Christian, Can We Talk?

You Love Me Anyway

2011-04-12T20:18:00.000-04:00

I am a "song" person. There are songs that just touch the deepest part of my heart as if God knew I needed to hear that message and the easiest way to get "to" me is through a song.

The Easter season is coming and it is usually the time people "remember" about Christ's Crucifixion. Not that they really forget, it is just that they are thinking about "other" things during the year, like: Lord, I need _____, Lord, help me with _____, etc. I totally include myself as one of these people.

There is a song out by Sidewalk Prophets titled "You Love Me Anyway". I am not going to list the entire lyrics, just the part that totally struck me. These word reminded me again, what part I had played in my Savior's death.

But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known.
You love me anyway,
Oh Lord, how You love me.

I am the thorn in Your crown -
But You love me anyway.

I am the sweat from Your brow -
But You love me anyway.

I am the nail in Your wrist -
But You love me anyway.

I am Judas’ kiss -
But You love me anyway.

See now, I am the man that called out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking
ground.

Yes then, I turned away with this smile on my face
With this sin in my heart, tried to bury Your grace.

And then alone in the night, I still called out for You -
So ashamed of my life, my life, my life.

But You love me anyway
Oh, God… how you love me
You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known.

You love me anyway.

Trying So Hard

2010-12-27T19:22:00.000-05:00

There are songs that hit you, smack in the face! This is one for me. My present church doesn't do "altar calls", but my previous one did, and I miss it. But I digress....

This song is such a TRUTH of every Christian on the planet today. One of the reasons I love Casting Crowns, their songs are always about some issue, real issue, that Christians deal with daily.

My favorite line: "I'm trying so hard....to stop trying so hard. Just let You be who You are, Lord, who You are in me." Powerful words.

"Altar and the Door" by Casting Crowns

What I Deserve

2010-12-22T22:16:00.000-05:00

I accuse my son of being a "hard learner". He struggles, it seems with the same disobedience over and over. I tend to lose "sympathy" with is mourning over his discipline as it should, at least to me, not be a "shock" as to his punishment. I feel as if he is going to keep doing this same thing over and over, knowing it is wrong and there will be a punishment, that he is "getting what he deserves".
A few weeks ago, I got pulled over by a State Trooper. I knew immediately that it was for talking on my cell phone. I wish I could tell you that this is my first ticket for this issue, it isn't. It is my THIRD! Mind you, my third over a few years, but still not a good thing.
I didn't argue with the officer. How could I? I was guilty. I ended up losing the ticket and had to call the court to get another one mailed to me. I pleaded "guilty" on the ticket and mailed it in and awaited my monetary fate.
A week or so later, it came back and was $135! WHEW! It was due by the 21st of this month. With Christmas, and two major issues with my car that needed to be taken care of right away, I was without the money when the due date came.

I was pretty nervous as I called the court to beg them for an extension. I had a hope that they would at LEAST give me a week, or even to the first of January. A friendly voice came on the phone and I explained that my ticket was due, and that I did not have enough, what could I do? She asked, "When do you think you CAN have the money?"
I told her by the first week of January. She replied that she would change the due date for January 12th. Tears came to my eyes as I told the woman that it was more than merciful. I also told her that she had given me a great blessing for Christmas. She laughed and said she was glad.

When I got off the phone, a realization came to me that I did NOT get what I deserved. If I had been in charge, I would have said:

This is your third offense! Not only are you going to have to pay it ON TIME, I am adding more so that you will remember to NOT break this law again. I see I need to be more HARSH with YOU, because you can NOT seem to learn this lesson.

But that is not what I got. I got grace and mercy. And it wasn't like these things came from some godly institution! I thanked God for showing me His love. I thanked Him for being such an awesome example to me, for OBVIOUSLY, I lack in this area.

So not only will I look at the next "struggle" with my son's "hard learning", but will look at other areas in my life where I am not showing grace and mercy to someone.

Thank you Father for being such a good Father to me. Help me to reflect Your love in my parenting.

Caramel Pull-Apart Wreath a.k.a Monkey Bread

2010-12-22T21:46:00.000-05:00

Looking for a delicious treat to give to someone for Christmas? Or something tasty to bring to a party or family gathering? I have just the recipe for you!

Caramel Pull-Apart Wreath

It is so delicious and easy to make. We did NOT use the Pillsbury baking ingredients. We went to Aldi's and got biscuits for $.39 a tube, or whatever the term is for what they come in. We were able to make three of them to share. We also didn't do the ribbon. They were delicious cold or heated back up. We will be adding this to our recipe collection for holiday treats!

Teen Thursday -Mirror

2010-04-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

The Teens have their own blog now! Our Generation Seeking Him. Every author is a teen seeking God and wanting to encourage other teens while sharing their experiences as Christians. So I thought that I would post part of one of their posts here every week.

This post was written by Shelby for "Daughter of the King". It is in the "Eve's Peeps" blog for the girls.

Mirror

The reason why I drew this picture, was because some girls, when they look in the mirror, they see the small things at a bigger scale. God see's you as a princess, and loves you, even if you have a pimple, glasses, braces or whatever. He loves you for you. The world doesn't care about your heart, only what you look like. God cares about what's on the inside, and to Him, that's beautiful.

This is from Jenny Lucado's devotional, ' Redefining Beautiful'

Some days I like him. Most days I hate him. But I do have to admit, he's honest. He'll always tell me if I have food in my teeth or a booger in my nose. He isn't afraid to let me know if a certain shirt is too tight or if a color doesn't complement my skin. I appreciate the honesty, but he is deceiving all the same. Deceiving because anytime he tells me, " Just get this cute shirt and feel better about yourself" or " Just lose five pounds and be forever happy," it doesn't work. I'm never good enough for him.

I try not to hang out with him too much, or else I can easily fall into his trap of discouragement - " Jenna, I see that cellulite back there. Your skin is looking pretty oily these days. Those teeth could use come whitening!" I try to block out his lies that tell me I'm not good enough, that I'm not beautiful, but it's hard.

I'm sure you've met him. He tends to pop up in all sorts of places: bathrooms, cars, department stores, gyms. And I'm sure you've felt some of these insecurities when standing in front of him.

His name?

To find out his name, click HERE

Tim Hawkins - "The Government Can!"

2010-03-31T22:11:00.001-04:00

Had to share this!

Prayerful Tuesday

2010-03-29T07:00:00.001-04:00

Prayerful Tuesday

"The Grace of Knowing"

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Lord, Lately I need a softer heart, a less judgmental mind, a more open spirit. I sense your leading when I am with other people, yet my very human tendencies stop me from doing what you require of me. Please give me a compassionate eyes that see only the need and beauty in people. May my thoughts turn to how You wish for me to interact with someone rather than how I want to take control of the situation.

Remind me, Lord, that justice and mercy are the cornerstones of my faith. Let me pass along these gifts to other people so that my humility becomes the source of my responses to Your children.

( from "One-Minute Prayers from the Bible)

Devotional Friday - "As Different As Night And Day"

2010-03-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

"As Different As Night And Day" by Pastor Rick Klueg from The Baptist Church of Northville

1 Thessalonians 5:5 (NASB)

for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;

I once worked third shift , and I never really got used to it. My mind and body could just not adjust to working at night and sleeping during daylight. I would come home, sleep for a couple hours, and then wake up and not be able to get back to sleep. As you can imagine, this pattern did not make for a healthy lifestyle! Even though modern technology has given us excellent artificial light, it is still most natural to be active during the daytime and passive at night. The Lord Jesus drew a spiritual application from this reality, telling us, As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work .What does it mean, then, to be sons of light and sons of day?

The concept of light is used in the Bible as a metaphor of both intellectual and moral perfections. Daytime is the normal time to be active because that is when we can see clearly enough to work. Daylight enables us to have a clear knowledge of our surroundings. Likewise, a person who has God in his life is aware of the spiritual realities necessary for salvation and godliness. He is aware of the true God, he knows the Bible to be His Word, He sees his own guilt, and knows about the salvation that comes through the cross of Christ. To be sons of light, then, means to have a clear knowledge of such important and necessary divine truths. (Cf. John 3:20-21; Acts 26:18).

Light also implies moral purity. The Bible describes the believer’s transformed life as a matter of light: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) (Ephesians 5:8-9). In a passage calling believers to turn away from sin, the apostle John teaches us that God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. Since God is perfectly pure, we are to walk in the light, as he is in the light (1 John 1:5,7).

Notice that today’s verse says of Christians that we are all sons of light and sons of day. The distinction between the Christian and the unsaved is as different as night and day. When God saved us, He made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). It is up to us, now, to make sure that this spiritual reality is increasingly evident in our lives, as we walk in true knowledge and holiness.

Biblical Doctrine: Soteriology – Salvation brings with it an ever-increasing degree of true knowledge and holiness.

My Responsibility: Live as a son of the light!

Question: How does this all relate to the fact that the Lord Jesus called believers the light of the world (Matthew 5:14)?

Prayer: I pray that the day might dawn and the morning star rise in my heart! (2 Peter 1:19).

Teen Thursday - We Need To Be Content

2010-03-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

This post was written by Krystl for "During 'Home School 101'", which is about being a Christian home schooled teen.

We Need To Be Content

Have you ever wondered why God has you as a home schooler?

Do you ever wish sometimes that you could just be a normal kid and go to school like everyone else?

One thing I've definitely been going through as a home schooler is I always wished that I could go to school. I always want to know why God has me in this position. I would always ask, "God why do you have me as a home schooler? Wouldnt it be better if I went to school so I could witness to people about you?"

to read the rest of this great post click here.

Truth Wednesday - Adversity

2010-03-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

Truth Wednesday

Adversity

Psalm 119:67 "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but no I keep Your word."

Charles Stanley shares these thoughts on this:

Believers have a choice about how they will respond to life's tempests. either they can cast blame while becoming resentful and bitter, or they can turn to the Lord and ask, "What is Your purpose?" God wants to use adversity to draw us to Himself. If we respond to ti in faith, out affliction becomes a bridge to a deeper relationship with Him.

I must be "truthful" and tell you that this is very hard for me to do. I KNOW what I am suppose to do, but my flesh more times than not gets the best of me.

Three years ago, my mother, who has emphysema, was put on a ventilator, after so many days, it was time to put a trach in as she was not weening off the machine fast enough. They wheeled her down to the OR. Within a minute, the speaker system announced "Code Blue, Code Blue OR Room 4". Her nurse came to get me and we went to the OR. They revived her. And then five minutes later I heard the same announcement. The OR nurse brought me to the OR room door, in case I wanted to say "good bye".

I was pregnant, and alone, as it was the worst snow storm that winter, and our whole county as shut down! I remember praying , on me knees the OR waiting room bathroom, "Oh God, not now. How will I survive? (I am an only child) I am not ready yet."

I could have screamed at God and shook my fist at Him. I didn't. Those moments I KNEW He was with me, in control, carrying me. I felt His presence. He sent people to me, to aid me. Nurses who sat with me, friends who talked with me and prayed with me. I did not feel bitterness or resentment.

That was the worst time of my life, the hardest adversity for me.

Members of my family do not speak to me because I told the "truth" about their behavior. I was recently excluded from a baby shower because of it. I am struggling with resentment and bitterness. Trying very hard to not let that seed grow in my heart.

How "important" was the baby shower compared to the possibility of losing my mom?

Is it the same for all Christians? To me, logically, funny I know since my logic and God's are NOT the same, I should have had the resentment over my mother instead. The "larger" of the two incidents.

Oh, what makes us tick?!

What about you? What situations do you find resentment and bitterness grow in you, instead of letting it be used to grow closer to the Lord?

Side note: My mother did not die that night. She was 98 pounds, at that time, and they performed CPR on her twice. She survived with not ONE broken rib! No lasting brain damage! God's hand was all over her that night...and me.

Prayerful Tuesday

2010-03-23T07:00:00.002-04:00

Prayerful Tuesday

"Shying Away from Greatness"

"Because your sins are so many and your hostility so great, the prophet is considered a fool, the inspired man a maniac." Hosea 9:7

I want to express myslf, Lord I want to be free of all inhibitions, negative self-talk, and the fear of how other people view me. How many times have I squelched something that is of You because I did not want to be viewed as a maniac, a fool? I believe You speak to us in a language that somtimes is wild and out-of-the-box. After all, You created the world beyond the box that we have created for ouseleves.

Let me fly high ith a sense of song and creation. Give me the courage to be inspired. Encourage in me the blossoming of more ideas, more adventures, and more life.

(from the "One-Minute Prayers from the Bible")

Please share your prayer requests, you can do them anonymously, or leave them on the Fan Page on Facebook. Let's be prayer warriors for each other today!

Music For The Heart Monday

2010-03-22T07:00:00.001-04:00

Music For The Heart Monday

I love MercyMe and Bart Millard's voice. The first time I heard this, I loved it. I always loved the song, but the way he does it is awesome. I hope you enjoy.

This song is so wonderful, and I always imagine being in a room with all of these people, and we are all singing this, lifting our voices in praise to our Father. How awesome would that be?

Give me those "eagle's wings"!

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Women Believe" About Themselves Part 2

2010-03-21T22:16:00.000-04:00

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

About Themselves Part 2 - " I Need To Learn To Love Myself"

"You need to love yourself" is the world's prescription for those who are plagued with a sense of worthlessness. As with much deception, the lies represented in advertisements are not the polar opposite of the Truth; rather, they are distortions of the Truth.

According to God's Word, the Truth is that we were created in the image of God, that He loves us, and that we are precious to Him. However, we do not bestow that worth on ourselves. Nor do we experience the fullness of God's love by telling ourselves how lovable we are.

To the contrary, Jesus taught that it is in losing our lives that we find our lives. The message of self-love put people on a lonely, one-way path to misery.

How often have we heard someone say, "I've never liked myself," or "She just can't love herself"? According to the Scripture, the Truth is that we do love ourselves --immensely. When Jesus tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves, the point is not that we need to learn to love ourselves so that we can love others. Jesus is saying we need to give others the same attention and care we naturally give ourselves.

The fact is, we do not hate ourselves, nor do we need to learn to love ourselves. We need to learn to deny ourselves, so we can do that which comes naturally - to truly love God and others. Our problem isn't so much a "poor self-image" as it is a "poor God-image".

Music For The Heart Monday

2010-03-15T19:03:00.000-04:00

Music For The Heart Monday

This week on "Lies Women Believe" it talked about the lie of not being worthy enough for God. That we believe the negative so much more easily and even when the positives out way them, we still tend to believe them over the good. My daughter introduced me to this song, because, I AM one of those women! This song is just totally "freeing". I hope that it will help any of you who struggle with this same lie.

I have been listening to the new Casting Crowns CD, "Until The Whole World Hears", and this is one of my favorites. Listen to it, close your eyes and lift your praise up!

Where is your life?

What could be better than knowing "I AM"?

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Women Believe" About Themselves Part 1

2010-03-15T18:25:00.001-04:00

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Women Believe" About Themselves - "I Am Not Worth Anything"

Over 49% of the woman surveyed for this book, have believed this lie.

Listen to what others have said:

"Feeling inferior has been a lifelong struggle. Many times it has caused me to withdraw from relationships, even though I am a people person and outgoing."

"I feel the need to have constant reassurance from those around me of my value because I feel worthless! If people knew me, they would agree."

"Because of the hurt in my marriage, I felt that I was useless and that nobody, not even God, could love me. I just didn't measure up, and since I have always felt that I had to be perfect to be loved, then obviously God would not love me either."

"I was told as a child that I was worthless as tits on a bear. I soon believed that I was. I still have trouble with i this at times. I believed that i would never be anybody in this world because that is what I heard when I was growing up. People saw me as a retarded person who didn't know anything. At the that time I believed it. I used to lock myself up and wouldn't want to do anything with anybody. I have believed all of my life that I would never have any good friends or family and that I would rot away with the suffering and pain that I went thought most of my life."

"The problem is that our view of ourselves and out sense of self worth are often determined by the input and opinions of others. What we believe about ourselves determines how we live. If we believe and act on lies, we will end up in bondage."

"For the longest time I thought I was not worth anything. Even after I was saved, I thought I was equal to pond scum. This threw me into a depression. I began to isolate myself, and as a result, was not living the life of joy that God had intended for me."

"'I am not worth anything' is a lie I believed. I have always struggled with this lie and with a constant "need" for the approval of others. It got to the point of being maddening ---trying to please everyone, trying to have the appearance of what I thought I should look like."

"I find that women today are desperately seeking affirmation; they are driven to gain the approval of others. It's as if they were trying to balance the scales of the negative input they have recieved from others. But, in most cases, no number of positive "strokes" can out weight those negative, hurtful expressions that have led them to believe they are worthless. No amout of affirmation is enough.

There is a wonderful verse in 1Peter that shows us how Jesus' sense of worth was determined, not by what others thought of Him - good or bad - by by the Truth as expressed by His heavenly Father: He was "rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him" (2:4). Jesus was rejected by men - those He had created for Himself, those He loved and for whom He laid down His life. But that is not what determined His value. He was chosen by God; that is what made Him precious; that is what determined His worth.

When God sent His only Son, Jesus, to this earth to bear your sin and mine on the cross, He put a price tag on on - He declared the value of our soul to be greater than the value of the whole world. Whose opinion are you going to accept? Believing a lie will put you in the bondage. Believing the Truth will set you free."

Some things to think about till next time:

Read Psalm 139:1-18. What do you learn from this psalm about God's heart and thoughts toward you?

Is there someone's whose affirmation you crave? Whose approval matters more to you than God's?

How has that longing for human acceptance affected your thoughts? Your emotions? Your behavior? Your relationships with others?

Read Romans 5:6-11. What makes it possible for us, as fallen sinners and enemies of God, to be accepted by God?

Lord, thank You for loving me so much. Thank You, for choosing me and saving me. thank you that through Christ I have been made acceptable to You and that I am Your treasured possession. Help me to think of myself as Your beloved daughter and to rejoice in the privilege of my relationship with You. Amen.

Prayerful Tuesday

2010-03-15T07:00:00.002-04:00

Prayerful Tuesday

"Oh Lord, my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit." Psalm 30:2-3

As a flippant teenager I used to say, "Spare me" whenever I wanted to skip to something better. "Spare me the details" or "Spare me the boring lecture." It is funny how the meaning of those words changed after I experienced hardship. Spare me...it is no longer my sarcastic way to end a conversation. It is my frequent plea to You.

Lord, pull me from my despair and the depths of my self-pity. Place me on new heights so that I can stand tall and gain perspective once again of the life. You have given to me. Spare me from the fate of my own demise. Help me.

Please share your prayer requests, you can do them anonymously, or leave them on the Fan Page on Facebook. Let's be prayer warriors for each other today!

Share The Road Saturday

2010-03-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

Share the Road Saturdays

As we walk with our Savior, there are so many things we encounter on the "road" of our lives, so let's "Share The Road" with each other.

Let's take this day, at "Christian, Can We Talk", to share your testimony, your praises for the week, a trial you are going through, or a trial you went through and how God brought you through it! If you have a question and you don't know the answer, post it here...maybe someone will have an answer for you. Maybe you want to see if you can "stump" us, post a question and see how many of us get it right! This will be totally open, share whatever you want whether you are looking to uplift someone, or needing to be uplifted!

Today I thought I would share a recipe I found. I was following a blog via Facebook and they posted across my wall a wonderful recipe or as she says a "yummy, quick meal idea."

Salsa Chicken at "My Homemade Happiness" blog

I liked this recipe for 2 reasons:

1. she gives a great idea on freezing chicken

2. sounds delicious and easy especially for those Sunday dinners after church.

You can follow her blog via Blogspot.com or you can follow her via Facebook.

STUMP 'EM QUESTION

Who was called Belteshazzar?

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

Let's get YOU all involved. YOU answer the question:

How do you handle this situation?

You are talking to someone who is excited about God, possibly a new Christian. They are talking to you about sin. They say, "Yeah, we aren't suppose to sin, but..... at least we have a God that forgives. So I can just ask Him to forgive me each time I do. I mean, He is a loving God and I can just ask when I do, and I got a clean slate. So, it is almost like I can sin all I want, and God is loving and will forgive , so I am covered."

What do you say?

Devotional Friday - "Working Hard At Being Worthless"

2010-03-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Devotional Friday

"Working Hard At Being Worthless" by Pastor Rick Klueg from The Baptist Church of Northville

Working Hard At Being Worthless - Proverbs 16:27

A worthless man digs up evil,
While his words are like scorching fire.

Comments:
Perhaps one of the worst insults that might be given to a person is to call him worthless. Think of what it means when you hear it said of someone, “He/she is never going to amount to anything!” We are all created in God’s image, with a tremendous capacity to live a meaningful, productive life. This is why it means so much for people that their lives count for something. What a needless tragedy, then for any human life to amount to nothing. Worse yet to think that a person would work hard to end up a net negative, making the world a worse place instead of a better one!

The Hebrew phrase translated a worthless man is literally a man of worthlessness. The term indicates something that is useless and unproductive, and is even detrimental to the general good. Unfortunately, there are some people who fit this description. The first thing this proverb says is that such a person digs up evil. The word for “digging” is used elsewhere in the Old Testament of people who dig pits to make traps for innocent victims (e.g. Psalm 57:6). What strikes me is that the worthless man goes through such effort to dredge up the negative and the nasty. That same effort could be used to dig up good things, in which case his life would amount to something positive.

This proverb zeroes in on one aspect of the life of a worthless man. He makes the world around him a worse place because his words are like scorching fire. This reminds us of the warning given in James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Evil speech devastates the speaker and ruins his own life, while at the same time wreaking havoc on those around him.

This proverb is not just making an observation, it is issuing a warning and giving a challenge. It is a warning to watch out for people like this. There are people in this world who are digging for evil, and may well use whatever they dig up to pull you down. It is also a challenge to not be this way yourself. David makes the commitment in another Psalm, The deeds of faithless men [same word in the Hebrew, worthless men] I hate; they will not cling to me (Psalm 101:3). Do not be a worthless man, but make your life count for something good!

Biblical Doctrine: Anthropology – Each of us has been created in God’s image and placed in this world to “amount to something” good.

My Responsibility: Amount to something good!

Question: Why do people invest so much effort to dig up evil?

Prayer: Lord, may I set before my eyes no unclean thing. Help me to hate the deeds of worthless men, that their deeds will not cling to me (cf. Psalm 101:3).

Teen Thursday

2010-03-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

This post was put in the "Standing @ My Locker" section which is about Christian Teens in public school.

"Through My Eyes" by Abbie

I have been in public school since kindergarten, so I really don't know any different than what goes on there, and the struggles that I face being a Christian growing up in a public school. But one thing that any Christian in a public school setting would say is that, IT IS NOT EASY!!! There are "giants" to face around every single corner. To some people, the way that we live as a Christian is just ridiculous. They just don't understand the entirety of growing up the way that we have.

So, what I'm going to start out with is a few questions, just to get you thinking about different aspects of being a Christian in public school....

Q. What do you want people to think about you?

A. For me I want people to know that I am a Christian. I don't care what they have to say about it, they can think what they want. I don't want them to think that I am ashamed of my faith... What good will that do in reaching out to them?

Q. Do you get discouraged by your peers and teachers?

A. For me, the majority of my peers and teachers do not share my faith. They just don't understand the things that I believe. But, then there are the few that I know are Christians, and I can talk to them if I start to feel discouraged. From experience I can say that it isn't fun to be "alone" in school. It can feel like you are the only one that is following God's way and you can reach the point where you are asking yourself why God is putting you through this. Sometimes it just doesn't make sense to us, but in the end God has a plan for us, and a reason that we are in a public school. As long as you stick to your faith and lay your life, struggles, and problems at God's feet, then you will pull through, and be an example for those around you.

"Pile your troubles on God's shoulders- he'll carry your load, He'll help you out. He'll never let good people topple into ruin." ~Psalm 55:22~

Q. Are you willing to stand up for what you believe in?

to read the rest of this great post click here .

Truth Wednesday - Music

2010-03-10T07:00:00.002-05:00

Truth Wednesday

"The Truth Project" is being put on hold for awhile, but Anne says she will be back. So until then, I thought we could do some "truth" searching of our own. I will pose a topic and we all can share the TRUTH we find in God's Word about the topic.

Topic: MUSIC

There has been some debate on Facebook about music and what is "appropriate" for Christians to listen to, and the music that Christian bands/singers put out.

I feel, one woman's opinion, that not ALL music is good for Christians to listen to. I also feel that there are GOOD songs, but that not ALL "good" songs glorify God. For example, "ABC" is a GOOD song, but it doesn't put out the salvation message or even mention God. I am NOT bothered so much by the genre of music as I am the lyrics of a song. If someone loves listening to Metallica and other heavy metal bands, and they get saved, what are they to listen to now? Do you think that person is really going to be satisfied with The Gaithers?

Music is a very powerful tool that can be used to reach so many people for Christ. It is also a very personal thing. I know, for me, music touches my soul and heart like nothing short of hearing God's voice or the laughter of my kids can. A song that worships and talks about God will give me goosebumps, tears, and an overwhelming heart to praise Him. So back to music being personal, to the person who loves heavy metal, you don't want them going back to secular music to satisfy his music needs. THAT is why I have no issues with the genre of music. To each is own there. BUT the songs should absolutely be clear that the purpose is to bring praise and salvation message or mentioning of God.

I have gotten a lesson in Christian music lately with finding out how many artists, CHRISTIAN artists, do not use the opportunities on their albums to do that. And what an opportunity they have! How many have come to know Jesus as Savior due to the opening of the eyes or heart by a song professing His saving grace and undying love for them?

I feel that Christians, have a God given order to bring as many people to Him as we can, to take every opportunity to do so. Ok, do Christian artists get excluded from this? Then I don't understand why a CHRISTIAN band or singer would rather record a song about bugs instead of one about God.

I have heard the argument "Well, they recorded it because it will go out to secular radio stations and more people will be exposed to the song. Then maybe they will want to hear more of their music and maybe buy the CD and then they will hear the songs about God."

I have some issues with this. There are too many "Maybe's" for me. MAYBE they will want to hear more from the artist, MAYBE they will buy the CD, and MAYBE they will bother to listen to the other songs on the CD. To me, and remember this is ONE woman's opinion, it is just a way for the artists to gain popularity. I know God gave them a talent to sing, then they need to use the talent that HE gave them to bring glory to HIM but sharing the salvation message and mentioning God's name, not bugs. If these "bug" songs were not coming from CHRISTIAN artists, we as Christians, would not think twice. Is the "bug" song bad....NO...does it have the salvation message or even mention God....NO...is it recorded by a Christian band/singer....YES. sigh

The one verse that popped into my head was Phillipians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

So share with me some verses about music. Tell me what you think about this topic. I look forward to finding some TRUTH with you.

Prayerful Tuesday

2010-03-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

Prayerful Tuesday

Direct My Steps

"Lord, is this one of those times when any choice is okay with you, as long as I stay in Your ways and wisdom? Or is this really a fork in the road that has a blatant "of God" and "not of God" option? Forgive me for not having communication with You and learning to hear the discerning voice of Your Spirit.

Please direct my feet, my mouth, my heart so that I follow in the way that is right for me and for Your will. I pray as Saul did. Give me the right answer, Lord.

(from "One-Minute Prayers From The Bible")

Please share your prayer requests, you can do them anonymously, or leave them on the Fan Page on Facebook. Let's be prayer warriors for each other today!

Music For The Heart Monday

2010-03-08T07:00:00.003-05:00

Music For The Heart Monday

This song for me, is one of the most real songs about our walk with our Lord. It goes along with this week's post on "Lies Women Believe" About God - God Should Fix My Problems. No matter what we go through, God IS there, and He is holding us.

Here's one to get you praising God today. I don't know how you can hear this song and not feel like shouting out "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! He Reigns!"

Is Jesus everything to you?

"How quickly I forget I'm yours!"

Come and share your favorite video with us, you can leave it as a comment on this post, or leave it in a comment on the Fan Page on Facebook.

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Women Believe" About God part 6

2010-03-07T13:46:00.001-05:00

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

About God - Part 6

"God Should Fix My Problems"

There are two problems with this train of thought.

#1 - God is not some "cosmic genie who exists to please and serve us". What this lie does is "set us up for disillusionment and disappointment with God".

#2 - This lie "suggests that the goal in life is to be free from all problems". Face it, we live in a society of "fix it, and do it fast". Think of all the commercials you see, they target the "problems" and give "solutions" to them because, heaven forbid, you have to live a life with any "problems".

Many people look to Christianity as a "fix" for their problems. If I pray to God, he will fix my marriage, heal my friend of cancer, I will have friends, my kids will behave, my habits will be gone. And if these things do not happen, then God didn't "come through for me".

This is very deceptive and leaves many Christian women feeling frustrated and disappointed. Their thinking is if they "do" all the right things and live a good "Christian life", then there will be no problems. Wrong. Living a life of obedience does NOT guarantee a life of not problems or protects us from all problems. A life of obedience "does spare us from many consequences of a life lived apart from God and His ways".

Until Christ comes again and God makes a new heaven and a new earth, we are going to live in a sinful world. Our bodies are earthly ones and prone to disease and ultimately death.

But there is good news, God does not watch us from afar as we struggle. He is with us always. Psalm 46.1 tells us that God is " a very present help in trouble". How awesome is that? These "problems" we are going through is being used to help mold and make us more Christ-like.

We need to be more like Jesus, who

"learned obedience from what He suffered" Hebrews 5:8.

"We want God to fix all our problems. God says instead, 'I have a purpose for your problems. I want to use your problems to change you and reveal My grace and power to the world.' That is the truth - and the truth will set you free."

Some things to think about until next time:

Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. What kind of problems was Paul facing? What do you think his motivation was in asking for it to be removed? Do you think it was wrong to pray this way?

What difficulties are you facing today? Are there problems and trials in your life that you've asked God to remove and He has not?

Why might God sometimes choose to not fix or remove some problems? What greater goals might He have in mind?

What is the biggest problem you are facing right now? What do you think God may want to teach you through your current struggle?

If God never "fixed" that problem, how could He use this circumstance to change you to reveal His character through you?

Lord, I know that You want what is best for me. You desire to help me become mature. I understand that sometimes the only way I will grow is through pain. In the difficulties that I am facing today, Lord, I pray that You will grant me peace and patience to accept Your perfect will in my life. Amen

Truth Wednesday - hosted by Anne Morgan - "The Truth Project" part 7 - "Science -Truth or Fiction?"

2010-03-03T21:21:00.000-05:00

(this will be the last installment for awhile from this series, it will come back at a later time. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have putting it up here for you.)

Truth Wednesday - hosted by Anne Morgan - "The Truth Project" part 7

"Science - Truth or Fiction?"

What do you believe about the creation of the earth? Did God create everything by the word of His mouth? Did everything just happen by the process of evolution?
There are only two possibilities - either the cosmos has always existed, or the cosmos had a beginning. Both pose a serious problem for those who deny the existence of a Creator.
If the cosmos always existed, then the question remains - where did the cosmos come from in the first place. If the cosmos had a beginning, then it has to have a Creator. Without a Creator God a beginning would be impossible.
The earliest scientists were convinced that the universe bore evidence of intelligent design. Keppler said that the chief aim of science was to confirm the work of His hands.
So, when did the world change it’s views?
In 1859, Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution in a book called “On The Origin Of The Species.” For almost 100 years, Darwin’s theory began to take root in the minds and hearts of scientists. But it wasn’t until the 1940's and ‘50's that a consensus developed natural selection was the mechanism of evolution.
Carl Sagan, in the 1970's stated “ Evolution is a fact amply demonstrated by the fossil record and contemporary molecular biology.”
Mankind flocked to Darwin and Sagan’s theory’s as if they were in deed fact. Without out question or demand of proof, their ideas were hailed as veritable facts. But do their theories hold up to scrutiny?
Darwin himself stated that his theory would absolutely break down if it could be demonstrated that a complex organism could not come into existence without numerous, successive, slight modifications.
Contemporary molecular biology has proven that for any evolutionary change to occur it would require not only small, successive mutations, but they would have to occur in multiple areas of the organism simultaneously; something that holds an infinitesimally small probability of occurring.
To further disprove Darwin’s theory one only has to look at a single cell.
In the 19th century the cell was thought to be a simple glob of plasm; just goo, nothing directing or controlling in it. Today, scientists know that the cell is filled with exquisite machinery. The cell itself cannot exist if even one of it’s components is missing.
It is in the realm of molecular genetics that we see the most compelling evidence that Darwin’s theory falls the test.
But what of the fossil record?
If evolution requires thousands of metamorphical changes, then there should be some fossil evidence of those changes. Darwin himself agreed that they weren’t there, but qualified this by saying that we just hadn’t dug up enough fossils to find them.
120 years after Darwin’s time we have a lot more fossil evidence, but even less support for Darwin’s theory. In fact the ‘Icons of Evolution” that were used for decades to proof evolution - the Peking man, the Piltdown man, etc. - have all been proven to be inaccurate.
Because the evidence was so overwhelming against spontaneous generation, Sir Francis Crick offered as an explanation the theory of “Directed Panspermia” - in other words: life began on earth when the first living cell was sent to earth from another planet.
Even if this preposterous theory held any merit, the question still remains - Where did the other planet come from and how did life start on it?
Theory by theory, evolution falls the test of fact. So, why do people still choose to believe it?
They believe in evolution because the consequences of rejecting it brings them face to face with a personal Creator.
This is a world view battle. It is a battle that is much deeper than a scientific theory. Evolution destroys any foundation for a standard of ethics or morality.. Man has exchanged the truth of God for a lie, so that he may be free to follow his inner desires.
The Bible says that “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Gen. 1:1) Ps. 19:1-4 tells us that “The heavens declare the Glory of God”
Are you hearing the heavens? And if so, are you truly following the All Mighty, All Powerful God of the Universe?
His power is incomprehensible. His glory unsurpassed. His righteousness beyond our ability to understand. Yet we mock Him ever day. Gal. 6:7 admonishes us to not “be deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, that’s what he will reap.
Are you living under the mighty right hand of the God who breathes stars into being? Or are you mocking and doubting His existence to act in this world?

Devotional Friday - "True Tolerance"

2010-02-26T13:47:00.000-05:00

Devotional Friday

"True Tolerance" by Pastor Rick Klueg from The Baptist Church of Northville

60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. 1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.

Comments:
It seems that the one remaining virtue promoted by our culture is “tolerance.” You can be sexually immoral, materialistic, and a liar and excuses will be made for you, but you certainly cannot be “intolerant”! I believe that this much-touted “tolerance” is actually shallow and self-serving. It is born of apathy (“I don’t care if other men cheat on their wives”) and energized by self-justification (“You excuse my sins, and I’ll excuse yours”). Stephen’s sermon, with its blistering conclusion, would be labeled “intolerant” by popular culture. I would reply that Stephen stands as an example of the true virtue of tolerance, as today’s verse proves.

Genuine tolerance does not involve the sacrifice of truth. Stephen stood firmly on the Word of God and refused to budge from his position. Even when faced with a brutal, painful death, he did not entertain the idea of compromise. The English martyr Thomas Cranmer was at one point intimidated into signing a recantation of his gospel convictions. Later he reaffirmed his faith publicly, and was eventually led to be burned at the stake. To show his remorse at his previous compromise, he declared that the hand that signed the recantation would be the first to burn, and he somehow managed to hold it in the flames before he perished. Examples like those of Stephen and Cranmer ought to shame us for the ways we so easily ease up on biblical convictions in the fact of worldly pressure. That is not tolerance, it is cowardice.

True tolerance is a virtue because it is grounded on a genuine concern for those in error. Stephen is a wonderful example of “hate the sin but love the sinner.” He spoke with passion against the sin of resisting God (Acts 7:51-53). With equal passion, he prays for the Lord to forgive the guilty sinners who were murdering him: Lord, do not hold this sin against them. This reflects the love of Christ when on the cross He prayed Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).

Practicing biblical tolerance may be costly. It cost Stephen his life. But it will be blessed of God to bear great fruit. We read that Saul was there, giving approval to his death. Stephen’s prayer was answered in the conversion of at least this one man, who became the apostle Paul.

Biblical Doctrine: Bibliology – Biblical truth is non-negotiable, and may not be compromised for the sake of “tolerance.”

My Responsibility: Hate sin while loving sinners.

Question: Do you ever find yourself justifying weakness and compromise by calling it “tolerance”?

Prayer: Help me to be more like Christ (and like Stephen) in praying for the salvation of those who hate me.

Teen Thursday - Hosted by Shelby Sharp - "Hurting With Those In A World Of Hurt"

2010-02-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

Hey Teen Team!'m a 15 year old Jesus freak and I'm here to host Teen Thursday.

I'm back again with a brand new " Hot Topic" and question.

I know we will have a good time.

Let's get to know Jesus better. You and me.

Verse of the Week: Romans 12:15

When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow.

This week's "Hot Topic"

HURTING WITH THOSE IN A WORLD OF HURT

The phone ringing in the middle of the night jarred the young pastor awake. " Pastor, our daughter..." the voice on the phone choked. " She was in a bad car accident tonight. She's in sugery and...we're not sure...she'll make it."

The pastor dressed quickly and hurried to the hospital, praying all the way. When he arrived, tear-streaked faces told the story. The girl had died in surgery. He tried to say something to the parents, but he couldn't get the words out. He just sat and sobbed with the heartbroken mom and dad.

Not much later the girl's parents moved away, and the young pastor didn't see them for several years. When the pastor ran into them at a conference, he fumbled for words. " I have and apology to make," he said. " The night your daughter died, I failed you. I just cried. I'm should have read Scripture to you and offer you words of hope. But I didn't. I just cried. I'm so sorry I let you down that night."

" You didn't let us down, Pastor," the girl's dad said. " What you did brought us great comfort. You felt our hurt and cried with us. You shared more than words with us: you shared your heart. And we will always be grateful."

Deep lesson: The pastor thought he failed. But what he actually did was show the kind of sympathy Jesus showed.

If people slam into sorrow or disappointment, the first thing they need to is someone who feels their pain. When his friend Lazarus died (see John 11), Jesus cried with Lazarus's sisters, Mary and Martha. Why didn't Jesus just say, " Don't cry, ladies. Give me a few minutes and I'll have Lazarus back from the dead."? Because at that exact moment what they needed was someone to cry with them. So Jesus did. Later he performed the miracle that turned sorrow into joy.

If you have family members and friends who hurt, the greatest gift you can give is to sorrow with them. Comfort isn't a pep talk nudging someone to "hang in there." God is in control and everything will be ok. Those things might be helpful later, but they don't deliver what people need most: comfort.

People walloped by hurt find comfot when they know they aren't suffering alone. So when a friend is crushed with sorrow or disappointment, feel crushed too. And it's ok to say something like, " I'm so sad for you" or, " I hurt for you" or, " I'm sorry you are hurting." It's what Jesus would do.

SO LET'S CHAT

What does comfort look like when you show it to hurting friends?

Pray for your friends who need God's help - and ask God to use you to comfort them.

Start your comments.............NOW!

Also feel free to share any prayer requests with all of us. We need to be prayer warriors for each other.

Truth Wednesday - hosted by Anne Morgan - "The Truth Project" part 6 - "Who Is God?"

2010-02-24T01:19:00.000-05:00

Truth Wednesday hosted by
Anne Morgan

"The Truth Project" part 6

"Who Is God?"

Theology is the study of the existence, nature and attributes of God. We are all theologians. Each of us has our own beliefs and ideas about who God is. The problem comes when we base our theology on information that is not true. So, where do we find the truth about who God is?
If you wanted to learn about Abraham Lincoln or George Washington, you would read biographies on them. Yet, rather than going to the Bible, God's own written “biography”, too many people get their theology from the latest charismatic “preacher”. Or read the latest “Christian” best seller.
Colossians 2:2-3 says “Christ Himself in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Did you catch that? ALL the treasures of WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE. When we cut ourselves off from the Bible, and solid biblical teaching, we cannot even begin to understand who God is.
Yet, day after day, our bibles lay unopened; week after week our church pews are empty. And we develop an untruthful, errant, view of God. Then, when God moves according to his nature, we shocked and surprised, even possibly angered; because God acted in a way that was contrary to OUR theology.
The fact is, when we know God, we begin to know ourselves.
So, who is God? A good place to start learning that answer is found in the names of God. There are over 200 names of God/Jesus to be found throughout scripture. Each one gives us more insight into who our great God is. Let's just look at four of them for a minute.

Elohim - God (a plural noun, more than two, used with singular verbs)
I AM – The Self Existent One.
El Shaddai – God All Sufficient
Jehovah Rohi – The Lord Our Shepherd

Just from these four names of God we can learn that our God is in fact a Godhead (reason to believe the trinity). He has always existed by HIS own power (reason enough to believe He is all powerful). He is enough for all our needs (reason to trust Him with everything). He cares for us the was a Shepherd cares for his sheep. Study the relationship between a sheep and it's shepherd. You will gain deeper insight into how great our God loves us. (reason to believe and trust in His care)
Most of us would readily accept, and welcome, these truths about God. But God has other names that some would rather forget:

Jehovah Shammah – The One Who is With Us Everywhere For He Is Omnipresent.
El-Quanna – The Jealous God
Jehovah Makeh – The Lord That Punishes Sin
Esh Okhlah – Consuming Fire

God is omnipresent. He is with us when we are serving Him, and when we are disobedient. God is a jealous God. This is a righteous jealousy, born out of love and a covenant. Like that of a husband and wife. Because He is a jealous God, He will discipline His children when they sin against Him. And He is a consuming fire. His wrath will be poured out on those that reject Him.

These characteristics of God are ones that, sadly, many Christians, and certainly the world, down play. We would rather lean into the God of grace and mercy, than one of holiness and jealousy.
It's easier to neglect our bible, or church attendance when we have a merciful God. It's easy to gossip and be unforgiving if we believe God will understand. We don't have to confront sin if we only serve a God of grace. But the truth is, God is all those things and more. He is merciful, and longsuffering, but He also expects obedience rather than sacrifice. He is gracious and understanding, but He knows the true motives of our hearts, and oft times, they break His.

So, what is it that keeps us from understanding and believing God is who He says He is – in EVERY aspect? Simply put – our sin nature. We want God to be what we want Him to be. We haven't destroyed God but we've cast a shadow over His face, and turned Him into a God of love, and left off His holiness.

God is a God of love. He sent His only Son to pay the price for our sins and give us eternal life with Him. Because God gave all for us, He takes the covenant relationship seriously. And He expects us to do likewise.
Who is God? He is all we've ever imagined and more. Ps. 34:8 says “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Taste Him in all His truth and you will see that who He is, is all you need.

This weeks challenge: Study the names of God.

Next week: Science: What is true?

Prayerful Tuesday

2010-02-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Prayerful Tuesday

Justice For All

"Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that man gets justice." Proverbs 29:26

I want to be heard, Lord. I always want to tell my side of a situation so an authority can vindicate me. But it is You, Lord, who should receive my call for justice. You are the Judge of my soul and my life - why should I seek out any other rulers? In the same way, help me to resist determining the fate of another. It is not my right to stand in Your place.

Lord, guide me in Your ways when there is conflict. Fill me with wisdom, honesty, and courage, and let me rely on their strength if I am accused. Keep my blameless so no harm is brought to Your name. Guard my heart from resentment if I am not treated fairly. May I live out forgiveness and faith, anticipating the justice of love I will receive when in Your presence.

(from One-Minute Prayers)

Please share your prayer requests, you can do them anonymously, or leave them on the Fan Page on Facebook. Let's be prayer warriors for each other today!

Music For The Heart Monday

2010-02-22T00:13:00.003-05:00

Music For The Heart Monday

Come and share your favorite video with us, you can leave it as a comment on this post, or leave it in a comment on the Fan Page on Facebook.

When I am down, or discouraged, I turn to this song. It comforts me...I think Bart wrote it for me! LOL

Noah shares, "I like this song because I know that Jesus died for my sins and this reminds me of that."

Shelby says , "I like this song because I think that with each person you shouldn't judge them for what is on the outside. That there is so much on the inside that you can't see with your eyes."

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Women Believe" About God part 5

2010-02-21T07:00:00.002-05:00

Soulful Sunday "Lies Woman Believe" by Nancy Leigh Demoss

About God- part 5

"God's Ways Are Too Restrictive"

"Over and over again, the Scripture teaches that God's laws are for our good and protection. Obedience is the pathway to freedom. But Satan places in our mind the idea that God's laws are burdensome, unreasonable, and unfair, and that if we obey Him we will be miserable. In the Garden, he caused Eve to focus on the one limitation God had placed on her. The deceiver's motto is "Have it your way: No one has the right to tell you what you can and can not do."

If we are honest, many of us can identify with "Sarah":

"I felt that putting restrictions on my behavior was depriving me of pleasure and what was good. I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted it, and in whatever quantities I wanted because I felt punished by saying no."

I have often wondered why food is such an issue with so many women. I'm convinced it has something to do with Genesis 3. After all, what was the very first sin? It was the sin overeating. The single restriction God put on her diet was one too many for Eve. Like "Sarah", she felt that "putting restrictions on her behavior was depriving her of pleasure and what was good." So what did she do? (Remember - beliefs determine behavior.) She "ate whatever she wanted." So we throw off the restrictions, determined to "have it our way." We are free to choose our own way just as Eve was free to eat the forbidden fruit. But there is one thing we are not free to choose, and that is the consequences.

We have said that believing and acting on a lie will ultimately lead to bondage. Listen to the rest of "Sarah's" testimony:

" When I understood that true freedom comes from obedience, I was free from bondage of food - I lost 65 pounds as well as the depression I had experienced."

"Sarah" had decided to eat what she wanted, whenever she wanted, and whatever quantity she wanted. Sounds like freedom, doesn't it? But wait- according to her testimony, she wasn't free at all. She thought she would be free, but her freedom was short lived. Instead of being free, she ended up in "bondage to food, " gained 65 unwanted pounds, and became depressed.

When this woman discovered the Truth that " true freedom comes from obedience," and when she acted on that truth, her bondage was shattered.

Some things To Think About Until Next Time:

What would our world be like if there were no laws? In what ways are laws beneficial to our society?

What does Deuteronomy 6:24-25 say about the value and blessing of obedience to God's law?

Read James 1:19-27. What does James mean when he refers to "the perfect law that gives us freedom"?

Think about a time when you decided to do your own thing instead of obeying God. How did it turn out?

In what ways are God's restrictions actually a benefit or a blessing to His children? How could you explain the benefits to others?

Are there any biblical demands you have been resisting or hesitating to obey, thinking you would be better off doing things your way? "Obedience is the pathway to freedom." Will you surrender and choose to obey God's way?

Lord, I know that the direction in your Word has been giving to us out of love. Help me to trust You and to be willing to obey you even when your ways do not make sense to my finite mind. Amen.

So Far This Week....

2010-02-20T16:39:00.001-05:00

So Far This Week...

I have run across many people who are having a hard time commenting or finding where they are to comment on the posts. They want to share their prayer requests or music videos and can't. I am hoping this will be easier. From now on, I will add the new day and the new day's topic to the home page post. Just click on the word "HERE" and it will take you to the post with the comment box already up and you will be able to see comments other people have shared. I am praying this will be easier for everyone. If not, we can go back to the old way.

2/14/2010 Soulful Sunday:" Lies Women Believe" -About God Part 4: "God is Not Really Enough"

To read this post, click HERE

2/15/2010 - Music For The Heart Monday: Come and share your favortie videos by leaving the URL on a comment on the post OR leave it on a comment on the Fan Page on Facebook.

"I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live through you and me."To see this post, click HERE

2/16/2010 Prayerful Tuesday : Let's bring our prayers before the Lord and be prayer warriors for each other! To see this post, click HERE

2/17/2010 Truth Wednesday : hosted by Anne Morgan- "The Truth Project" part 5 - "Who Is Man?"
To see this post, click HERE

2/18/2010 TEEN Thursday: Hosted by Shelby Sharp -"I'm free, I'm free at last" is the "Hot Topic" this week and another great funny video. To see this, click HERE

2/19/2010 Devotional Friday : "Until, Until, Until" ...has you wondering doesn't it? To see this post, click HERE

2/20/2010 Share The Road Saturday: As we walk with our Savior, there are so many things we encounter on the "road" of our lives, so let's "Share The Road" with each other.

A new "Stump 'em" question for all of you! To see this post, click HERE

Share The Road Saturday

2010-02-20T16:31:00.003-05:00

Share The Road Saturday

As we walk with our Savior, there are so many things we encounter on the "road" of our lives, so let's "Share The Road" with each other.

"Stump 'em Question"

Who was the priest and the prophet when Solomon was anointed king?

Food 4 Thought

Disappointments are inevitable;

Discouragement is a CHOICE.

(Charles F. Stanley)

Devotional Friday - "Until, Until, Until"

2010-02-19T00:04:00.001-05:00

Devotional Friday

"Until, Until, Until" submitted by "Anonymous"

Until, Until, Until

There are three "untils" of Israel's blessing that must be fulfilled before Jesus Christ will return as Israel's King and Israel will be blessed. When Jesus Christ came the first time to earth, He was rejected by the nation of Israel and went to the cross of Calvary. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not (John 1:11)." The King was rejected and, therefore, His Kingdom was postponed. The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) was rejected and, therefore, peace was taken from the earth because the only One who could bring peace returned to heaven. One day when Jesus returns there will be "peace on earth, good will toward men."

Just before going to the cross, after being rejected by the leadership of Israel, Jesus pronounced a judgment upon Israel saying,

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, ye shall not see me henceforth, until you shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." Matthew 23:37-39.

Israel must say, "Blessed is He that cometh" before Jesus Christ will return to the earth at His Second Coming. After the rapture during the tribulation period of seven years, many Jewish people will trust the Lord as their Saviour. These include the 144,000 Jews of Revelation 7:4 and many, many more that will trust Jesus Christ through their evangelistic preaching. This large remnant of Jewish believers during the tribulation will be the ones who say, "Blessed is He that cometh."

The Old Testament teaches of the same event in Deuteronomy 30:1-3. This passage speaks of the Jewish people being dispersed throughout the world who will return to the Lord spiritually and obey His voice. The first thing these Jews will obey is God's command for salvation, "...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved...(Acts 16:31)." Then the passage tells of Christ's return (the second coming) to rule over and pour out His blessing upon Israel.

"And it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon thee the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee, And shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey His voice according to all that I command thee this day and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; That then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee." Deuteronomy 30:1-3

The second "until" is the ending of the "times of the Gentiles." In Luke 21:24 Jesus said, "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." The "times of the Gentiles" began with the captivity of Jerusalem under Nebuchadnezzar (BC 606). Since that time Jerusalem has been under Gentile lordship. The "times of the Gentiles" began with the Babylonian Empire and will continue through the reign of the Antichrist until the end of the tribulation. When this time period has been concluded, Jesus will return. Note Luke 21:27, "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."

According to Daniel's prophecies, the Antichrist, heading the ten nations (Gentile nations), will break his peace treaty with Israel, and will invade Israel in the middle of the tribulation, gaining political and military control over Israel (See Daniel 11:41-45). These ten Western nations under the control of the Antichrist will dominate the city of Jerusalem for the last three and one-half years of the tribulation, or for forty-two months. Read Revelations 11:2. "But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the Holy City (Jerusalem) shall they (Gentiles) tread under foot forty and two months." This will conclude the "times of the Gentiles," and Jesus will return from heaven. Jesus Christ will then rule over the nation of Israel from Jerusalem.

Gentile world-power must run its course "until" the "times of the Gentiles" be fulfilled (Luke 21:24).

The third "until" is found in Romans 11:25. Notice, "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in."

The "fullness of the Gentiles" should not be confused with the "times of the Gentiles". The "fullness of the Gentiles" is the completion of the purpose of God in this age. That purpose is the calling from among the Gentiles a people for Christ's name. This is referred to as the "body of Christ" or the "church". It began at the day of Pentecost and will end at the rapture.

When the last Gentile is added to the body of Christ, the rapture will occur. This point in time is called the "fullness of the Gentiles". Somebody will be the last person (Gentile) to become saved and so complete the body of Christ. When this happens, the rapture will occur. Only the unsaved will be left behind.

The blindness that has been upon the nation of Israel will be lifted and many, many Jews will accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah and be saved. For nearly two thousand years the Jewish nation has been blinded. "(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day (Romans 11:8)."

These many that will be saved after the rapture (when the blindness is lifted-Romans 11:25), will be the ones who say "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord (Matthew 23:39)." These are the same ones who will also endure the "great tribulation" spoken of in Matthew 24:22, which is the last three and one-half years of the "times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24).

All three "untils" must be fulfilled. All three will be fulfilled before Jesus Christ will return from heaven at His Second Coming. Then, Israel shall truly be "Blessed".

"The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, He hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more." Zephaniah 3:15

Teen Thursday - Hosted by Shelby Sharp - "Free At Last, I'm Free At Last"

2010-02-18T00:03:00.000-05:00

Hey Teen Team!'m a 15 year old Jesus freak and I'm here to host Teen Thursday.

I'm back again with a brand new " Hot Topic", questions, and a funny video clip.

I know we will have a good time.

Let's get to know Jesus better. You and me.

Verse of the Week:

Romans 8:5 "You are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit."

This week's "Hot Topic"

Free At Last, I'm Free At Last

She was a slave. She hadn't believed the rumors of people snatched from their huts and abducted to an unknown land until it happened to her. Chained for months in the dungeon-like hull of a ship, she feared she would die in bondage. After she endured years of hard labor and merciless beatings, the Union army marched into her town. Now an officer stands before her. " You are no longer controlled by your master. You are free."

He was a gang member. Not by choice. As gangs warred in his neighborhood, he needed protection. Trying to stay neutral brought threats to him and his family. Soon, after he joined, he was forced to make his first drug run. Later came gang fights, vandalism, robberies. Late one night, while holding a loaded gun to the head of a boy from a rival gang, his heart screams, ' I don't want to be controlled like this anymore!'

He was addicted. The first drink slid down easily. So did the second. A year later, getting drunk was a way of life for this high school senior. Without it he couldn't have any fun, couldn't fit in, couldn't escape ugly stuff at home. But when one of his drinking buddies landed in a coffin after a wild party, this student decided enough was enough. As he stands before a group at the finish of a rehab program, he declares, " I'm an alcoholic, but I no longer drink. I'm free!"

She was a victim. Three years had passed since her step-father first hit her. Each year got worse. she had feared what he would do if she reported his abuse, so she kept quiet. But with a close friend's encouragement, she called the police. ' He won't ever touch me again,' she thinks as the officers escort her step-father to the car.

' I'm free.'

Some people get the freedom they want. Others only hope for it. But the great news in Romans 8 is that the STRONGEST chains know to humanity have been broken. All of us, the Bible says, were born as slaves to sin, shackled by a habit of evil we can't escape on our own ( see Romans 8: 5-6)

But Jesus changed all that. When you trusted him, the chains fell off. Because of the power of the Holy Spirit living inside youm you don't have to sin anymore. Yep, you WILL sin from time to time because of you own weakness when you're poked by temptations from the world, the flesh, and the devil. But you don't HAVE to sin. You can CHOOSE to be controlled by the Holy Spirit instead of by sin. You are FREE. ( from: Josh McDowell's Youth Devotions 2)

SO LET'S CHAT

What freedoms do you enjoy because Christ and the Holy Spirit are active in your life?

Jesus, you died to set me free from sin. I want your freedom in every area of my life.

Start your comments.............NOW!

Also feel free to share any prayer requests with all of us. We need to be prayer warriors for each other.

If you have a hard time with getting a "profile" to publish your comment you can #1 set up a Google account..which is just your email addy and your password. It just allows you to have a profile to comment..nothing more. #2 you can choose to the "name/URL" profile. All you need is , again, your email addy, and a URL. You can get a URL by going to YOUR Profile page on Facebook...copy and paste the URL found at the top of the page...the "http:// blah blah blah...." and put that in where it asks for "URL". You will have to do that every time though, where getting a Google account will only be once..and it will recognize you every time.

Don't forget to come back and check out all the comments. There is also a CONTEST going on. The contest is to see if we, the TEENS, can get more comments on THIS post than the adults got on any of theirs.

LAUGH TILL MILK SHOOTS OUT YOUR NOSE

Monday is "Music For The Heart" day, where you can share your favorite video from YouTube.com. COME BACK next Thursday for more fun, another funny video,and the next "Hot Topic".

SEE YA!

Truth Wednesday hosted by Anne Morgan - "The Truth Project" part 5 - "Who is Man?"

2010-02-17T00:02:00.000-05:00

Truth Wednesday hosted by
Anne Morgan

"The Truth Project" part 5

"Who Is Man?"

Who is Man?

There is a pernicious lie that is permeating the human mind. It’s that "man is just a material beast. He can’t have a purpose beyond himself. He must live for himself. Because man is born good, or neutral, it is the world he lives in that influences him for good or evil."

Perhaps you’ve heard variations on these beliefs. Our culture is saturated with the idea that everyone is basically good. Pick up the newspaper or watch the TV and you will soon find yourself wondering what caused someone to commit the crime they did. Defense attorneys will argue that their clients were the victims of an abusive home, or neglect. They experienced such a difficult childhood that all they know is to fight their way through life. Psychologists will tell you that you behave the way you do because of what your mother/father did to you in childhood.

From the beginning, man has tried to blame their sin on someone else. Adam blamed Eve and God (for giving him Eve) Eve blamed the serpent. Today, no one seems to be responsible for their behavior. We live in this culture of blame because we believe that man is inherantly good, so it has to be someone else’s fault when we do something "evil".

This philosophy is in direct opposition with Scripture. The Bible teaches that man was made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27), and it was because of Adam’s sin in the garden when he disobeyed God’s command, that sin entered the world. And through him (Adam) the sin nature was passed to all mankind. God held Adam and Eve responsible for their choices. (Gen. 3:16-24) And thus making it necessary for the need of a Redeemer (Gal. 3:13)

A person that believes they were created in the image of God, and that they have been born with a sin nature, will have a different world view than someone who believes they are inherently good.

What do you believe?

Are you quick to blame someone else when you do something wrong? Or do you readily confess, seek forgiveness and make restitution (when appropriate)?

Do you blame your upbringing for the choices you make? Or do you thank God for the parents you had because they prepared you to serve Him?

Do you seek out the faults in others, comparing yourself to how good you are? Or are you fully aware of how sinfilled you - and me - are, and thank God that He offers forgiveness for you...and others?

If you are honest, you will admit that at any given time you - like me - can believe that lie that "we’re basically good".

Yet Scripture tells us that this world view will only bring about death. Without the Holy Spirit we are powerless fight against the natural man. (Rom. 8:13).

We are commanded to acknowledge our sinful nature, and through the power of the Holy Spirit break the bondage of sin.

Colossians 3:5-10 tells us we are to "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Our old nature is drawn to this behavior, but with the power of Christ, we can overcome the old man.

This weeks challenge: Make an honest evaluation of how you view yourself and others. Are you quick to find excuses? Does the depravity of the news surprise you?

Last weeks challenge : God’s laws are an expression of His nature. Whatever God says is true and right. Our job is to trust Him.

Next week - Theology: Who is God?

Prayerful Tuesday

2010-02-16T00:02:00.000-05:00

Prayerful Tuesday

"Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;

if service, in his serving; or he whoteaches, in his teaching;

or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12:6-8

Lord, which gifts have you given me? I do not want to waste a droop of my life by being blind to my potential in You. I seek a deeper understanding of Your Word. I want to comprehend how You manifest Yourself through spiritual gifts in Your children. I long to exxplore the lives of men and women in scripture who followed You and who actively lived out other gifts.

According to the grace given me, I can live a fruitful life. I can share the amazing bounty of Your goodness with others. Help me to pay close attention to hte work Youa re doing in my own heart. I want to see, understand, and culitvate the gifts that come from you.

(from "One Minute Prayers)

Come and share your prayer requests and let's be prayer warriors for each other.

Music For the Heart Monday

2010-02-15T00:04:00.007-05:00

Music For The Heart Monday

Come and share your favorite video with us, you can leave it as a comment on this post, or leave it in a comment on the Fan Page on Facebook.

I really love the words to this song. I have told my kids for a long time that what music you LISTEN TO, and TV/Movies you WATCH affects what comes out of you. This song has a great message.

Shelby shares, "I like this because we all need a Hero...and Jesus can be our hero if we let Him."

Noah says, "I like this one alot."

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Women Believe" - About God part 4

2010-02-14T00:02:00.001-05:00

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

About God - Part 4

"God is Not Really Enough"

Very few of us would consciously admit we believe this lie, but the way we live our day to day lives tells that this is really how we believe.

"When it comes down to it, we don't believe God's Word is truly sufficient to deal with our problems. Oh, it can deal with everyone else's problems; but it doesn't speake to my issues, my needs, my relationships, my situation. I need God's Word plus these 8 books from the Christian bookstore; I need God's Word plus tapes and conferences and counselors. Sure I need God. But I need Him plus close friends; I need Him plus good health, I need Him plus a husband (or a wife for any males reading this); I need Him plus children; I need Him plus a job that pays enough; I need Him plus a house with a microwave, a washer/dryer, a garage, and a fresh paint job....."

Do you really believe God is enough or do you recognize these thoughts within YOUR own mind:

"'God is not really enough' - I did not know I believed this until I realized how much trust I put in other things and people. I thought I trusted God fully and kept tellingn my husband we just needed to trust God, but then I would run to my friends and discuss our marriage or finances."

"I have turned to food for comfort when things were going bad in our marriage. In forty years of marriage, I have put on 45 extra pounds."

"I have denied the truth that my relationship with Jesus will satisfy my longings. Through the way I live, I have shown those around me that I need 'things' in order to be happy. I have been critical, complaining, and irritable most of my life. I have been living this lie."

"I have been critical, complaining, and irritable most of my life. I have been living this lie."

"Do we truly believe God is enough, or are we looking to other things and people to fill the empty places of our hearts - food, shopping, friends, hobbies, vacations, our job, or our family?"

Some things to think about until next time:

Think of some adverstisements you see what are the "things" our culture says you need to in order to be fulfilled, happy and complete?

Read Colossians 2:9-10. What does it mean that you have been givien "fullness" or "completeness" in Christ?

Do you really believe that if you have God, you have enough? What are some of the "pluses" that you tend to think you have to have to be happy?

What some practical ways we can wean ourselves from dependence on earthly, temporal things and find full satisfaction in the Lord?

Read Psalm 73:23-26. Personalize the psalmist's prayer and write it in your own words. Ask God to make this prayer the TRUE expression of your heart.

"Father, I am so prone to look to people and things other than You to fill the empty places of my heart and to satisfy my needs and longings. Your Word tells me that when I have You, I am complete. Thank You that no matter what else I amy or may not have in this life, with You I have enough. Amen."

Share The Road Saturday

2010-02-13T17:30:00.000-05:00

Share The Road Saturday

As we walk with our Savior, there are so many things we encounter on the "road" of our lives, so let's "Share The Road" with each other.

"Stump 'em Question"

This is going to be a tough one!

Which one of Job's "friends" said, "According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble harvest it"?

Do you have any praises you want to share or a testimony? Put them in your comment box!

Food 4 Thought

When you are going through some adversity remember this:

"At times you must say aloud to yourself, 'I know that God has a purpose in this. I know that He will bring me through this. I know that He is my good and loving Father and that He is doing a good and eternal work in my llife.' If no one else speaks hope to you, then you need to speak it to yourself!"

(from Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible)

Devotional Friday - "What is Important" by Pastor George Hopper

2010-02-12T00:04:00.001-05:00

Devotional Friday

by Pastor George Hopper of The Baptist Church of Northville

What is Important?

Matthew 6:21 reminds us very clearly that " ..where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." That verse tells us much about ourselves when we take stock of our lives. In WW2, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker was asked by the Secretary of War to inspect the various theaters of war where the United States was involved. Capt. Rickenbacker was the WW1 flying ace of the United States so he knew what he was doing. On a flight over the Pacific Ocean the crew was forced to make a landing at sea.. This was not a seaplane so these men drifted in a lifeboat for 24 days before they were rescued. Rickenbacker's response to this situation was, " let the moment come when nothing is left but life, and you will find that you do not hesitate over the fate of material possessions." The captain discovered what was really important. Things do not mean anything, but life does, and as a believer in JESUS CHRIST, our minds need to be set upon HIM. What we do for CHRIST is far more important than what we have or think we need.

Where does your treasure lie?

TEEN Thursday Hosted by Shelby Sharp "It's Not You, But What God Can Do Through You."

2010-02-11T00:37:00.002-05:00

Hey Teen Team!'m a 15 year old Jesus freak and I'm here to host Teen Thursday.

I'm back again with a brand new " Hot Topic", questions, funny video clip and a poll.

I know we will have a good time.

Let's get to know Jesus better. You and me.

Verse of the Week: Phillippians 1:6 "God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."

THIS WEEKS "HOT TOPIC"

Chang was a high-powered investment accounts manager for a bank. People at his church figured he was a slam dunk for budget committee. "He knows how to manage money, " they reasoned. Not much later Chang joined the committee.

Chang was disaster. His smarts and money management turned out to be a gross weakness. Relying on his financial training, he saw every church expenditure in terms of " the bottom line". If a church program did not show a profit growth in numbers of people reached or dollars raised- he argured to ax it. After a blunt but kind discussion with his pastor, Chang left the committee.

As Chang grew in faith, and let the Holy Spirit control his life, he had a new idea - that he'd like to volunteer in the junior-high ministry. But he cared for kids that came from non-christian homes. His wife Nikki felt the same burden.

Chang and Nikki prayed- alot. Then they met with the youth pastor. " We don't know much about youth work," they confessed, "but we love these kids and want to learn. If you can use us, we're available." It turned out that kids flocked to Chang and Nikki because they felt genuinely loved and accepted by them. And that group has kept growing because of chang and Nikki's willlingness to let the Holy Spirit lead them someplace they never expected to go.

Big Holy Spirit lesson: When you allow the Spirit to empower your life and tell God you are willing to serve whereever he wants, you might be surprised where he plunks you. god knows best how to make your competent, and he knows best where you'll fit. Chang's story is a prime example of how to let God lead you.

Like everyone else, you have limitations. Chang and Nikki - and youth leaders you know - don't do ministry perfectly. But we when you look at the people God uses, you notice that their real power comes from submitting to the Holy Spirit and asking God to equip them for ministry. Like Chang found out, being an "expert" in an area gets in the way.

God isn't limited by your age, weaknesses, or your lack of experiences. Whoever you are and where ever you are in your Christian growth, you're most useful to God if you let His Spirit empower you daily. Just watch what he can do through you when you give His Spirit control!

SO LET'S CHAT

What bold new things do you think God would like to do through you? Pray and ask God to lead you where ever He wants you to go.

Start your comments.............NOW!

Also feel free to share any prayer requests with all of us. We need to be prayer warriors for each other.

LAUGH TILL MILK SHOOTS OUT YOUR NOSE

Monday is "Music For The Heart" day, where you can share your favorite video from YouTube.com. COME BACK next Thursday for more fun, another funny video, a new poll and the next "Hot Topic".

SEE YA!

Truth Wednesday - "Philosophy " submitted by Anne Morgan from "The Truth Project"

2010-02-10T11:58:00.000-05:00

Truth Wednesday

" Philosophy" submitted by Anne Morgan from "The Truth Project"

Philosophical Truth

Philosophy. We’ve all heard the term. Maybe even used it ourselves. But what is philosophy? Simply put it is the quest to discover ultimate reality.

But who decides what is the true ultimate reality.

Colossians 2:8 says "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

For the Christian it would seem obvious that Christ IS the ultimate source of reality. Wouldn’t it? Before being quick to answer, remember, the book of Colossians was written by Paul to the CHURCH of Colossi. He was writing to fellow believers when he admonished them to be careful that THEY weren’t taken captive.

Captivity happens subtly. And it happens to us every day. The primary tool used is "assumptions". Assumptions are caught and bought without discerning the truth in the underlying statements. For example the images the media uses to sell products. They want to sell a car, so they use good looking, fit, models to display it. The "assumption" we make is that if we buy this car we’ll look good. Ever notice that magazines targeting teens always have acne free, skinny models on the covers? The assumption our teens make is that in order to be beautiful they have to be thin and blemish free.

The same is true when it comes to our theology. We hear a popular preacher say that "God wants you to be happy." And we believe it. It sounds good. God is a God of Love. Why wouldn’t He want us to be happy. So we buy into it, expecting to be happy all the time. And when life is hard and trials come, we wonder "Why is God doing this? He mustn’t love me." When the truth is God never promised happiness, He promised joy. There’s a difference.

It is God’s truth...about beauty, joy, trials, love, life, everything you can name...that give us the ability to live in the here and now. The philosophy of the world is hollow.

Leonardo DiVinci believed he could find the universal truths in math, science, and art. He wound up despondent and depressed because he couldn’t find the answers he was seeking.

God is the answer to all the questions we have. He has revealed Himself to us through His general revelation (through creation) and His specific revelation (His Word.) Do we listen to what He is telling us? Or are we tossed about by every wave of ear tickling doctrine we hear?

An extensive Christian poll recently discovered that only 9% of people that called themselves "born again believers" actually held a biblical world view - believing that what God says IS the FINAL authority. 91%, when asked specific questions, leaned towards the side of ethics, rather than God’s morality. Morality, does not change. It stands true to what is right and holy. Ethics, on the other hand, change with any situation. It shouldn’t be that way. God and His Word never change, but we’ve bought into the lie that we have to conform to this world.

What percentage do you fall in?

This week’s challenge - "Is an act right because God said it? Or is it right because God knew it was right and told us about it?" (This question was posed by Plato 400 years before Christ was born)

Last weeks challenge - I have to admit that several times I caught myself this week failing to live like I what I believe is really real. The biggest is in the area of self condemnation. When I mess up, I have a hard time forgiving myself. This is definitely an area I need to work on.

Next week - Anthropology - Who is Man?

Prayerful Tuesday

2010-02-09T14:47:00.000-05:00

Prayerful Tuesday

A great prayer from "The Prayer That Changes Everything" by Stormie Omartian

When I become sick, weak, or injured.........

"Lord, I worship you. Almighty God, I praise you. Jesus, I exalt and thank you that you are my Healer. Thank you for dying for me on the cross, for bearing the consquences of my sin in your body. You are greater than anything I face or suffer, and I thank You that in Your name I can find healing. You are my strong tower, You are my strength. Your power is unlimited. I know that if You heal me, I will be healed completely. Thank You that You will rise up with healing for those who fear Your name (Malachi 4:2). "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by" (Psalm 57:1). "Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled" (Psalm 6:2).

Lord, I praise You and thank You that You never change and my life in eternity with You is secure. I lift up to You my affliction this day (name it before the Lord), and I ask You to take it away. I know You are able to do this, and I know You are a God of mercy. Have mercy upon me, Lord. Thank You for Your grace and mercy toward me. "I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up...O Lord my God, I cry out to You, and You healed me" (Psalm 30:1-2). I know that it is Your will that shall be done, and I trust You in that too. Should You decide not to heal me in the way and time I desire, I trust that You will bring good out of my suffering and that it will glorify You. "

I hope that if you are in this situation, that this prayer will encourage you.

Music For The Heart Monday

2010-02-08T00:06:00.002-05:00

Music For The Heart Monday

I love music. And there are so many awesome Christian songs out there for almost every walk of your life. I love praising God through a song, feeling uplifted by the lyrics of a song that totally glorifies the Lord. Come and share YOUR favorite!

Here is how you can do it!

Go to www.youtube.com and find your favorite song/video. To the right of each song is the URL. Highlight that URL and then right-click on the highlighted URL and click on "copy". Scroll down to the "comment here" section. Click in the comment box, right-click and "paste". Add a little explanation to why you like the song you picked. Click on "post comment" and I will put your video on the post with your explanation.

*****note***** You will need a "profile" to post comments. "Comment as" is where you will pick your profile. There are many choices to choose from. The easiest is to set up a Google account, which only requires your email addy and a password, and then it sends a notification to your email that will need your attention. Or you can do "anonymous" and still put your name in your comment so I know who it came from.

My song this week is a favorite since I first heard it. The words...oh the words knock me to my knees with nothing buy love and praise and awe in my heart for the One who gave all He had for me.

Shelby says, "I love this song because I can be me and not care what others see me as, Only how got sees me, and that God looks at my heart and says, ' You've got all that I seek.'"

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Women Believe" - About God part 3

2010-02-07T13:29:00.003-05:00

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Woman Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

About God - part 3

"God is just like my father"

As women, our view of God is highly influenced by our fathers. The way we see God can be positively or negatively shaped by them.

"If you have been wounded by a father - or another man you trusted - you may find it difficult to trust God. You may even be afraid of Him or angry with Him. You must believe me when I tell you that God is not like any man you have ever known. The wisest, kindest, earthly father is but a pale reflection of our heavenly Father. The God of the Bible is infinitely more wonderful and pure and loving that even the most wonderful father. That is why it is so important that we not allow our view of God to be determined by other men, for at their very best they are flawed representations of God."

To really know what God is like you need to look in His Word.

"The God of the Bible is a compassionate, tender, merciful Father. That doesn't mean He givcesus everything we want - no wise father would give his children everything they want. It doesn't mean we can always understand His decisions - He is far too great for that. It doesn't mean He never allows us to suffer pain - in fact, at times, He actually inflicts pain and hardship upon us. Why? Because He loves us. Because He cares about us. Because He is committed to us. Hebrews tells us, "God disciplines us fro our good, that we may share in his holiness" Hebrews (12:10)

Hannah Whitall Smith writes:

"Discomfort and unrest are impossible to souls who come to know that God is their Father.

...What a good earthly father would not do, God who is our Father would not do either; and what a good father ought to do, God who is our Father is absolutely sure to do.

Christ has declared to us the name of the Father in order that we may discover that the Father loves us as He loves His Son. If we believed this, could we ever have an anxious or rebellious thought again? Would we not believe in every conceivable circumstance that the divine Father would care for us in the best possible way and meet our ever need ?"

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO THINK ABOUT UNTIL NEXT TIME:

Even though you may know that God love you, you probably don't always feel that He does. What are some of the things that can cause you to feel that no one really loves or cares about you?

Read Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19. Personalize this prayer and pray it for yourself or for someone you know who has difficulty accepting the love of God:

"For this reason Ibow my knees before the Father,

from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may befilled up to all the fullness of God."

Share The Road Saturday

2010-02-06T00:11:00.004-05:00

Share The Road Saturday

As we walk with our Savior, there are so many things we encounter on the "road" of our lives, so let's "Share The Road" with each other.

Let's take this day, at "Christian, Can We Talk", to share your testimony, your praises for the week, a trial you are going through, or a trial you went through and how God brought you through it! If you have a question and you don't know the answer, post it here...maybe someone will have an answer for you. Maybe you want to see if you can "stump" us, post a question and see how many of us get it right! This will be totally open, share whatever you want whether you are looking to uplift someone, or needing to be uplifted!

Stump 'em Question

What was the name of the queen who dissed King Ahasuerus?

AMY EDWARDS (MORGAN) WAS THE FIRST TO ANSWER CORRECTLY! WAY TO GO!

Do you have any praises you want to share or a testimony? Put them in your comment box!

A little "food " for thought. When you think your plate is too full, God just increases the size of your plate!

Devotional Friday - "Do You Really Believe What you Believe is Really Real?" by Jeff Morgan

2010-02-05T00:06:00.000-05:00

DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY

"Do You Really Believe What you Believe is Really Real?"

By Jeff Morgan from The Baptist Church of Northville and LifeSavers Ministry

This is one of the first questions you are hit with in the "Truth Project". (from Focus On The Family)
It's a thought provoking question.

I think to answer this you have to first ask yourself how real Jesus is to you.
In Matt. 14:22-23 Jesus walks on water out to His disciples. He had sent the disciples on ahead of him in the boat and He came walking on the sea to them. They were terrified, thinking He was a ghost. Jesus said to them "Take courage. Do not be afraid. It is I". How often do we feel fear when we see Jesus "coming towards us?" He calls us to go on a missions trip - we panic. He asks us to share our faith - we freeze. He comes disguised as a beggar - we pretend we don't notice.

Or maybe we're like Peter. When Peter heard it was Jesus he asked to come out to Him. But as he started out, he took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink - until Jesus lifted him up.
Have you been asked to do something that you eagerly embrace - until you see the waves?

When Jesus got in the boat the disciples worshiped Him and said, "You are certainly God's Son."
We do the same. We wait for Jesus to "prove" Himself.
No other god or man has ever walked on water or calmed a storm. Jesus does what no one else can. When we're in the middle of a storm, Jesus says to us the same thing He said to His disciples - "Do not be afraid. It is I".
Do we really believe that?

Just before this, recorded in Matt. 14:13-21, Jesus fed 5 thousand men - plus women and children, with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. When everyone had eaten their fill there was more food left over than they started with. In America, few people know what real hunger is, yet we worry about our next meal. The God who provided for the 5,000 is more than able to provide for you. Do you believe this?

When God created the world, He put the earth exactly where it needed to be. If we were any closer to the sun, it would be too hot to sustain life. If we were any further from the sun, it would be too cold. Earth has just the right amount of water, just the right amount of land, and just the right amount of oxygen in order to sustain life. No other planet has this. Those who believe in evolution and the Big Bang Theory without Intelligent Design, have to have a lot more faith.
What are the chances that random chance could have produced our universe? 1 in 10 to the 20^th power.

If God created the world, why do we doubt He is still in charge of it? Do we fear for the future or do we trust Him?

In John chapter 11 we read the account of Lazarus, who had been dead and in the tomb for 4 days. Yet, Jesus raised him. When Jesus was crucified, He raised Himself from the grave after 3 days. No other religion has a god like this.

In John chapter 14 Jesus tells us "Do not let your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And since I am going, I will come again, and take you there. So that where I am, you will also be." In verse 6, Jesus said to Thomas "I am THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life. No one will come to the Father, except through Me."
Jesus is preparing a place for all believers to be with Him for all eternity. He will come back to take us with Him. And He is the only way to get there.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and not of yourselves, it is the Gift of God, not as a result of your works, so that no one can boast."

We can’t work our way into heaven. Jesus did it all.
No one has any "better" Truths than the Bible. In it we can be assured of the truth of Jesus’ fulfilled prophecies, miracles, raising of the dead, the gift of salvation, and eternal life. I

f we really believe this is really real, then we should be living by faith, obeying His call, and trusting Him, knowing we are a child of the King.

Are we living like we really believe what we believe is really real?

Teen Thursday Hosted by Shelby - "Is There A Way To God's Will"

2010-02-04T02:08:00.002-05:00

Hey Teen Team!'m a 15 year old Jesus freak and I'm here to host Teen Thursday.
I'm back again with a brand new " Hot Topic", questions, funny video clip and a poll.
I know we will have a good time.
Let's get to know Jesus better. You and me.

Verse of the Week: Jeremiah 29:13 "If you look for Me in earnest, you will find Me when you seek Me.

THIS WEEKS "HOT TOPIC"

Jason just started his senior year of high school. Since he was eight, he was sure he wanted to study biology - until he actually took biology, that is, and found he had to do dissections with one hand on the knife and the other holding his nose.

Besides that discouraging experience, Jason keeps hearing about the poor job outlook for biologists and the high educational requirements to succeed in the field. When his older sister lands a high-paying computer job straight out of technical school, Jason thinks about bypassing college all together. And on top of every thing else, Jason wonders what God thinks of any of his plans for his life.

Jason faces some of the same choices you might face soon. And he is asking the biggest question about his future:

Where does God want me to head in life?

"How can I know God's will?" is a question Christian leaders often hear from students. Some talk about it. Others worry about it. Some even lose sleep over it. These students burst with sincere, serious questions about God's will.

Why is God's will such a big deal for people your age? Because you face the three most important decisions of your life:

#1 You're deciding who will guide your life - your Master. If you've trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and intend to live your life according to His word, you're heading in the right direction.

#2 You're deciding if you will marry and whom you will marry - your mate. A marriage decision is doubly difficult because it takes two to tie the knot. You both have to see God's will the same way.

#3 You're deciding what you will do with your life - your mission - and what preparation you need to accomplish your goals.

God loves you and has a great plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 declares, "'for I know the plans I have for you, ' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"

God also promises, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8, NIV).

Even if you aren't yet wallowing in confusion about God's will, you can plan on facing some questions about how to spend your life. You can also plan that God will be with you to figure out the answers.

(taken from Youth Devotions 2 by Josh McDowell)

SO LET'S CHAT!

What kind of plans does God have for your life?

Have you ever told God you want to do His will before you even know what it is?

Now would be a great time to do that!

Start your comments.............NOW!
Also feel free to share any prayer requests with all of us. We need to be prayer warriors for each other.

LAUGH TILL MILK SHOOTS OUT YOUR NOSE!

Don't forget the POLL! It is over in the RIGHT side bar. Check out the results tomorrow. Monday is "Music For The Heart" day, where you can share your favorite video from YouTube.com. COME BACK next Thursday for more fun, another funny video, a new poll and the next "Hot Topic".

SEE YA!

Truth Wednesday - What is Truth? submitted by Anne Morgan from "The Truth Project"

2010-02-03T17:00:00.002-05:00

Truth Wednesday - What is Truth? submitted by Anne Morgan from "The Truth Project"

In 1828 the Webster’s dictionary defined truth this way:

TRUTH, n.

1. Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be.

The truth of history constitutes its whole value. We rely on the truth of the scriptural prophecies. “My mouth shall speak truth. Prov.8.; “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth. John. 17. “

2. True state of facts or things. The duty of a court of justice is to discover the truth. “Witnesses are sworn to declare the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

3. Conformity of words to thoughts, which is called moral truth. “Shall truth fail to keep her word?”

4. Veracity; purity from falsehood; practice of speaking truth; habitual disposition to speak truth; as when we say, a man is a man of truth.

5. Correct opinion.

6. Fidelity; constancy. “The thoughts of past pleasure and truth.“

7. Honesty; virtue. “It must appear that malice bears down truth.”

8. Exactness; conformity to rule. “Plows, to go true, depend much on the truth of the iron work.”

9. Real fact of just principle; real state of things. “There are innumerable truths with which we are not acquainted.”

10. Sincerity. “God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4.”

11. The truth of God, is his veracity and faithfulness or his revealed will. “I have walked in thy truth. http://www.facebook.com/l/864e5;Ps.26.”

12. Jesus Christ is called the truth. John 14.

13. It is sometimes used by way of concession. “She said, truth, Lord; yet the dogs eat of the crumbs-- Matt

15.”;”That is, it is a truth; what you have said, I admit to be true.” “In truth, in reality; in fact.”

Of a truth, in reality; certainly.

To do truth, is to practice what God commands. John 3

If you were to look up “truth” in Webster’s dictionary today, this is what you would find:

Truth

1. Noun

1. A fact that has been verified; "at last he knew the truth"; "the truth is he didn't want to do it".

2. Conformity to reality or actuality; "they debated the truth of the proposition"; "the situation brought home to us the blunt truth of the military threat"; "he was famous for the truth of his portraits"; "he turned to religion in his search for eternal verities".

3. A true statement; "he told the truth"; "he thought of answering with the truth but he knew they wouldn't believe it".

4. The quality of nearness to the truth or the true value; "he was beginning to doubt the accuracy of his compass"; "the lawyer questioned the truth of my account".

5. United States abolitionist and feminist who was freed from slavery and became a leading advocate of the abolition of slavery and for the rights of women (1797-1883).

The definition of truth has dramatically changed since the 1800's. I’m sure you noticed that in today’s definition, scripture is not used as the exemplification. In less then 200 years, God is no longer the Absolute Authority from whom we derive our truth. No longer is His Word the bedrock of truth. The only consistent definition between 1828 and now is “conformity to fact or reality.”

What has happened? What changed? The change that took place has happened to all of us to some degree.
It’s “Common Insanity.”

Common Insanity occurs when we believe the lie is real.

In Isaiah 44 God reminds the people who they are and, even more important, who He is, and what He has done for them. But then He talks about those who are building idols. They go out into the woods (that God created), cut down a tree, use it’s wood to heat their homes, bake their bread, and then fashion an idol out of it and worship it. They are WORSHIPING something THEY created. This is insanity. How can something WE create with our own hands be worth worshiping? Yet they did it. And we do it.

Before we condemn the Israelites too much, let’s look at our own insanity.

Have you worked to pay for a big screen TV, or internet access, or cable? And then spent all your time in front of it, rather than in God’s Word?

Has the “Big Game” been more important then church?

Have you repeatedly worked on Sundays?

Have you allowed your children to schedule events on Sunday that kept them from church and Sunday School?

If you’ve ever done any of these things, then you’ve experienced Common Insanity. You’ve allowed a lie to be real. What’s the lie, you ask? That God isn’t serious about the first and second commandments. That IS at the heart of it.

Maybe none of these things are true in your life. Let’s look a little deeper.

Have you ever felt that God has good things planned for other people but not you? (Jer. 29:11)

Have you ever felt that you, somehow, are in control and worry about...your spouse...your children...your life...your death? (Matt. 6:27)

Have you ever felt that you have to perform in order for God to love you more? (Eph. 2:8-9)

If you’re honest, you’ll admit to at least one of these, if not more. And there are other, many other lies we choose to believe. We ALL suffer from Common Insanity.

Each time we believe a lie, no matter how small, Satan has achieved his goal - to chip away at the foundation of our Truth.

Isaiah 11:2 says that ALL wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge and the fear of the LORD, come from God. There are more than 200 verses that speak of God as the Ultimate Source of Truth. Do you believe He is? To what degree?

This week’s challenge - Ask yourself “Do I really believe what I believe is really real?” Is God Truth? If so, live like you believe that. Let us know how you do.

Last week’s challenge should have opened your eyes to the truth that “We are people of unclean lips.” I personally encountered so many lies of Satan they are too numerous to list. I’m sure you each saw the same.

Next week “Philosophical Truth”

Prayerful Tuesday

2010-02-02T13:59:00.002-05:00

Prayerful Tuesday

I would like to share a prayer from the book "The Prayer That Changes Everything" by Stormie Omartian

"When I suffer great loss, disappointment or failure"

"Lord, I worship You this day. You are Lord over heaven and on earth and Lord over my life. I praise You, my precious Redeemer and King. I thank You that You are a God of redemption and restoration. I surrender to You all my grief or sadness over any loss, disappointment, or failure I have experienced and praise You in the midst of it. I thank You, Holy Spirit, that You are my Comforter. Lord, I thank You that You allow no suffering that is without purpose. I know that You are a good God and what You allow will be used for good. I surrender to You the pain, the disappointment, and sense of failure I feel with regard to (name specific situation). I draw close to You in praise and worship and look to You and not my circumstances. You know the deepest recesses of my soul. I put my hope in You, for with You there is mercy and redemption.
(Psalm 130:7)
I praise You and worship You, Lord. I love You and recognize that all I have is from You. Everything I have is Yours, and I surrender it all to You for Your glory. Therefore, whatever I have lost I release into Your hands. I praise You and thank You that this is the day You have made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You that You love me the way You do. Thank You that You will bring good out of my situation. No matter what has happened or will happen in my life, as long as I am alive I will sing praises to You. (Psalm 146: 1-2)

Music For The Heart Monday

2010-02-01T00:38:00.009-05:00

Music For The Heart Monday

There were some events that happened this weekend with my daughter and I immediately thought of this song. How many "plastic people" are in your church? I usually pick a song that shows the lyrics, but I thought the video made from this church, was completely too awesome and TRUTHFUL to not show it.

John says, "Just a good song to brighten your day, and to lift your spirits"

Shelby shares, "I love this song because it reminds me God is always with me and he wants me. And that makes me feel so special that God is walking with me."

Janice says, "This song lifts my spirit"

Soulful Sunday - "Lies Women Believe" - About God part 2

2010-01-31T14:00:00.005-05:00

Soulful Sunday "Lies Woman Believe"
by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

About God - Part 2

God Doesn't Love Me

Few of us would actually admit we think this. Truth is, many Christian women do believe this. Christian women know,in our mind ,we are suppose to be believe that God does loves us.

"For many women, there is a disconnection between what they know intellectually and what they feel to be true...We trust what we feel to be true, rather than what we know to be true."

We may sometimes feel that no one loves us..not even God. If He did love us then the loneliness we feel would not be there. "So the seed of a lie is planted in our minds; we dwell on the lie until we believe it to be true; sooner or later, our behavior reflects what we really believe; and we end up in bondage."

Read what one woman shared about her back ground:

"I come from a somewhat difficult and distant family, in which love was always conditional. As a result, it was very hard for me to believe God could really love e unconditionally. That brought undue condemnation whenever I would make mistake and sin - not that sin is anything to be overlooked - but I did not believe God would forgive me."

"It is no small matter to give in to the lie that "God doesn't love me." The implications are enormous and affect every other area of our lives and relationships. Tiny little seeds, allowed to take root in our minds, grow up to produce a great big harvest."

THE TRUTH IS: God does love us! Whether we feel it or we don't. Not because of what we we have done or who we are. He loves us because He is love. We do not deserve this love nor is there anything we could ever do to deserve it.
"According to the Bible, from the moment I was born, I was ungodly, a sinner, God's enemy, and deserving of His eternal wrath (Romans 5:6-10). In spite of my alienation from Him, He loved me and sent His Son to die for me. He loved me eternity past; He will love me for all of eternity future. There is nothing I could do to make Him love me any less; there is nothing I could do to make Him love me anymore."

Melana Moore, a breast cancer survivor, wrote this about how she has come to have a "deeper comprehension of the incredible love of God, through her husband's response to her double mastectomy":

"As we wept and trembled when he took my bandages off the first time, I was so ugly, scarred and bald. I was in intense grief that I could never be a whole wife to him again. Steve held me tightly and with hears in his eyes said , "Melana, I love you because that is who I am. I instantly recognized Christ in my husband. As His bride, we are also eaten up with cancer-sin-and are scarred, mutilated and ugly, but He loves us because that is who He is. No comeliness in us draws Christ's attention; it is only His essence that draws Him to us."

Hannah Whitall Smith tries to describe the greatness of God's love:
"Put together all the tenderest love you know of, the deepest you have ever felt, and the strongest that has ever been poured out upon you, and heap upon it all the love of all the loving human hearts in the world, and then multiply it by infinity, and you will begin, perhaps, to have some faith glimpse of what the love of God is."

Here are a few things to think about until next time:

How can you live within reality of God's love even on those days when you don't feel His love?

It has been said that if we could begin to grasp the greatness of God's love, our lives would be totally transformed. How would you think differently about God, about yourself, and about your circumstances if you truly understood how incredibly much God loves you?

What are some ways you can grow in your understanding of the love of God?

"Lord, I know that You love me. I admit that on some days I just don't feel it. Remind me at those times not to trust my feelings but to believe the truths I know from Your Word. Amen."

Share The Road Saturday

2010-01-30T13:23:00.005-05:00

Share The Road Saturday

As we walk with our Savior, there are so many things we encounter on the "road" of our lives, so let's "Share The Road" with each other.

"STUMP 'EM" QUESTION

Does anyone have a great "stump 'em" question for today?

I have HUGE praises this week! After making an agonizing decision about not letting our daughter go to Peru on a missions trip, God affirmed our decision at her physical therapy session. He diagnosed her problem and said there was 'NO WAY" she should go not until all the issues get resolved and she is heading toward healing. Amen!!! God is faithful!
Let's hear some of yours!

Devotional Friday - "So Sleepy" by Pastor Rick Klueg

2010-01-29T07:00:00.010-05:00

Devotional Friday
"So Sleepy" by Pastor Rick Klueg from The Baptist Church of Northville

1 Thessalonians 5:6
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled

The other night, my wife hit me. I guess that makes us even, because I hit her a good one a few years ago. The circumstances were the same both times: We were sound asleep and having a dream. In my dream, I was involved in a fight with someone, and I punched her on the arm in my sleep. In her dream, Barb said it was something about a giant snake she had to fight off. In both instances, the victim did not take anything personally. You cannot hold anyone responsible for an action taken during sleep! Speaking spiritually, however, God warns us to not be like others, who are asleep!

This verse challenges us to be alert and self-controlled, in contrast to being asleep. The issue is not physical sleep, but this is being used as an analogy for one’s spiritual stance. When someone is asleep, he is unaware of his surroundings. Once I fall asleep at night, I am usually “dead to the world.” I sleep through thunderstorms, sirens, and just about anything else. That is a blessing as far as getting proper rest, but it would make it easy for someone to assault or rob me.
The Greek word used here (the name “Gregory” is derived from it) means to keep awake and be watchful. When I worked as a night watchmen at a boys’ detention center, it was my responsibility to stay awake so that the boys would not escape. We, likewise, need to be spiritually watchful, aware of all that is going on around us. We dare not let Satan find his way into our lives unchallenged. We need to be alert.
A second characteristic of sound sleep is that the sleeper is not in control of his or her actions. I am horrified at the thought of punching my wife, but during that dream I was not able to think and process my actions properly. Sometimes sleeping youngsters will hurt themselves as they roll out of bed. Others damage their teeth by involuntarily clenching them during sleep. They would not think of doing such things if they were awake, but those who are sleeping do not have complete self-control.
Interestingly, the word translated self-controlled is a Greek word that originally referred to being sober, free from the debilitating effects of alcohol. The idea is that there are certain conditions in which a person can be “out of it,” not able to think and act normally. Unlike those who do not know Christ, we are to always maintain a conscious, deliberate control over our actions. Overuse of alcohol is one way to lose that control, but it may be lost any number of other ways, from self-indulgence to apathy.

In a world filled with evil spirits and worldly temptations, and in an age when our Lord could come again at any time, we cannot afford to fall asleep for a moment!
Biblical Doctrine: Soteriology – Although we are securely “in Christ” by our justification, we need carefully to maintain a constant, conscious relationship with our Lord.
My Responsibility: Do not let the world, the flesh, and the devil lull me to spiritual slumber.
Question: Would you say that most Christians today are a bit on the “sleepy” side?
Prayer: Lord keep me awake, fully alert to all that is happening around me, and fully in control of my actions and reactions.

Teen Thursday Hosted by Shelby Sharp

2010-01-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

Verse of the Week: Genesis 1:26 "Then God said, 'Let us make people in Our image, to be like Ourselves.'"

THIS WEEK'S "HOT TOPIC":

Image is supposedly everything. So what's self-image? Your self- image is the mental picture you have of yourself. It started being formed the moment you were born, and by the time you were 5 or 6 the person you think you are was so locked into your brain that you madly resist efforts to change it. That doesn't mean you CAN'T change it. Lots of people have moved from a negative to a positive self-image - or from a positive to a negative self-image. The point is this: Once you get a fix on who you think you are, you don't change easily. And since your self-image impacts every responsibility and relationship you have, it's crucial to acquire a health self-image NOW.

If you have a negative self-image, you don't think highly of yourself. Your often pessimistic, lacking in confidence, extremely sensitive to the opinions of others, self-conscious about how you look or perform, constantly wondering what people think of you, clingy in relationships, unsure of how to receive another's love, looking for possessions to make you happy, and speaking negatively about yourself or others. That is not a happy way to be.

A healthy self-image is seeing yourself as God sees you- no more, no less. If you have a healthy self-image, you DO think of yourself - but that's because God thinks highly of you. You accept the reality that God created you in His own image as someone with infinite value and worth.

When you see who you are in Jesus Christ, nothing can every change that. You gain a positive and a healthy view of your self. And you can get ready for God to do things through you. Why? Research shows that people act in ways that fit the mental picture they have of themselves. If you see yourself as a failure, you will act like a failure. You'll also find it hard to believe God wants the best for you.
A healthy self-image bulks you up with the strength to meet not only your own needs but also other's needs. It empowers you to be the kind of friend and Christian God calls you to be.
(taken from Young Devotions 2 by Josh McDowell)

SO LET'S CHAT

How do you see yourself today? Do you have a HEALTHY SELF-IMAGE, or are you disappointed in how you look and who you are?

Start your comments.............NOW!
Also feel free to share any prayer requests with all of us. We need to be prayer warriors for each other.

"LAUGH TILL MILK SHOOTS OUT YOUR NOSE!"

Truth Wednesday - The Cosmic Battle Reality vs. Illustion submitted by Anne Morgan from "The Truth Project"

2010-01-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

TRUTH Wednesday
The Cosmic Battle: Reality vs. Illusion

From the very beginning, the battle has raged - truth vs. falsehood, reality vs. illusion.
It started in the garden when Satan asked Eve, “Did God really say...” (Gen. 3:1)
But wait, not only did Satan question if God really said it, he twisted what God had said.
Sound familiar? Everyday, Satan does the same thing to us.

Have you ever questioned whether or not to claim that extra cash you made on your income taxes?

Have you ever turned away from a homosexual, or unwed mother, or a beggar because - if you’re honest with yourself - you felt they were somehow lower than you?

If you did, it’s because you’ve bought into the distortion of God’s Word that Satan has beguiled us into believing. Sadly, on some level, we all have.

The worst of Satan’s lies, however, attacks our souls, our being. It tears at the foundation of our belief system. And it’s at the very core of why we are willing to believe any of Satan’s distortions and lies. The big lie is:

“Are you really created in the image of God?”

This is the crux of the evolution theory. And it is Satan’s most cherished lie. If he can get us to doubt where we came from, who created us, he can shake every aspect of our faith. And most importantly, the message of salvation.

If we believe we are created in the image of God - Imago Dei - (Gen. 1:26) then we will also believe that we are born with a sin nature (Rom. 5:12) and that sin requires a Savior, and that Savior is Jesus Christ. (Rev. 1:5)
But...if Satan can get us to question, even on the most basal level, whether God is THE Creator, then he can whittle at every belief we have. If He is not the Creator, as He said, can we trust anything He says?

Satan’s goal is to keep us bound to him. His lies, and our belief of those lies, are the bonds he uses to achieve that. Make no mistake, there is NO truth in Satan, ever. (John 8:44) All Satan does is an illusion.
But praise God, the Reality, The Truth is that His Truth sets us free. (John 8:32)
Next week we’ll be looking at “What is Truth?”

Challenge for this week: listen for Satan’s lies, in your life, and in others. Let us know what you discover.

Last weeks challenge answer: 83 is the correct number of actual times Jesus is recorded as saying “I tell you the truth.” However, (Shirley pointed out) throughout Scripture God makes it clear that He is a God of truth.

Next Week: We will be looking at "What is Truth?"

Prayerful Tuesday

2010-01-26T07:00:00.002-05:00

Prayerful Tuesday

I would like to share a prayer from "The Prayer That Changes Everything" by Stormie Omartian.

He is with me- I give God my praise!

O Lord, I worship you and praise you as Immanuel, my God who is with me. I long for more of you. I seek after you and thirst for you like water in a dry land. I want to stand under the gentle waterfall of your Spirit and feel the soothing mist of Your love showering over me. I want to be immersed in center of the flow of your Spirit. I want to be close enough to You to feel your heartbeat. You are the only answer to the emptiness I feel when I am not with You. The fullness of your Being is what I crave. The intimacy of your Embrace is what I long for. I know there is nothing or no one in the world that can do for me what You do. I want to feel your Presence in my life in a new and powerful way. You are far and above anything on Earth I might long for. You are all I desire.
Just being with You changes everything in me. Longing for You makes me long to be free of anything that would draw my attention away. Lord, I draw close to you this day. Thank you that You promise to draw close to me. With You I am never alone. I love your Holiness, Lord. I love your Beauty. With joy I draw water from the Wells of your Salvation. (Isaiah 12:3)
Thank You that You have chosen to be with your people. I am grateful that I don't have to strife to be with You, I only have to long to be with You. Help me make You the first place I run to when I have longings in my heart. I don't want to waste my time turning to other things that will never satisfy the need I have for intimacy with You. My soul waits for you, Lord (Psalm 33:20).

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE CRESSY FAMILY TODAY AT 7:00 PM! TODAY IS THE DAY THEY GO TO COURT. (Homeschooling family who were unjustly arrested for "endangering the welfare of their children" because they didn't hand in paper work.) PRAY THAT GOD WILL BE HONORED AND THEY WILL BE VICTORIOUS!

Please put your prayer request in your comments to share with every one so we can be PRAYER WARRIORS for each other.

Music Monday

2010-01-25T07:00:00.012-05:00

Music For The Heart Monday

I chose this song this week because of how God has shown, Shelby, specifically, how much He loves her, and being able to see that and to see HER see that has been such a blessing to me.

John says, "I love this song because, It reminds me of the cross, and the sacrifice that was made for me. Thank you Jesus."

Shelby shares, "I like this song, because I don't care what everyone else thinks of me, only how God thinks of me, and that is very special!"

Noah says, "I wanted to pick this song because, I think it is a really good song. I like that it reminds me of His death "from one scarred hand to another" and that He will forgive and remember my sin no more."

Amy's video today is:

Trina shares, "I like this song a lot. I originally downloaded this song for bedtime music for Mariah and Mikayla. After Aaron died, night time became a time of fear and dread. This video became a source of comfort!"

Donna wants to share this one:

Emily shares this video with us and says, "That in our world surrender is portrayed as a bad thing. But really surrnedering to
God is the only thing that will save us."

Anne shares, "this isn't really a "Christian" song per sei, but it is powerful. I showed this video for a devo one night at the ministry and explained to the girls that this father's love for his daughter is just like our Heavenly Father's. And like the brother in the video, searching for his sister, Christ came to seek and save us. Remember, "it doesn't matter what you've done" He still loves us. Just imagine God singing this to you at that point in your life when you needed Him the most and Him smiling as you came home."

Dyan says, "This song reminds me that He who lives in me is greater than he who is against me. I know that God is much bigger than what life can throw at me and He will help me through it. Trust and lean on Him!"

Soulful Sunday- Lies Women Believe About God - Part 1

2010-01-24T20:49:00.000-05:00

Soulful Sunday
Lies Woman Believe About God Part 1
from the book "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

"God is not really good. If He were He would......."

This is not a lie that is always present in our minds, but some point we have thought this or even thought that God was not "good to me". This lie is the "core of much of our wrong thinking about God."
Satan used the ""seed of doubt and planted it in Eve's mind. (Genesis 3:1) The serpent implied "If God is so good, why would he keep what you desire from you? He would have given you everything you wanted."

In the world we live in, so many things happen to us, loss of loved ones, disappointments, pain, to just name a few. It is an opportunity for Satan to tempt us into exploring "If God was so good, how could he have let ______ happen to me?" "If God was good, why would he keep _________, my greatest desire, from me?" Or let's look at history. How many times have you heard "If God was so good, why did He allow the Holocaust?" or "Columbine?" or "9-11?"

"Once we doubt the goodness of God, we feel justified in rejecting His will and making our own decisions about right and wrong."

What is the TRUTH? The truth is GOD IS GOOD. Whether WE feel His choices are right and good...HE IS GOOD! Whether WE feel it is true in our own lives, HE IS GOOD!

Psalm 119:68 "YOU are good and do good, teach me Your statutes."

There have been so many times in my life that I have struggled with feeling the "goodness of God". Especially when my mom was unexpectedly taken from my life , in the way she had always been in my life, and placed 2 1/2 hours away in a Vent Unit. How was this good for me? "Lord, don't you know how much I love her, and need her? Don't you know how much my heart aches? You have gotten her through sicknesses before, why couldn't you one more time? You know I am not ready for this yet."
Even though my heart ached, He was there pouring grace on me, mercy on me and showing me how much He loved me. If there was ever a point in my life where where I had a true "Footsteps in the sand" experience, it was this time.
Our minds can not even begin to imagine the goodness God has for us as we can NEVER see the next step coming. Oh, but our Father knows.
unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?"

"A great many things in God's divine providences do not look to the eye like goodness. But faith sits down before mysteries such as these, and says, " The Lord is good, therefore all that He does must be good no matter how it looks. I can wait for His explanations." " taken from "God is Enough" by Hannah Whitall
Smith

Here are a few things to think about until next time:

Romans 8:28 says " and we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Now read verses 29-39 as well. What perspective about God and His good purposes does this passage provide to help us face painful or difficult life situations?

Whatever difficulties you are currently facing, choose to "give thanks to the Lord, for he is good," and to claim the promise of Romans 8:28-29. "Lord even though I am facing difficulty regarding _______________________________ , I know You are GOOD, and You have promised to work that situation our for good. I know that Your commitment is to make me l like Jesus. Thank You that You will use this circumstance (or person) as a means to fulfill Your good purpose for my life." Amen.

Next week's Lie: God Doesn't Really Love Me.