Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Guidance for Today

In Matthew Ch.6, we are give an example of how to pray,"The Lord's Prayer". We are then instructed not to build up treasures on earth, vs. 21 "For where your treasure is there your heart will be also."

It then goes on to instruct in vs. 25, "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, drink etc." For your heavenly Father knows what you have need of, Vs.33 says it all. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."

I pray this New Year brings us all closer to God with an enlightenment of how we are to live our lives more fully for Him, building up treasures in heaven.

May God richly bless and keep each of you and your families, as we continue our journey on in this life into the New Year, Lord willing.        http://thelordsprayer.net/

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Don't Quit!



"Don't Quit" is a favorite poem of mine I've used when teaching  students and athletes as well as a personal motto I try to model myself, that I'd like to share.

   "When things go wrong , as they sometimes will,
    When the road you're on seems all uphill,

   When funds are low and debts are high,
   And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

  When care is pressing you down a bit,
  Rest if you must, but DON'T QUIT!

  Life is queer with its twist and turns,
  As every one of us sometimes learns,

  And many a failure turns about,
  When he might of won had he stuck it out;

  Don't give p though the pace seems slow-
  You may succeed with another blow.

  Often the goal is nearer than,
  It seems to a faint and faltering man,

  Often the struggler has given up,
  When he might have captured the victor's cup,

   And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
   How close he was to the golden crown.

  Success is failure turned inside out-
  The silver lining to the clouds of doubt.

  And you never know how close you are,
  It may be near when it seems so far,

 So stick to the fight when hardest hit-
 IT'S WHEN THINGS SEEM WORST THAT YOU MUST NOT QUIT!"

 Though this is often used as a secular poem that can refer to many aspects of life, I think it applies to our Christian walk as well. I Chronicles Ch. 28 vs. 20 Speaks to Solomon, David's son, in regards to building the temple. "Be strong and of good courage and do it: FEAR not nor be dismayed, for the Lord God will be with thee. He will not fail thee, until thou has finished."

 For more encouragement read Hebrews Ch. 12 and 13. Ch. 12:1-2, paraphrased like this says,"Run with patience the race that is set before you laying aside every weight that easily besets us. Vs. 2 Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith". 

"May the God of peace make us perfect in every good work to do His will, working in us that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be the glory for ever and ever, Amen". Hebrews. Ch.13 vs.20-21.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Your Grace is Enough

Remember your children oh God is a verse to a song reminding us what a loving father we all have, and indeed His grace is enough for us all. Bless your children this day. Speak to our hearts and strengthen us on our journey,and help us too never forget how much you love us! Thank you for your unfailing grace. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9yrlYk-Bao

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Give Me Eyes that I Might See

Ecclesiastes is a tough book for me to swallow. Though it's short with only 12 chapters it has a lot of punch with very little fluff. I have a tendency to see the good and ignore the bad. Unfortunately for me Ecclesiastes is consistently giving both. A book of reality that thankfully is summed up with hope and guidance. The final Ch.12 vs. 13-14, concludes the whole matter for us."Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Vs.14, for God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil." 

God calls us to be His humble servants, loving others as He loves and forgives us. Help us to have His eyes that we might see.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Psalm 24-34

" I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me. The poor man cried and the Lord heard him. Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile." Psalms 24-34 is full of hope, encouragement and direction for those seeking to serve God and follow His ways. Read and be encouraged. A song I heard recently that brought a smile to my face. "If I was Jesus", by Toby Keith.

Have a blessed day in Christ..... 

Sunday, November 30, 2008

I Know Who Holds My Hand

Many things about tomorrow I do not seem to understand is a verse to a familiar song, and an echo of many people's hearts. One of the many benefits of being God's child is that no matter our circumstances, we can know that God is with us, guiding our steps and working all things for our good, even when we do not understand.

As God's children he promises to always be with us, offering shelter in our storms, never leaving or forsaking us. Let us not forget to be grateful in our good times and bad, knowing that God is reaching out to us, and desires to hold our hand. Our question then is are we reaching out to him and letting him guide us where he would have us to go? Help us this day to be that trusting, humble child allowing a loving God that knows our every need to lead and guide us.

A favorite folk song of my mom's that seems fitting. "One Day at A Time". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y1wtgLAytA

Friday, November 21, 2008

Choose Life

Deuteronomy CH. 30 vs.19-20. " I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse: therefore choose life that both you and your seed will live. Love the Lord thy God that thou may obey His voice and cleave unto Him, for He is life and the length of your days." May God fill our hearts and ears with his voice, and divine guidance today to choose life that He so freely gives.

Song: "Give Thanks" http://atthewell.com/thanks/


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Fear Not, I Am WIth You!

If you've ever been afraid, below are some scriptures to post and keep close by. When things seem impossible or you're having a hard time getting up, meditate on God's word in your heart.

Deuteronomy Ch. 31 vs. 6 "Be strong and of good courage, fear not nor be afraid, for the Lord thy God goes with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Psalm Ch. 91 vs. 11 "He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."

God's promises to his children that obey his voice are many and great. Psalm Ch. 25 vs. 12-14 "What man is he that fears the Lord? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. 13. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. 14. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant." 

Psalm Ch. 28 vs. 7 " The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices and with my song will I praise him".

Bless and keep your children this day I pray in Jesus name.....Amen.

Song: "Live What I Believe" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mHiTVuGaKM

Thursday, November 13, 2008

My Source of Srength

Song, "In Christ Alone": Listen to the words and be encouraged today as we continue too look to Christ alone, our corner stone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM

Monday, November 10, 2008

Thy Word is Lamp Unto My Feet.....



Psalms Ch.119 vs. 105 "Thy word is a light unto my path".

As I read God's word and follow his examples I am encouraged in this life and humbled by his provision. His word is full of instruction and guidance. A road map to peace, love, joy, encouragement and hope in this life, and our life to come. If I had one thing to share with those looking for answers, it would be to get in his word daily and let him speak to your heart.

As the song below would indicate, we have to continually look to God, for our hearts are ever wandering. May he be our guide and hold us to his side.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Something Beautiful!!!!!



God has a way of making our messes, confusion, heart ache and hurts beautiful. As this day throws its assortment of trials and struggles our way, and even if we don't handle them quite the way we should have, it's never too late to give them to God. It's even better if we give them to Him before we make a mess, but oh what sweet fellowship when even our worst messes are met with His loving grace and provision. Another song by the Gaithers. "Something Beautiful". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar-sPqVmOSc

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Awesome God!



Today on this gorgeous and beautiful day, and  I am reminded of the beauty that God has surrounded us with on this earth.

I remember teaching an impromptu bible lesson to a class of 4th graders when the minister was sick. I was applying for a job at this school and was asked to do this at the last minute. I went in the class and started talking about this awesome playground that God has given us, and like our parents give us gifts, God has given us all of his creation as our playground. Whoa.... They were impressed, but you know what, so am I every time I see his mountains, beautiful trees, rivers, streams, birds and all that he has created for our enjoyment.

God is indeed awesome and I am honored to have him as my Savior and have his love so lavishly poured out on all of us, his children.  I pray that today you are reminded, if not in nature, then elsewhere, of what a loving God we serve.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRZSRi5yyoQ

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Leave Nothing To Chance

"This is your time,this is the day", is a song that was written by Michael W. Smith after the Columbine school shooting. What an inspirational song about a young lady who was killed for her belief in Christ that day. Live today, no regrets... Listen and be inspired to live like it's your last. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnunUYtokfo

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Fall Break


          Jackson's Orchard Bowling Green, Kentucky

                             All God's Children



                           Watch Out Boys!!!!

As I return home from a relaxing break visiting relatives in Kentucky I am reminded of the value of family and friends. Fellowship can't be understated during difficult and good times. In scripture we're reminded that 2 are better than one, and that He places the solitary in families, Psalm 68 vs.6. May we all be reminded of the value of taking time to fellowship and share with loved ones around us. A special thank you to my adopted aunt,uncle and cousins for always making their home ours,in a warm and loving way.....

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Back to the Basics

Whether it's work, school, being healthy or anything else we hope to succeed at it takes discipline and hard work, and as Christians we can expect nothing less either. We must walk daily, looking to God, studying his word and praying. There is no other way to grow strong in Christ. It is not something we put on Sunday morning and ignore the rest of the week. It is a way of life, minute by minute, step by step. Going to church is a discipline, but it is the least of what we should do. If we rely on church as our sole source of nourishment, we would surely starve! Yet each of us has all the nourishment we need at our finger tips. Why then do some go hungry, or are weak from malnourishment? The answer is simple, we want a quick fix, a pill, a short cut, a fast pass. We do not want to accept responsibility for our own actions. This could be a secular message, but that is not the intention, because this world does not have the answers. Get back to the basics of reading and praying daily, and see what changes take place in our lives and in those around us. Together we can make a difference, in a starving world.

Poignant words from the song, "Back to the Basics of Life" http://lyricstime.com/4-him-the-basics-of-life-lyrics.htm

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Taste and See!


A while back I was in a church service  where the youth minister shared with the congregation about a mission trip they took to another country. As I'm sure you've all heard before, they often will bring treats or toys to the children. On this particular trip they brought tootsie pops. You know the ones where you can't just lick and you end up biting! At least that's me... As it would go the kids and adults thought this was the neatest thing they ever had. They were so enthusiastic about it they keep running around trying to stick their tootsie pop in the missionaries mouths saying, "Taste", for which the missionaries would politely decline and say no that's okay,I have my own,but thank you for wanting to share.

The jest of the story being that when we get a taste of God we will be as infectious as those young kids and adults with their new found tootsie pops. Taste and see that the Lord is good, and share His story with those around you today.