Be blessed as you read the following and I hope you can see how God has blessed our fellowship here, at A New Harvest.
What Is Fellowship? – Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
— Acts 2:44
"Fellowship" is a great word that Christians often use. But do we know what fellowship originally meant in the early church? The word "fellowship" used in Acts 2 is the Greek word koinonia. It is a difficult word to translate into English because of its many shades of meaning. It can be translated "fellowship," "communion," "community," "communal," and "friendship." The word encompasses so much that believers do together.
But fellowship is more than socializing. Anyone can socialize. The idea of fellowship is that we come together to commune with God and commune together. It is when we get together and talk about the things of God. And God loves it when we talk about Him with each other. Malachi 3:16 says,
"Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name." The word "listened" could be translated, "to prick the ear, to bend down." When we speak of the things of God, He bends down to listen.
Fellowship is praying together, serving together, giving, and yes, even growing older together, dying, and going to heaven. It is what we do together as the family of God.
Have a good week and let the Lord lead.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
...he is Christ the Lord
The other day I just wanted some peace and quite. Some time to spend with God and to forget how far behind I am in my Christmas preparation. I needed to be renewed so I spent the morning with the Lord and then later watched “The Twelve Words of Christmas” by Lou Giglio. As I watched and listened I began thinking about Jesus being born and about how God took a stressful day in the life of Mary and Joseph and allowed His glory to shine through.
The twelve words of Christmas can still fill our hearts with joy even in the midst of all our problems, hurts and concerns.
… a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Emanuel-God with us. He’s here let his glory shine!
Have a wonderful week and let the Lord lead
The twelve words of Christmas can still fill our hearts with joy even in the midst of all our problems, hurts and concerns.
… a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Emanuel-God with us. He’s here let his glory shine!
Have a wonderful week and let the Lord lead
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Washing Feet
On Friday, our Women’s Fellowship experienced a foot washing event, and although it was a night of fellowship and fun the underlying message was humility and serving one another.
As I sat on the floor scrubbing the feet of one of my dear sisters in Christ I couldn’t help but think of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. I kept thinking of what Jesus must have been feeling and the love he must have felt for his disciples. As I finished washing my sisters feet, I was filled with a new love for her. But the true test of humility came when the sister whose feet I just washed turned around and washed mine. It’s a whole different feeling when it’s someone you know washing your feet. You begin by thinking, oh no, don’t do that, I can do it…..Hmm.. What was it Peter said to Jesus?
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” John 13:8-9
When we were finished, I realized that I serve a KING that not only would wash my feet, but one who died for me and wipes each tear from my eye.
Have a wonderful week and let the Lord lead
As I sat on the floor scrubbing the feet of one of my dear sisters in Christ I couldn’t help but think of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. I kept thinking of what Jesus must have been feeling and the love he must have felt for his disciples. As I finished washing my sisters feet, I was filled with a new love for her. But the true test of humility came when the sister whose feet I just washed turned around and washed mine. It’s a whole different feeling when it’s someone you know washing your feet. You begin by thinking, oh no, don’t do that, I can do it…..Hmm.. What was it Peter said to Jesus?
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” John 13:8-9
When we were finished, I realized that I serve a KING that not only would wash my feet, but one who died for me and wipes each tear from my eye.
Have a wonderful week and let the Lord lead
Saturday, November 26, 2011
God's Promises
As I drove to Waimea on Saturday, there was the biggest rainbow I think I ever saw.
I was reminded of God’s promise through the rainbow and said a big
“Thank-you, Lord”. But something else came to mind after I said that, and I thought how easy it is for us to forget God’s promises.
His word is full of his promises and he has never broken one of them. They are as real today as they were when He spoke them.
Pastor Gary Simon’s message is part 2 on 1Corinthians 13. This chapter is about love and patience and kindness but the gem in this chapter is God’s promise to us. A promise telling us these virtues are His and He promises to be these things for us.
Psalm 103:17
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
Jeremiah 31:3
...“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
Have a wonderful week and let the Lord lead
I was reminded of God’s promise through the rainbow and said a big
“Thank-you, Lord”. But something else came to mind after I said that, and I thought how easy it is for us to forget God’s promises.
His word is full of his promises and he has never broken one of them. They are as real today as they were when He spoke them.
Pastor Gary Simon’s message is part 2 on 1Corinthians 13. This chapter is about love and patience and kindness but the gem in this chapter is God’s promise to us. A promise telling us these virtues are His and He promises to be these things for us.
Psalm 103:17
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
Jeremiah 31:3
...“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
Have a wonderful week and let the Lord lead
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Just a Reminder
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all Together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17
Not sure about you, but I think I need to copy, print and put this on my refrigerator. It’s something I need to be reminded of daily..
Have a good week and let the Lord lead
Not sure about you, but I think I need to copy, print and put this on my refrigerator. It’s something I need to be reminded of daily..
Have a good week and let the Lord lead
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Intimate Answers
God answers prayer in many different ways and sometimes He answers in the most intimate loving way that only a caring Father does.
Yesterday was a very hard day for me. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders and I felt very alone.
As I searched for something cleaver to write about this week I found the following and knew automatically it was God speaking to my heart.
While Praying One Day A Woman Asked,
Who Are You, Lord?”
He Answered, “I Am”
“But Who Is I Am?” She said. And He Replied…”I Am Love, I Am Peace, I Am Grace, I Am Joy, I Am The Way, Truth And The Light…
I Am the comforter, I Am Strength, I Am Safety, I Am Shelter, I Am Power, I Am The Creator, I Am The Beginning And The End, I Am The Most High" The Woman With Tears In Her Eyes Looked Toward Heaven And Said,” Now I Understand, But Lord, Who Am I?” Then God Tenderly Wiped The Tears From Her Eyes
And Whispered, “You Are Mine.”
Isaiah 45:5
I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God…
Isaiah 49:16
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
Have a good week and let the Lord lead
Yesterday was a very hard day for me. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders and I felt very alone.
As I searched for something cleaver to write about this week I found the following and knew automatically it was God speaking to my heart.
While Praying One Day A Woman Asked,
Who Are You, Lord?”
He Answered, “I Am”
“But Who Is I Am?” She said. And He Replied…”I Am Love, I Am Peace, I Am Grace, I Am Joy, I Am The Way, Truth And The Light…
I Am the comforter, I Am Strength, I Am Safety, I Am Shelter, I Am Power, I Am The Creator, I Am The Beginning And The End, I Am The Most High" The Woman With Tears In Her Eyes Looked Toward Heaven And Said,” Now I Understand, But Lord, Who Am I?” Then God Tenderly Wiped The Tears From Her Eyes
And Whispered, “You Are Mine.”
Isaiah 45:5
I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God…
Isaiah 49:16
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
Have a good week and let the Lord lead
Saturday, October 22, 2011
His Word, His Love
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV).
The above verse is one of my most favorite and treasured verses. Our desire should be to love the Lord with a love as deep as the love He has for us, and to do that requires intimacy through prayer and devotions. His word is His love letter to us filled with every promise there could ever be.
Have a good week and let the Lord lead
The above verse is one of my most favorite and treasured verses. Our desire should be to love the Lord with a love as deep as the love He has for us, and to do that requires intimacy through prayer and devotions. His word is His love letter to us filled with every promise there could ever be.
Have a good week and let the Lord lead
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Making a Difference
Like me, you may feel you aren’t making a difference. You may be growing tired and weary and want to give up. But God has placed in you a desire to reach His people. A desire to build His kingdom.
I want to encourage you and say that you do make a difference.
Take for instance the following:
That donation check you send to help someone in need- changes lives.
That one can of food you donate at our food drive or store- feeds a person.
That one hug you give a child may save his life….or
that one teaching in Children’s Church could lead to a salvation.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Also:
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10
Have a good week and let the Lord lead
I want to encourage you and say that you do make a difference.
Take for instance the following:
That donation check you send to help someone in need- changes lives.
That one can of food you donate at our food drive or store- feeds a person.
That one hug you give a child may save his life….or
that one teaching in Children’s Church could lead to a salvation.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Also:
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10
Have a good week and let the Lord lead
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Hope is on the Way
Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope.
A lot of times I think we view hope as an emotion, when in reality it’s a process. The above passage makes it clear that in order to get to hope we need to endure suffering. Suffering is part of life. We endure heartache and disappointments– that’s just the world we live in. But it’s how we choose to handle the hardship. We can either give up or press on. Pressing on in our times of trouble develops perseverance. Eventually perseverance becomes part of our character which makes us who we are. Our character can then become light in the dark because Jesus lives within us and it is living in Him that produces hope. Hope is not a feeling or wish, it is knowing deep down inside that you can get through anything as long as you have Christ by your side.
If you are going through times of trouble– remember this;
Hope is on the way!
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope.
A lot of times I think we view hope as an emotion, when in reality it’s a process. The above passage makes it clear that in order to get to hope we need to endure suffering. Suffering is part of life. We endure heartache and disappointments– that’s just the world we live in. But it’s how we choose to handle the hardship. We can either give up or press on. Pressing on in our times of trouble develops perseverance. Eventually perseverance becomes part of our character which makes us who we are. Our character can then become light in the dark because Jesus lives within us and it is living in Him that produces hope. Hope is not a feeling or wish, it is knowing deep down inside that you can get through anything as long as you have Christ by your side.
If you are going through times of trouble– remember this;
Hope is on the way!
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Shine!
Today marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Has it been that long? I came across something that Max Lucado wrote right after the attack and would like to share some of it with you.
"Grant those who lead us wisdom. Have mercy on the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe. Look kindly on Your church. For two thousand years You've used her to heal
a hurting world. Do it again, Lord. Do it again!"
We are the church Max Lucado writes about. We are here to help heal a hurting world. Matthew 5:13-16 from the Message Bible says this:
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Are you shining?
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
"Grant those who lead us wisdom. Have mercy on the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe. Look kindly on Your church. For two thousand years You've used her to heal
a hurting world. Do it again, Lord. Do it again!"
We are the church Max Lucado writes about. We are here to help heal a hurting world. Matthew 5:13-16 from the Message Bible says this:
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Are you shining?
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Massive and Powerful
All this week I have been reading the headlines about Hurricane Irene. The news have called her “massive and powerful. The headlines earlier in the week were about an earthquake that was felt in Virginia it too was called “massive and powerful”. I couldn’t help but think that the news media has it all wrong.
I believe that God is massive and powerful and it is at His commands that the winds blow and the storms come and it is at His command that the seas calm.
Even the storms in our life are in His hands, we just need to have faith and believe.
Mark 4:39-41
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
I believe that God is massive and powerful and it is at His commands that the winds blow and the storms come and it is at His command that the seas calm.
Even the storms in our life are in His hands, we just need to have faith and believe.
Mark 4:39-41
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
...do not give way to fear
1John 4:18 says this,
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
I have been dealing with fear most of my life, it’s part of the software that’s been downloaded into me by people or circumstances. I think we all fear at some point in our lives but it just kinda hit me the other day as to just how fearful I can be
.
My son Josh left for Japan the other day and will be gone for 3 months. I was alone for awhile the day he left and fear swept over and through me like a flood. I started thinking about how hard it was going to be for him, especially with the language barriers– I mean he can speak some Japanese but isn’t fluent. I can’t explain what I felt but I started to cry. It was during this time that I realized how much I fear and worry about things.
Then I got mad at myself for doubting God’s good and perfect will. Not only in my life but also in the people I love.
If I say I love God and trust in Him– there should be no fear.
1Peter 3:6 …… do not give way to fear.
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
As For Me and My House....
Pastor Gary Simons is giving the message today and I think his title, “Sermon on the Amount” goes hand in hand with this week’s thought.
In Joshua 24:15-25 it says;
15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! 17 It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. 18 And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.”
19 Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.” 21 But the people said to Joshua, “No! We will serve the LORD.” 22 Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.” “Yes, we are witnesses,” they replied. 23 “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.” 25 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he reaffirmed for them decrees and laws.
Joshua challenged the Israelites to decide who would be the master of their lives, and we are challenged the same way today. God gives us the choice to serve Him, and either way His unconditional love is still there.
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
In Joshua 24:15-25 it says;
15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! 17 It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. 18 And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.”
19 Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.” 21 But the people said to Joshua, “No! We will serve the LORD.” 22 Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.” “Yes, we are witnesses,” they replied. 23 “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.” 25 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he reaffirmed for them decrees and laws.
Joshua challenged the Israelites to decide who would be the master of their lives, and we are challenged the same way today. God gives us the choice to serve Him, and either way His unconditional love is still there.
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
LET THE LORD LEAD
For the past two weeks I have had a burden for someone. The Lord has put them on my heart and I have been praying for them, but the prayer has been only a general prayer as I don’t know why or what their situation is, I just know I am to pray for them.
I finally called them to just let them know I had a burden for them and I only got the voice message so I left them a message just telling them that God loved them and that they were on my heart. It was after I left this message that my heart became so heavy. At that moment all I did was say their name and the Holy Spirit too it from there. I have no idea what I prayed but God does and that’s all that matters.
It was after this prayer that the following verses came to mind.
Romans 8:26-27(NASB)
26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Just remember, sometimes when God puts someone on our hearts He knows what’s going on– we don’t have to. We just need to be obedient and let God have his way.
Have a good week and let the Lord lead.
I finally called them to just let them know I had a burden for them and I only got the voice message so I left them a message just telling them that God loved them and that they were on my heart. It was after I left this message that my heart became so heavy. At that moment all I did was say their name and the Holy Spirit too it from there. I have no idea what I prayed but God does and that’s all that matters.
It was after this prayer that the following verses came to mind.
Romans 8:26-27(NASB)
26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Just remember, sometimes when God puts someone on our hearts He knows what’s going on– we don’t have to. We just need to be obedient and let God have his way.
Have a good week and let the Lord lead.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Hope and Faith
The following definitions were taken from Webster’s Dictionary.
Hope: to want or wish for something with a feeling of confident expectation.
Faith: belief in the value, or trustworthiness of someone or something.
Hope is so much different than faith, but I think the two go hand in hand. The Bible tells us to be joyful in hope (Romans 12:12) and that faith is being sure of what we hope for (Hebrews 11:11).
God in His infinite wisdom gave us both. Our hope is in Him and we have faith in Him because of that hope…
The following was written by Carrie Oliver. It is a thought on hope that I found very encouraging.
We were created for hope. Our bones were bred for hope. Our lungs can’t breathe, our hearts won’t beat and our spirits can’t thrive without it. God placed us in a world over which we have little control. And as if to compensate for this helplessness, He placed within our souls the capacity to hope– to hope for better times, to dream of better places, to pray for better outcomes, to seek better ways through life. Hope is more than optimism. Optimism is what we generate. Hope is God-given, a powerful, spiritual, and psychological means for transcending the circumstances.
I hope you have a wonderful week with the Lord as He builds your faith.
Hope: to want or wish for something with a feeling of confident expectation.
Faith: belief in the value, or trustworthiness of someone or something.
Hope is so much different than faith, but I think the two go hand in hand. The Bible tells us to be joyful in hope (Romans 12:12) and that faith is being sure of what we hope for (Hebrews 11:11).
God in His infinite wisdom gave us both. Our hope is in Him and we have faith in Him because of that hope…
The following was written by Carrie Oliver. It is a thought on hope that I found very encouraging.
We were created for hope. Our bones were bred for hope. Our lungs can’t breathe, our hearts won’t beat and our spirits can’t thrive without it. God placed us in a world over which we have little control. And as if to compensate for this helplessness, He placed within our souls the capacity to hope– to hope for better times, to dream of better places, to pray for better outcomes, to seek better ways through life. Hope is more than optimism. Optimism is what we generate. Hope is God-given, a powerful, spiritual, and psychological means for transcending the circumstances.
I hope you have a wonderful week with the Lord as He builds your faith.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
In His Hands
There’s an old story about two pots. One was perfect in every way. The other had cracks and broken places. Each day a woman filled the pots with rainwater she had collected and then carried them down the path to her home. The first pot felt proud that she never spilled a single drop. The other felt ashamed because no matter how hard she tried, she lost a lot along the way. One day the two pots overheard the woman talking with someone who lived nearby. The neighbor exclaimed, “The flowers along your path are so beautiful! What’s your secret?” The woman answered, “One of my pots is broken, and the water that spills out helps the flowers grow every day.”
Just like that second pot we can feel useless and question our purpose. But God sees purpose where we don’t, and He can use us to bring blessings to others.
-21In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. 2Tim.2:20-21 (The Message Bible)
Have a wonderful week in the Lord.!
Just like that second pot we can feel useless and question our purpose. But God sees purpose where we don’t, and He can use us to bring blessings to others.
-21In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. 2Tim.2:20-21 (The Message Bible)
Have a wonderful week in the Lord.!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Thankful
I’m so thankful I have God in my life, I couldn’t imagine how I would handle life’s struggles with out Him..
16 “‘But all who devour you will be devoured; all your enemies will go into exile.
Those who plunder you will be plundered; all who make spoil of you I will despoil. Jeremiah 30:16
Have a wonderful week in the Lord..
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Happy July 4th
I have a little trivia for you this week.
Did you know?
The song “Star Spangled Banner” was originally called “Defence of Fort M’Henry”?
Did you know?
The actual flag measured 30x42 feet in size, with stars two feet from point to point, and the flag used over 400 yards of bunting?
Did you know?
The song "The Star-Spangled Banner" wasn’t adopted as our national anthem until March 3, 1931.
And did you know?
That the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that He loves you!
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those
who fear him;
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:11-12 (emphasis mine)
Have a safe 4th of July!
Did you know?
The song “Star Spangled Banner” was originally called “Defence of Fort M’Henry”?
Did you know?
The actual flag measured 30x42 feet in size, with stars two feet from point to point, and the flag used over 400 yards of bunting?
Did you know?
The song "The Star-Spangled Banner" wasn’t adopted as our national anthem until March 3, 1931.
And did you know?
That the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that He loves you!
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those
who fear him;
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:11-12 (emphasis mine)
Have a safe 4th of July!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Psalms 103
This week I have been meditating on Psalms 103. It is filled with wonderful gems and encouragement.– Be Blessed.
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
6 The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.14 For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.16 The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here.17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him.His salvation extends to the children’s children18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!
19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.
20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans,listening for each of his commands.21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will!22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom.
Let all that I am praise the Lord.
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
6 The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.14 For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.16 The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here.17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him.His salvation extends to the children’s children18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!
19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.
20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans,listening for each of his commands.21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will!22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom.
Let all that I am praise the Lord.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
God's Glory and Compassion
The following is the only response I received regarding the challenge issued last week.
The part of the verse in the bulletin that spoke to my heart on Sunday was:
"I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion"
Of course that made me start to be thankful and grateful that the Lord would have mercy and compassion on me.
Monday we received a letter from Compassion International asking if we would be able to sponsor another child. ( especially an older child)
My husband and I had planned to sponsor another child some months ago but had never gotten around to it. We thought about how much better it would be to sponsor a younger child so that there would be more time to influence him/her. However, the Lord brought to mind the part of the verse that struck me on Sunday.
I prayed, went to the internet web page and (with the help of the Holy Spirit) choose a fourteen-year girl from Uganda who has 7 other brothers and sisters. I know in my heart that God will show her compassion and mercy . Salvation has nothing to do with age.
Exodus 33:18-23..
18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
19 And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
21 Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”
In response to the challenge verse and my reply to the challenge.
God’s Glory and Compassion passed by when His word was acted on and obeyed.
Have a wonderful week in the Lord!
The part of the verse in the bulletin that spoke to my heart on Sunday was:
"I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion"
Of course that made me start to be thankful and grateful that the Lord would have mercy and compassion on me.
Monday we received a letter from Compassion International asking if we would be able to sponsor another child. ( especially an older child)
My husband and I had planned to sponsor another child some months ago but had never gotten around to it. We thought about how much better it would be to sponsor a younger child so that there would be more time to influence him/her. However, the Lord brought to mind the part of the verse that struck me on Sunday.
I prayed, went to the internet web page and (with the help of the Holy Spirit) choose a fourteen-year girl from Uganda who has 7 other brothers and sisters. I know in my heart that God will show her compassion and mercy . Salvation has nothing to do with age.
Exodus 33:18-23..
18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
19 And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
21 Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”
In response to the challenge verse and my reply to the challenge.
God’s Glory and Compassion passed by when His word was acted on and obeyed.
Have a wonderful week in the Lord!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
The Glory of God
I am going to share some verses with you out of the book of Exodus. They are found in Chapter 33 verses 18-23..
18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
19 And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
21 Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”
Now I have a challenge for each of you.. I would like for you to read this passage Daily for a few days, then I would like for you to email me at nwhrvst@aol.com and tell me what you think God is saying to your heart, and next week I will share your replies of what you heard in your heart and what He said to mine..
And to repeat Cindy Kennedy’s closing from last week; “Have a great week in your discipleship with Him”!
18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
19 And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
21 Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”
Now I have a challenge for each of you.. I would like for you to read this passage Daily for a few days, then I would like for you to email me at nwhrvst@aol.com and tell me what you think God is saying to your heart, and next week I will share your replies of what you heard in your heart and what He said to mine..
And to repeat Cindy Kennedy’s closing from last week; “Have a great week in your discipleship with Him”!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Love on Mother's Day
If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love, I am a housekeeper--not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love, my children learn cleanliness--not godliness.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love is present through the trials.
Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart.
Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.
As a mother, there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is love.
Author Unknown
Happy Mother’s Day!
but have not love, I am a housekeeper--not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love, my children learn cleanliness--not godliness.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love is present through the trials.
Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart.
Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.
As a mother, there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is love.
Author Unknown
Happy Mother’s Day!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
He Has a Plan
I got to spend some precious time with a dear friend of mine this week and we talked about many things, she encouraged me and I hope I did the same for her. We got on the subject about spending time with God and taking our walk to a deeper level. I told her sometimes I’m afraid to go to that deeper level because I think it’s going to hurt.
It’s like being a child afraid of a shot– we don’t want to take it but when it’s over– it’s over and the time it took to take the shot was shorter than the time it took to argue it. But if we just let go of the fear, what God has for us is so much better than where we are now.
Philippians 2:13 says, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
And food for thought:
He is standing, He will lead, He waits for your response.
In other words: He has a plan… :o)
Have a wonderful week in the Lord!
It’s like being a child afraid of a shot– we don’t want to take it but when it’s over– it’s over and the time it took to take the shot was shorter than the time it took to argue it. But if we just let go of the fear, what God has for us is so much better than where we are now.
Philippians 2:13 says, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
And food for thought:
He is standing, He will lead, He waits for your response.
In other words: He has a plan… :o)
Have a wonderful week in the Lord!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
THE U IN JESUS
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
Happy Easter and have a wonderful week in the Lord!
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
Happy Easter and have a wonderful week in the Lord!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Power of God
The last couple of weeks our Thursday night Ohana Group have been discussing as we go through the book of John the Power of Jesus. We have all pretty much concluded that there was something about Him that drew people to Him. All of his disciples had to feel there was something about Him, as each of them dropped what they were doing and followed Him. There are instances through-out the Gospels where people were desperate to see Him, touch Him or just be near Him, and for a lot of these people they were drawn to Him just as we are drawn to Him. Yes, there is something about Jesus who draws us and captures our hearts, and He who calls us His own.
In 1 Corinthians 1:18 we read,
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (emphasis mine)
I pray you have a good week with the Lord!
In 1 Corinthians 1:18 we read,
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (emphasis mine)
I pray you have a good week with the Lord!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
A Word
The other day in prayer I felt pretty strong about a word I felt the Lord give me and so I want to share it.
Don’t give up, don’t give up.
The battle goes on but don’t give up.
You may be feeling weary, you may be struggling, but don’t give up.
I am at work, I am at work.
I see your struggles, your questions,
I see your desires—I will say again don’t give up.
The answers you seek rests in me,
the battle you fight is not your own-IT IS MINE..
Let it go, let the battle go.
I am here to fight it for you,
why do you try to do it in your own strength?
Let it go, Trust me, Trust me, Trust me-let it go.
“ I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John16:33
I pray you have a good week with the Lord!
Don’t give up, don’t give up.
The battle goes on but don’t give up.
You may be feeling weary, you may be struggling, but don’t give up.
I am at work, I am at work.
I see your struggles, your questions,
I see your desires—I will say again don’t give up.
The answers you seek rests in me,
the battle you fight is not your own-IT IS MINE..
Let it go, let the battle go.
I am here to fight it for you,
why do you try to do it in your own strength?
Let it go, Trust me, Trust me, Trust me-let it go.
“ I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John16:33
I pray you have a good week with the Lord!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Running on Empty
Last week Pastor Gary Simons shared with me that when he was praying for me the Lord showed him a vision of me running here and there and the Lord running around after me wanting to fill me up but the Lord couldn’t because I wouldn’t be still long enough.
Ever since Pastor Gary said this to me I have really been thinking hard about it. He is right I have been running on empty for far too long and I need to stop and take a deep breath. I know God desires me to put aside what I think is important and to turn and walk straight into His outstretched arms then He will teach me the better way. I just want to encourage anyone who may be struggling with busyness–
what I am about to tell you is hard to do, it’s something I struggle with everyday, but if you do these you will find God patiently waiting.
Here is what you have to do: STOP, TURN AROUND AND WALK INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF GOD!
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
I pray you have a good week with the Lord!
Ever since Pastor Gary said this to me I have really been thinking hard about it. He is right I have been running on empty for far too long and I need to stop and take a deep breath. I know God desires me to put aside what I think is important and to turn and walk straight into His outstretched arms then He will teach me the better way. I just want to encourage anyone who may be struggling with busyness–
what I am about to tell you is hard to do, it’s something I struggle with everyday, but if you do these you will find God patiently waiting.
Here is what you have to do: STOP, TURN AROUND AND WALK INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF GOD!
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
I pray you have a good week with the Lord!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The Vine and The Branches
This weeks message is in John chapter 15. This chapter of John holds so many gems. But my favorite verses are 4 and 5;
4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
In order to bear fruit the branch (us) must be attached to the vine (Jesus). We must maintain a close fellowship with the Lord if He is to live through us and produce His fruit in our lives. This can only be accomplished through prayer and studying the Word. The closer we abide in Jesus, the more His life can flow through us to produce the fruit He desires.
Are you producing the fruit needed to become more like Him?
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal. 5:22-23
I pray you have a good week with the Lord!
4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
In order to bear fruit the branch (us) must be attached to the vine (Jesus). We must maintain a close fellowship with the Lord if He is to live through us and produce His fruit in our lives. This can only be accomplished through prayer and studying the Word. The closer we abide in Jesus, the more His life can flow through us to produce the fruit He desires.
Are you producing the fruit needed to become more like Him?
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal. 5:22-23
I pray you have a good week with the Lord!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Technology
On Thursday evening our Ohana Group was discussing John chapter 14. The subject at one point in the evening was miracles and a question was asked why we don’t see the type of miracles today that the people of Jesus time saw. One discussion led to another and someone brought up the 2 witnesses the Bible talks about in Revelation and the technology that is in place today could be used for that very purpose. After everyone left my husband turned on the news and we immediately see videos of Japan and the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami.
Upon seeing what was happening I was reminded of John 14:1
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
I pray you have a good week with the Lord!
Upon seeing what was happening I was reminded of John 14:1
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
I pray you have a good week with the Lord!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thunder
The other morning the community of Waikoloa was in the midst of rain and then a loud clap of thunder vibrated everywhere . I was awakened and jumped out of bed when I heard it. It’s rare that Waikoloa gets to experience the rain and thunder that accompanied that morning. As a kid I was really afraid of thunder and lightning especially growing up in Texas as there were some really scary storms that came through the Texas panhandle. Thunder is loud and noisy and can shake and rattle windows, but have you ever thought about what some of the people in the Old and New Testaments might have heard when God spoke and it sounded like thunder?
Pastor Frank’s sermon relates to John chapter 12 and it was in this chapter that I read a verse that I have carried in my heart all week it is found in John 12:28-29 and says this;
Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
I can’t begin to tell you what it may have sounded like, but I think I will always be reminded of this verse when I do encounter a loud clap of thunder.
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Pastor Frank’s sermon relates to John chapter 12 and it was in this chapter that I read a verse that I have carried in my heart all week it is found in John 12:28-29 and says this;
Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
I can’t begin to tell you what it may have sounded like, but I think I will always be reminded of this verse when I do encounter a loud clap of thunder.
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
In His Hands
So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Jeremiah 18:3-4 (NIV)
Jeremiah noticed that the vessel was marred, and as the potter worked he started to formed it into another pot. Take a moment to think about the clay on the wheel, it gets smashed and beaten down and then as the potter works, the clay starts to take shape. The potter molds it and before too long it’s turned into a beautiful pot. But what happens to the pot after it’s formed? We all know it gets put in the furnace. Jeremiah goes on to say in verse 6, "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
What we have to remember is that God never throws us away, even if we have a flaw or struggle in certain areas. So...if you feel you are being lifted from the mud, or being turned on the wheel to be made over again, or even if you feel you’re in the furnace, you are always, always in His hands.
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Jeremiah noticed that the vessel was marred, and as the potter worked he started to formed it into another pot. Take a moment to think about the clay on the wheel, it gets smashed and beaten down and then as the potter works, the clay starts to take shape. The potter molds it and before too long it’s turned into a beautiful pot. But what happens to the pot after it’s formed? We all know it gets put in the furnace. Jeremiah goes on to say in verse 6, "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
What we have to remember is that God never throws us away, even if we have a flaw or struggle in certain areas. So...if you feel you are being lifted from the mud, or being turned on the wheel to be made over again, or even if you feel you’re in the furnace, you are always, always in His hands.
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Reminders
Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I don’t know about you but I need reminded that I am part of a chosen people dearly loved by God . I also need reminded that I need to forgive because that’s what Jesus does.
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I don’t know about you but I need reminded that I am part of a chosen people dearly loved by God . I also need reminded that I need to forgive because that’s what Jesus does.
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Listening
A couple of years ago I decided to add this blog to our webpage. I don't really expect anyone to read it but our church family who may occasionally drop by. So really no expecations at all. Besides what I say on this blog is usually The Thought of the Week which is in the bulletin anyway. But I have decided to try something different this year and actual take this to a different level. In my heart I really would like for it to get read and that maybe it will bless someone or encourage someone who may be feeling a little discouraged which leads me to why I am writing this. Right now I have a friend who is very discouraged and my heart goes out to them, sometimes it's hard to say what you think they want to hear. But I have found that just listening can be an encouraging thing for the other person. I was convicted a few months back about listening to someone and I am learning to do that...just listen.
Sometimes we fail to listen to the Holy Spirit to. I know I am guilty of that. I tend to have an attitude of yeah, yeah I hear you but I don't stop to listen, hence the conviction. So as I sit and listen to the Holy Spirit He tends to lead me where I need to go not only in my relationship with Jesus but in my relationship with others. I pray that we each learn to listen with a heart full of the Holy Spirit and I pray that we each learn to encourage others just by listening.
If this doesn't make any sense I figure oh well isn't that what a blog is for????
Blessing from me!
The verse on my heart is Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Sometimes we fail to listen to the Holy Spirit to. I know I am guilty of that. I tend to have an attitude of yeah, yeah I hear you but I don't stop to listen, hence the conviction. So as I sit and listen to the Holy Spirit He tends to lead me where I need to go not only in my relationship with Jesus but in my relationship with others. I pray that we each learn to listen with a heart full of the Holy Spirit and I pray that we each learn to encourage others just by listening.
If this doesn't make any sense I figure oh well isn't that what a blog is for????
Blessing from me!
The verse on my heart is Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Resolutions
Resolution: the act or process of resolving.
It’s a New Year. For some people it’s a time for reflection and a fresh start, for some it’s a long list of resolutions.
When I think of resolutions I think of the apostle Paul who writes in Romans 7:19-21
19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.
I don’t make resolutions; because like Paul, I am always fighting to do what is right and to keep the promises I made to myself but can’t. I am so happy that God sees my faults and still accepts me for who I am. And I am so happy that God’s mercies are new every morning and not just once a year.
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
It’s a New Year. For some people it’s a time for reflection and a fresh start, for some it’s a long list of resolutions.
When I think of resolutions I think of the apostle Paul who writes in Romans 7:19-21
19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.
I don’t make resolutions; because like Paul, I am always fighting to do what is right and to keep the promises I made to myself but can’t. I am so happy that God sees my faults and still accepts me for who I am. And I am so happy that God’s mercies are new every morning and not just once a year.
Have a Wonderful week in the Lord!
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