Build on the Rock!!

Build on the Rock!!

"24 Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." 

Matthew 7:24-29

As a young child I remember learning the wise man and foolish man story, through the children's song...

"A wise man builds his house upon the rock. 

A wise man builds his house upon the rock. 

A wise man builds his house upon the rock, and the rain come tumbling down. 

The rains come down and the floods go up. 

The rains come down and the floods go up. 

The rains come down and the floods go up, but the house on the rock stands firm.

A foolish man builds his house upon the sand.

A foolish man builds his house upon the sand.

A foolish man builds his house upon the sand and the rain come tumbling down. 

The rains come down and the floods go up. 

The rains come down and the floods go up. 

The rains come down and the floods go up, but the house on the sand goes splat."

The incredible thing, is that in all my years of singing this song, and hearing sermons preached on this scripture, and reading this scripture in my own study times, I don't ever remember hearing anyone say/point out, nor did I ever notice, that this scripture doesn't just talk about building the house on the rock. It gives specific instructions on what building your house on the rock means. Look again at the beginning of this portion of scripture, at verse 24.

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:"

So how do we become like the "wise man"?


By listening to Jesus' words and then doing what He said.


It is such a simple concept, and yet so hard to follow through and do everyday.


Just before Jesus spoke these words, He gave specific directions on how we should live our lives. Starting back in Chapter 5 He goes through the Beatitudes; then being salt and light. Next, He talks about how He is the fulfillment of the law; and then on to murder; Adultery; Marriage; Oaths; going beyond the call of duty - the second mile; and loving your enemies. The in Chapter 6, Jesus continues teaching on, doing good; how to pray; fasting; laying up treasure in Heaven; the lamp of the body; serving two masters; worry; And in Chapter 7, judging others; asking, seeking & knocking; the narrow path; knowing people by their fruits; doing the will of the Father; and then building on the rock.


The third verse of the song goes on to say, "So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ." If you ever wondered how to build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ; Or if you ever want to be likened to a wise man...these teachings from these chapters are the sayings of Christ, the very things He wants us to hear, and then do. There is so much in these three chapters... So i encourage you to read them, and pray asking God to help you to see what areas you need to work on. We all make mistakes and fall short, but with God's help, and through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can study these scriptures and start working to living our lives to honor and serve God!


I don't think there is anything we could do that would please Him more, than living our lives to honor and serve Him.

Romans 12:1

[ Living Sacrifices to God ] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

1 Peter 2:5

you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Where Are Your Thoughts???

Where Are Your Thoughts???

Today as I read in the book of Mark, there is one thing that really stood out to me. Jesus is conversing with His disciples, asking them who people say He is, and Peter boldly states, that Jesus is the Christ. and then just a few minutes later in the same conversation, Jesus and Peter's conversation takes a major change in direction. Read it with me...

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

27 Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”

28 So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

29 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”

30 Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.  

Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection

31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 

32 He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 

33 But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

It is amazing to me how one minute Peter is speaking words of truth, something that could only have been revealed to Him through the Holy Spirit...and within moments he makes the mistake of rebuking Jesus.  

When I read Jesus' words, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”  It hit me, this is an area we all struggle with!  We worship and praise God with our lips, we declare who He is, and then when we find out His plan is different than how we think it should go, we quickly try to change His mind.  We argue with God, trying to persuade Him that our way would be better.  We very quickly go from Holy Spirit inspired, to speaking words contrary to God's will.  

How do we make that switch?  How do we go from inspired thinking, to contrary thinking?  It's simple, we focus on the things of this world, on our own wants and desires, instead of on God's Word and God's ways.

If we want to make sure that we don't make the same mistake that Peter made, we must be mindful of the things of God, not mindful of the things of man!   

So where are your thoughts today?  Are you focusing on God's Word, God's promises, on things of God?  Or have you allowed the things of this world to come in and distract you?

Let's pray!

Heavenly Father,  We need Your help! We tend to so quickly loose our focus on You, and tend to focus on worldly things.  It is our desire to please You, we want to think on Your Word and to see things from Your perspective.   But we can't do it on our own.  Father, please open our eyes, open our hearts...speak to us and show us your ways.  Lead and guide our thoughts, our words, and our every decision.  You are a great and might God!  We put our trust in you completely! We lay down our own wants and desires, because we know that whatever you have planned for us will far exceed anything we can hope for or imagine! 

Thank You Father!

We ask this in Jesus name!  AMEN.

Praise The Lord!

Praise The Lord!

Life has some unexpected twists and turns.  But in every situation, in all that happens, good or bad, I choose to give thanks and praise to the Lord!  

Last Friday morning, our beloved pastor, Rev. Bob Swope, suffered from a heart attack and went to be with Jesus.  We are all still in shock, it doesn't seem real. I keep thinking it is just a joke, some horrible prank, but then I go on Facebook, and see all the posts about what a great man he was and how much he will be missed, and I know it is real. 

The tears start to fall again.

 Today the family announced the time and date of the memorial service, and the loss flooded over me once more.  It is hard to let go of someone who had such a huge impact on your life.  It is easy to see the hurt and pain, and sometimes it feels like it could overwhelm you, but today in my Bible reading, I was reminded that God is good.  We may not understand why things happen, but we can trust Him to work it all into His marvelous plan.  

So today, I choose to focus on how good God is, and praise Him for who he is, not for what I can get from Him, not even for what he has already done (both of these give me many reasons to praise), but today I want to praise Him just for who He is! 

God is love.

God is great.

God is good.

God is just.

God is all powerful.

God is all knowing.

God is merciful.

God is compassionate.

God is ever-present.

God is gracious.

God is Lord of all, creator of heaven and earth.

God is worthy of all our praise.

Psalm 145:3

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.

Exodus 15:2

The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

Exodus 15:11

“Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?

2 Samuel 22:4

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.

Psalm 7:17

I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.

A God Near At Hand!

"'Am I a God near at hand,' says the Lord,

'And not a God afar off? 

Can anyone hide himself in secret places, 

So I shall not see him?' says the Lord;

'Do I not fill heaven and earth?' says the Lord."

Jeremiah 23:23-24

In this passage the Lord is talking to Israel and all the false prophets, through Jeremiah.  He is telling them all the punishment their bad choices and false worship will bring.  And He reminds them in these few verses that He is a God at hand, and not a God afar off. 

Today I believe this scripture is for us as well.  So many times we go to church put on the facade that everything is honky dory, but if those we try to deceive could see into our daily lives they would be forced to see just how good at acting on Sundays we really are.  

God is not just a God we sing songs about on Sunday, and forget about the rest of the week.  God wants to have a personal, real, daily relationship with each one of us.  God is not a God afar off! God is right there beside us when we

spread 

that nasty bit of gossip. He is right there with us when we watch that show that uses His name in vain over and over again.  God is with us when we lie to our boss about being sick.  The list could go on and on...All of us make bad decision, all of us have fallen short...and no one is perfect.  Even so, we should do our best to live our lives to honor and serve God.  Not because there is some law, or rule about it in the Bible; but because we are so in love with God.  When we love someone, we want to please them...Are you living your life for your own pleasure? Or are you living your life for God's pleasure?

My hope is that my life, the part seen by all my friends, family, and church family, and the part only seen by God, the secret, hidden parts will all bring pleasure to God.  

How about you???

Let's Pray!

 Father God, I am so thankful that You are not some God afar off...I am so glad that You are here with me every single moment of every single day.  You see the good, the bad, and the ugly, yet You still love me and call me Your child!   Your love is amazing...it is too much for my mind to even comprehend...but I accept it and I thank You for it!  Today I ask that You help me to live my life worthy of Your love, I want every part of my life to bring You glory an honor.  Show me, Lord, the areas of my life that aren't pleasing to You, and give me the strength to make the necessary changes.  I love You so much! You are so good! My words could never express how great You are! Holy, Awesome, Mighty, Gracious, Loving, My Provider, My Healer, My Joy and Strength. You are my all in all! 

Thank You Lord!! 

In Jesus Name, AMEN.

Doers of the Word!

James 1 - Doers of the Word!

As I was reading the first chapter of James this morning I had many thoughts come to me about what it is saying and what it means to us as believers, followers of Christ, as Christians.  

James has a lot to say in this chapter about being doers of the Word and not hearers only.  And I found myself wondering what would happen if we as Christians would rise up and do what the Word says, not just hear it and be unaffected by it.  What if, when we read about faith, we make the decision to step out in faith in a new way? or when we read  

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."  

What would happen if Christians around the globe took this scripture to heart and started thinking and meditating on the good things the Lord has done, and the promises He has given us, in stead of all the evil happening around the world?  

God's Word is so powerful and has so much to say about our lives and how we should live them.  God has given us His Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105), it will help us to make right choices and decisions. God's Word will give us strength to face the hard times.  God's Word will build up our faith, and encourage us when life gets rough.  God's Word is living and active and sharper than a double edged sword! (Hebrews 4:12) It cuts all the garbage and junk out and helps us to see the path clearly.  We need to start acting on God's Word...not just hearing it, and walking away unchanged.

I want to be a Doer of the Word!! 

Lord, thank you for giving us Your Word! Your Word is so important in our lives.  Many times we forget, we get busy, and we allow other things to crowd in. Today we ask for forgiveness and we ask that you help us to make Your Word a priority in our lives.  Make us doers of the Word!  Lord, We don't want to be just hears.  We don't want to go through life missing out on all you have for us, we want to open our hearts and lives up to You, and allow Your Word to lead and guide us. Thank You for Your love and mercy! Thank You for all the promises You've given us! You are indescribable, amazing, wonderful! You are good, and we thank you! 

In Jesus Name, AMEN.

A Step of Faith

A Step of Faith

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you know what you are supposed to do, but you have no idea how you are going to get from point A (where you are now) to point B (where God is leading you)?   It won't be easy, the path may be clouded, and rocky, or not visible at all. You may be tempted to fear and draw back. Thoughts may fill up your mind, such as, "This is crazy, I must have heard God wrong, this can't be right, I better just go back to point A!"  The only way you will make it from point A (where you are now) to point B (where God is leading you) is walking by faith...

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

In other words, Faith is the actions we take based on a hope we have received through a promise that is not yet been fulfilled.  Faith is trusting God to come through on His Word!  

So when your at point A (where you are now) and need to get to point B (where God is leading you); what do you do? Do you trust in your own strength? Do you Trust in your friends and companions? Do you trust in your loved ones, your family? Or do you Trust in the Lord? 

Here is what God's Word says on the matter...

Micah 7:5-7

Do not trust in a friend;

Do not put your confidence in a companion;

Guard the doors of your mouth

From her who lies in your bosom.

For son dishonors father,

Daughter rises against her mother,

Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;

A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.

Therefore I will look to the Lord;

I will wait for the God of my salvation;

My God will hear me.

Did you catch that? Read it again.

Micah 7:5-7

Do not trust in a friend;

Do not put your confidence in a companion;

Guard the doors of your mouth

From her who lies in your bosom.

For son dishonors father,

Daughter rises against her mother,

Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;

A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.

Therefore I will look to the Lord;

I will wait for the God of my salvation;

My God will hear me.

Look to the Lord!  He is the source of our Salvation, He will hear us when we call. He will get us from point A (where we are) to Point B (where He is leading us). He is all we need!!

There is no better promise! 

I am so thankful that no matter what, God is in control and He is all I'll ever need!! Hallelujah!


Take that step of faith and just watch as the Lord works!! 

GOD IS GOOD!!!!

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 6

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 6: Spirit, Soul, and Body

1. Complete this sentence: "I want to walk with the Holy Spirit, but I can't because I..."

There are many different ways I can think of to end this sentence...but thankfully I know that I can walk with the Holy Spirit, He is with me each and everyday. :o) 

2. How does your church view the Holy Spirit? As an active or passive influence in our lives? Either way, what is the scriptural proof for that belief?

My Church views the Holy Spirit as an essential and powerful part of everyday life.  Our services are often filled with people praying in the Spirit, we regularly hear words of knowledge, and messages in tongues with their interpretations. Our Pastor encourages the congregation to be in the Word, studying and growing in their spiritual walk, and that is only possible by listening to the Spirit as He teaches you what the Word of God is saying, what it means, and how it applies to your life.

  

There are many scriptures that talk about the Holy Spirit being an active part of the lives of the believers in the new testament.  Here are just some of them...

For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Luke 12:11-13

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

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4:30-32

And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Acts 5:31-33

who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:14-16

So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,

Acts 15:7-9

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

Acts 15:27-29 

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:12-14

3. Of what form or substance is God?

According to what I have read in God's Word, God has many of the same physical attributes as us.  In the Word He is described with hands, a face, eyes, a mouth, a back, feet, etc.  Also, We are created in God's image, so I imagine that He look similar to what we as humans look like, with the exception of the fact that He is perfect, holy, glorious and more beautiful than words can describe. 

4. Explain what the author means when he says the Holy Spirit has a mind of His own.

When Benny Hinn says that the Holy Spirit has a mind of His own, He is talking about the fact that the Holy Spirit searches out the mind of God and then reveals/teaches what He finds to us.  The Holy Spirit though He is one with the Father and the Son, has His own mind and will.  Just as I am one person made up of a  body, soul and spirit...My body may be telling me I need food, while my spirit, which is supposed to be lead by the Holy Spirit, may be telling me to fast, and it is up to my soul to decide which one I am going to listen to. The difference is that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, all work together, completely united, they are one, where the Spirit is... the Father and Son are, where the Son is... the Father and Spirit are, and where the Father is... the Spirit and Son are.  Together the three personalities or parts make up the one and only God!

5. What is the temple of God as described by Paul in the New Testament?

We are the temple of the Holy Spirit! Heaven is God's throne and Earth is His footstool, but God through the Holy Spirit resides inside of each and every believer.

6. Should the Holy Spirit be worshiped? Why, or why not?

This is one of those questions that really makes you think.  Even though I was raised in church, taught that the Holy Spirit is equal to God the Father and the Son, and that He is a part of the Godhead, I do not remember ever being taught to pray to or worship the Holy Spirit.  It was always taught that the Holy Spirit living in us would help us as we prayed or worshiped, that He was there with us, but not the one we were worshiping.  So as I study this out, and think about all I've been taught, all I believe regarding the Holy Spirit, I have to say that, yes, we should pray to and worship Him.  As I sit here contemplating this I realize that we always have prayed to Him and worshiped Him.  We pray asking Him to come fill us and to lead and guide us, we sing songs about Him, but for some reason, we don't discuss it as much as we do worshiping God the Father and God the Son. I guess we just need to start talking about it and realize that it is just as important as praying to the Father or to Jesus.

7. What does it mean to vex the Spirit? How would we do that? How might we avoid doing it?

I looked up the definition to the verb VEX -- "Distress, bother"  Synonyms include "Aggravate, agitate, disturb, embarrass, exasperate, get under one's skin, pester, harass, upset, and torment."  These words give us a pretty clear picture of what vexing the holy Spirit does to Him.  When we vex Him, we cause Him grief, and pain.  He is gentle and quiet, He will not force us to follow His leading, so when we hear what He is telling us, and we choose to do the opposite, we vex Him.  We can avoid hurting Him in this way by working to always listen to His voice, to being open to His leading and being thoughtful of what is pleasing to Him and what is not, He is your friend, so treat Him with respect, work to always honor and protect Him...The things we do and say are not the only things that can vex Him,  the things we allow to go on around us, the things we put up with that just should not be...those things can effect your relationship with the Holy Spirit too.  

Unshakable Faith - Day 44:Departing From The Lord

Unshakable Faith

Day 44:Departing From The Lord

1. Have there been times when you did not heed the Lord, and it resulted in your falling even further into sin?

I remember as a small child, I was jealous that my older sister who was already in school, got to take money to school to buy a new book from the book fair. I thought I should be able to go to school, and I thought I should be able to get a new book too.  So I came up with a plan, I stole my sister's money, and I hid it! I thought for sure she would miss out on the book fair and of course it would make everything better! But not only did my jealousy lead to stealing, I then had to lie about it, and next thing I know, my perfect plan didn't seem so perfect anymore.  My sister was in tears, and I hated to see anyone cry.  My mom was very upset, which also really bothered me.  And I felt this horrible sense of guilt.  The story ends with my telling the truth, crying a lot, and getting in big trouble! 

See even as little kids we have a God given gift called a conscience.  I may have only been 4 years old, but I knew my actions were wrong and I chose to do them anyway.  And those choices led to feelings of guilt, especially knowing that my actions didn't make Jesus happy, . As adults we tend to act the same way.  You would think we would grow up a little and realize that it's not a good idea.  But alas, we fail over and over again.  When we do make mistakes the best thing we can do is, repent and start making good choices...do not let one bad choice cause you to make many many more bad choices to try to cover it up.  This strategy never works, two bad choices never make a good! 

2. Have you ever felt "out from the presence of the Lord"?

There have been times when I knew I was not as close to the Lord as I should have been, but I have never felt as if I was completely out of His presence...He has always been faithful to continually stay by me and guide me, even when I was not being perfectly obedient.

3. Why does it seem so much easier to blame someone else and attack them instead of dealing with your own problems?

Our sinful nature causes us to be prideful, we love to see other's faults, and hate to see our own, so we do everything in our power to avoid it...blaming others is the easiest way.  If we were righteous like God, as we were created to be, we wouldn't fall into the blame game as often.  But since the fall of man, sin has caused a separation of man from God, and we tend to be evil, and more like satan than like Jesus.  This is why we must spend time studying God's Word and spend time in God's presence everyday, it is the only way we will become more like Jesus! 

Unshakable Faith - Day 42:Jealousy And Murder

Unshakable Faith

Day 42:Jealousy And Murder

1. Have you had bouts of jealousy?

Yes, there have been times when I've found myself feeling jealous of another person.  It always seems to stem from an area of insecurity I have, that someone else seems to excel in. Whenever I find myself feeling this type of emotion, I pray and ask God to forgive me, and I ask Him to help me see things from His perspective.  We all have areas we excel in and we all have areas that need some work...God loves us just as we are, it is not a competition...there is no need to allow jealousy to cause division because of our own insecurities...We just need to be who God created us to be!

2. Do you agree that it was "inevitable for man to become a murderer"?

Man was made in God's image, we were meant to be just like God.  When Adam chose to disobey God, and listen to and obey the devil, man no longer naturally is like God, but naturally is like the devil.  The devil is the father of lies, and is a murderer, so yeah, once sin entered the picture, it was just a matter of time. 

3. Will you be standing among those in the Church who are standing together in unity because they love one another?

Yes, I know how easy it is to allow small simple things to divide us, and I pray daily that God would help me to see sin for what it is and help me to not allow it in my life.  I want to grow daily to be more like Jesus, and I want His love to fill my heart and life, flowing out to touch the lives of those around me.  

Unshakable Faith - Day 41: Sin and Depression

Unshakable Faith

Day 41: Sin and Depression

1. Have you suffered from depression?

No, I've never had to deal with depression, though I've had family members and friends who have dealt with it at times.

2. To be delivered from depression is not by having someone accept you the way you are, but by someone loving you enough to correct you so you can do what is right.

Loving someone enough to take a stand and tell them the truth even if it is not what they want to hear is one of the greatest ways you can love someone...Just remember to always speak the truth in love, if it is not said in and with love, it will do more harm than good.

3. Do you know of someone, or the family of someone who committed suicide?

I have heard many stories but I don't know anyone personally who has committed suicide.  It breaks my heart every time I hear about someone who thought the only way to make things better was to end it all...If they only knew that they could turn to Jesus and that God would help them work through the troubles and issues, if they only had the hope that comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus, it would have made a huge difference in their life and the lives of their loved ones.  If you are dealing with suicidal thoughts, please tell a loved one, a pastor or a counselor, get into the Word of God, talk to God, tell Him your doubts, your hurts, your troubles, ask God for guidance, healing and provision...start working on making good choices and decisions...There is hope, and it is found in Jesus!!

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 28: The Deception

Unshakable Faith

Day 28: The Deception

1. Are you resisting sin by controlling your eyes?


Yes! I remember as a child learning the song "Oh, be careful little eyes what you see!" And as I've matured over the years I am realizing just how true that song is...The things we look at, watch, and allow into our lives through movies, t.v., internet, magazines, books we read...everything we do has an effect on us.  The question is, are we watching, reading, and looking at things that will lead to sin, or are we watching, reading and looking at things that will make us more like Christ?  If our God given purpose is Christ-likeness, which I believe it is! Then we need to be careful of what we allow our eyes to see!


2. What is the difference between understanding the schemes of the devil, but resisting the temptation to understand the depths of evil?


We can know the schemes of the devil, which helps us to recognize sin for what it is and to make right decisions.  But the temptation to understand the depths of evil, opens us up for more sin.  We do not need to know everything about sin, once we know it as something we should keep ourselves from, we need to do just that...getting involved just to say you have the knowledge of what it really is, opens the door for further temptation.  If Eve had seen Satan's scheme and had turned away instead of sticking around to find out more info, she might have saved herself and her husband and everyone from the sinful nature we all are born with because of the fall.


3. Have you learned to discipline yourself and your thoughts?


Yes, I have learned to discipline myself and my thoughts.  When I was younger I used to always put myself down...constantly I was saying things like "I'm so stupid." or "I can't do anything right." just little put downs that I never even realized I was doing, until I started dating my husband...JC quickly realized the damage I was doing to myself, by not disciplining my thoughts and words.  So. he started calling me on it every time he heard me say something negative about myself, and then he would make me come up with and say out loud something positive.  It only took a couple months of reprogramming myself and disciplining myself this way to notice a huge change in my self-confidence.  
The same principle applies to our thoughts, not only about ourselves, but about our relationships, our jobs, our finances, our church, our children....everything! We need to think on the positive, wholesome, good things...we need to focus on our blessings and on how God is working it out for good.  We need to refocus on God, not on the circumstance, and soon the circumstance will not be as bad as we think it is, and we will see that God is at work in ways we never imagined.

Unshakable Faith - Day 27: The Trap

Unshakable Faith

Day 27: The Trap

1. When you face temptation, are you more like Eve or Jesus?


That is a hard question...my first thought is to say more like Jesus, but I am by no means perfect, so then I think maybe I should say more like Eve, but I don't find myself constantly being deceived by Satan and his schemes, so I guess I am somewhere in the middle, but I'd like to think I am closer to being like Jesus than being like Eve. 


2. What is sin?


Sin is disobedience to God.  If God's Word says we should so or should not do something and we act contrary to what it says, we are in sin.  It is really that simple!


3. Do you desire understanding for the sake of becoming more perfect in your obedience?


Yes, I want to better understand God's Word, to find new nuggets of truth and to get a deeper understanding, so that I will be able to have a better understanding of who God is and His characteristics...I want to learn from the mistakes of others, and continually grow in my walk with Jesus! 

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 10: The Lights

Unshakable Faith

Day 10: The Lights

1. Just as the sun is the source of your physical life, so Jesus is the source of all life.  Is He your source of life?

Yes, Jesus is everything, without Him I would be so lost and messed up.  Jesus has saved me from not just the sins I have committed, but He has walked with me helping me to make better choices and decisions, saving me from making huge mistakes.  Jesus is the reason I am who I am, and He is continually working on me to make me more like Him. 

2. The Church has been a great influence on events in past ages and this age.  Is there more the Church could be doing?

Yes! God created us in His own image, for one purpose, to be like Him, to be a reflection of Jesus.  

When others around us look at us, they should see Jesus...and when God looks at us He should see the reflection of His Son.  

If the only thing I am reflecting is Kayla, then I am not fulfilling my God given purpose, I hope that when others see me, they see something more.  I hope they see Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Hope, Life, Faith, - JESUS! I want others to see Jesus in me. And that is what God wants from the Church as a whole as well.  

When God looks at the Bride of Christ, we should all be a reflection of Jesus, without a spot or wrinkle (the only way we can be without a spot or wrinkle is through the blood of Jesus, When we fully reflect Jesus, then God will see Jesus' righteousness in us, instead of all our own mistakes and failures).  We as the Church need to strive and work to reflect Jesus in all we do, everyday!

3. Are you always seeking to walk in the greater light of Christ?

Yes, walking in the Light of Christ is the only true way to live.

Unshakable Faith - Day 9: The Seed

Unshakable Faith

Day 9: The Seed

1. One of the basic strategies of the enemy is to destroy life and blur the distinctions that God created.  Are there examples of this in your life? Your community?

Satan, our very real enemy, works to blur lines in the church, in relationships, in just about everything.  Young adults feel it is okay to be rude to their parents because the lines have become blurred.  Married couples end up in divorce, because the lines have been blurred.  Everywhere we look we can see problems that all stem from this one scheme of the enemy.  But we need to remember that though Satan is busy trying to defeat us, the battle has already been won, and we have the victory through Jesus Christ.  He has conquered death and the grave, He holds the keys to the gates of Hell, and one day soon, Satan will be bound and the gates of hell will be locked with no chance of him ever getting out.  I think of the words of an old Carmen song, "God is exalted, Satan is defeated!"  - AMEN!!

2. Are your words filled with faith, hope, and love? Are you planting trees that will one day bear the fruit of faith, hope and love in the earth?

My hearts desire is to always speak words of hope, faith, and love, but I cannot say that it is always true.  I have found myself at times guilty of speaking and thinking negative things, in what seems like a negative situation.  And God is faithful to remind me of the power in our words, so I am striving and working on letting the love of God flow through me so that it will direct my thoughts, words and actions to respond to negative situations based on His love, instead of my own limited understanding and limited love.

3. Are you determined to always speak words that will edify and build up one another?

Yes, I am not always great at doing this, but I am determined with God's help to continue to work on it and to do better about watching what I say and how I say it...there was wisdom in the words of Thumper (a little rabbit from the movie Bambi) "If you can't say something nice, then don't say nothin' at all."  What a difference it could make in so many lives, if words of encouragement were spoken instead of words pronouncing defeat.

Psalm 91- Capter 6: I Will Not Fear The Terror

Psalm 91: God's Umbrella of Protection

Chapter 6: I Will Not Fear The Terror

"You will not be afraid of the terror by night..."

Psalm 91:5a

Here are a few quotes from this chapter to highlight the things that stood out to me from this chapter.

1. "Long before man discovered biological weapons, God made provision for the protection of His people - if they believe His Word." - Wow, this just shows how great God is, He knew we would one day face these horrible biological wars, and He made provision for us, so we can have protection from them, way back thousands of years before the threat even existed. That just makes me want to jump with excitement!!
2. "No evil has been conceived by man against which God has not provided a promise of protection for any of His children who will choose to believe it and act on it." - Once again, GOD IS SO GOOD!!!
3. "We have to choose to believe God's Word more than we believe what we see." - This one is something we all need to really get...whether or not we receive God's protection is a choice we make...Are we willing to believe and have faith??
4. "Over and over Jesus tells us, 'Do not fear!'  Why do you think He continually reminds us not to be afraid?  Because it is through faith in His Word that we are protected-and since fear is the opposite of faith, the Lord knows fear will keep us from operating in the faith that is necessary to receive." - God knows how fearful we tend to be...just like sheep we get scared and run so easily! But God our great Shepherd, knows His sheep, and that is why He tells us and warns us not to fear!
5. "The Protection is already there. It has already been provided, whether we receive it or not." - Once again, receiving God's protection is a choice!! 

Today, I encourage you to look at your life and see the areas where you are fearful, or have anxiety.  Those are the areas that Jesus is calling to you to trust Him, and put your faith in Him; He will provide and protect you.  My prayer today is that we would choose faith over fear, choose God's protection over trying to do it on our own.  The best way to start building your faith is to get to know the God you are trying to trust.  It is terribly hard to trust someone whom you really don't know.  Get a bible sit down and read it, asking God to show you who He is.  Trust me!  You will be blown away with what He shows you! 

Those Who Trust The Lord - Chapter 3

Those Who Trust The Lord Shall Not Be Disappointed

Chapter 3 - Where You Lead Me I Will Follow

This amazing testimony of God's provision and guidance is one of those stories that make you stop and marvel.  I know that it is our human nature to try to figure out a way to deny it as supernatural, we say "oh, that is just a coincidence." Or "Well, they just got lucky!".  But I truly believe that God loves us, and if we are obedient to the things He ask of us, that He will bless us.  Many times we miss out on God's blessing because we are too busy doing our own thing, to stop and listen to what He is asking or telling us.  

One of the stories that really spoke to me, was the story of Jack working on the plumbing under the kitchen sink, when he felt like God was telling him to stop what he was doing and go buy and attach a water hose to the hot water heater, for emergency use, just in case there were ever a fire.  It would have been so easy to say, "oh, that's a great idea, but I'm a little busy at the moment, I think I'll take care of that as soon as I'm done here." But Jack didn't do that, he stopped what he was doing and did as God told him to do.  Because of his obedience, when a brush fire went out of control and headed directly for the house, just minutes later, Jack was prepared to fight the fire and protect his family and their new home.  

God wants to provide for us, He wants to protect us, and bless us, but when we are not willing to listen to and obey God's leading, we miss out on much of what God is wanting to do in our lives.  John chapter 5 tells us the story of the crippled man sitting by the pool of Bethesda, when the Spirit of God caused the water to stir, the first person to touch the water would be healed of their disease.  Jesus saw this man sitting by the pool, and asked him why he did not get in the water.  The man replied that in all the years he had been sitting there trying to get in whenever the water was stirred, he could not find anyone who would help him into the water, and by the time he got there it was too late.  So Jesus tells the man to pick up his bed and walk. And the man immediately took up his bed and was healed.  I don't know about you, but I am sure there were many thoughts that went through this man's mind.  "Sure, take up my bed and walk, like it is really that easy!?!?"  Or "What? You want me to what?"  It would have been very easy for this man to listen to the thoughts full of doubt and disbelief, but He chose to have faith, to believe and to be obedient...his life was changed in an instant because he listened, believed and obeyed the words of Jesus. 
 

Those Who Trust The Lord - Chapter 1

Those Who Trust The Lord Shall Not Be Disappointed 

Chapter 1 - One Significant Morning

Trust Is The Key!

I Don't know about you, but I can tell you that in my life there have been times of fear and doubt and disappointment...But I can also tell you that the times when I truly put the situation in God's hands and trusted Him to take care of everything I was not disappointed.  For about 5 years God worked on me to trust Him with everything not just the easy things...I look forward to seeing all of the great things God does in my life and in yours as we start to practice trusting Him no matter the situation.

So far in the book there have been a few key things that I want to highlight...these truths and quick reminders will help all of us to remember to choose trust over doubt and disappointment.

All of the following are taken from the 1st chapter

• "Trust is a decision, not a feeling!"
• "Trust is the state of being that keeps us from stumbling," and "choosing not to be disappointed is what keeps us anchored in trust."
• "Trust and disappointment are opposites, just as faith and fear are opposites, they cannot both operate at the same time."

Here is a quick quote of a prayer that may help us get our focus trained on trust and away from doubt and disappointment:

 "I don't Care what the situation looks like.  I don't care what my reasoning ability is dictating to me - I am just not going to go there! And I also don't care if it looks as though You didn't come through. I don't care what the world says. I don't care what negative reports come down the pike.  I don't care what my emotions are dictating; I have made up my mind that from this day forth I am going to steadfastly trust what You have said.  I will be obedient to do what You tell me to do; I will make Your Word my final authority; and then I will rest in You.

And, when feelings of disappointment try to crowd in I will make that my warning signal, and I will stop and renew my choice to trust in you.  Then Lord, the rest is up to You."

I am so excited that you have decided to read this great book with me...I'd Love to hear how God is working in your life, email me at: inspiringbranches@gmail.com or leave your comments in the comment section below.

Blessings,
Kayla

7 Days A Week

 7 Days A Week!

Do you have a daily relationship with God? Or is it just a Sunday relationship?  Reading in Jeremiah 7, I noticed something...call me crazy but when reading all of the disobedient things the Israelites did, I assumed that they had stopped going into God's house on a regular basis as well.  But they didn't!  In Jeremiah 7, God is giving Jeremiah instructions on what to tell the people, and God address the fact that they sin all week long, even on the Sabbath and then they come and stand before Him as if everything is just honky-dory!  Well, God was not pleased with this behavior from the Israelites, and He is not pleased with it when we do it today, either.  As I was reading it hit me that many of the "Christians" today do this same thing.  They go out and live like there is no God during the week, and then come to church on Sunday, put a smile on their face and hope that not only will they fool the rest of the people at church, but they also hope to fool God.  But God is not one to be fooled...He knows the truth of what we do with our week, going to church on Sunday does not save us...just as it did not save the Israelites...God wants a personal relationship with us. He want to be a part of our everyday lives, not just Sunday.  Going to church on Sunday is an important part of worshiping God, but going on Sunday and putting on a false worship experience is not what God ask for...He ask for our hearts, our lives, He wants us to live everyday, walking with Him, reading His Word, serving Him and bringing glory to Him in our everyday lives...God wants 7 day a week, not just Sunday!