Romans 7:25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
That's it...the answer is Jesus!
Who really cares? Jesus
What do I do with a rebelling child? Jesus
When will I get a much needed job? Jesus
Why do I feel alone in a sea of people? Jesus
Where do I go from here? Jesus
Where is my rent? Jesus
He is the answer! We go to everyone else first, and then we say we will pray about it. NO! Jesus first! Don't let others crowd what God would have for you!
Whatever your pain, your triumph, your hopes, your dreams, your darkest hour, your mountaintop experience...Jesus is there!
People will fail us, because well, we are all human. Jesus NEVER fails!
I'm human too with a pretty honest outlook on life, but without Jesus I would be lost.
The things that I have been able to overcome are only by his grace.
The things that I see are only because he has allowed me a glimpse from a different perspective.
The hardships I face aren't as hard because he guides me and he promised to never leave or forsake me.
What are you facing? What are your needs? What are your victories? What is your story?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Got Plans?
It's funny how we can plan ahead for a vacation, a quick trip, upcoming holidays or even next year.
Sometimes we have things so far planned that we have to plan to "fit" God in.
His plans are perfect and so are His ways!
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
We are His design and delights in us. We can have peace if we follow His plan for our life!
Sometimes we have things so far planned that we have to plan to "fit" God in.
His plans are perfect and so are His ways!
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
We are His design and delights in us. We can have peace if we follow His plan for our life!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
What Time Is It?
If you grew up in the 80's you would say "It's Tool Time" famous quote from a sit-com.
Esther 4:14 (AMP ~ Bible.com)
For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?
I know this verse has been quoted a thousand times, BUT this is the current time!
What have you been asked to do in this season of your life? Where has God placed you to work? What do your kids need from you, your friends or family?
Rise up! Be bold, yes God can find someone else to use, but you will miss your opportunity! Now is the time and it is short you have been placed right where you are for this very occasion!
Thank you to our Pastor Roger Archer for quoting Nathan Hale "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” and then Roger proceeded with his regrets for only having one life to give to his kids, wife, church, family, friends, etc.
We only have this one life, use it for the power and glory of God! Walk boldly ~ NOW IS THE TIME!
Esther 4:14 (AMP ~ Bible.com)
For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?
I know this verse has been quoted a thousand times, BUT this is the current time!
What have you been asked to do in this season of your life? Where has God placed you to work? What do your kids need from you, your friends or family?
Rise up! Be bold, yes God can find someone else to use, but you will miss your opportunity! Now is the time and it is short you have been placed right where you are for this very occasion!
Thank you to our Pastor Roger Archer for quoting Nathan Hale "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” and then Roger proceeded with his regrets for only having one life to give to his kids, wife, church, family, friends, etc.
We only have this one life, use it for the power and glory of God! Walk boldly ~ NOW IS THE TIME!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Perspective...Ain't it Grand?!
Wow, can perspective mess with your head or what?
I have realized that if you take a step back and look at things you can actually see where someone else might be coming from. You may also see that people are selfish, controlling, manipulative, have other agendas, etc.
I find it interesting that as an adult all of life can seem a little like Jr. High. This is interesting to me as most adults did not like Jr. High, nor do they have very many fond memories of that stage of their life.
I used to think that my brother was the favored one and well, he thought I was the favored one and my mom used to say "If you both think that the other is my favorite, than I must be doing things pretty fair."
Sometimes we look at what others around us have or we think we need to have something, but in actuality if we are serving the Lord...we have all that we need.
If I keep my eyes on Christ who is the author and finisher of my faith, who loves me more than the sparrows, who has had my back when all others have let me down, than I really do not need to get caught up in the "he said, she said..." or trying to keep up with the neighbors, etc.
Acts 10:34-36 (MSG - Bible.com)
Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he's doing it everywhere, among everyone.
I have realized that if you take a step back and look at things you can actually see where someone else might be coming from. You may also see that people are selfish, controlling, manipulative, have other agendas, etc.
I find it interesting that as an adult all of life can seem a little like Jr. High. This is interesting to me as most adults did not like Jr. High, nor do they have very many fond memories of that stage of their life.
I used to think that my brother was the favored one and well, he thought I was the favored one and my mom used to say "If you both think that the other is my favorite, than I must be doing things pretty fair."
Sometimes we look at what others around us have or we think we need to have something, but in actuality if we are serving the Lord...we have all that we need.
If I keep my eyes on Christ who is the author and finisher of my faith, who loves me more than the sparrows, who has had my back when all others have let me down, than I really do not need to get caught up in the "he said, she said..." or trying to keep up with the neighbors, etc.
Acts 10:34-36 (MSG - Bible.com)
Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he's doing it everywhere, among everyone.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Identity
So much of the time we are caught up in what people think of us, or what we think of ourselves.
Our upbringing, our relationships, the words people speak into our lives both positive and negative shape our identity and what we think.
When those things around us change or relationships that we hold dear aren't what we thought it can shake us to the core.
I have been shaken to the core a lot wondering "what the heck?"
My mom raised me for most of my life by herself and instilled values that I still hold near and dear to my heart. My dad (who was out of the picture that whole time) God has restored our relationship and I have discovered that I am more like him than my mom.
Relationships can be so complicated, but that is not where I need to find my identity.
My hope is in the name of the Lord! My identity is in Christ!
Galatians 2:19,20 (MSG)
19 -21What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.
Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God's grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.
Our upbringing, our relationships, the words people speak into our lives both positive and negative shape our identity and what we think.
When those things around us change or relationships that we hold dear aren't what we thought it can shake us to the core.
I have been shaken to the core a lot wondering "what the heck?"
My mom raised me for most of my life by herself and instilled values that I still hold near and dear to my heart. My dad (who was out of the picture that whole time) God has restored our relationship and I have discovered that I am more like him than my mom.
Relationships can be so complicated, but that is not where I need to find my identity.
My hope is in the name of the Lord! My identity is in Christ!
Galatians 2:19,20 (MSG)
19 -21What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.
Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God's grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
From The Heart Of A Young Pastor!
SOAP Scripture, Observation, Application & Prayer!
April 28
1 Chronicles 12:14 (NLT) These warriors from Gad were army commanders. The weakest among them could take on a hundred regular troops, and the strongest could take on a thousand!
S. These warriors from Gad were army commanders. The weakest among them could take on a hundred regular troops, and the strongest could take on a thousand!
O. This is how I want to raise up "my army." These girls will be like the troops of Gad. They'll be able to take on a hundred to a thousand other troops and have real triumph over them in the name of the Almighty Lord!!
A. I will teach and show how to do this. My life and my battles will show them how to fight. How I respond to trials is how they will--I will respond the way God's called me to. I will be graceful.
P. Father, you're so amazing. I love you!!! Thank you for today. I'm so grateful Lord. Please forgive me. I repent. Fill me up today and help me SHINE like you!! Put your spirit in my heart. Write on my spirit Lord. I desire you. Shape my girls today to be the army of Gad. Help me show them. Let's rock it today. I love you
S. These warriors from Gad were army commanders. The weakest among them could take on a hundred regular troops, and the strongest could take on a thousand!
O. This is how I want to raise up "my army." These girls will be like the troops of Gad. They'll be able to take on a hundred to a thousand other troops and have real triumph over them in the name of the Almighty Lord!!
A. I will teach and show how to do this. My life and my battles will show them how to fight. How I respond to trials is how they will--I will respond the way God's called me to. I will be graceful.
P. Father, you're so amazing. I love you!!! Thank you for today. I'm so grateful Lord. Please forgive me. I repent. Fill me up today and help me SHINE like you!! Put your spirit in my heart. Write on my spirit Lord. I desire you. Shape my girls today to be the army of Gad. Help me show them. Let's rock it today. I love you
From Britney Archer ~ A junior in high school leading 7th graders and a few 9th graders in weekly devotions ~ Amazing!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Not A Surprise At All!
It's funny how we get so moved, shaken, upset, bummed, excited, etc. when things happen around us. I have had to remind myself (especially when I feel I have been caught off guard in life) that what is happening around me is NOT a surprise to God!
Luke 12:7 (Amplified ~ Bible.com) But [even] the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be struck with fear or seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows.
God knows our name, sees our pain, fellowships in our weakness, is mindful of us, He loves us, He has been tempted, etc.
When tragedies happen or finances toil, when a check comes in the mail, or a few extra hours on a shift, NONE of this catches God off guard, so really it shouldn't catch us off guard either!
If we are allowing God to work and move in our lives than when the unthinkable (good or bad) happen we can smile and know that the Lord is God and He has our back!
Luke 12:7 (Amplified ~ Bible.com) But [even] the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be struck with fear or seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows.
God knows our name, sees our pain, fellowships in our weakness, is mindful of us, He loves us, He has been tempted, etc.
When tragedies happen or finances toil, when a check comes in the mail, or a few extra hours on a shift, NONE of this catches God off guard, so really it shouldn't catch us off guard either!
If we are allowing God to work and move in our lives than when the unthinkable (good or bad) happen we can smile and know that the Lord is God and He has our back!
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