about what we are because of the God who became flesh so that we might live an abundant life forever!

Our verse for this week is one we should have done a long time ago. It has great meaning and significance in my life. As the post has stated it's not about what I want, but rather about what can be done through me because of my willingness to be used. This verse is the theme of my blog and comes from Psalm 84:10..."For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."

This verse reminds me to keep focus. I would rather be doing the menial, trivial things in the house of my God - than to be highly praised out of His will!!! I pray that you will take this verse to heart...it can truly change how you view yourself and how you view things around you. As I always say...pray that God will speak to you through the verse...share it with others...be challenged to see what God will do if we are willing to take His words into our hearts this week and every day, week, month and year to come!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Share some good news!!!

Wednesday night, our pastor was sharing as we continue in our study of Romans. The part of the lesson that stuck out to me began in verse 11 of chapter 1..."For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; (12) That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. (13) Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles."

Here Paul is talking to his Roman brethren (like I really talk with such language, right?), and looking forward to visiting with them, that he could share with them the gifts he has received from the Spirit. Let's look at how the Amplified version states verse 12..."That is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine." Paul is talking about how they could be strengthened, encouraged and comforted by each other's faith...not Paul's, not theirs...but glory in the works that God is doing through them all, corporately.

Too many times, I find myself worn down because of what I perceive as insurmountable tasks in my vocational and personal life. When I hear how someone else is doing, in spite of their hectic schedule and worries of life, I seem to slow down, take a step back, and realize my life isn't quite as mad as I thought it was. I need to slow down sometimes, and as I've stated many times before...look at Psalm 46:10..."Be still and know that I am God"...just give it to Him to handle, instead of carrying the weight myself.

Then, back in Romans, verse 13 states that I should be looking forward to partnering with the believers around me or even far away. Paul says he looks forward to sharing fruit among them, "even as among other Gentiles"...I think he's talking about sharing the testimony with others (partnering). To me, this is the simplest act of missions...partnering together to reach others. I don't have to go it alone...and neither do you!

Let's take another look at this week's memorization verse, found in 1 John 4:10..."Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Keep going over it...ask God to speak though His Word...take the time to share it with someone...and let's continue to seek what God has for us...

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

O How He Loves Us

Many times I sit around and think, "how can the God who created the heavens and earth love someone like me"? Do you ever wonder why God loves us? I also wonder if I really grasp the meaning of the word love...does anyone really know what love is? The sappy song from the 80's runs through my mind..."I wanna know what love is, I want You to show me"...yes, I did change it a bit, because instead of asking one of you to show me, I want to learn from the One who created it.

Our verse for this week talk about love, as well. Let's take a look at 1 John 4:10..."Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

I think about the love that God showed for us...not a spoken love, telling us how He cares for us...but a doing love, putting His words to action. Because of His love for us, He sent Jesus to earth, not just to walk around and teach, but then to die for our sins...not for the sins He had in His life, because there were none. He gave His perfect life to ransom you and me.

My mind is now taken to the old chorus we've sung for ages, "O How He Loves You and Me". Remember the part..."He gave His life, what more could He give"? Think about that in a parent's viewpoint...if you have kids, can you imagine giving one as a sacrifice for someone on death row? That's essentially what God did for us. He sent Jesus to die on the cross for sinners who have a death sentence...to give us life!!!

Let's take a look at the end of John 10:10..."I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Some other translations talk about living to the full. Do I live life abundantly, or do I live in a shell? Not only did His love redeem me by Jesus' blood, but gave me freedom that many will never know!

My challenge from this is...to not only know the love that God has, but to show it to those around me. Are you up for that?

Look at the verse for this week again...pray God will speak to you through it...and share what He gives with someone else...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Who You Got???

I have heard all the commotion about who should be in and who shouldn't...now, let your voice be heard!!! Who do you think should be matched up in the BCS Championship game??? Please, be nice...I moderate comments, so no language, please!!!

'Tis the Season...

As I look forward to the week to come, I am reminded of the reason for this holiday season. It's not about getting the shiniest gifts for everyone on our shopping lists, either! I have always made fun of those poor folks that get up at 4:00 AM on the morning after Thanksgiving (otherwise known as Black Friday), but this year, I was one of those saps! I swore it wouldn't ever happen, but I guess that's why they say to never say never. Anyway, unlike most of those other folks, I was back home sleeping by around 7:30 or 8:00. We did get a few bargains, but I think next year, we will wait until later. What did you do on Black Friday? Did you get up and fight through the hustle-and-bustle?

Let's take a look at our memory verses from the past weeks before we get to this week's new verse. First off is last week's verse from 1 Chronicles 16:34..."O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." Next up, let's look at Romans 8:1 & 2..."There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." The next verse comes from Ephesians 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." And our final review verse comes from John 3:30..."He must increase, but I must decrease." How many of you have those memorized already? Anybody care to step up and tell us how many you have? Don't be ashamed, learning scripture is something to be proud of!!!

For this week, let's look at 1 John 4:10..."Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." So many times, we think about all the love we show, but that is nothing without the love of God FIRST!!! Too many times, I tend to think of the works I have been doing, rather than what God has been allowing to be done through me...does that sound familiar? If I am doing the works in my power, then most likely they are not being done right or to the fullest potential!

This year, during the Christmas season, I want to keep my mind on what God did by sending Jesus to earth, to suffer rejection by a lost and dying world. Without the hope that is found in Him, my life would have no meaning...

Please review the verse for this week...ask God to speak to you with the words...share them with someone else...and let's see what God will do through our faithfulness to learning His Word!!!

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

I'm So Thankful!!!

This morning in our Men's devotion time, we were talking when my mind was brought to Psalm 46:10..."Be still and knwo that I am God"... From that, I began thinking this morning as to what scripture would we look at and looked at the beginning of that very chapter.

Let's read in Psalm 46:1-3..."God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; (3) Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof."

Let's take a look at the same passage in The Amplified version, it reads..."GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, 3 Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!"

Obviously, we are in the holiday season and our minds are on giving thanks. What better to give thanks for than the One who is "our refuge and strength"? When we go through the valleys of life, we have a Helper! I did capitalize that because He is not a helper in the sense we normally use that word. In this sense, He does the work through us. Not the way you normally think of a helper is it? Usually, we think of a helper as a "gopher" or maybe a "go-fer" go for this or that...

In this case, He tells us the comings and goings, or at least He should be doing the leading...right? The following verses just remind us that we have NOTHING to fear when our hope is in the Lord. I wanted to share the Amplified version, because it just makes the words "jump" out, if you will. I like how the parenthetical phrasing states...[pause, and calmly think of that]...if we think on it, we may be a bit more thankful for what we have in Him!!!

I am so thankful for all that God has blessed me with! This week leading up to Thanksgiving has been a time of reflecting, not only on memories of family get-togethers, but also what God has done in my life this past year. The circumstances could have been different, but I bless His name for the wonderful work that has been done...My eyes have been opened to His love and guidance. The year may have been personally, emotionally, and spiritually taxing, but I wouldn't change the way God has taught me to rely on, cling to and trust in Him...Yes, I did get that from Brother Boyd, as well:)

I want to express my sincerest appreciation to my church family, my friends, and my readers. I have learned much from each of you! I would like to send thanks to my worship leader friends for your ideas and devotions shared. I also want to thank my parents for the teaching that was taught not by telling me to follow the Biblical principles, but by watching you live them out. Yes, I strayed from time to time, but you were there to help bring me back! Thanks to my wife for her neverending support, regardless of the circumstances! I am also so thankful and proud of my two children, Tyler and Trinity...you will never know how much you mean to your dad!!! And finally, I am eternally grateful for a pastor who has shown me how to minister to others...in every word and action, you light the way pointing to Jesus. Thank you for your fine example!

Okay, now that I have gotten all the emotional stuff out of the way, let's take another look at our memory verse for the week from 1 Chronicles 16:34..."O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."

May you be thankful for all you have been given!!! Not just this week, but every day, week, month and year of your future...Blessings!

If there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today, please let me know...

Thanksgiving thoughts...part 3

As we draw a day closer to Thanksgiving, I wanted to leave things open for your thoughts a bit. I would like to know maybe a Thanksgiving memory that might stick out, a time you reached out and helped someone in need during the holiday, or just simply what this time of year means to you...

This question brings many things to mind...going to Indiana while growing up and spending time with dad's side of the family. It seems like there were a thousand relatives at those get-togethers. I also remember the years my parents served as missionaries to the Sioux Indians in Ft. Thompson, South Dakota. I remember how thankful the Indians were when we had our Thanksgiving meal and service at the church.

Then, I remember one of the most touching moments ever...last year, I was able to deliver a Thanksgiving basket from our staff to a family in need right here in town. I took the turkey and some items for them to have the traditional "Thanksgiving Meal". The joy in the kid's eyes that they were gonna have a Thanksgiving meal was what will stick in my mind for every Thanksgiving to come.

What Thanksgiving means to me is much what it means to you...being thankful for being blessed with more than I deserve. Having family, friends, and loved ones who care for us. The Lord has provided for all our needs...He has never left or forsaken me, regardless when I have turned from Him.

Before I relinquish control of this post, let's look at our memory verse for the week from 1 Chronicles 16:34..."O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." I want to make sure that I give thanks for all He has done for me.

Please take a few moments and share what thoughts come to your mind about Thanksgiving...and "thanks" for your input!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today!!!

Thanksgiving thoughts...part 2

First off today, I would just like to say how well our worship services went yesterday. We had a great time of food and fellowship, with a great number of visitors attending our Thanksgiving meal and stayed for our Music and Praise service.

The music service was great, even though it was longer than the usual hour-long service. We had about 10 specials by various individuals in our church. I was amazed by the piano special performed by one of the teens. She has never had lessons, and taught herself to read music and play the piano. It was her first time to play in public and I believe it will be only the first of many more!!!

The ending of the service was the video entitled, "That's My King" with pictures and music and the message of S.M. Lockridge dubbed over, and we followed it in closing by "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" and prayer. With the time of year centering around being thankful, I want to express my thankfulness to all the members and visitors who make our church the special place it is!

Thinking on thanksgiving and giving our thanks, our memorization verse for this week comes from 1 Chronicles 16:34..."O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." I am setting my mind this week on the things that God has done that I am thankful for. Not that I don't the rest of the year, but especially now. I am so thankful that His mercy endures FOREVER, regardless of what we do. If I turn to Him, He is always there!

Continuing on with the Thanksgiving theme, we look to a couple more verses today. The first comes from 2 Corinthians 9:11..."Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God." This verse reminds us that we are provided abundantly for in everything and that causes, or makes us show thanksgiving unto God. Think about that...our being blessed should make us show thanksgiving! Do the blessings in my life make me show thanksgiving? Sobering thought!

The next verse comes from Philippians 4:6..."Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." This is a reminder to make everything known unto God and shows me that not only through asking for it, but also making sure that I am thankful to Him in everything!

I pray that your thanksgiving week is a time of reflection on what God has done in your life and the life of your family (church and relation)...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Thanksgiving thoughts...part 1

I know it seems a bit early, but Thanksgiving is coming next Thursday. In the realm of church, we have our dinner and music night this Sunday. So, this week, the Thanksgiving theme has been very much on my mind. In thinking about Thanksgiving, I looked up the references to the word on YouVersion. I want to look at a few of the references today, and will look at a few each day until the holiday itself. Thanks for bearing with me on this!

The first verse I look at today is from Psalms 26:7..."That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works." When I think about Thanksgiving and thankfulness, am I thinking more about what people have done that benefited me? That seems odd to say, but, unfortunately, I feel that I've been trained to think that way. It is a battle to keep focus on the One who should receive thanks for what He has done. There should be no better time for me to be thinking about His works, not only in my life, but in His creation of the world and the history that has been made because of Him.

Psalms 69:30..."I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." Every year, I look so forward to our Thanksgiving meal and special music service. It seems like such a great time of "letting our hair down" and just focusing on praising God and even sharing some testimonies of what God has done in our lives. It means so much to be able to lift our songs and words of praise in a relaxed setting...the real challenge is trying to sing after filling up on turkey, stuffing, desserts, etc.

Psalms 95:2..."Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms." All worship leaders know this verse by heart, I am sure. We are always asking everyone to make a joyful noise. But with my voice, am I giving Him thanks, or just giving my best performance? Sometimes, I get so focused on the order of our worship service that I lose focus of the object of our worship...

At this time of year, we focus on giving thanks to our families, friends, and co-workers for what they have done for us and our lives...please don't forget to give thanks to the one who gave you life!!!

Let's take a quick look at our verses to memorize this week from Romans 8:1 & 2..."There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

Keep working on your learning of the scriptures...God will give you opportunity to share them with others if you take the challenge to learn them!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

Outside the Box...

My mind today is set upon "thinking outside the box". You know, too often we try to box our Christianity into "our" ways of thinking and our expressions of worship into what we are comfortable with. When something comes along that is a little different, we put it down and say that it can't be done that way.

Along those lines, are we changing our methods to fit into what the world would feel comfortable with? Change is a tough thing to deal with...but change just for sake of change isn't what we are called to do. Last year, I picked up my first translation of the Bible other than KJV... I use other versions along with the KJV to sometimes get a different insight into what is being taught. I was telling one of my friends how difficult it was. I was raised using the KJV and still do my memorization from it, but I find it helpful to study with more than one version.

Change doesn't have to be a drastic turning away from what we have been taught but can also be a slight "tweeking" of methods. We are to change to become more like Christ everyday, right? So, we are truly "called" to change, in a manner of speaking...

One of my friends who blogs at Consuming Worship was talking about taking the limits off in a recent post. Am I willing to take the limits off myself in what I do for God and allow Him to in my life? What if I did? what would He do to me and thru me? what changes would be evident? would my worship, prayer, Bible study, and witness be anything like what it has been?

Let's look at Isaiah 55:8-9..."For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." If you're reading it the same way I am, then everything I do would be different if I let Him have control.

I thought the memorization challenge was intense. It pales in comparison with the challenge to take the limits off and let God have control. Thanks, Jeff, for the inspiration!!!

Before I end today, let's take a look at our memory verses for this week from Romans 8:1 & 2..."There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

Take the verses in...think on them...pray over them...ask God to speak thru them...and share them with someone today...

Be challenged to not only learn verses, but to be willing to change...For God's Glory!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today!!!

Get uncomfortable...

I was asked this morning about the challenge I have taken here on the blog of learning verses each week and how that is going. I told him how the verses and blog were becoming quite a challenge to do daily, because things seem to keep coming up to detour my thoughts.

Then, he asked the question...so, what is the challenge you are facing in life? Hmmm...well, the challenge I struggle with is stepping out of the comfort zones and getting uncomfortable and reaching out to help others. I'm sure you have all seen the list of where our priorities as Christians should be, right? God, family, church, friends, others, then you...in that order!!! Well, being honest, I struggle putting myself to the bottom rung of the ladder. It's so easy to say "but that's not what I want for this situation"...or..."that's not how I want things to be done"...when I should really be concerned about how God wants things done and down the list and so on and so forth, yadda-yadda-yadda.

Do you struggle with this? I found that to keep this challenge, I must work on four aspects for my life to stay on track...First, my Bible study or devotion time must be there and evident in my life...Second, I must be asking for God's directions...Third, I must work on my marriage (because the devil will try to pull at family)...and finally, sharing with others (getting out of comfort mode).

My struggles definitely aren't the same struggles that many of you may face today, but if there is some part of your life that you are fighting with, know that God is always there to help when we ask. Take a look at 2 Corinthians 1:4..."He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God." So, what I am battling can be used for the glory of the Lord...the strength that I gain from giving it to Him can be shared with others I come in contact with who think there is no hope.

To wrap things up today, let's review our verses for the weeek from Romans 8:1 & 2..."There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

Make time for your Bible study, prayer time, family, and share what God is doing with another today. Take the verses into your heart...let God use them to speak to you, and share what you have learned...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Be grateful...

First off this week, let's take one more look at our previous memory verses from Ephesians 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Was this as much a challenge for anyone else this past week as it was for me? Not that it was two verses, hard to remember, or extremely time-consuming...the issue is that since I have committed to memorize scripture, Satan is doing all he can to keep me from it. Has this been happening to you? Each time you try to go over verses we have learned the past couple weeks, does it seem like something pulls you away? Believe me, it's no coincidence.

We also have two more verses to take a look at...Acts 6:4...""But we give ourselves continually to prayer, and the ministry of the word." and John 3:30..."He must increase, but I must decrease." Have you memorized all three of these yet? or maybe one of them? or two? Are you still on board with the challenge? Will you continue on with me?

This week, I am led to Romans 8:1-2..."There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

This verse fits with the grand theme of things during this time of year. We are thankful to be under "grace" and not under the "law", right? I am so glad for the grace that has been offered, because in so many ways I fall short of the law. And, if I offend in any one part of the law, I am guilty of all!!!

How do you feel about that? Would you rather be judged by what you have done, or by what Christ did for you?

Now, this doesn't stop there...if we are in Christ Jesus and walk not after the flesh, we will be abiding in His will. Am I abiding in His will every moment of every day? Say that again to yourself...Am I abiding in His will every moment of every day? To answer quite simply...No, I am not. That is why I am so glad for God's grace.

I'm not sure how many of you have heard it put this way, but our pastor puts grace this way...

G od's
R iches
A t
C hrist's
E xpense

So, I am grateful..."For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Look over this week's verses...think on them...ask God to speak to you...and share with others...

Please let me know if there is a prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

How are your investment techniques???

I know that heading may not be what you would think of from a daily blog about our walk with Christ, but bear with me for a few.

Let's take a look at our memorization verses for this week in Ephesians 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

If we look at the how the Amplified Bible translates this it might bring it out a bit clearer. Let's look at what it has to say..."Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), 16 Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil."

The Holman states it quite well to start..."Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk"...If you notice, this is making the point that we must be increasingly mindful of how we "walk". That doesn't mean just what I think people see, but also what I think people don't see.

The Amplified can bring out the words without having to pull out a thesaurus. We need to live with a purpose, worthy and accurate. Where would we learn to do these things? Rhetorical question, I know...the Bible. Don't live inaccurately, inadequately like the witless or unwise, but like someone who is sensible and intelligent. If you're like me, that seems like quite a stretch!!! But, as the scripture states in Philippians 4:13..."I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

The final verse is put quite adequately as well in the Amplified...by making the most of our time, we are actually buying up each opportunity. Are we really buying up each opportunity, or the way I take it...am I buying into every opportunity? Am I really seeing the chances that God puts in front of me?

If we look at it as a purchase or investment, how is the return on investment? Or maybe, how good am I at investing into it? If we "invest" into our walk with the Lord, the R.O.I.(Return on Investment), or our fruits, will grow exponentially!!!

Take time to go back over the verses for this week, pray that God will help apply them to your life, and share them with someone today!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...

Am I prepared???

Today, I am doing some real thinking about self and the way I portray myself. Do I try to make myself seem as a super-Christian who walks with God perfectly every moment? or am I portraying myself as a sinner who was saved by grace who needs the help of a Master to guide my ways?

If you think I am the first, I am sorry to have given that impression. Each day is such a struggle to do the right things for me, how about you? Some days, don't you just wanna "call it in" and "do your own thing". The reason I have started this journal was to keep myself seeking God's words for me, and have an accountability set up that people can look back and see what I have been learning. If I tend to be "preachy", I am not speaking at anyone, but rather emphasizing what God is telling me.

It's so easy for me to sit back and ask for everyone else to volunteer to do work in our church, or be challenged to memorize verses, but am I really take the first step and doing it myself? If I as Christian leader in a church am not willing to roll up my sleeves and get to work, how can I ask others to?

For me to get past struggles that come my way daily, I must remain in a close relationship with God. When I take a "day off" from my study or prayer time, I allow myself to be open to Satan's attacks. And each "day off" can be followed by more days and soon turn into weeks, months, etc. Once you break the chain, it gets to be so hard to get back into it. A sense of comfortability sets in. That is why I must get into God's Word daily and think upon it and live by the teachings I receive.

Let's look at this week's memory verses in Ephesians 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Once again, these verses reminding us to stay vigilant, because the world is out to bring us down. We aren't to just wander around with no direction, but rather as someone with wisdom, knowing which roads to take, who to talk to, and see the opportunities that God provides us to minister.

Even though the world is in such a state of flux, we do have a hope as stated in 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)..."Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." We are to be prepared mentally and show self-control. What better place for me to get wisdom and self-control than from God's word and asking for His help? Is my hope set fully on the grace given by Jesus? or am I just saying that? It's very easy to say, but there are days that things happen, and I want to throw my hands in the air and just give up. But, the more I stay in His word and in prayer, the more I rely upon His grace to get me through!

If you are struggling today and can't seem to find time for God, I pray that you will make time for Him and let Him help you through whatever you are battling...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

50,000 shoes in 50 days!!!

Hey everyone!

Today launched the 50k in 50 days campaign. A great charity in Nashville is trying to get money to buy 50,000 pairs of shoes raised in 50 days...

The cool thing is only $5 buys 2 pairs of shoes!!

It takes under 2 minutes to donate and only three clicks – super easy!

So if you think this is something you can do...five bucks, three clicks, two minutes = two pairs of shoes to someone in need, just visit http://www.50000shoes.com.

More importantly, this can only happen if we spread the word...so please forward this on to anyone you know...the people you work with, your mom, whoever!!

Oh, and one person who donated will win a trip to Mexico to hand deliver the shoes they bought to someone who has never owned shoes before. Could you imagine giving someone their very first pair of shoes?

All donations are tax deductible of course.

Thanks for your support!

Redeem the time...

Okay, before we get to our verse to memorize this week, let's take a look back at our last verses. Our first verse came from John 3:30..."He must increase, but I must decrease." Last week's verse was in Acts 6:4..."Be we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and the ministry of the word." How many of you were able to say those without help of reading the scripture written out? Let me know how you are doing on your memorization so far.

Well, that leads us to this weeks verses. I have to admit, I got this from the daily email devotion from Lifeway's "Experiencing God Today" from this morning. It shared the following verses from Ephesians 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

These verses are calling us to be careful and walk through this world with our "eyes open" to what is going on about us. Redeeming the time...do you wonder what that could mean? Have you ever taken glass bottles back to "redeem" them for trade-in value or "redeemed" a certificate for payment? What this means to me is that we share our testimony of Jesus in us, so that we may "redeem" those works for crowns in the hereafter. Redeem the time and give it to Jesus for His purposes for your life today.

Think of what is said in John 9:4..."I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." We must do the work today, don't procrastinate and put it off for another day or another person to do. If someone is placed in your way today, you MUST do what you can to share the words that God has given you to share with them.

Do your part in the coming days, weeks, months, and even years...because we know not when the Lord will come and no man can work anymore. Chances will be gone. I relate this again to the song...what if we lived everyday like we were dying? Would we be more willing to share and get out of our comfort zone? Think about that one...

Let's look again at our verses for the week from Epheasian 5:15 & 16..."See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Think on it, share it with others, and let God speak through His Word to everyone of us today!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...

Unceasing prayer...

Fall is definitely in the air! Cooler weather and leaves all over the ground. We just finished our Sunday School campaign at our church and I am looking forward to what God is going to do this weekend. I am also looking forward to seeing the classes take what they've been focused on for eight weeks, and running with it. The focus has been reaching out "missionally" with each individual class. The campaign has ended, but we have challenged the teachers and classes to not let it end there.

Let's take another look today at our verse for the week in Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." Have you got it memorized? This week's verse I kept getting words turned around. This morning, I can say that I typed without the assistance of YouVersion. The past couple posts, I can't say that for. Have you been setting aside your time for prayer AND Bible study? Some days are easier to follow through than others, but let's make a concentrated effort to do it daily!

Okay, now let's test your memory from last week. The verse is John 3:30..."He must increase, but I must decrease." Do you still remember that one? I went in to church Wednesday and was just saying hi to one of the members, when they started quoting the scriptures we have been memorizing. It is a blessing to see others taking the initiative to learn scriptures, too. Have you taken the challenge seriously? Start today and see what God will do if you are willing to take His Word into your heart...

Let's take another look in the scriptures today, that will go right along with our verse of the week. It comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:17..."Pray without ceasing." This can be a challenge during our hectic, loud days to take a few moments to be still and silent and lift our voices unto the Lord. Do your prayers have an end??? do they seem to continue on??? We are called to pray without ceasing and be in a mindset of prayer at all times.

Take a few moments and go over our verses from the past two weeks again. Let the words speak to you. Repeat them over again...and again...think on them...pray that God will use them in your life today...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...

He's still on the throne!!!

Am back at the computer this morning, after quite an eventful day with a dentist elbow-deep in my mouth doing a root canal. Okay, maybe not elbow-deep, it just seemed that way. First things first, let's look at our verse to memorize for this week. It's found in Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." At the point we are in our history as a nation and Christians, this is more important than ever!!!

The signs of the times are everywhere. I have heard that my whole life, but am starting to notice it myself, as well. I guess that is a sign of growth and maturity? Never thought I would link those words to myself, but things do happen.

Since the results of the election, I have heard varied responses from...this is the end of life as we know it...to people equating our new President-elect to the anti-Christ...and even calling him the Messiah...now that is scary and unnecessary! My biggest thing in all this is...God is still on His throne and in control!

This is evident throughout history and is shown quite well in the book of Daniel, which we have been studying on Sunday nights. God can use even the vilest of rulers for His cause. He can also use His people to show His power to an unbelieving ruler, as well.

For those of you who have lost heart, I was sent this verse via Twitter the other evening by Max Lucado. It set my concerned mind at ease. It is found in Proverbs 21:1..."The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."

WOW!!! We can keep our faith in the Lord and He will take care of things??? Okay, that was sarcasm. But, when we take our eyes of Him and start wondering what we are going to do in dire circumstances, we need a reality check. Don't lose faith...there is hope...remember our verse this week and give yourself to prayer continually and the ministry of the Word!!! Don't put all your hope in man, they will fail and disappoint, put your faith and hope in the One who has never failed!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today!!!

Feeding the wolf...

Okay, before we get into the news of the day, I want to take another look at our verse of the week. It comes from Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." Rather simply, we are called to keep in contact with the Lord both through our prayer time as well as our Bible reading and study time.

Yesterday, we focused along the lines of prayer, so today let's look at a few verses in relation to our study of the Bible. Our first verse comes from 2 Timothy 2:15..."Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." I am sure you have all heard this verse, but have you ever noticed that it portrays our study as a job? We are called a "workman"...and we are supposed to study the bible and be confident in what it tells us. If we spend no time in the Word, how can we be confident that we know and are doing what it says?

Our next scripture comes from Luke 4:4..."And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." This verse shows the necessity of having the Word of God as a part of daily "intake". Not only do we need physical foods to live and survive this life, but spiritual foods to prosper in the sight of the Lord.

This reminds me of the story I heard about a boy visiting with his Cherokee grandfather. They were talking about inner battles we face in life. The grendfather equated the battles to having two "wolves" that battle for victory. One "wolf" is Evil and the other is Good. When asked which wolf wins the battles, the grandfather says..."the one you feed"...

Which "wolf" are you feeding in your life? Are you feeding on the Word of God daily or are you sustaining yourself with the fruits this world has to offer? The "wolf" you feed will win in your daily struggles. Take another look at our verse for the week in Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

Think on it...pray about it...and feed yourself on the Words contained...

Finally, I would ask that everyone be in a state of prayer for the election going on today. I am not promoting here for one or the other, but rather that God's will be done. I voted this morning, and ask that you vote, too. Stand up and let everyone know you voted!!! Please don't stump for one or the other here, though...

Let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

Give yourself continually...

For our memorization challenge for this week, we look at Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." This continues on with the teaching from last week's memory verse in John 3:30, where we learned that "He must increase, but I must decrease." If we are to grow closer to God and have His will made evident in our lives, we must follow these words CONSTANTLY!!!

As we go into this week, let's take a moment and see how we are or aren't to pray...Let's take a look at Matthew 6:5-8..."And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (7) But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (8) Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him."

This is calling us to a personal, private prayer relationship with the Lord. We are to pray as if no one is there but us and the Lord. It is not necessary to say the loftiest words and recitations to make ourselves look good. Because, those who pray to be heard have their reward. If we take our requests privily and secretly, the Lord will reward openly. Also, realize that the Lord knows your needs before you even state them. This doesn't mean to take that for granted, but rather feel confident to make them known personally.

We need to have a special place and time that we meet with God daily...whether in a closet, bedroom, office, or wherever you feel led. Not only do we need to spend our time in prayer, but also in the Word. Be thinking on our new verse during the coming days. Once again, it is Acts 6:4..."But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

Who will you serve???

As we draw nearer to the elections, we get overwhelmed with political advertising and rhetoric that gets so hard to weed out the good and bad. The good thing as Christians is that we are not conformed to the images of this world, but are aliens in a strange land, right? Yes, we need to be mindful of all that is going on around us, but are also called to be separate.

As I was thinking on those things this morning, I was brought to the verse found in Joshua 24:15..."And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

As human beings, we are given the freedom to choose who we will serve. Have you made a stand in your home? Or are you wishy-washy depending on if things are going well or not? Make a stand one way or the other...I am making a stand on the final part of this verse..."as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"...POINT BLANK!!!

That requires a lot from us...does it mean everything is always easy? NO. Will there be struggles? as long as we live in an imperfect world...YES! But, we are "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ"(Titus 2:13)...

Before I end today, we need to take another look at our verse for the week...John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease." Goes right along with our passage, doesn't it? Those of you who haven't got it memorized have until Monday before it's time for our next verse...be working on it!

I pray that you have a great day and look forward to seeing many of you at our 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat tonight from 6-7:30 PM...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

Congratulations and thanks...

As much as this pains me as a New York Mets fan...congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies on their World Series championship. With the weather situations that caused a two day delay in the finishing of game 5, it will go down as one of the most unique championship moments.

It is yet another day of being sick at home, which means another day of being bombarded by political media. I feel quite passionately about the future of our nation, but try to not use this medium as a platform for my personal opinions. My request for all who read this blog is that you TRULY pray and ask for God to give you the knowledge in choosing who to vote for. There is so much mis-information out there that we can't discern right from wrong without some help, and I know no better place to turn than the Lord.

With that said, let's take another look at our verse to memorize this week in John 3:30..."He must increase, but I must decrease." How are you doing with the verse this week? Are you thinking on it? Sharing it with others? Or, just reading it here and forgetting for the rest of the day? If we truly want to be touched by the Lord in every aspect of our lives, we must take His Word seriously and put it into our lives!!!

I also want to take a few moments to say "Thanks" to those of you who have subscribed to the journal or have been reading regularly. This has been an opportunity to share the words that God has given to me each day. If they speak to someone else, then that is just more than I could have ever expected. May all praise for everything I write or say be given to the Lord, who makes all things possible. If you would've told me a few years ago that God would be using me for His plan, I would have laughed in your face. It's like the quote I used a couple days ago..."A super man would make it look easy, but it took an ordinary man to make it look like God"...It is obvious that what God has done in my life is His doing, because I could have never accomplished what He's done on my own.

May you be blessed today and please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

Continuing the challenge...

Okay...yesterday a challenge was put forth to one and all (myself included). I had 4 responses come to me personally, including the 2 that were directly responded to the post. Thanks to you for putting yourselves out there. This is not anything that I am going to pester you with daily. I will not email you and make sure you are keeping up with your acceptance of the challenge. This is simply a chance for us to all grow closer in our walk with our Lord and the knowledge He can give. If you haven't accepted the challenge, I hope you will take it very seriously.

That said, let's take another look at this week's verse to memorize. If you haven't read yet, it is: John 3:30..."He must increase, but I must decrease". What did this verse tell you about yourself? about God? about what you need to do? It simply states to me that God must play a bigger role in my life, while my own personal ideas take a back seat. God's ways are not my ways and my mind cannot even comprehend His wisdom. If I step back and let Him step forward in my life, His perfect will can be made evident in my walk, talk, and testimony.

I was searching YouVersion today for the word challenge in the Bible and found no references in the KJV. If you've never checked out YouVersion, take the time and check out this great reference with many different translations and a good search engine for the Bible. I went over to the Holman Christian Standard Bible and came across a passage from Psalms 57. Let's look at the KJV, verses 2 and 3..."I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. (3) He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth."

To continue with the "challenge" theme, we look at how God shall save us from the reproach of him that would swallow us up. The Holman version states verse 3 as follows..."He reaches down from heaven and saves me, challenging the one who tramples me. God sends His faithful love and truth."

I find it amazing that my God would "challenge" the one trying to trample me...that is quite a thought to take hold of, right? But, there is a premise to all that, though. In verse 2, we must call upon the Lord in reverance, knowing that every good thing comes from and through Him. If we try to do things on our own, only defeat and trials will come.

May we be "challenged" to take the Word of God into our hearts and minds today and each day hereafter. Remember this week's verse...John 3:30..."He must increase, but I must decrease". Keep that fresh in your mind...

If you haven't accepted the challenge and would like to, simply post a comment to this post below and say you're up for a challenge!!! Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

Are you up for a challenge???

Today, I was meeting with a friend who was asking what I am doing to draw more people to God? What goals do I have set in place? Then he asked me a tough question...what plan do you have set for memorizing scripture? Think about that...What plan do you have set for memorizing scripture? It has been somewhat hit-and-miss is what I said. I work on memorizing scripture, but haven't set a goal for how many. Well, today, I set forth the goal of one verse a week. And I am asking you to join with me.

In Psalm 119:11, it states..."Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." If we are constantly memorizing scripture and dwelling on it, we will see a difference in the way God moves and the way WE are moved.

While we were talking, I shared a verse, but went blank on the exact reference in scripture...because of that, I have placed it as this week's memory verse...it isJohn 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease."

Let's focus and meditate day and night upon this verse. I will highlight and remind you each day. Then, next Monday, we will start a new verse. I challenge you to take this journey with me and see what God will do through us in the coming days, weeks, months and years. If you will take this challenge with me, leave a comment below or just email me.

Let's take a step back and let Him increase today and each day from here on.

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

Mighty to Save...

This morning, I have been thinking and singing the words from "Mighty to Save". Many have heard the Hillsong version, however I am putting up the video from Laura Story. I found the images a bit better than those of the Hillsong version. As you watch the video, there are 3 verses that fit perfectly with the song:

1. John 3:16..."For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

2. Zephaniah 3:17..."The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."

3. 2 Corinthians 5:15..."And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."

I pray that you are touched once again by the words and message of this song...



Repeat the words over to yourself today...
"Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save, mighty to save
Forever, Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave"

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...

Are you hiding???

I just was reading the daily headlines on Yahoo and saw how Beyonce is going to use a new stage name, "Sasha Fierce" on her upcoming album...I have now stopped laughing, but wonder...she states that the new persona allows her to be more fun, aggressive, and outspoken. Do we need a new persona or mask to hide behind so that we can share our beliefs without fear? I remember how well Garth Brooks' venture as Chris Gaines went...or didn't go.

I would be cautious to remind you that once we are saved, we are new creatures...as stated in 1 Corinthians 5:17..."Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Maybe if we let our new creature take over, we would be more outspoken and aggressive in our sharing of the Gospel. Now, don't get me wrong...I'm not telling you to go changing your name or personality...we don't need a bunch of Mr. Spectaculars running around.

But, I also would have to state that we shouldn't be afraid to speak up without having another personality (mask) to hide behind, either. We are to put away old things, and all things are become new. May we step boldly out and put off our old self, and let Christ's likeness be seen in us!!! So, in a sense we are showing another through us, but not by donning a mask...

Let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...

God doesn't need a superman...

Earlier this week, while reading one of the many devotionals I read, I was struck by a quote..."A superman would have made it look easy. It took an ordinary man to make it look like God"...That quote has gone over and over in my mind. One of the stories that was brought to my mind was of David and Goliath. It is such a great illustration of God taking the average, if not below-average in stature to bring down the powerful.

Let's just look at a few verses from 1 Samuel 17:38-40..."And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. (39) And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it . And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them . And David put them off him. (40) And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine."

In the first of this passage we see Saul trying to get David all the possible protections for David's well-being. He covers him from head to toe with armour, brass and the mail coverings. But, David was not going to have anything to do with that. He hadn't gone through testing of the equipment. Besides, he knew the Lord would be the protection he so desperately needed.

So David took his staff and picked out some smooth stones and put them in his bag, and with sling in hand he headed toward the Philistine. Can you imagine going toward a giant with just a slingshot and five smooth stones? Think about it...Goliath is shielded head to toe with the armor that David turned away.

The key point...faith. David not only said he had faith in God, but he put it into action! Step out and get in the midst of the battle. You aren't armed with just five smooth stones, but the whole armor of God! You say you have faith...PROVE IT!!!

Remember the quote..."A superman would have made it look easy. It took an ordinary man to make it look like God"...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...

The Heart of Our Worship

Okay, bear with me for a few moments...the last couple months, there has been something bothering me. Now, please don't think I am coming down on worship leaders everywhere, or even questioning their motives. I just personally think we need to watch how we portray what we are doing in our worship services and how it comes across to others. One of my favorite blogs has a thing every week called Sunday Setlists...Like I said, I am not taking aim at them. It is a great way of seeing how other ministers are arranging services and worshipping corporately. My beef is that it "sounds" more like a performance of man than a worship of God. I don't want my worship to be a "setlist" of music to entertain. I guess the whole "setlist" problem mainly comes from my DJ days. My prayer is that we will come back to the heart of true worship...where it's not about us at all! There, I got that off my chest, whew! Now, I feel better...

Okay, so for today's passage, we look to Psalm 5:7-9..."But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. (8) Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. (9) For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue."

Here, David is asking for God's overall guidance in his life. We should look at verse 7 when we come to His house to worship Him. We should come in lowness of spirit...humbly...praising His great mercy upon us!!! Let's corporately ask the Lord to lead our steps today. I am challenging you to come with me on this journey...

Lord, lead us in your righteousness, because our enemies in this world are looking to trip us daily. Light our paths before us...show us where you want us to go...Let us see the folly of the words they speak that don't ring true...Let us see the heart of them, that we may not be fooled by their smooth talk...Keep us strong, even though they tell us what our flesh longs to hear...Thank you, Lord for your faithfulness and mercy...We deserve none of it!!!

Thank you for letting me share my heart with you today. I pray that we can all think about what worship is meant to be. Like I've quoted "The Heart of Worship" before..."It's all about you...Jesus"...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer I can word on your behalf today...