Category: Faith

Children are such a Miracle!

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For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6

This word, like so many others, is so precious to me. It was given to me by the Lord on October 21 1986 while I was listening to John Wimber of Vineyard Church. I knew this was a word for me immediately but was a little hesitant. I could not have children and so we had adopted two beautiful children, just days old. Now, after all these years, 15 to be exact, I would have a child?? I was excited but hesitant at the same time. Two months later, I was pregnant and on September 22,1987 we had a little girl, Samantha Sue.

My three children are now grown. Josh is married and a campus pastor in Flower Mound, Texas and they have three boys. Melissa is married and they have two boys and a girl and Samantha is married and they have a little girl and a new born baby boy.

I write this brief history to just give glory to God! You see this girl, who could have no children now has 8 grandchildren. This miracle only can come from one source and that is God Almighty Himself!

Even back when we wanted to adopt, there were no babies to be had due to the abortion craze! In fact, we were told to try and possibly find someone ourselves who wanted to give their baby up for adoption. But God was so loving and gave us the desires of our hearts – a girl, then a year later, a little baby boy. All three of my children are miracles and we rejoice and give Him glory for our family!

So today, I sing for joy at the birth of baby number 8 in this family! And my other two children and their families were here to rejoice with us!

We all have a story – and God has in so many ways, has added something special to each of our stories! Please share yours with us, will you? And give Him even more praise for His love and merciful hand!

The Lord is My Shepherd!

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The Lord is shall my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

My father died when I was fairly young and he was only 44 years old. My mother went into depression and life for all of us became difficult. I had no one to look to for my future plans and felt like I was wondering around in the wilderness and fear crept in from all sides. During that time, I was always looking for someone to direct my steps in life.

What I did not realize then and, looking back, realize now, is a guide and overseer was there. The Lord Himself never left my side. Even in my blind spots when I didn’t recognize him, He was there. He was my encourager, my guide and kept pointing the way. For years, I did not see His direction and protection, His hand over me. Today, I smile when I look back and see how much He did for me in those times. He gave me so much – ever so much more than I deserved. He even, then called me daughter. I see His gift of life, His gifts of grace and much mercy He poured over me. I see His love and His forgiveness, His arms open wide.

Yes, the Lord is my shepherd! He gave me peace, a family, direction and allowed me to see His face and I came running to Him! I was not alone, I was never alone and neither was anyone in my family. A big, big Father, supplied everything and more for us!

Today, I shout He is here for me and yes for you! Embrace His presence in your life – recognize His love, His guidance, His protection and His forgiveness. And Enjoy life with the Lord, your shepherd! Yes, life is worth living because of Him!

The Real Hero!

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Children today love the comic book heroes. They love seeing a hero, a villain and a story of redemption. In fact, the movie industry has contributed billions to box office sales!
Today, we have such a story. The villain is Satan himself, the hero is Jesus Christ and we are the people in need of redemption. We need to be rescued from the grips of Satan and Jesus is the one and Only one who can rescue us! Satan is not going to let go easily and Jesus Himself knows this. Satan wants to steal God’s Grace, mercy and gifts from us, he wants to kill our bodies and destroy our souls! But Jesus says I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Who do we know that needs to be rescued from the grips of the enemy? Tell them about your real-life super hero, the One who gives life and gives it to the full, Jesus Christ! Without Him, we are left in the hands of the worst villain imaginable, Satan himself. Today and together, let us spread the good news. He is not a comic book hero, but our forever helper, Savior,redeemer! This is our story and our life and joy AND He can be theirs!

Strength to the Weary

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He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even the youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fail; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

Tuesday morning, we were in the office talking about how weary and weak we have become. It seems the older we get, the harder it is to do sometimes the simplest chores. Our bodies do not seem to respond the way they used to – our hearing and even our eyes grow weaker. It takes a bit longer to bring up a simple name or event – yes, we get slower and tasks appear to take longer!

I then remember these words in Isaiah. He, my God, my Savior, my Source, gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. He will keep me from stumbling and will renew my strength, even as the years go by. God is the creator of all things – He knows their ins and outs. All we have to do is look at the world around us – trees in the forest, flowers in the fields, stars in the sky. There before us creation speaks of His creation and greatness! Every moment of the day we hear them speak of the goodness of God!

Yes, He has all strength, all power – And, He has an inexhaustible supply for each one of us! I only need remember who is my source of strength – I have to remember where my strength comes from. And it’s ours for the asking! So today, I look up to the heavens and rejoice! The God of the Universe will be my source of strength always! He says I can run and not grow weary and I will walk and never grow faint – if – and only if I rely on His strength, and not my own!

Exercise for the Soul!

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All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that a man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,17

Every morning I head for the gym at 6:30 am and work out until just before 8:00. A few people have asked my why so early but it just works if I begin my day with a good workout. This has been my practice for the last 15 years or more. Paying attention to the body is important, especially as we grow older.

And, every morning I awake at 5:00 am for bible study and prayer. Why? I know that paying attention to my spiritual life is even more important! Talking with God, study of His Word and worship help me stay in tune with my Heavenly Father, and allows me to grow my faith and spiritual life.

You see, like physical health, spiritual health needs our attention and should be a priority. We know that if we never exercise, our bodies will become unhealthy. We will physically suffer and pain is never fun!

I have found the best way to stay in spiritual shape is a daily prayer life and a time of study. I realize every day I need this spiritual work out! Time with Him gives me confidence to go about my day, knowing He is there to guide and direct my every step.

The coming summer months may mean vacation times, and we then may find ourselves taking vacations from our workouts. Therefore, this is a reminder to keep your body in good shape, and, always remember your spiritual health by praying, reading the Word and making Worship an important practice! REMEMBER: Our Heavenly Father never takes a vacation from us!

Prayer of a mother on this Mother’s Day, 2019

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Father, today I want to give this day over to You.  I want to please You – I want to be the daughter who loves and obeys.  I want to be the kind of mother You would have me be – to love and cherish these You have given in my care.  And I want to share this love with at least one other person today.

 

I pray for righteousness in this nation – I pray for a nation that honors and gives glory to the King of Kings! I pray for a nation I can trust my children to grow up in and raise families devoted to You.

 

I pray each one of my children would be close to each other and help each other grow in grace.  I pray they love one another and always call to mind Your words:  Love one another as I have loved you. John 13:34.  I pray this reminds them that all people placed in their lives are worthy of these words.

 

May they all live in homes filled with love, peace, grace and Your mercy. And to always remember that love, Only Your love resides there.

 

May our children and their children always want to love and serve You.  May they grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever.  Amen

 

Worship the Lord In Freedom!

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She saw King David leaping and dancing in the sight of the Lord. 2 Samuel 6:16c

We in the Christian Church may all worship differently. I have known people who sit quietly, undisturbed by anything going on around them and worship the Lord. Some sing very loudly and as their worship continues, they seem to get even louder! Some worship with tears flowing. And some dance and sing joyfully before the Lord! At times, we may be very prayerful and at other times we may be the dancers. Styles of worship also seem to vary from denominations and age groups.

Is one style of worship more correct than another? Some may think so, but I know God is the one who sees hearts. If you have ever been uncomfortable with those who are the dancers and leapers, remember King David and how God called him a man after His own heart! I for one have probably been all three at times, but today I consider worship is freedom to release my heart and thankfulness to the Lord!

There are those in the church today that criticize the worship of others. I know that when we are raised to express ourselves maybe more quietly, any other style may seem uncomfortable. But please remember this dancing King and how God has seen His worship. And He has called us to enjoy our time of praise and worship and respect the styles and hearts of others.

So today, I will dance and sing. Today you may be kneeling. Today I am free to jump and shout. Today you may have flowing tears. And today, you and I will be free from ever judging another believer’s style of worship!

Because He lives!!!

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I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. John 11:25

In a world of destruction, war and hate, this Easter day has a powerful message for all. It brings a message of hope. The message of hope brings love, peace and life. Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. If we understand the message of hope and believe, our lives too will be filled with His love and life. And we can be at peace, even in the midst of world chaos!

I have a story – yes, we all have a story, but our story will end with our last breath on earth if we do not grasp His life and take hold. For the story of Jesus did not end on earth. Jesus rose from the grave – for death had no hold on Him! And because He lives, we too can have eternal life with Him and the Father.

The Easter message is yes, one of Hope. It is a message of hope for this world. Hatred does not have to torment our lives. We look to Him and have the confidence that His resurrection will bring so much more than this world could ever promise. So, look up my friends and rejoice this Easter Season and every day!

Jesus is alive, Jesus is hope forever more!

Embracing A New Identity

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Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ the Lord. Colossians 3:1-3

When we have accepted Jesus as Lord of our lives, we embrace and put on a new identity. We then put on the virtues of Christ and live accordingly. We are told in Colossians 3:11 that Christ is all in all. So, we clothe ourselves with His virtues, with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We forgive any grievances against us and above all, we put on love.

Living our identity in Christ becomes our priority. How do we accomplish such a task when there is distraction and we face the schemes of the enemy almost on a daily basis? First of all, we let the peace of God rule in our hearts. In Christ Jesus, we were called the word says to peace. We can have this peace if we let His word “dwell richly in us. We are to use His word and the peace it brings to teach others about the life He gives.

So, when anger rises up in us, we declare aloud His peace. When temptation hits, we can stand on His word. When our old ways try to creep in to our lives again, we can shout His name and his name rules.

And finally, we choose to do everything in His name and give thanks always to God. Take the Word of God and post it everywhere you can – on bathroom mirrors, the refrigerator, the front and back doors and even in our cars to remind us daily that our identity is and will always be in Christ!

Worry!

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Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

Throughout this past year I have been so worried about our country. Our America is at unrest. This is not an unrest coming from outside but from within our own borders. Our peace is threatened it seems daily. What will happen in the future of our country is a question in everyone’s mind whether we are democrat or republican. Will democracy continue or will we be a society that embraces socialism? The answer to this (and so many other questions) does not lie in the hands of man, but in the hands of Almighty God through the Lord Jesus.

The word of God says that when we have embraced life with Jesus and follow His word we find peace. The peace that comes from a life with God is the reassurance that He is in control. This peace can never be duplicated by the world or anything in it!

I have found this peace does not always come immediately. I have to learn to let go and give this worry and unrest to Him. This takes courage to let go and give Him these worries, but He tells us He will take care of our tomorrows. 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast your cares on Him for He cares for you.

Starting today, I will continue to pray and ask Him to help me let go. I will ask Him to allow me to release these cares and worries over to Him.

What about you? Are you having these same worries? If so, then continue to pray with me and ask for His control. And then let the Peace of God rule in your hearts through Christ Jesus!