Happy 2013!!

Happy 2013!!

As I think about the year 2012, there were so many good times, I am so thankful for all the great memories and fun times with family and friends.  And also, for the way I've seen God work in all of our hearts and lives.  Though 2012 was overall a good year, we had those hard times that come unexpectedly.  Heart breaking, cry like a baby, and lean on God's strength, type of times...the times where you can't get through on your own.  Yeah, we had some of those times too.  But through it all God was faithful.  

God is so good!! 

So, now here we are at the start of a new year...2013...and I can't help but wonder what God has in store for us this year!  I am sure that if we continue to trust in Him and follow His leading, our lives will be full and over flowing with so many blessings, we won't be able to contain it.  There will be times of joy, and maybe some filled with sorrow...but I am so thankful to know that no matter what, God will work everything out for our good!  We can trust Him with every area of our lives, our hearts, our relationships, our needs, and our desires...the good and the bad...because God is faithful, He'll make a way, even if there seems to be no way!  

Hallelujah! 

The Story Of Lazarus

John 11:38-44

Lazarus Raised from the Dead 

38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” 

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said,“Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 

42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 

43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 

44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

I love this story! I remember an old song by Carmen...it tells the story from a little different perspective...Lazarus was dead, he arrives in paradise and he starts telling Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Daniel, King Solomon, King David and many more about how he knew Jesus...but then Jesus starts calling "Lazarus, Lazarus, Lazarus, Come Forth!"  What an amazing and wonderful story...of Jesus' love and compassion, but also of His magnificent power!   

Here is the song by Carmen from way back in 1984 - and oldie but a goodie...Enjoy!

One of You Is a Gossip - By Francis Frangipane

When I read this, I knew I just had to share it! Such a great word!!  If you would like to share this message please make sure you give credit to Francis Frangipane and link back to the ministries website. Be Blessed!!

The following message is adapted from a chapter in Francis Frangipane's book, A House United. 

Available at www.arrowbookstore.com

One of You Is a Gossip

A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends. --Proverbs 16:28

Jesus made a remarkable statement concerning Judas: "‘Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?’ Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him" (John 6:70-71).
To what was Jesus referring when He identified Judas Iscariot as "a devil"? Was He speaking figuratively or factually? Is Jesus saying that a human being could not only have an evil spirit living in his soul, but that a person could actually become a demon?
Some teach that Judas had become so perfectly possessed by Satan that he actually lost his humanity. Before we accept this interpretation, let us remember that after this fallen apostle delivered Jesus up, he felt such remorse for betraying Christ that he committed suicide. Could a demon feel such remorse for sin? I do not think so.
What I believe Jesus is identifying in Judas Iscariot as a "devil" is something that, today, exists unchecked among many Christians:slander. In the New Testament the Greek word diabolos, which is translated "devil" in this text, is translated impersonally elsewhere as a "false accuser," "slanderer" or "malicious gossip." In fact, 1 Timothy 3:11 and 2 Timothy 3:3 both translate diabolos (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, #1228) as "malicious gossip(s)."
In other words, Jesus is not saying "one of you is a devil" in an organic or theological sense, but that one of you is "a slanderer, a malicious gossip." So while the disciples were almost bragging about their loyalty to Christ, Jesus corrected them, in effect saying, "Yes, I chose you, but even among you there is one who is a malicious gossip, whose words will eventually betray Me to My enemies."

Gossip in the Last Days
This problem of gossip in the Church, Paul tells us, will continue right into the end of the age. Listen carefully to what Paul wrote to Timothy about the last days: "Men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips" (2 Tim. 3:2-3), and the list goes on. In the midst of this list of great sins of the apostasy, the apostle includes "malicious gossips." This is the exact same word translated "devil" in John 6:70.
Perhaps you know people who always have something negative to say about others, who always bring negative information about people into their conversations. I pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to us how "malicious gossip" is kin to the nature of Satan himself!
The Scriptures say that we will be justified or condemned by our words. Yes, our words---even those spoken in secret with a spouse or friend about others---are used by God to measure our obedience to His will. James writes, "If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man" (James 3:2).
Words have power. Scripture reveals that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Prov. 18:21). Our words, expressed as a confession of faith, bring us into salvation; but words without faith can lead us and others with us into destruction and heartache.
James 3:8 warns, "The tongue . . . is a restless evil . . . full of deadly poison." "The tongue," he says, "is a fire, the very world of iniquity" (v. 6). And James reveals a most profound thought: "The tongue . . . sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell" (v. 6).
Satan gains access to our world, to destroy all that is good and holy in it, through our tongues. The very course of our life, the direction and quality of our earthly existence, is "set on fire by hell" through the words we speak. If we talk negatively about someone or maliciously gossip, the destructive fire of hell itself is released through our words. Lord, help us to understand the power of our words!
I believe God wants to break the power of gossip and negative speaking from the Church. We may have a perfect analysis of what is wrong and why it is evil, yet if all we do is talk about it, we have yet to disavow our allegiance to hell. God calls us to be a house of prayer for all nations---a spiritual community that is mature, fully capable of seeing what is wrong, but positioning itself to release redemption into the world.

If Paul Visited Your Community
Imagine if the apostle Paul came into a typical American city. Do you know what he might say about our divisions? Probably what he told the Corinthians: "I am afraid that perhaps when I come . . . there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances" (2 Cor. 12:20).
Does that remind you of any churches anywhere? Strife? Jealousy? Slander and gossip? How can we approach God with these things existing in us? I believe God desires to give the Church a whole new approach. But we cannot lay hold of the future unless we first let go of the past.
Perhaps you are thinking, "So and so should hear this." Yes, but we must start with ourselves. Pastors must stop talking negatively about people; they need to refrain from "leaking" problems with people into their sermons. Intercessors must stop negative gossip about the people for whom they should be praying. If we discuss what is wrong for ten minutes, let us pray for redemption for twenty.

Judge Not
How do you respond to life’s imperfections? Do you gossip? When you hear of someone’s failure, are you quick to spread the news? If Jesus was looking at the Christians with whom you fellowship, would He say to you what He spoke to His early apostles, that "one of you is a malicious gossip?"
Even if you are not a gossip or slanderer, you must be careful to avoid "fellowship" with gossips. Criticisms incubate. Paul warned that "a little leaven leavens the whole lump" (1 Cor. 5:6). If we walk with the wise, we will become wise, but if we open our hearts to the cynical and critical, then we become like them. That is why Jesus said we were to "take heed" to what we hear. For whatever we intently focus upon, we absorb in abundance (see Mark 4:24).
Thus, we must not even listen to gossip. When God shows us what is wrong in life, it is so we can pray for redemption, not spread the bad news all over town. Prayer has a positive focus. People with Christ’s love have a spiritual vision that causes them to see beyond the imperfections and limitations of the present world into the potential awaiting in the future---and they pray until what they see comes to pass.
Remember: None of us stands perfectly upright. Every time we judge someone, we position ourselves to be judged as well. Indeed, we each continually lean in the direction of our weakness. Only by the grace of God are we kept from falling. The moment we begin to self-righteously judge or gossip about another for their failings, we lean a little closer toward our own fall.
Our actions and words should be motivated by mercy. If we must discuss the situation or individual, let us harbor no malice or ill will. Let redemption be our guide, not revenge. Let us keep ourselves from becoming those who betray the working of Christ on earth. Let us keep ourselves from the realm of the malicious gossip.

Lord, purify my lips with fire from Your holy altar. Father, forgive me for my words that have not always been redemptive. Lord, deliver the Church from the realm of spreading gossip to the work of spreading grace. Help us to be a house of prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 7

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 7: Wind for Your Sails

1. Describe in your own words what a Spirit-filled life is.

A Spirit-filled life is life full of the Joy of the Lord, love, forgiveness, humility, and complete surrender to God.  The Spirit-filled life is a life of power through the inner-working of Holy Spirit.  

2. What are the four main functions of the Holy Spirit when He is working in our lives?

The Holy Spirit working in our lives can be seen in multiple ways, but a few of the tell tell signs are these...

1. Your speech and focus will change, no longer does the world revolve around you, your wants, your needs, your desires...You start focusing in God, - instead of self-centered, we become God-centered.
2. A new song...When we are filled with the Spirit, we receive a new song in our heart...a song of joy, praise, deliverance!!
3. A thankful heart! When the Spirit dwells within you, in all things, good and bad, you will find yourself thankful!
4. A servant heart - just as your focus is no longer on yourself, your heart will now long and desire to love other people through serving, and helping.    

3. What is the author's answer to people who ask him, "Am I filled with the Holy Spirit?"

If you don't know, then you're not!

4. At what point does the Holy Spirit become available to us personally?

When we accept the gift of salvation.

5. Have you found it difficult, or impossible, to surrender yourself to the Lord? Try to pinpoint what is holding you beck?

At times I have found myself wrestling with the Lord, and most of the time it is when I come up with my plan and I expect God to make it happen.  The Holy Spirit has spoken to me on this, and it always come back to whether or not I trust Him.  It seems to me that I finally surrender one part of my life and think I have made progress only to turn around and realize there is a different part that needs surrendered. It is an ongoing thing, that all of us deal with, that is why Paul describes it as surrendering your life as a living sacrifice. A living sacrifice can get up off of the altar...so we have to daily and even multiple times a day surrender again and place our life back on the table, so that it is Jesus living in us.  

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Galatians 2:19-21

6. Write down the seven steps to meaningful prayer on a little piece of paper.  Carry it with you and refer to it when you pray.  Try to include all seven steps until they become automatic.

I am going to sit down and write these steps out, and I encourage you to do so as well.  Just a quick glance at my prayer life, I can see all of these steps at this time or that time, but not necessarily all at one time.  This is definitely something I want to work on.

7. If your prayers incorporate the seven steps, what is likely to come about in your prayer life?

When we incorporate all seven steps in our prayer lives, we will find that when we pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, and we really aren't doing most the prayer...it is the Spirit praying for us, which means our prayers are filled with more power and authority.

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 5

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 5: Whose Voice Do You Hear?

1. How are you led by the Spirit?

Everyday, as I go through my day - changing diapers, playing dress-up with my girls, cleaning toilets, washing dishes, reading Facebook status updates, or blogging, whatever it is my day holds, I am constantly having a private conversation with the Holy Spirit.  He speaks to me quietly through the scriptures, and there are times when I just know that I need to send a message to someone or to call and share something specific with a friend or loved one.  It is hard to explain, but it is just a quiet nudge, and suddenly I just know I'm supposed to do or say or write something.  It is an amazing, exciting and comforting experience...because I know that He is with me, in everything, He is walking with me, leading me, guiding me, and protecting me.

2. How early in the Bible does the Holy Spirit first appear?

In the very beginning...it was the Holy Spirit that hovered over the face of the deep, before God spoke anything into existence!

3. Define the breath of life that flowed through Adam's body?

The breath of life that flowed through Adam, making him alive, not just a body with flesh and blood, but with a spirit...that breath was the very breath of God...God the Holy Spirit blew over and into Adam, bringing him to life, and into communion with Himself.

4. What do we have in common with Adam, spiritually speaking?

Adam walked and talked with God everyday (since the scriptures say that no one has seen the Father, and that every time the father spoke it was like thunder, I think it safe to assume that when the bible says Adam walked and talked with God, it means God the Holy Spirit) and we have the same ability.  We can walk and talk to God just as Adam did, because the Holy Spirit is God and He is here with us everyday. Once Adam sinned, man could no longer could commune with God in this way, But Jesus paid the price, so that the Holy Spirit could once again commune with us daily.

5. Do you agree or disagree with the statement that "the Holy Spirit is God"? Explain your answer.

Absolutely! The Holy Spirit was there in the beginning, He lead the Prophets, Judges, and Kings of Israel all the way through the Old Testament, and He was there when the virgin Mary conceived the Son of God, and He is the comforter and teacher who leads us today...God the Father and God the Son, both work with and speak through the Holy Spirit.  Just as we are made of body, soul, and spirit, three distinct parts, but all in one person, God is also, three distinct personalities, but all one God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit - We were made in God's image!!

6. What is the scriptural proof that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one?

In Genesis, God didn't say let me make man in my image, no He said let us (plural because God has three distinct parts) make man in our (once again it is plural) image (singular because the three are one). We are made in the image of all three distinct personalities of God...they worked together to create the heavens and the earth and though they are three distinct parts, they are comprised into one God.  

7. Worldly people haven't a clue about things of the Spirit. Why is that?

Because until you are born of the Spirit the things of the Spirit seem foolish to you.  It is only when you have accepted Christ as your Savior and have the Holy Spirit as your teacher that the things of the Spirit start making sense.  It is like listening in an unknown language...without and interpreter, you have no idea what is being said, but once you find someone who knows the language and they translate the words for you, then you can clearly understand and know what is said.

8. Reread the seven kinds of communion with the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take to activate them in your life?

Start spending time with the Lord.  Through prayer, bible reading, singing praise and worship songs, etc. The more time you spend with Him and in His presence the more ways you will start communing with Him.  When we commune with Him, we learn more about Him, and the more we know Him, the more we love Him, and when you love someone you want to spend time with them.  So the cycle will start and someday you will look back over time, and see just how much you have grown in your friendship and relationship with God. He wants to be your best friend, and in all reality He is, even if you have not recognized it, or returned the feelings, His love for you always has and always will be the same.  He loves you and me more than you or I could ever understand!

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 4

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 4: Person to Person

1. Are you ready to meet the Holy Spirit personally? How can you do this?

If you do not know that Holy Spirit personally, please take this time to ask Him to come and show you who He is.  You don't have to do anything more but be honest and open and willing to learn all He has to teach you.

2. Just what does "being filled with the Holy Spirit" really mean?

Being filled with the Holy Spirit, is something that happens when we accept Christ as our Savior- Jesus then sends His Spirit (the Holy Spirit) to dwell in us.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; 

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, 

who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:19-21

And then there is the infilling of the Holy Spirit which is evidenced as speaking in a heavenly prayer language.  

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, 

as the Spirit gave them utterance" 

Acts 2:3-5

But don't stop there...make it a priority to get to know the Holy Spirit personally...He wants to be your friend, companion, teacher, and much more.

3. List the ways in which you could think of the Holy Spirit as a personal friend.

When I think of the Holy Spirit I am filled with a deep love and desire to be with Him always.  He is here for me when I don't have the words to express the way I feel, and He understands.  He always says the right thing, at the right time.  He helps me when I just don't know what decision I should make, and He loves me even though I fail Him often.  He is everything a friend should be and more, He is closer than a brother, loves me more and my mother or father, and never steers me the wrong way. He is the best friend anyone could ever ask for.

4. Where is the Holy Spirit: in heaven or on earth? What is the scriptural basis for you answer?

The Holy Spirit is here on earth!

Jesus Promises Another Helper - John 14:15-18

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

5. Explain the Rapture. What is its significance to you?

The rapture is when Jesus Christ returns for His church (those who believe on Him for Salvation).  The significance of the rapture is that someday all believers will be caught up together with Christ...this earth is not our home, and someday soon we will all get to go to heaven, our real home!

6. Why is the Holy Spirit called the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God the Father and God the Son. He is Holy, because He is God and God is Holy.  What better name could he have than Holy Spirit - it describes Him perfectly!

7. The Holy Spirit is the one who __________,  who ________ with me.

The Holy Spirit is the one who communes, who fellowships with me.

8. Is it proper to think of the Holy Spirit as the greatest teacher? Why?

Yes, The Holy Spirit is the one who inspired and wrote the entire Bible...who better to teach us about the Word of God than the very author? 

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:10-13

9. What does the author say is the greatest sin against the Holy Spirit?

Grieving the Holy Spirit - When we deny His power and presence we grieve Him, we step out of God's will. When we do this God's favor and blessings are no longer allowed to come into our lives - God does not take this sin lightly.  It is important to know the Holy Spirit and to follow His leading - to honor Him and give Him all the praise and glory...When we do, we will also bring Honor and glory to God the Father and to Jesus the Son.

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 2

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 2 - From Jaffa to the Ends of the Earth

1.Do you talk with the Lord in your prayers as if He was a good friend who stopped by? Practice spontaneous and open prayer right now.

It may seem odd at first, talking out loud to someone you can't see...but I have found that the times when I speak to Jesus as if He is right there, like a friend who came to visit, these are some of the most wonderful times of communion and closeness.  I encourage you to try it!

2. Do you need to suffer for God to take you seriously? Why, or why not?

No! I believe that there are times of suffering, and those times help us to draw on our faith in Jesus, and when we walk through the hard times leaning on Him, we come out stronger than we were before. But even in the good times when we call on the Lord He hears us, and is right there with us.  We should always lean on the Lord and trust Him, and stay in close communion with Him whether in good or bad times.

3. How do you interpret the author's dream about being a prisoner in chains and led down endless stairs?

I believe that the Lord was showing Benny, that he was slowly being pulled and lead down into the evil and darkness of sin.  It was showing Benny that he had a need for a Savior.  

4. In the same dream, what is the symbolism of the angel's appearance and the shackles falling from the author's hands and feet?

The Angel in the dream represented Salvation through Jesus, when we accept this amazing gift, His sacrifice on the cross pays the price for our sins and we are set freed from our chains and burdens and He brings us out of the darkness into His glorious light.  

5. Does God use dreams and visions to send messages to "ordinary" men and women? describe a dream that seemed to carry a message for you.

Absolutely! God has given me many dreams in my lifetime, and though I have not always understood them right away, in God's time He reveals what they mean.  Just this last December God gave me a dream, it would take too long to tell the whole thing, but the gist is this...

All my friends and family were gathered together at my house, and before we had time to realize all of what was going on, I mean by the time we heard, saw, and recognized it for what it really was, a huge bomber dropped two huge missiles on either side of the house.  Everything for miles around was gone, Everyone was in a panic trying to figure out what to do, Flames were lapping the side of the house and coming through the windows...I ran to get my girls out of their beds, and as I returned to the living room I woke up.

At first I focused on the panic, terror and horror of seeing great destruction all around, and living through such a terrible experience, because it was as real as a dream can get...Real!!  But for the next two weeks the Lord faithfully showed me through sermons I heard, scriptures I read, devotionals I read, even songs I heard on the radio, over and over again God showed me that this dream may have been a warning of something terrible coming, but that is not what God wanted me to focus on.  He wanted me to know that no matter the terror, or the fear, He is here, protecting us.  Not even huge missiles landing right outside our house can get through God's covering of protection.  I believe this dream is more a promise of protection from whatever may come, than a warning of things to come, and I am so thankful that God loves me enough to give me this promise personally, not just for me but for my friends and family as well. Thank you Jesus! You are so Good!!

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 1

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 1: "Can I Really Know You?"

1. Has the Holy spirit been a distant third person of the Trinity to you? What must you do to bring Him into your life?

No! As I've grown in my walk with the Lord, each day the Holy Spirit is here with me, teaching me, leading and guiding me.  I've had dreams and visions, and I've had him speak clearly to me.  He is so gentle and kind, patient and loving, His presence is so wonderful! I am thankful everyday for my closest friend.  The truth is, the Holy Spirit is with me, and fills me, He knows my thoughts, my hopes and dream, and He knows all the bad things, just as He knows all the good things about me.  But He loves me anyways!  I love spending time in His presence, and learning more and more each day!

If you do not have a personal and daily relationship with the Holy Spirit, all you have to do is accept the gift of salvation through Jesus' gift on the cross, and then confess your a sinner and ask the Holy Spirit to come, teach, lead, guide, and fill you, He will come if you invite Him!

2. What do people filled with the Holy Spirit look like? Are they somehow different? How would you recognize them?

I believe that some people who are filled with the Holy Spirit may at times have a glow like Benny Hinn describes in this chapter, but more often than not, they look normal on the outside, but you will find that they are peaceful, they have wisdom, they have power in their prayers, and they consider God their best friend...these people stand out because of the fruit of the spirit permeating their life.

3.Have you ever witnessed a healing, or other miracle, attributed to the Holy Spirit? What is your definition of a miracle?

A miracle is when something that is physically and scientifically impossible, becomes possible.  Examples of this include, physical healing, financial provisions, sometimes it even can be something like a change in the weather.  I have seen the Holy Spirit change the weather because of a prayer of faith, I've seen God provide when there was just no other way, and I've seen Him heal people...the husband of a dear friend at church, was on his death bed just a few weeks ago, with the doctors giving him no hope to live, but God had other plans, and the doctors and nurses are now calling him Lazarus Man.  

The dead walk, the bind see, the deaf hear...So amazing!!

4. What is the mission of the Holy Spirit among us?

I believe the mission of the Holy Spirit is to lead and guide us, and comfort and protect us, as He is teaching us to be like Jesus!

5. If you want the Bible to come alive for you, what must you do?

If you want the Bible to come alive, you must ask the Holy Spirit to be your teacher...He will open your eyes to see things you've never seen before.  You may have read the Bible in it's entirety, but if the Holy Spirit was not teaching you and guiding you, you missed a lot! As you read with the Holy Spirit as your guide, the scriptures suddenly leap off the page and you find yourself with a deeper understanding of what God is saying in His Word.

Friends!

" A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away."

- Arabian Proverb

I had the privilege of joining a fun group of ladies for a girls weekend at the coast.  We laughed, we cried, but more importantly we sat down face to face, we looked each other in the eye, we got to know each other personally, and we grew together.  It was so incredible to see how God would put two women together for a game or project and then to see how their lives connected and touched each other.  The scripture "two are better than one, for if one falls down the other can help him back up" comes to mind.  God is so good to bring people into our lives who can encourage us, and come along side of us to help us along the way.

You see, God doesn't want us to go through life isolated and alone.  He created us to have friends! Some may only be in your life for a short time, others may be there for all time.  Either way, God has put those people in each of our lives for a reason and with a purpose.  

One of the things I realized this weekend is that we can't go through life expecting the friends to just come to us.  Relationships are hard work, we need to be willing to take that first step and reach out in love.  If you are struggling with the friendships and relationships in your life, or the lack of, remember to go the extra mile, send a card, go out of your way to say hi, be the best friend you can be. Just a simple smile may brighten someones day, and that person may just be the good friend you are looking for! 

Unshakable Faith - Day 39: The Exile

Unshakable Faith

Day 39: The Exile

1. Would you agree that "Man now dwells in a place of continual strife"?

Oh my goodness, yes! It seems that "Man" can't get through one day without some kind of strife.  We all work hard to try to accomplish our goals and make our dreams a reality, but there is constantly something coming up that is a source of strife. Sickness, financial issues, relational issues, and even natural disasters...when the droughts or floods, or earthquakes happen it causes strife in whole communities, and even whole countries.  

Strife is a daily part of life, only when we are walking daily with God, and being obedient to His Word, can all the blessings and favor of God be poured out on our lives...that doesn't mean it becomes a walk in the park...there is still strife, but God provides every need, and protects you and brings you through every storm.

2. Are you more task-oriented or people oriented?

I am definitely a mix...but I think a little more people-oriented than task-oriented.  I love spending time with people, having time to sit and chat or visit, or get a group together to play games and just hangout, is my idea of a fun time.  I love going to large events with lots of people, seeing old friends and catching up.  But I also, am a detail-oriented, task-oriented person...I love making lists and marking things off...When I make a list and by the end of the day am able to mark of most of it, it thrills me! I love coming up with ideas, and figuring out just how it should go, and putting it all together.  But then again, most of my ideas, tend to be about helping people, getting people together, etc.  So yeah, my love for people comes through even in my all my task and list making!

3. Is your church more task-oriented or people-oriented?

Hmmm, this is a close call...I think it definitely has both qualities...but I'm leaning towards people-oriented.  Our church is a great place.  I love the people, we have great Pastor's and leaders, and the heart for missions and reaching out to people is huge!  We not only have the normal children's, youth, and adult ministries...but we have a storehouse that gives food out to hundreds of families each month, we have a ministry that provides sleeping bags, coats, clothes, and other necessities to the homeless camp in our city, and just this last year we gave over $100,000.00 to missions.  The Love for people is the propeller of all of the tasks we do.  And I am so excited to see what God is doing through this church!

Unshakable Faith - Day 35: The Curse On The Serpent

Unshakable Faith

Day 35: The Curse On The Serpent

1. Have you been feeding and strengthening satan's domain in your life because you have fallen into carnality?

No, I find it important in my life to be careful of what I watch, listen to, read, etc.  I've found that just cutting out certain types of movies and t.v. shows, etc greatly improves my ability to stay on a steady course in my walk with God.  When something I watch, listen to, or read is completely contrary to the life Jesus led and calls us to live, it is not helpful to me, if anything it is a hindrance to me as I daily learn to walk by the spirit and not by my fleshly desires.

2. Is your spirit growing stronger by fellowship, sharing the gospel and exercising the spiritual gifts that you have been given?

Yes, I work daily to feed my spirit through Bible study, prayer, praise and worship music, etc.  As well as spending time with other believers, who are encouragers, accountability partners, prayer partners and all around great friends.

3. Are you pursuing the course of love in all you do?

If yes, you will grown in the nature of the Lord, because God is love.

Yes, I want God's love to fill up my life and flow out to touch the lives of those around me.

Unshakable Faith - Day 32: Fear

Unshakable Faith

Day 32: Fear

1.  Have you experienced unholy fear of God that leads to further corruption of the soul, which caused you to run from Him instead of to Him?

No, I have always known since I was a young child that God is the one and only person I could always run to and depend on fully.  My parents taught us from a young age to love and trust our heavenly Father.  

2. Are you vulnerable enough to take the first step toward redemption and restoration?

Yes and no! It really depends on the situation.  If we are talking about me making a mistake and needing restoration with God, then Yes! I quickly admit my mistake and ask for His forgiveness.  But when it comes to relationships with other people, it is a lot harder for me to admit that I am not perfect! I want others to see me at my best, and I go to great lengths to make sure my best foot is forward.  I have trouble taking off the masks, being real and letting people see me when I'm down.  

3. How hard is it for you to accept that God's grace is extended to even the most grotesque murderers and transgressors?

Grace is not something we can earn, it is not something that is based on our merit or good works.  Websters dictionary defines it as "unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification" Since grace is unmerited, none of us are worthy of it, so none of us have the right to say someone else is more unworthy of it.  That is the beauty of grace!

Unshakable Faith - Day 25: Openness

Unshakable Faith

Day 25: Openness

1. You can have love, and you can have forgiveness, but if you do not have trust, it will be a shallow relationship.

Trust is such an important part of all relationships.  I know that in my walk with Christ, there have been times when God has required me to step out in faith, and lean fully on Him even though I knew the answer might not be what I wished or hoped for, but I needed to trust that God knew what was best for me.  Trust is part of what makes a relationship work, without trust you really don't have much!

2. Is there something you are ashamed of?

Here is the deal, we all make mistakes, John 3:16 says, "ALL have sinned"... So we need to realize that to be ashamed of our mistakes is just what Satan wants...his goal is to make us feel like we have done something worse than anybody else, and that everyone would condemn us for our mistakes, but God looks on us with love, and Jesus came to give us life, not to condemn us. If there is something in your life that you are ashamed of, ask Jesus to forgive you, and stop doing that thing...repentance isn't just saying you are sorry, but turning away from the sin all together.  


"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1

3. Is there something in your life that you are afraid will be uncovered?

The truth will set you free! Talk with a close friend who you can trust, be open and honest ask them for their support and prayer.  Trying to hide a mistake will keep you in your own prison, but getting the truth out in a trusted environment will set you free...Satan can only hold over you the things you have hidden, once the truth is out, it takes all the wind out of his sails.

Unshakable Faith - Day 13: Diversity

Unshakable Faith 

Day 13: Diversity

1. What are your thoughts about evolution?

Well, I learned a little about evolution in school, and I've had some conversations with people who believe it as a fact.  But nothing I've seen, heard or read has ever made me question my firm belief in a Creator who lovingly and thoughtfully created everything that lives and breathes, every rock and stone, every drop of water, every molecule and atom, all in just six days.  

2. Do you agree that the mingling of races brings forth new revelations of His creativity within the bounds He has set?

Yes, I think each and everyone of us, whether or not both parents were of the same race, have been made special, unique and beautifully.  God never makes a mistake, no one is created better or higher than another person, we are all equal, we are all loved by God.

3. Do you harbor religious racism? Have you been a victim of religious racism?

No, I don't harbor religious racism.  We are all a part of the body of Christ...does an elbow have any right to think it is better than the knee...they are two different parts of the same body, and they both have their purpose.  We may be different, or believe differently about this or that, but as long as we are trusting in Jesus for our salvation, we are a part of the same body.  We need to learn to love each other and come together in unity. We need to learn to focus on the things that we have in common.

I can't say that I've been a victim of religious racism, but I have seen it and the effect it has had on people.  I believe this is something that breaks God's heart...God wants us to love one another, not tear each other down because of some petty differences.  

Unshakable Faith - Day 8: The Nations

Unshakable Faith

Day 8: The Nations

1. God created the nations, the different cultures and peoples, and they each have a specific and glorious purpose in Him.  Have you considered seriously the gift of different cultures and people regarding the corporate Church?

The different cultures and the diversity they bring help to round us out.  The Bible talks about the church as the Bride of Christ, and that we are one body, just different parts or members.  I'm from America, born and raised... someone who was born and raised in Africa is going to see things differently...their experiences and hardships are different from mine, and so they will notice things, maybe appreciate things that I might over look and vise-a-versa.  When we connect and share the things we are learning from God's Word, we will each teach the other something...Our differences are a good thing!!

2. You were not saved just so you can sit in the heavens, but so you can go forth with the glorious message of the cross.  Will you start today?

God wants the whole world to know the good news...it is up to us to share it, spread it, to teach it.  I am committed to do my part, Are you?

  

3. You have unique gifts that reflect God's own nature. Our differences are meant to complement one another.  Can you think of examples when this has happened?

I am currently on a women's ministries team at my church.  In this group of six ladies, we have much in common, but we all have our differences too. Different opinions, likes, dislikes, family situations, etc.  But God has brought us together, and is using each one of us in a special way.  What one of us lacks, another one has, and when you put together our strengths, it is amazing to see how God has orchestrated it, so that we complement each other, and are able to do things as a team that we'd not be able to do on our own.  

Unshakable Faith - Day 4 -The Light

Unshakable Faith 

Day 4 - The Light

1. In Everything that was created, the Father looks for the reflection of His Son.  Does He see His reflection in you?

My hearts desire is to reflect Jesus, I want others to see Him in me.  I'm not sure that, that is always the case, in fact I'm sure it's not, but that's okay because... 

"He's still working on me, to make me what I ought to be.

It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars,

The sun and earth and Jupiter and Mars.

Oh, how patient He must be, He's still working on me."

2. The Lord created His Church so people would need one another.  No one will get to their destination in Christ alone.  Write what this means to you.

When we are in Christ and walking in His truth/light, we cannot help but become connected to the body of Christ and walk with them on this narrow path...so if you separate yourself from the body of Christ you also move away from the light and start walking in darkness.  God created a need in all of us for fellowship not only with Him, but also with other believers...when we fall they help us up, they encourage us in hard times and rejoice with us in the good times. and we do the same for them...without these vital relationships being filled by other believers we start connecting to the things of the world and looking for support in the wrong places.

3. To have fellowship, you must start by looking for things to agree about rather than disagree.  Think of the last time you disagreed with another Christian.  Could it have been avoided?

Sometimes we need to agree to disagree and then move on to find some common ground.  When two people disagree, it is not a reason to break relationship, it actually can be used to help the relationship to grow and become stronger. Once when I worked at a local church I had some ideas of how things should go, and other people in the office had ideas that were completely contrary to mine, and eventually it started to come between us, our friendship went through a rough patch as neither of us would budge on what I considered an integrity issue.  In this situation, I maybe could have tried to go about things a little different, but I strongly feel that no matter how I handled it, one thing was clear, I had to take a stand on what was right and what was wrong.  I dearly love these friends and it was hard to watch us grow apart, but since that time the relation has mended, and though we aren't as close, we all love each other and still keep in touch.