New Life Harvest

Frienship: A Priceless Treasure
Taken From Following the Carpentar by Donald Wildmon

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

There is something of far more worth than fine gold. There is something to be treasured more than precious rubies. There is something that does more healing than all the miracle drugs. And, yes, there is something of more value than all the money this world offers.

What is the thing of which I speak? Why, friendship, of course. For the most precious thing a person can have is friends. And the more friends one has, the richer one is. Poor, indeed, is the person who is friendless.

Sometimes we miss the beauty of this thing we call friendship. Friendship is spiritual inspiration that comes when someone believes in you, is pulling for you, and is willing to trust you to the utmost.

It lifts our sagging spirits to know that someone cares, that someone is concerned about us. I guess that's the reason we can never have a friend who is as good a friend as the Nazarene Carpenter. He cares about us. He trusts us. He believes in us. He is our greatest friend.

Friendship is born of love. Where there is no love, there can be no friendship. That's the reason His friendship is to be cherished above all others. For He didn't give up on us, even when we were at our worst - at the cross.

Someone has said that a friend is one who comes in when the whole world goes out. The rebellious young man we call the Prodigal Son learned who his friends were in this manner.

When everyone else has forsaken us, our friends will be beside us. That's what friends do. That's what Jesus did. He was called "a friend of publicans and sinners." When no one else would have anything to do with them, Jeus still loved them.

Friendship is priceless. So make all the friends you can. But remember this: to make a friend, you must be a friend.

Have More!

Posted by Victoria Osteen

So many people are walking around in this life, day in and day out, going through the motions, checking off their lists, breathing air, but they aren't truly living the way God intends. See, God doesn't want us to just "get through" the days; He wants us to thrive, excel, overcome, and really live and enjoy life more than we can ever imagine!

When you are connected to the Giver of Life, there's another level of living that you tap into. It's a supernatural level and greater than anything this world can give you. That's why Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches." He is the source of life, and apart from Him, we can do nothing.

John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came to give us lifenot just any life, but abundant lifecomplete, whole and thriving in every way. With Him, you can have more love, more power, more joy, greater peace, better relationships, deeper insight and so much more!

Today, if you feel like you are living with less than God's best, know that He wants to ignite passion on the inside of you. He wants to give you more in this life than you ever dreamed. I believe that one of the major keys to really having and enjoying life is by doing what I call mastering the art of overlooking.

Scripture says that we are to seek peace and pursue it. When we hold on to hurt and offense, it quickly becomes bitterness that works like an emotional cancer inside of us. But when we overlook offense, when we choose love and release the wrongs done to us through forgiveness, we are choosing God's ways and tapping into the supernatural life He has for us.

I encourage you today, if someone has wronged you and you still get that cringing feeling on the inside when you see them or think about them, take it to God and allow Him to keep your heart soft and sensitive. Don't let unforgiveness hold you back, weigh you down, and keep you from really living. It's okay to say, "God, I don't feel like I can forgive this person, but I'm asking You to give me the grace and strength to forgive. I am giving my whole heart and this situation to You."

Remember, if we are going to change any part of our lives, we have to start on the inside. Change always begins in the heart. Choose to overlook offense, choose love, and choose to really live the life God has prepared for you!

GOD LISTENS
by Max Lucado

You can talk to God because God listens. Your voice matters in heaven. He takes you very seriously. When you enter his presence, the attendants turn to you to hear your voice. No need to fear that you will be ignored. Even if you stammer or stumble, even if what you have to say impresses no one, it impresses Godand he listens. He listens to the painful plea of the elderly in the rest home. He listens to the gruff confession of the death-row inmate. When the alcoholic begs for mercy, when the spouse seeks guidance, when the businessman steps off the street into the chapel, God listens.

Intently. Carefully. The prayers are honored as precious jewels. Purified and empowered, the words rise in a delightful fragrance to our Lord. The smoke from the incense went up from the angels hand to God. Incredible. Your words do not stop until they reach the very throne of God.

Then, the angel filled the incense pan with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth (Rev. 8:5). One call and Heavens fleet appears. Your prayer on earth activates Gods power in heaven, and Gods will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

You are the someone of Gods kingdom. You have access to Gods furnace. Your prayers move God to change the world. You may not understand the mystery of prayer. You dont need to. But this much is clear: Actions in heaven begin when someone prays on earth. What an amazing thought!

When you speak, Jesus hears.
And when Jesus hears, thunder falls.
And when thunder falls, the world is changed.
All because someone prayed.
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From The Lucado Inspirational Reader: Hope and Encouragement for Your Everyday Life
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2011) Max Lucado

The Change I Want to See
Written by Michelle Smythers

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

Have you ever heard the saying, Be the change you want to see in the world? How much have you actually thought about that? With the beginning of a new year, most people make resolutions to change certain areas of their live. It can be anything from dieting to volunteering. People want to make changes in how often they attend church or how they spend their money. But out of all the resolutions made, not many are continued through the whole year.

I challenge you this year to apply this saying to your life: Be the change you want to see in your church. We are all guilty of looking at others, not in a judging way (of course), and quickly finding something that they need to change. We very seldom look at ourselves and find things that stand out. Because we see nothing that needs our attention, we wouldnt dare ask anyone what they think. We are quick to look around at the low numbers in a service and say, If so-and-so would get their family in here, we would have two rows full. But are we out asking our family members to come? When the money is tight for the church, we point fingers at the ones that have plenty of money to give, but are we willing to put our faith in God to provide our needs if we give more that we can afford? When the teachers need a break to have their souls fed, do we jump in and volunteer our help? If the church needs work do we keep our mouths closed because we dont want anyone to ask us to give up our free time to help?

If we all chip in, even if its a little, think about the change it would make. Why sit back and wait for someone else to begin? Is it a bad thing to be the first to be willing? When others see that there is a true interest in improvement, they jump in. If they dont want to, dont shrug them away. There may be something down the road that God will deal with their heart about. When they see the blessings of God because you chose to make a change, this will lay on their heart also. But most of all, be responsible for your own choice. Dont push your desire on others, just push through your desires to change. Where will you begin?

Make Changes in Your Life That Last
By Joyce Meyer

How serious are you about wanting change in your life? A lot of us want our lives to changebut we're not willing to do our part.

2012: Focus on What God Can Do Through You
by Jon Walker

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity ... (Hebrews 6:1a NIV)

Show up. Nothing takes the place of your presence. Letters are nice. Phone calls are special, but being there in the flesh sends a message.

Do you believe in your kids? Then show up. Show up at their games. Show up at their plays. Show up at their recitals. It may not be possible to make each one, but its sure worth the effort. Do you believe in your friends? Then show up. Show up at their graduations and weddings. Spend time with them. You want to bring out the best in someone? Then show up.

Listen up. You dont have to speak to encourage. The Bible says, It is best to listen much, speak little (James 1:19 TLB). We tend to speak much and listen little. There is a time to speak. But there is also a time to be quiet. Thats what my father did. Dropping a fly ball may not be a big deal to most people, but if you are thirteen years old and have aspirations of the big leagues, it is a big deal. Not only was it my second error of the game, it allowed the winning run to score.

I didnt even go back to the dugout. I turned around in the middle of left field and climbed over the fence. I was halfway home when my dad found me. He didnt say a word. Just pulled over to the side of the road, leaned across the seat, and opened the passenger door. We didnt speak. We didnt need to. We both knew the world had come to an end. When we got home, I went straight to my room, and he went straight to the kitchen. Presently he appeared in front of me with cookies and milk. He took a seat on the bed, and we broke bread together. Somewhere in the dunking of the cookies I began to realize that life and my fathers love would go on. In the economy of male adolescence, if you love the guy who drops the ball, then you really love him. My skill as a baseball player didnt improve, but my confidence in Dads love did. Dad never said a word. But he did show up. He did listen up. To bring out the best in others, do the same, and then, when appropriate:

Speak up.

You have the power to change someones life simply by the words that you speak. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21 NKJV). Thats why Paul urges you and me to be careful. When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people needwords that will help others become stronger (Eph. 4:29).

Earlier I gave you a test for love. Theres also a test for the tongue. Before you speak, ask: Will what Im about to say help others become stronger? You have the ability, with your words, to make a person stronger. Your words are to their soul what a vitamin is to their body. If you had food and saw someone starving, would you not share it? If you had water and saw someone dying of thirst, would you not give it? Of course you would. Then wont you do the same for their hearts? Your words are food and water! Do not withhold encouragement from the discouraged. Do not keep affirmation from the beaten down! Speak words that make people stronger. Believe in them as God has believed in you.
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From A Love Worth Giving
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2002) Max Lucado

DIVINE GIFTS
by Max Lucado

Oh, the things we do to give gifts to those we love.

But we dont mind, do we? We would do it all again. Fact is, we do it all again. Every Christmas, every birthday, every so often we find ourselves in foreign territory. Grownups are in toy stores. Dads are in teen stores. Wives are in the hunting department, and husbands are in the purse department.

And wed do it all again. Having pressed the grapes of service, we drink lifes sweetest winethe wine of giving. We are at our best when we are giving. In fact, we are most like God when we are giving.

Have you ever wondered why God gives so much? We could exist on far less. He could have left the world flat and gray; we wouldnt have known the difference. But he didnt.

He splashed orange in the sunrise
and cast the sky in blue.
And if you love to see geese as they gather,
chances are youll see that too.
Did he have to make the squirrels tail furry?
Was he obliged to make the birds sing?
And the funny way that chickens scurry
or the majesty of thunder when it rings?
Why give a flower fragrance? Why give food its taste?
Could it be He loves to see
that look upon your face?

If we give gifts to show our love, how much more would he? If wespeckled with foibles and greedlove to give gifts, how much more does God, pure and perfect God, enjoy giving gifts to us? Jesus asked, If you hardhearted, sinful men know how to give good gifts to your children, wont your Father in heaven even more certainly give good gifts to those who ask him for them? (Matt. 7:11 TLB).

Gods gifts shed light on Gods heart, Gods good and generous heart. Jesus brother James tells us: Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light (James 1:17 MSG). Every gift reveals Gods love but no gift reveals his love more than the gifts of the cross. They came, not wrapped in paper, but in passion. Not placed around a tree, but a cross. And not covered with ribbons, but sprinkled with blood.
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From One Incredible Savior: Celebrating the Majesty of the Manger
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2011) Max Lucado
Originally published in He Chose the Nails

Giving Thanks
Written by Michelle Smythers

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

This time of year we talk about things that we are thankful for. People talk about being blessed with a home, health, jobs and other things that are important. Although its great to let others know that you are blessed and grateful to God for those blessings, the Bible tells us to be thankful in all things.

I think as children or teenagers, we take some of our blessings for granted. We are thankful for the basics: family, home, clothes and food. But as we age and have families of our own, we realize how God has blessed us for years and watched over us because of the prayers of our families.

This year I want to give thanks for the parents that God blessed me with. I didnt always see this as a blessing. At times I wished we didnt have to go to church so much. There were times that I didnt want people to know that my dad was a preacher. I couldnt understand why we had to leave family and friends to move several states away. Why did my parents have to be so strict? Just because other kids were doing wrong, that didnt mean I couldnt hang out with them.

But now as Im older with kids of my own, I see the blessing in Godly parents. Because of their dedication and commitment to God, I saw the importance of a faithful walk with God. As I look back, there were times when they didnt know where the money to support their family was going to come from, but they were faithful. They prayed, they believed and they received. Now I see the courage and strength they had to have to walk away from their homes, families and jobs to move to places with strangers and no definite job all because God lead them there and they had a work to do. I see the faith they had to have when their children decided to walk away from all they had been taught because they didnt need religion. I see the sleepless nights they must have had wondering where their daughter was and if she was ok. I see the unconditional love that was given over and over when their children tested the waters and boundaries. I see Gods forgiveness when their daughter came home because she had nowhere else to go but didnt need condemnation.

Im not saying non-Christian parents cant do this. Im just trying to say that having parents that showed me Gods unconditional love, faithfulness, faith and a relationship with God has instilled in me a foundation to build on. They showed me that nothing is impossible with God. They showed me prayer will change any situation, even if you have to pray for years over one open-your-eyes situation. They showed me that religion is not a crutch, it is a relationship with God. Most of all, they showed me that through the good times and the bad, which at times the bad outweighs the good, God is always there waiting for you. We may not always feel Him or even want Him there, but He is there. He is a faithful and loving God.

For teaching me this, Mom and Dad, I thank you. God, I thank you for the loving and faithful parents You gave me and my brother. My family is truly a blessing.

SECOND CHANCES
by Max Lucado

It was small enough to overlook. Only two words. I know Id read that passage a hundred times. But Id never seen it.

But I wont miss it again. Its highlighted in yellow and underlined in red. You might want to do the same. Look in Mark, chapter 16. Get your pencil ready and enjoy this jewel in the seventh verse (here it comes). The verse reads like this: But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee.

Did you see it? Read it again. (This time I italicized the words.)

But go, tell his disciples ***and Peter*** that he is going before you to Galilee.

Now tell me if thats not a hidden treasure.

If I might paraphrase the words, Dont stay here, go tell the disciples, a pause, then a smile, and especially tell Peter, that he is going before you to Galilee.

What a line. Its as if all of heaven had watched Peter falland its as if all of heaven wanted to help him back up again. Be sure and tell Peter that hes not left out. Tell him that one failure doesnt make a flop.

Whew!

No wonder they call it the gospel of the second chance.

Those who know these types of things say that the Gospel of Mark is really the transcribed notes and dictated thoughts of Peter. If this is true, then it was Peter himself who included these two words! And if these really are his words, I cant help but imagine that the old fisherman had to brush away a tear and swallow a lump when he got to this point in the story.

Its not every day that you get a second chance. Peter must have known that. The next time he saw Jesus, he got so excited that he barely got his britches on before he jumped into the cold water of the Sea of Galilee. It was also enough, so they say, to cause this backwoods Galilean to carry the gospel of the second chance all the way to Rome where they killed him. If youve ever wondered what would cause a man to be willing to be crucified upside down, maybe now you know.

Its not every day that you find someone who will give you a second chancemuch less someone who will give you a second chance every day.

But in Jesus, Peter found both.
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From No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1986) Max Lucado

Keep Going!
Written by Michelle Smythers

Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Each day, we have different moments that can teach us. They may be small things that just make you think, but then again, there are the Ah-hah! moments. I believe that God can use the smallest thought to make the largest impact in our lives. Recently I had one of these moments.

I was riding an atv with my youngest son. Even though I enjoy it, at times I am still scared in certain areas. Im afraid of flipping over. On the other hand, my son is more confident because he rides more. He convinced me to take him up the mountain, which I am not crazy about. As we began, I noticed all of the leaves that had covered the path. You couldnt tell where the rocks were that I needed to dodge. Then I looked up at some very steep hills that were covered with slippery leaves. I debated with myself all the reasons not to try this. It was too risky. What if I flipped and hurt both of us? What if I hit a sharp rock and busted a tire? What if I slid on the leaves and got the atv stuck? I decided that I would make my son walk part of the way up the first hill so that if the 4-wheeler flipped, he wouldnt get hurt. As I slowly began, my son turned around and shouted Go on! Dont slow down! As I got to the top of the first hill, he said You cant slow down when you get going. Youll get stuck. When we made it all the way to the top, I felt such relief and looked around at all the beauty of Gods nature. The skyline as you looked down different paths was beautiful. You could see so much because of the fallen leaves.

As he drove us down the mountain, I started thinking about what he said. Go on! Dont slow down! How many times have we needed to hear that for our spiritual walk? Have you ever looked at the path before you and thought of all the reasons not to continue? You may wonder about what lays ahead. You may think the path is too steep to climb. What if you slip and have to start over? What if you get so far and cant continue? If you stumble, what will you grab onto?

The five simple words that my 15-year old son said can easily be compared to the scripture in Hebrews. We need to continue our run with God at a steady pace with patience. We cant speed up and slow down. We have to keep going. We cant look at how hard it may appear. We cant let our fear take over. We cant wonder what hidden obstacles are in our path. We have to keep moving once we begin. Sure, there are bumps and gullies that may slow us down, but never stop. We have to keep moving forward. Once we reach the top of that mountain we are facing, we are going to see Gods beauty in what we have overcome. We will be able to look around and see all that He has created for us in our lives. We will see His blessings.

So whatever mountain you are facing, determine in your spirit you are going to climb that mountain with patience. Dont let any obstacle throw you off your path or weight pull you down. Dont slow down. Move forward at a steady pace. You have to keep going!

Satans Meeting
Author Unknown

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said:

We cant keep Christians from going to church. We cant keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We cant even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their Savior. Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.

So let them go to their churches, let them have their covered dinner. But steal their time, so they dont have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. So this is what I want you to do, said the devil: Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!

How shall we do this? his demons shouted.

Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds, he answered. Tempt them to spend, spend, spend and borrow, borrow, borrow. Persuade the wives to go back to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their families fragment, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work! Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cd player whenever they drive. To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ. Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, catalogs, sweepstakes and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes.

Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so that husbands will believe that outward beauty is whats important, and they will become dissatisfied with their wives. Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them headaches, too! If they dont give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families quickly!

Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas. Give them the Easter bunny so they wont talk about His resurrection and power over sin and death.

Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted. Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on Gods creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead. Keep them busy, busy, busy!

And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with trouble consciences. Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause. It will work! It will work!

It was quite a plan! The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there. Having little time for their God or their families. Having no time to tell others about the powers of Jesus to change lives.

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes? You be the judge.

THE RIGHT DOORS OPEN
by Max Lucado

You try one door after another, yet no one responds to your rsum. No university accepts your application. No doctor has a solution for your illness. No buyers look at your house.

Obstacles pack your path. Road, barricaded. Doorway, padlocked. Do you know the frustration of a blocked door?

God uses closed doors to advance his cause.

He closed the womb of a young Sarah so he could display his power to the elderly one.

He shut the palace door on Moses the prince so he could open shackles through Moses the liberator.

He marched Daniel out of Jerusalem so he could use Daniel in Babylon.

And Jesus. Yes, even Jesus knew the challenge of a blocked door. When he requested a path that bypassed the cross, God said no. He said no to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane so he could say yes to us at the gates of heaven.

Its not that our plans are bad but that Gods plans are better.

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord.

And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (Isa. 55:89 NLT)

Your blocked door doesnt mean God doesnt love you. Quite the opposite. Its proof that he does.
From Gods Story, Your Story
Copyright (Zondervan, 2011) Max Lucado

Not My Will
Written by Michelle Smythers

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me. John 6:38

Recently I watched a documentary on the anniversary of 9/11. It was showing videos of the first responders when the first plane struck the Twin Towers. The commentator was talking about the look on the firemens faces. He spoke of the fear and worry that showed on their faces as they looked up to the top of the Tower. He said it was like they were looking up and thinking, What can I do with a 50-foot hose, ax and flashlight? They knew that once they went into the building, more than likely they wouldnt come out alive. Even though they knew the danger of the situation, they were willing to do what they were sent to do save as many as possible.

This made me think about Jesus walk up Calvarys Hill. What were the thoughts that went through His mind? He knew this was His purpose, Gods will for His life. He came to save us. But even before He began this work, He cried in the garden for God to take this cup from Him. He knew the suffering and pain that was ahead of Him, but He still chose to walk up that hill. He put Gods will before His own. He was there to lay down His life so that we could have eternal life.

When I think about the sacrifice that the First Responders made as they tried to help people that were trapped in the Towers, it brings tears to my eyes. They knew they were laying down their lives so that hopefully others could live. But in the same token, I think that we as Christians seem to take lightly the sacrifice that our Savior made for us. He willingly endured torture, humiliation and agony. He gave His life for us. He knew that He had to lay down His life so that we could be forgiven of our sins. He walked in Gods will, not His.

What are you willing to do? Is Gods will for your life leading you into a path that you dont think you can handle? Are you searching for a good reason to follow in that will? Can you seem to find reasons not to follow? Are people trying to talk you out of a seemingly crazy idea? Although we may not fully understand why God has called us to do something, that doesnt mean we should figure it out before stepping out in faith. Pray first. If you cant get away from that feeling of moving forward, then step out. God doesnt have to give us reasons to do His will, He just asks us to move. Are you willing to put your fears and worries aside?

Are You Delaying That Step of Faith?
by Jon Walker

Faithfulness
Written by Michelle Smythers

Faithfulness, faithfulness is what I long for
Faithfulness is what I need
Faithfulness, faithfulness is what you want from me

The words of this song are eye-opening. We often hear that God is faithful to us. There are so many scriptures that tell us that, from the Old
Testament to the New. From the beginning of time, God has been faithful to His children.

In Lamentations 3:22-23, Jeremiah tells us, 'It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.' There is nothing we can do to deserve God's mercy but He still gives it to us because He loves us. It is also because of the love that He has for us that He is faithful. A lot of times, we may miss the will of God but He doesn't turn His back on us. He remains the same. He is the strong tower that we can run to in our storm. But even when our lives seem perfectly normal and there are no battles facing us, God is still the strong tower that we can lean on. He has never changed and we are promised in His word that He will remain the same.

But we are not always like God. Can He count on us to remain strong and not slip away from Him? It would be awesome to know without a doubt that we will only be strong for God. That we would never have a day that the devil could not bring discouraging thoughts to our mind that bring our spirit down. But that is not how we are. We may have a period that things go smooth and we are very strong. But there are also periods that we face battle after battle and our strength seems to slip away. Even in times like these, we do not need to let our faithfulness to God slip away. In our minds we may question why God would let His children go through so much. But we need to keep our hearts and minds set on the fact that God is on our side and He will help us through anything if we are faithful to Him. In Revelation 2:10, the Lord tells us 'Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give the a crown of life.' God asks us to be faithful to Him until the day we take our last breath. He didn't say our life would be perfect, but He did give us a promise. 'I will give thee a crown of life.' But He does require us to be faithful to Him in the good times and the bad. We may miss the mark from time to time, but God is faithful.

Like the words from the song above, Faithfulness is what we long for and what we need from God and faithfulness is what He wants from us. We need to press each and every day to be faithful and we need to remember every day that GOD IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL!

The Men Who Knew Too Much
Posted by Joel Osteen

"SURELY THIS WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN."
by Max Lucado

If it is true that a picture paints a thousand words, then there was a Roman centurion who got a dictionary full. All he did was see Jesus suffer. He never heard him preach or saw him heal or followed him through the crowds. He never witnessed him still the wind; he only witnessed the way he died. But that was all it took to cause this weather-worn soldier to take a giant step in faith. Surely this was a righteous man. (Luke 23:47)

That says a lot, doesnt it? It says the rubber of faith meets the road of reality under hardship. It says the trueness of ones belief is revealed in pain. Genuineness and character are unveiled in misfortune. Faith is at its best, not in three-piece suits on Sunday mornings or at V.B.S. on summer days, but at hospital bedsides, cancer wards, and cemeteries.

Maybe thats what moved this old, crusty soldier. Serenity in suffering is a stirring testimony. Anybody can preach a sermon on a mount surrounded by daisies. But only one with a gut full of faith can live a sermon on a mountain of pain.
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From No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1986) Max Lucado

Deep Roots
Written by Michelle Smythers

Thus it was beautiful in greatness and in the length of its branches, Because its roots reached to abundant waters. Ezekiel 31:7 (NIV)

Have you ever noticed a tree on the side of a river or creek bank that has been washed away by years of erosion? Part of the roots may be exposed, sometimes just sticking straight out without touching the water or dirt, but there is still life in that tree. The branches are full and green, stretching way out offering shade and cover. It seems that once the roots were out of the nutrients that water and dirt give, the tree would shrivel and die. But what about the roots that remain deep in the bank but even further into the water?

This verse in Ezekiel fits perfectly to that tree on the river bank, but also fits perfectly in our Christian lives. In Psalms, David describes us as a tree planted by the water. How many times have you found yourself in a place where the erosion of life, like stress, sickness, financial and spiritual battles, have exposed your roots? The floods come in and try to wash away your ground. You may even begin to lean in your weakness, feeling like you are eventually going to completely fall leaving you with nothing keeping you grounded.

We all, at different times, face these times of fear, frustration, and vulnerability. We need to stand strong and realize that we are planted in the firm ground of Jesus Christ. We may feel weak, but He is our Strength. We may feel exposed, but He is our Shelter. We may feel unstable, but He is our Balance. Our prayer life, our Scripture time, our faith and commitment are our roots. Jesus is our abundant waters. If our commitment to God is strong, our strength will pass our own understanding. The benefits of being deeply rooted are endless. Although none of us are perfect, we can strive to reach that deep relationship with God. We never know what tomorrow holds so why take a chance on our roots drying up? With God, we can face any situation that comes our way. It may be tough and shake or bend our branches, but with the deep roots we will be able to stand strong and flourish. So today, take the time to think about how deep your roots are. Do you need to reach out more with your faith? Do you need to spend more time in the Word? Do you need to need increase your prayer time? We all need to work a little harder in areas of our lives. What do you need work on?

Here Comes Trouble
Written by Bill Scott

"Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." Psalm 50:15

I am not a doom and gloom kind of guy. However, I do know life can often bring trouble our way. It's what we do during those times of trouble and how we handle it. I'll admit there are times I freak out instead of releasing my faith. I think most of us can understand the whole freak out thing. God has shared with us that in times of trouble we need to just trust Him. God has promised to rescue us and in the end we'll praise His name and give him all the credit for saving us.

Today might be a very difficult time for you. I have many things that are stressing me out today and to be perfectly honest I need a miracle and today wouldn't be too soon for that to take place. I have to choose to trust God during my time of trouble and I fully expect Him to rescue me.

Today confess your lack of faith and for not trusting God 100 percent. Tell Him you are sorry and that He has your trust. Also share with Him that you are fully expecting Him to rescue you today. It brings peace to my soul when I realize how much God loves me and longs to provide for me. Rest in what you know about God and not your circumstance.

Extra time in the Word Psalm 50

Searching For the Rock
Written by Michelle Smythers

And he said, The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
2 Samuel 22:2

Recently I had an experience that made me think about what happens when unfamiliar circumstances come into our lives. I took my kids tubing for the first time several weeks ago. We had never been to that section of the creek and I assumed that it was shallow all over. So as we began, we could see the rocks at different levels in the creek. Some sections were deeper than others. But the rocks were constantly visible.

It wasn't long and we came to some small rapids. Along the path to these were the rocks so I felt certain that there would be no problems, other than scrapes and bumps. So I went first so I could let the kids know if they should stay to one side or go down the center. When I began, the rush of the water was exciting. The bumps were so much fun. It was definitely a great experience. But as I slowed down and tried to turn around to say it was ok to go, I realized I couldn't see any rocks. My first response was panic, we had no life jackets and no promise the kids floats wouldn't flip. I began yelling for them to stay to the side, not the middle. Then I was paddling trying to get to the side so I could see the rocks. I knew I would be able to stand up if I could see the rocks. Seeing them made me feel safe and secure.

Once I was calmed down and enjoying the rest of the day, I lay back on the tube and began to think about how God is described as our Rock, Fortress and Deliverer. Daily things come into our lives. Some good, exciting and fun. Then we have days that all news is bad and nothing seems to go right. I compared the days of smooth sailing like tubing where we can see the rocks. We know that if we need to, we can stand up quickly and everything will be fine. But on those bad days, we look around and we may be in a panic, searching desperately to find the Rock, our Deliverer. When we don't feel God's presence, we may think He's not near enough to help.

In the times we feel lost and desperate, our faith needs to be strong. We may not see our Rock directly around us. We may need to work to get to the Deliverer. We may have to cry out to our Fortress. But He will never fail us. Regardless of how lost we feel, how alone we are or how panic surrounds us, our Rock is there. He is the sure foundation that we can rely on. So remember the next time you are in unfamiliar territory and the you can't find the Rock, work your faith and go to the Rock. He is waiting and will always be there for you.

Stained Glass Saints
Posted by Jon Walker

When the Odds Are Against You
Posted by Joel Osteen

In the Bible, God promised Abraham that he would have a son. In the natural, it was impossible. Both he and his wife Sarah were well beyond the childbearing years, nearly 100 years old. But it says in Romans 4:20 that Abraham did not waver in his faith, but he was fully convinced that God would do what He had promised.

Complete Restore
Written by Michelle Smythers

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psalm 51:12

Last week I had a virus attack the computer. For those that have experienced this, you know the frustration and realization that Hey, I should have backed up all my files. After being on the phone for several hours over three days, I cant tell you the number of times I was told Dont worry. We assure you that we will restore all that you have lost. I wanted so desperately to believe this that I gave them access to the computer so they could just take over and fix it so I wouldnt have to keep trying. After the third day of trying over and over to clean and restart the computer and getting the same result all personal files gone I gave up. I finally had to do a complete factory restore. For those that dont know what that means, it means to strip the computer of all files and take it back to basic just like out of the factory. I lost 90% of all work that was on the computer.

This got me to thinking, what can we do without? With the economy the way it is, so many people have tried repeatedly to hold onto things that they have worked the whole lives for. They struggle to hold onto what they think they just cant live without. They do all that is in their power to make ends meet and hopefully they wont have to let go of anything. People around keep saying Dont worry. It will all be ok. We strive to believe it. We hope against hope that everything will be ok.

But what is it that finally gets us to the point that we say I just want to get back to the basics, the truly important things. Once we reach that point, we then have to narrow down whats important. Is a big house, new car, flashy job or expensive clothes the most important things? Is your family the most important thing? Is being seen or heard in church important? If you had to let go of the high-paying job, could you? If your house was taken, how would you handle it? If your business closed, what would be your reaction? Could you truly handle the loss?

What it all comes down to, our relationship with God should be the one thing that we cannot do without. David asked God to restore the joy of His salvation. Remember how you felt the day you chose to let God in your life? Do you remember the joy, peace and happiness you felt? Your life wasnt perfect, but there was a peace that felt perfect. Of all things that I want to be restored and cant live without, the joy I felt on the day I gave my heart to God is the one I dont want to do without. Life may not be perfect, there are daily struggles and stresses. But one thing I know for sure, when God tells us that He will restore what is ours, He will not let us down. It will not take Him multiple times of trying to restore before He just gives up and says there is nothing He can do. He will keep His word. His assurance is true.

Is it time for you to get back to the basics? Do you want God to restore the joy of your salvation? Decide today, what can you do without. What are the most important things to you?

Head on
Written by Michelle Smythers

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: Isaiah 43:2

Have you been to the ocean and played in the waves? Have you noticed that different times of the day bring different levels of roughness? The way you hold yourself in each wave determines the outcome as the wave crashes over you. Let me explain.

When you stand and watch the waves come, you know when to brace yourself. You can let the water rush over you and let your body flow with the current. It can bring laughter, happiness and excitement. When you get yourself up, you go right back to where the waves are crashing and start all over. This can go on for hours no matter how rough the waves are.

But change the position you are standing in. Face the shoreline. When a wave breaks on your back, the force when you are not braced can take you under and you can loose your sense of direction. You may try to get up but another wave will knock you down over and over. You may begin to panic if you can't catch your breath or figure out how close you are to shore. It's not so fun that way. The excitement is terror not fun.

Apply this spiritually. Have you been facing a battle lately? Does it seem like wave after wave is crashing over your head and you can't get up? Have you lost your sense of direction? Have you started to panic? Are you struggling to get to shore and stand up?

It's time to take a different position. Take a stand with God. He said He will be with us and the waters will not overflow us. Face each wave of difficulty head on. Brace yourself with God's words of promise. Let the waves come but get up and keep taking a stand against them. Let God be your protector, your lifeline. With God, no wave can take you completely under to where you can't get back up. No matter how rough the waves are coming at you, change your position. Face them head on with God by your side and watch Him pull you up and bring joy back into your life.

He Says, We Say
Written by Dave Branon

Love the Lord your God, obey His voice. Deuteronomy 30:20

As my wife reviewed her day, she told me about an incident that took place with our granddaughter Elianna, who was visiting. Elianna had been playing with some toys, so when she wanted to go to another part of the house, Grandma told her, Elianna, you need to put your toys away first. Without missing a beat, Elianna replied, I dont have time.

She was just 2 years old at the time, so she was definitely not running on a packed schedule!

I wonder sometimes if God might be a bit surprised with us when He hears our responses to His commands.

For instance, when Jesus says, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden (Matthew 11:28), and we say, I cant go on. I have too many troubles and problems, I wonder what He thinks. When He says, Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm46:10), and we say, I cant fit You into my schedule, I wonder what He thinks. When He says, Be holy, for I am holy (1 Peter 1:16), and we say, But the world looks like so much fun, I wonder what He thinks.

God has spoken. Obedience is the best way to honor Him for what He has done for us and to show Him how much we love Him.

Our desire to please God is our highest motive for obeying God.

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3

TODAY I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
by Max Lucado

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. Its OK to stumble . I will get up. Its OK to fail . I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.
__________________________
From Shaped by God (original title: On the Anvil)
Copyright (Tyndale House, 1985, 2002) Max Lucado

Thirsty for God
Written by Kenneth Wagener

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. Psalm 63:1

Trees suffer in drought. Even mature, resilient trees are affected by prolonged dry weather. Leaves and bark show early signs of deprivation. Prolonged drought can take a severe toll on the hardiest of oaks and pines and maples. Trunk rings prove it.

In Psalm 63, David compares the hurt hes feeling to a time of prolonged drought. Alone, in the desert, he had no one to turn to, no one to hold onto. He felt loss. He felt lost. He describes his longing for water where none may be found. Thirsty to the roots of his being, David was desperate for God to plant him beside the water, to irrigate him with a Fathers life-giving presence.

Deep hurt makes us thirst in the same way. We ache for something that will dampen the pain. We long for even a moments relief. We yearn for someone who knows how to diminish our grief, just a little.

You may have been touched by hurt and loss. You can still see events playing out: In your own home. Or on the job. Or in your doctors office. Like David, youre thirsty inside. Like David, you long for water, for something to turn to and hold onto in the dry and dreary land youve entered.

From his desert place, David said to his Father, My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me (Psalm 63:8). From your own desert place right now, you can trust this same truth. Nows the time to grab hold of your Fathers life-giving presence. Nows the time to tighten your grip on His promises. Repeat Davids words to your King Jesus.

Lord, you are my God; I seek you in my hurt. My soul thirsts for your compassion; my body longs for your healing touch. I cling to you, Lord. Hold me tightly in your gracious hands.

Deeper and Higher:

Now confess this truth with David:
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. Psalm 63:3-4

Where God Guides, He Provides
Written by Joyce Meyer

With Gods power inside us, we should be able to handle anything coming against us. No wonder the apostle Paul said, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheth me (Philippians 4:13 KJV). The Amplified Bible says [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christs sufficiency].

If we look at all the things we need to do in the future, we often feel overwhelmed and begin to dread them. But where God guides, He provides. We can trust Him to give us the grace (the power of the Holy Spirit) to do things when the time comes to do them. God rarely gives us what we need until we need it. He gave the Israelites manna one day at a time. If they tried to gather the next days portion, it rotted and stank. (Exodus 16:20) We can rest in the knowledge of Gods provision for us and trust Him.

Develop a mindset that says, Im ready for anything; Im equal to anything. Determine in your heart to possess the land the Lord has given you. As a born-again believer, you are anointed to walk through. You can be free from being timid, faint-hearted, fearful and full of dread. Just begin confronting the devil. Stop letting what he is offering push you down. Rise up against it!

God has already given us the Promised Land. Our part is to confront those dreads and possess it!

Necessities of Life

QUESTION:
In most of my prayers I ask God for things I need each day. These are legitimate needs. (Im not asking God to make me a millionaire, just to help me pay the mortgage.) Is God really concerned about the necessities of my life?

ANSWER FROM MAX:
Give us each day our daily bread (Luke 11:3).

What is this daily bread Jesus spoke of, tucked inside the Lords Prayer? A loaf of warm Italian bread on my doorstep every morning? That would be nice.

Bread is a staple of every culture. From flat bread to yeast-filled loaves, grain has been mixed with water and oil and placed over a fire by every civilization. Whats the first thing a restaurant brings before the meal? Bread. (Okay, maybe Mexican restaurants dont, but those chips are made from grain. Theyre just fried in oil.)

But how about a slight change to the daily menu: Give us this day our daily mocha chocolate chip ice cream or Give us this day our daily beluga whale caviar?

Those are luxuries, not necessities. Sorry, God does not promise those.

Bread is a valued necessity, tasty and welcomed, but certainly not extravagant.

Jesus tells us to ask for the necessities in life, but does he promise to provide them?

Soon after this plea for daily bread, found also in Matthew 6, Jesus presents his famous Dont worry passage: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? (v. 25). God takes care of birds, flowers, and grass and provides the basics they need to exist (vv. 2630). Why not us? Arent we more important than a barn swallow, a multiflora petunia, and a blade of Bahia grass?

You bet a loaf of sweet sourdough we are.

In that statement comes a promise from God to provide his most important creation on earth with food, clothing, and drink (vv. 2534). The necessities once again.

Jesus tells us to ask, then promises to give us the basics we need to survive.

So dont worry; be prayerful. God has something wonderful for us baking in the oven. Can you smell it?
___________________________________
From MAX ON LIFE:
Answers and Insights to your Most Important Questions
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2011) Max Lucado

Rejoice
by Janet Scott

Rejoice in the Lord always, and I will say it again, Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

Are you having "fun" yet?! God did not intend our lives to be drudgery! God has a sense of humor and a love for life! He created all of the fun things we enjoy, kittens, puppies, a little girls giggle, the sound of rain falling softly, flowers in the Spring, music to brighten our days and silly people that make us laugh. God wants us to be happy and enjoy life!

What is it that is weighing you down?

I think sometimes, we tend to weigh ourselves down by taking on too much! I remember one day talking to our preachers wife several years ago and she said, in a rather frustrated tone, "Janet, has it occurred to you that maybe someone else in the church should do something?!" I stopped to think about what all I was doing in the church at that point and it went something like this: my husband and I had the bus ministry, I sang in the choir, I ran the nursery program, I taught the Junior Church for the elementary children and at that time I also had 3 toddlers at home! Hmmmm, she might not have had to be angry with me, I was only trying to do what I saw needed to be done, but she was right! It is possible to do so much that we take away the opportunity and blessing for someone else to feel the need to serve. That doesn't just go for church service, it goes for our homes and offices, etc. Learn to say, "no thank you, I don't think I can do that at this time." It's ok, in fact you may find it freeing!

Sometimes we can get so caught up in the doing, like Martha in Luke chapter 10 when she complained to Jesus because she was working so hard while her sister Mary sat at Jesus feet to listen to Him, that we miss out on His Joy and blessing just like Martha did. Maybe it is time to slow down a little and find some fun! Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers, go for a walk or take a nice warm bath and think about what things are good and necessary for you to do and what things do you need to pass on to someone else for a season. OR, maybe you are the one who needs to pick up the slack and find something you can do to help take the burden off someone else. Pray about it and seek God about what He would have you do and where you need to draw some boundaries. God promises to not put on us more than we can bare, I believe we need to have the same standard for ourselves!

When You Are Low on Hope
by Max Lucado

Water. All Noah can see is water. The evening sun sinks into it. The clouds are reflected in it. His boat is surrounded by it. Water. Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the west. Water.

He sent a raven on a scouting mission; it never returned. He sent a dove. It came back shivering and spent, having found no place to roost. Then, just this morning, he tried again. With a prayer he let it go and watched until the bird was no bigger than a speck on a window.

All day he looked for the doves return.

Now the sun is setting, and the sky is darkening, and he has come to look one final time, but all he sees is water. Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the

You know the feeling. You have stood where Noah stood. Youve known your share of floods. Flooded by sorrow at the cemetery, stress at the office, anger at the disability in your body or the inability of your spouse. Youve seen the floodwater rise, and youve likely seen the sun set on your hopes as well. Youve been on Noahs boat.

And youve needed what Noah needed; youve needed some hope. Youre not asking for a helicopter rescue, but the sound of one would be nice. Hope doesnt promise an instant solution but rather the possibility of an eventual one. Sometimes all we need is a little hope.

Thats all Noah needed. And thats all Noah received.

Here is how the Bible describes the moment: When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! (Gen. 8:11 NIV).

An olive leaf. Noah would have been happy to have the bird but to have the leaf! This leaf was more than foliage; this was promise. The bird brought more than a piece of a tree; it brought hope. For isnt that what hope is? Hope is an olive leafevidence of dry land after a flood. Proof to the dreamer that dreaming is worth the risk.

To all the Noahs of the world, to all who search the horizon for a fleck of hope, Jesus proclaims, Yes! And he comes. He comes as a dove. He comes bearing fruit from a distant land, from our future home. He comes with a leaf of hope.

Have you received yours? Dont think your ark is too isolated. Dont think your flood is too wide. Receive his hope, wont you? Receive it because you need it. Receive it so you can share it. Receive his hope, wont you? Receive it because you need it. Receive it so you can share it.

What do you suppose Noah did with his? What do you think he did with the leaf? Did he throw it overboard and forget about it? Do you suppose he stuck it in his pocket and saved it for a scrapbook? Or do you think he let out a whoop and assembled the troops and passed it around like the Hope Diamond it was?

Certainly he whooped. Thats what you do with hope. What do you do with olive leaves? You pass them around. You dont stick them in your pocket. You give them to the ones you love. Love always hopes. Love bears all things, believes all things, *hopes* all things, endures all things (1 Cor. 13:47 NKJV, emphasis mine).

Love has hope in you.

The aspiring young author was in need of hope. More than one person had told him to give up. Getting published is impossible, one mentor said. Unless you are a national celebrity, publishers wont talk to you. Another warned, Writing takes too much time. Besides, you dont want all your thoughts on paper.

Initially he listened. He agreed that writing was a waste of effort and turned his attention to other projects. But somehow the pen and pad were bourbon and Coke to the wordaholic. Hed rather write than read. So he wrote. How many nights did he pass on that couch in the corner of the apartment reshuffling his deck of verbs and nouns? And how many hours did his wife sit with him? He wordsmithing. She cross-stitching. Finally a manuscript was finished. Crude and laden with mistakes but finished.

She gave him the shove. Send it out. Whats the harm?

So out it went. Mailed to fifteen different publishers. While the couple waited, he wrote. While he wrote, she stitched. Neither expecting much, both hoping everything. Responses began to fill the mailbox. Im sorry, but we dont accept unsolicited manuscripts. We must return your work. Best of luck. Our catalog doesnt have room for unpublished authors.

I still have those letters. Somewhere in a file. Finding them would take some time. Finding Denalyns cross-stitch, however, would take none. To see it, all I do is lift my eyes from this monitor and look on the wall. Of all those arts in which the wise excel, natures chief masterpiece is writing well.

She gave it to me about the time the fifteenth letter arrived. A publisher had said yes. That letter is also framed. Which of the two is more meaningful? The gift from my wife or the letter from the publisher? The gift, hands down. For in giving the gift, Denalyn gave hope.

Love does that. Love extends an olive leaf to the loved one and says, I have hope in you.

Love is just as quick to say, I have hope *for* you.

You can say those words. You are a flood survivor. By Gods grace you have found your way to dry land. You know what its like to see the waters subside. And since you do, since you passed through a flood and lived to tell about it, you are qualified to give hope to someone else.
_________________________________
From A Love Worth Giving: Living in the Overflow of Gods Love
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2002) Max Lucado

A Godly Mother
Written by Michelle Smythers

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:28

Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Proverbs 31:30

When we were younger, how many times did we say I will never treat my kids like that!? While we are growing up, there are days that no one is more spectacular than our mom. She can fix our boo-boos, make the monsters under our bed leave, make the best cupcakes in school and best of all nobody is going to be mean to her baby!

But then we grow up and figure out that mom doesnt know anything. How can she? She dont understand how we feel, she dont know what we are going through. And she actually wants to talk about whats going on! Why? That is just so embarrassing! Dont she get it we are grown-ups and she needs to let go! She dont need to know everything! Ughhh!

When the day comes that we are blessed with our own children, boy.it really opens our eyes! The sleepless nights, endless piles of laundry, never-ending dirty dishes and constant go-go-go. How did mom always get it done? How did she manage to make it look so easy? Why did she love us on the days that we had no respect for her? Why did she continue to help us when we stubbornly told her we didnt need her? Why did she keep praying for us when others gave up on us? Why did she continually tell us that God would work everything out when it seemed there was no hope?

If you were blessed like me and have a Christian mom, all of those questions seem to suddenly have an answer .. she is a Godly woman. She is priceless, irreplaceable and should be praised. We should never hide the fact that our mother had Gods help raising us. And because she sought Gods protection over us, His healing in our sickness, His conviction while we were sinning, we can stand tall today and say we are who we are because of our mom. But even if your mom is not a Christian, it doesnt mean she didnt do a great job at raising you and being there for you. For the most part, no one or nothing can come between a mother and her child. A mother should have respect and love from her children. She does the best that she can, whether we see it that way or not. A mother will come to your rescue when no one else will look your way. A mother will stay awake at night when her grown child is struggling. A mother will give you all that she has to meet your needs. A mother will stay at the feet of Jesus in prayer until her child has a breakthrough. A mothers love is endless and unconditional.

So on this Mothers Day, take the time to show your mom how much you love her and appreciate all that she does for you. You dont have to buy her a fancy gift or an expensive meal. You dont have to shout it to the world. But dont hesitate to let HER know. Dont you think she deserves to know how special she is to you?

So on that note, I want to let everyone know that I am so blessed to have the mom I have. She stood by me at times when she had every reason to turn her back on me. She prayed for me more than I ever deserved. She was strong for me when she needed someone to be strong for her. She loved me no matter what. She has been a Godly example when I was a child and even more so as an adult. She has given me words of wisdom and advice when no one else knew what to say. In all of my years, she has never let me down. And for that and more, I want her to know how much I love her. I could never have picked a better mother. To me, she is the best mom in the world!

What if
Written by Michelle Smythers

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

On April 8^th, Pulaski County, VA,was hit by two tornados. There was unimaginable damage and so many families affected by this destruction. All of the lives that were touched by this destruction were hit without much warning. In the aftermath, emotions ran in all directions. There was fear, hurt, anger and worry. On that Friday night, I feel certain that people felt lost and hopeless. What would they do? Where and how would they live? But come Saturday morning, there was hope. Volunteers and donations poured in. This would not replace what the people lost, but it gave them hope that others cared and wanted to help in any way that they can.

This made me think about our spiritual hope. Just like this tornado, our hope can be shattered and destroyed without warning. Although we know that we are suppose to keep our faith and hope strong, sometimes it can be tested and we can lose our hold on it for a moment. Just like that Friday night, when the power was knocked out and people didnt know how bad the damage was, our circumstances may leave us wondering what are we going to find when daylight breaks. These tests can be minor setbacks or major life-changing events. Either way, our hope and faith is being tried. Are we going to see the hope and the love from those around us? Are we counting on others to bring us the peace that we are so desperately needing? Or are we going to count on God to give us the strength to move forward instead of standing still looking at our temporary destruction?

Laura Story has a new song called Blessings. (Click towatch musicvideo) When I heard her sing What if Your blessings come in raindrops. What if Your healing comes through tears. What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know Youre near. What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise. it touched my heart and made me think about the hard times in our lives. I watched the testimony of why she wrote the song. She and her husband had been praying for his healing. They werent getting the results that they were hoping for. She talked about wondering if the blessing of God was Him not giving them everything they wanted.

There are so many things that we do not and will not ever understand. The Bible plainly tells us in Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. So, what if we just believe that no matter what we are facing, no matter how bad the damage that God has plans for us and His blessings come in many different ways. Sometimes our disappointments let us know that people cant always give us what we need. There are times that only God can gives us complete healing, peace and unconditional love. What if we take the time to see His blessings through the trials. That in itself can give us hope and strength to face another day.

Lost
Written by Kaye Meadows

For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost.
Matthew 18:11

I am so amazed time after time of how the Holy Spirit speaks to us in everyday activities that we have to do. We all have daily schedules, tasks that we have to take care of in this world that we live in. We get so busy in our routines and often forget that even though we have things that our flesh must do, we must be prepared spiritually to be able to "walk in the spirit". When we walk in this way then we can experience those "God encounters" in the simplest of things we have to do.

Today as I was filling up the cats dry food bowl I spilled a bunch of cat food around the bowls, something I have done many times before. To someone else this may not be a big deal, just leave it there and let the cats eat it right?Of course that is not me. I have to keep the cats bowls in my beautiful garden tub to keep my sweet little dog out of it!! So, not wanting to have a mess in my tub I bent over to pick up all that cat food. I had to get down on my knees and reach way over in the tub to do this.

As I was reaching out to get those tiny pieces of food I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to me, "Its time that we get on our knees and reach for the lost." Wow! Thats one of those moments where you look up and look around! Please don't get me wrong, I know full well that we all pray for the lost in our families, church and friends but do we really get on our knees and reach? Are we putting real effort into seeking God for the lost? Reaching for them is prayer, sacrifice of time, a kind word to the bitter and angry, a smile, a helping hand for those in need, whatever it may be. They are lost, just like those tiny pieces of cat food being outside of the bowl, the lost in this world are on the outside of salvation and the safety of Gods great big hand! My spoiled cats will let that food lay they until it is stale and won't touch it, they want me to put it in the bowl.

We too are much like this. We all want to see family and friends saved but are we willing to reach to get them? The world around us is a mission field of lost people looking for salvation and they don't even realize it. They are searching for love, money, pleasure and acceptance and all they really need is Jesus. No one has to remind any of us of the condition of this world. Every day there is some new tragedy that strikes somewhere, even here at home. It is time for all of us to seek God for wisdom and directionon how to reach for those He has placed around us. He has a plan for each of us and that includes reaching for those that are lostoutside the "bowl".

Where is Your Hope
Written by Bill Scott

But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7

I often talk about faith and trust. So many people put their faith and trust in their paycheck, place of employment, savings accounts, retirement, friends or other things. How foolish to do that when God has promised to be your security and provider. You may get your check from your employer but that is not your source. God is!

This verse is very short yet to the point. It's one of God's promises to us that we can take to the bank (no pun intended). We are blessed when we CHOOSE to put our trust, hope and confidence in the Lord. I want to be a blessed man. I want to be a blessed husband and dad. I want to be a blessed boss and leader. I want to be blessed when I come and I want to be blessed when I go. When I arrive some place I want the blessing to be with me as well.

God is at work in your life today, even if you don't see His hand moving. Just the other night a single mom living in government housing called me on the air. She had $6.00 for rent and was flat-out broke. She was doing all she could to climb out of being on government aid and being able to provide for her family. I listened as she cried while sharing the story. I prayed for God's favor and blessings on her and her family. At that moment she didn't see God moving on her behalf and she was scared that she wouldn't be able to pay rent. My wife talked to her two hours later and believe it or not she had received an anonymous $1,000 check. God was moving on her behalf even though at the time of our call things looked hopeless!

Choose today to put your trust, hope and confidence in the Lord and expect God's blessing to travel with you.

Extra time in the Word Mark 13

THE SUFFERINGS OF HIS BROKEN HEART
by Max Lucado

Go with me for a moment to witness what was perhaps the foggiest night in history. The scene is very simple; youll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night.

Now, look into the picture. Look closely through the shadowy foliage. See that person? See that solitary figure? Whats he doing? Flat on the ground. Face stained with dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth. Eyes wide with a stupor of fear. Hair matted with salty sweat. Is that blood on his forehead?

Thats Jesus. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Maybe youve seen the classic portrait of Christ in the garden. Kneeling beside a big rock. Snow-white robe. Hands peacefully folded in prayer. A look of serenity on his face. Halo over his head. A spotlight from heaven illuminating his golden-brown hair.

Now, Im no artist, but I can tell you one thing. The man who painted that picture didnt use the gospel of Mark as a pattern. Look what Mark wrote about that painful night, he used phrases like these: Horror and dismay came over him. My heart is ready to break with grief. He went a little forward and threw himself on the ground.

Does this look like the picture of a saintly Jesus resting in the palm of God? Hardly. Mark used black paint to describe this scene. We see an agonizing, straining, and struggling Jesus. We see a man of sorrows. (Isaiah 53:3 NASB) We see a man struggling with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for relief.

We see Jesus in the fog of a broken heart.

The writer of Hebrews would later pen, During the days of Jesus life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death. (Hebrews 5:7 NIV)

My, what a portrait! Jesus is in pain. Jesus is on the stage of fear. Jesus is cloaked, not in sainthood, but in humanity.

The next time the fog finds you, you might do well to remember Jesus in the garden. The next time you think that no one understands, reread the fourteenth chapter of Mark. The next time your self-pity convinces you that no one cares, pay a visit to Gethsemane. And the next time you wonder if God really perceives the pain that prevails on this dusty planet, listen to him pleading among the twisted trees.

The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention. It may be the closest youll ever get to God. Watch closely. It could very well be that the hand that extends itself to lead you out of the fog is a pierced one.
__________________________________
From Max Lucado's BRAND NEW Gift Book:
*** This is Love: The Extraordinary Story of Jesus ***
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2011) Max Lucado

Sharing Our Faith
Written by Kyle Shultz

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:16-18

We've got a big passage today, but it's completely worthwhile. The bottom line for all believers is that we are commanded to share our faith. What we see from this passage is that there are two types of believers that share their faith. There are those that see this as a command that has to be obeyed, and there are those that gladly give their hearts to this call. I know what it's like to be on the side that does this because they see that they have to in Christ. There are many people who genuinely want to obey but they really come across as "by the book" kind of Christians. Paul is not condemning these people. What we see in the first part of Corinthians is that he is glad that Christ is being preached.

What we see also is that there are those who share Christ not just because they see the command, but they have made Him the desire of their hearts. That is what Paul is referring to when He talks about sharing the gospel willingly. The thing about just obeying the command without the willingness of your heart is that you are obeying the call of God out of your own ability. When we obey in our own power we won't reflect Christ as He intends. Remember that God's whole desire for His people is that He make them into the image of His Son. So this is definitely a hindrance.
What we see is that we share our faith in Christ and honor Him when we make Him the desire of our heart. Then when we see His command we will willingly follow Him. They will see Christ clearly in us and won't be able to deny it and many sons and daughters will be brought into the kingdom.

Extra time in the Word: 1 Corinthians 3

This Little Light of Mine
Written by Michelle Smythers

Click to view music video"This Little Light of Mine" by Addison Road

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. Matthew 5:16

Have you tried walking in the dark? Its not so easy. Even when you know the way, like in your home, it may not be so easy. You know where furniture is. You know where the rooms are. You can walk through most of the time with ease. But when your kids leave toys lying around or a piece of furniture is moved, it becomes an obstacle course in the dark. The smallest night light can shed just enough light to get you into the room you need to go to. But if you turn on an overhead light, you can get through the whole house.

Think about all of the lost people in the world today. They are walking in darkness of sin. They may not be able to see the road ahead. They may be groping and reaching for help to get through. Some are walking as if they are in their house, they know the way but theres an obstacle. They need a light to shine in their darkness. Some may know Christians but dont have any interest in their way of life, while some may not have any Christian influence at all.

In Matthew 5, Jesus calls us to be a light in the world. We are to give light to those around us. He wants us to shine so we can bring glory to Him. As we walk through this life, we need to stand our ground and let our light shine. We may be that night light that helps someone come back to the Lord. We may be that bright light that shows many people how to come out of the darkness. Either way, Jesus has called us to be lights for the world. Are you going to be a light to those around you? Or are you hiding your light? When we follow Jesus, we are examples of Him. Those around us see if we are sincere. Does your light glorify God? Is your light shining bright? We need to strive to be a bright light for all to see because we may be the only light that some will ever see.

Conformed to the Son
Written by Kenneth Wagener

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:14-16

Trees can wither when temperatures soar. Young trees, not yet fully formed, are especially vulnerable when the heat is on. Without plentiful water and relief from blistering sunlight, even mature trees can languish.

God calls you to be a tree planted by the waters. Yet He knows you live and move and have your being in this fallen, sinful world. At times, the pressures to conform to the pattern of this world can overwhelm even mature Christians. The temptations of a world system broken and hostile to its creator can blister our souls and wilt our resolve.

The temptation to cut corners at the office or in the shop. The belief that only those who compromise their principals get ahead. The frustrations inherent in accountability. The busy-ness that kills relationships. A critical attitude toward our children or others we mentor at home, church or work. The list might soar into the hundreds.

When you feel the heat, the pressure to conform, what do you do? Do you turn to the cool, refreshing Living Water Jesus Christ? If so, you need not fear when the heat comes. You have been grafted by grace onto His tree His cross. You have been united with Him in His life the new life of His resurrection. You stand in the shade of His forgiveness, and you are daily rejuvenated made whole, fresh, and green because of His mercy and love.

When the temperature rises in your life, your Father invites you into the seasonable weather of His promises in Christ. Stay close to Him. Let the Lord conform you to His image for you a mature, evergreen tree, seeking His holy will.

Do you hear Gods call:
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Romans 12:2

Safely Secured
Written by Jennifer Benson Schuldt

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present not things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

On a whim, I bought a red foil balloon at the grocery store. The message I Love You streamed across the front in billowy script. As I was loading bags into my car, the balloons string slid through my fingers. I stood there watching it gloat away, and soon it was nothing more than a tiny red dot finally, just a memory.

Losing that balloon reminded me of the way love sometimes vanishes from lives. Children rebel and distance themselves; spouses or loved ones desert; close friends stop calling.

Im so thankful that Gods love is steady; it can sustain us when love here on earth drifts away. In fact, its so reliable that Jesus invites us to abide in His love (John 15:9). He wants us to know its okay to settle in and get comfortable.

We can always remain in Gods tender embrace because neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come (Romans 8:38), or anything else, can ever separate us from His love through Christ. Once we trust Christ as Savior, the guarantee of Gods love is ours forever.

Have you watched love disappear from your life? Rest in Gods affection His constant care will keep your heart safely secured.

Our salvation is secure because Gods Word is sure.

The Stuff
Written by Michelle Smythers

For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe.
1 Timothy 4:10

Theres a new song called This is the Stuff by Francesca Battistelli.
(Click here to watch her video)Its an uplifting short song that talks about the small irritations that we face daily and how we still need to count our blessings. In the song, she sings about lost keys, phones and speeding tickets but then adds that in the middle of my little mess, I forget how big Im blessed. This is the stuff that gets under my skin, and Ive gotta trust You know exactly what Youre doin. It might not be the stuff Id choose, but this is the stuff You use.

How many times have you had a bad day? Nothing major, just little things that eat away at your joy, cause you to run behind or you feel youre surrounded by negativity. It doesnt take long before our attitude can plummet and it seems nothing is going right. It is so much easier to find wrong than right when we have this kind of attitude. Lets face it, some of us can roll around in self-pity until someone pulls us up. No doubt that sometimes we roll around longer than we need to. A bad attitude can go on for days or even weeks. It can make us withdraw from people because - in our moment - they are just stupid and dont deserve our attention. Or we snap when anyone tries to approach us, whether it is with words or tears. We quit going to church because others tell us its not helping our attitude.

When we get in this place, we need to listen to the words, in the middle of my little mess, I forget how big Im blessed. We also need to realize that there is some stuff we dont choose to come into our lives, it just happens. Thats when we have to trust God. Trust that He knows what and how much we can handle. Maybe He is using all of this stuff to slow us down, get us back on track to what is important God.

So if you are having one of those days today, take a deep breath. Now trust that God is going to make your day better. If today is a good day for you, grab it and hold on. Realize how big your blessings are. Either way, God is in control of your day and your life. Good or bad, God is there with you. Just take the time to enjoy being in Gods blessings.

Conformed to the Son
Written by Kenneth Wagener

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:14-16

Trees can wither when temperatures soar. Young trees, not yet fully formed, are especially vulnerable when the heat is on. Without plentiful water and relief from blistering sunlight, even mature trees can languish.

God calls you to be a tree planted by the waters. Yet He knows you live and move and have your being in this fallen, sinful world. At times, the pressures to conform to the pattern of this world can overwhelm even mature Christians. The temptations of a world system broken and hostile to its creator can blister our souls and wilt our resolve.

The temptation to cut corners at the office or in the shop. The belief that only those who compromise their principals get ahead. The frustrations inherent in accountability. The busy-ness that kills relationships. A critical attitude toward our children or others we mentor at home, church or work. The list might soar into the hundreds.

When you feel the heat, the pressure to conform, what do you do? Do you turn to the cool, refreshing Living Water Jesus Christ? If so, you need not fear when the heat comes. You have been grafted by grace onto His tree His cross. You have been united with Him in His life the new life of His resurrection. You stand in the shade of His forgiveness, and you are daily rejuvenated made whole, fresh, and green because of His mercy and love.

When the temperature rises in your life, your Father invites you into the seasonable weather of His promises in Christ. Stay close to Him. Let the Lord conform you to His image for you a mature, evergreen tree, seeking His holy will.

Do you hear Gods call:
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Romans 12:2

Safely Secured
Written by Jennifer Benson Schuldt

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present not things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

On a whim, I bought a red foil balloon at the grocery store. The message I Love You streamed across the front in billowy script. As I was loading bags into my car, the balloons string slid through my fingers. I stood there watching it gloat away, and soon it was nothing more than a tiny red dot finally, just a memory.

Losing that balloon reminded me of the way love sometimes vanishes from lives. Children rebel and distance themselves; spouses or loved ones desert; close friends stop calling.

Im so thankful that Gods love is steady; it can sustain us when love here on earth drifts away. In fact, its so reliable that Jesus invites us to abide in His love (John 15:9). He wants us to know its okay to settle in and get comfortable.

We can always remain in Gods tender embrace because neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come (Romans 8:38), or anything else, can ever separate us from His love through Christ. Once we trust Christ as Savior, the guarantee of Gods love is ours forever.

Have you watched love disappear from your life? Rest in Gods affection His constant care will keep your heart safely secured.

Our salvation is secure because Gods Word is sure.

The Stuff
Written by Michelle Smythers

For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe.
1 Timothy 4:10

Theres a new song called This is the Stuff by Francesca Battistelli.
(Click here to watch her video)Its an uplifting short song that talks about the small irritations that we face daily and how we still need to count our blessings. In the song, she sings about lost keys, phones and speeding tickets but then adds that in the middle of my little mess, I forget how big Im blessed. This is the stuff that gets under my skin, and Ive gotta trust You know exactly what Youre doin. It might not be the stuff Id choose, but this is the stuff You use.

How many times have you had a bad day? Nothing major, just little things that eat away at your joy, cause you to run behind or you feel youre surrounded by negativity. It doesnt take long before our attitude can plummet and it seems nothing is going right. It is so much easier to find wrong than right when we have this kind of attitude. Lets face it, some of us can roll around in self-pity until someone pulls us up. No doubt that sometimes we roll around longer than we need to. A bad attitude can go on for days or even weeks. It can make us withdraw from people because - in our moment - they are just stupid and dont deserve our attention. Or we snap when anyone tries to approach us, whether it is with words or tears. We quit going to church because others tell us its not helping our attitude.

When we get in this place, we need to listen to the words, in the middle of my little mess, I forget how big Im blessed. We also need to realize that there is some stuff we dont choose to come into our lives, it just happens. Thats when we have to trust God. Trust that He knows what and how much we can handle. Maybe He is using all of this stuff to slow us down, get us back on track to what is important God.

So if you are having one of those days today, take a deep breath. Now trust that God is going to make your day better. If today is a good day for you, grab it and hold on. Realize how big your blessings are. Either way, God is in control of your day and your life. Good or bad, God is there with you. Just take the time to enjoy being in Gods blessings.

Consider the Lilies
by Janet Scott

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Matthew 6:27-19

Where is God when He is silent? Has He forgotten about us or moved on to something more important? Is He just sitting back watching but not really caring?

Bill and I have gone through quite a difficult time and have truly prayed and sought God on everything and still there is silence. BUT, one thing I know to be true and hold onto in times like this is the fact that God Loves us and He loves this ministry and He does care AND when God is silent, He is still working on the situation, whatever it may be. Don't get me wrong, that doesn't make the stress go away, I am still working on the idea of totally letting go and trusting that it will all come out ok. The silly thing about that is that all my worrying doesn't change the fact I cannot do anything to change things and I still have to wait for God to move.

It is sort of like one of our granddaughters who is very attached to me; when she is having a rough day and is at our house it is not uncommon for her to get upset when I am out of her sight. I have found her just sobbing because I had stepped out of the kitchen into the laundry room for something and she noticed I wasn't there. Since I couldn't hear her calling me over our noisy dryer she thought my silence meant I had left her. I hadn't left and I certainly still cared but my minute in the laundry room seemed like an eternity to her! God's minute to me sometimes feels like forever!

I have a Godly Mentor lady in my life and when I talked to her yesterday she reminded me that God's timing is not always ours but that doesn't mean He isn't there and isn't working things out.

Trust Him to be there! If God cares about the lilies of the field or the Sparrow, He certainly cares more about you! There is a song I use to sing in church years ago called "Consider the Lilies" and one line goes like this: "He really cares when your head is bowed low, consider the Lilies and then you will know"! If God seems silent to you or someone you know, consider these truths and allow them to help you get through to the other side!

Quote:
"Your past is important because it brought you to where you are, but as important as your past is, it is not nearly as important as the way you see your future." Dr Tony Campolo

DO YOU TRUST HIM?
by Max Lucado

I know God knows whats best.
I know I dont.
I know he cares.

Such words come easily when the water is calm. But when youre looking at a wrecked car or a suspicious-looking mole, when war breaks out or thieves break in, do you trust him?

Scripture, from Old Testament to New, from prophets to poets to preachers, renders one unanimous chorus: God directs the affairs of humanity. No leaf falls without Gods knowledge. No dolphin gives birth without his permission. No wave crashes on the shore apart from his calculation. God has never been surprised. Not once.

I am the one who creates the light and makes the darkness. I am the one who sends good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things. (Isa. 45:7)

Some find the thought impossible to accept. One dear woman did. After I shared these ideas in a public setting, she asked to speak with me. Husband at her side, she related the story of her horrible childhood. First abused, then abandoned by her father. Unimaginable and undeserved hurts scar her early memories. Through tear-filled eyes she asked, Do you mean to tell me God was watching the whole time?

The question vibrated in the room. I shifted in my chair and answered, Yes, he was. I dont know why he allowed your abuse, but I do know this. He loves you and hurts with you. She didnt like the answer. But dare we say anything else? Dare we suggest that God dozed off? Abandoned his post? That heaven sees but cant act? That our Father is kind but not strong, or strong but doesnt care?

I wish she could have spoken to Joseph. His brothers abused him, selling him into slavery. Was God watching? Yes. And our sovereign God used their rebellious hearts to save a nation from famine and the family of the Messiah from extinction. As Joseph told them, God turned into good what you meant for evil (Gen. 50:20).

Best of all would have been a conversation with Jesus himself. He begged God for a different itinerary: a crossless death. From Gethsemanes garden Christ pleaded for a Plan B. Redemption with no nails. Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine. Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him (Luke 22:4243).

Did God hear the prayer of his Son? Enough to send an angel. Did God spare his Son from death? No. The glory of God outranked the comfort of Christ. So Christ suffered, and Gods grace was displayed and deployed.

Are you called to endure a Gethsemane season? Have you been granted for Christs sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake (Phil. 1:29 NASB)?

If so, then come thirsty and drink deeply from his lordship. He authors all itineraries. He knows what is best. No struggle will come your way apart from his purpose, presence, and permission. What encouragement this brings! You are never the victim of nature or the prey of fate. Chance is eliminated. You are more than a weather vane whipped about by the winds of fortune. Would God truly abandon you to the whims of drug-crazed thieves, greedy corporate raiders, or evil leaders? Perish the thought!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God. (Isa. 43:23 NASB)

We live beneath the protective palm of a sovereign King who superintends every circumstance of our lives and delights in doing us good.

Nothing comes your way that has not first passed through the filter of his love. Learn well the song of sovereignty: I know God knows whats best. Pray humbly the prayer of trust: I trust your lordship. I belong to you. Nothing comes to me that hasnt passed through you.

A word of caution: the doctrine of sovereignty challenges us. Study it gradually. Dont share it capriciously. When someone you love faces adversity, dont insensitively declare, God is in control. A cavalier tone can eclipse the right truth. Be careful.

And be encouraged. Gods ways are always right. They may not make sense to us. They may be mysterious, inexplicable, difficult, and even painful. But they are right. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Rom. 8:28).
_____________________________
From Come Thirsty
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2004) Max Lucado

Chocolate and God
by Janet Scott

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18

What are you afraid of? What fear is it that is keeping you from doing something you either have a desire to do or you have felt is the will of God for your life? Fear is the number one tool Satan often uses to keep people from making progress in their lives! You may be the only one who knows just what it is that you are suppose to be doing, maybe part of your fear is telling anyone else what you believe God has called you to do. Maybe you fear what other people might think, maybe you are fearful of failing or you are afraid of taking that first step of faith trusting God to be there to get you to the other side of whatever it is you are facing.

Ladies, let's face it, we all have our little fears that come along day to day, but is there something that just grips you to the point that it is hindering you? Fearful people always think, "what if" and it is always the negative side of "what if"? Don't spend so much time mulling a problem over until you get confused andupset! Let's face it as women we can take ANYTHING, it might be a short conversation or a look or maybe silence from a boyfriend or spouse and we can go over that thing in our minds until we have had an entire conversation that never existed with the other person and we blow the entire thing way out of proportion! Don't allow Satan the chance to tell you lies to make you fearful of your situation, get the victory and focus on God. Fear can ruin your marriage or any relationship, it can ruin great opportunities and steal your joy IF you allow that to be your focus!

God has proven over an over we can trust Him, we may not always have the most trustworthy people in our lives and they do all have a free will, but God is always trustworthy! He loves us so very much and wants His best for us! If you allow yourself to live in your fears instead of putting your trust in God, you will live a little itty bitty life in comparison to what God has in store for you!

Don't let worry consume you when God is on your side! Focus on Him and allow Him to guide you through life's "situations" to the place He has called you to be, whatever that is.

Quote:
"The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are thewill to try it and the faith to believe it's possible." - Rich DeVos

Be Thankful at All Times
Taken from Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer

Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. Hebrews 13:15

When do we offer thanksgiving? At all times - in every situation, in all things- and by so doing we enter into the victorious life where the devil cannot control us.

How can he control us if we are going to be joyful and thankful no matter what our circumstances are? Admittedly, this kind of lifestyle sometimes requires a sacrifice of praise or thanksgiving, but I would rather sacrifice my thanksgiving to God than sacrifice my joy to satan. I have learned (the hard way) that if I get grumpy and refuse to give thanks, then I will end up giving up my joy. In other words, I will lose it to the spirit of complaining.

In Psalm 34:1 the psalmists says, I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. How can we be a blessing to the Lord? By letting His praise continually be in our thoughts and mouths.

Be a grateful person - one filled with gratitude not only toward God, but also toward people. When someone does something nice for you, let him know that you appreciate it.

Show appreciation in your family among various members. So ofter, we take for granted the things that God has blessed us with. A sure way to lose something is not to appreciate it.

I deal with many people, and it continues to amaze me how some people are so thankful for every little thing that is done for them, while others are never satisfied no matter how much is done on their behalf. I believe pride has something to do with this problem. Some people are so full of themselves that no matter what others do for them, they think they deserve not only that, but more! They seldom express appreciation.

Expressing appreciation is not only good for the other person, but it is good for us, because it releases joy in us.

Meditate daily on all the things you have to be thankful for. Rehearse them to the Lord in prayer, and as you do you will find your heart filling up with life and light.

The Work of God- Jonah 3

Introduction

Jonah had put himself through a mess that he didn't have to go through. But once he admitted his wrong, he was out of the mess. If you notice in the first verse, God gave him the exact same command at the beginning of the book. This was proof that God had given him his second chance. His mercy is new and fresh when we get our eyes focused on Him. If you look at Jonah, he made it up in his mind that he was not going to mess it up this time. Jonah is living proof that no one can turn too far from God that He will not use for His calling on one's life. If God is giving you breath you are fully capable and qualified to turn to Him and for Him to use you for your life calling in Him. We can learn how God works through the second chance of Jonah.

Main Idea

We must embrace the call of God for our lives.

Truths to Consider
Respond in humility. (v. 1-3)
God had to work in the heart of Jonah when he was in the belly of that great fish until he was willing to submit to His hand. As soon as he responded in humility God delivered him out of the situation. What we need to know is that humility is not tearing ourselves apart because that's just our pride trying to do what only God can. Humility begins when our eyes are off ourselves. When Jonah saw that God was right he put himself under God's hand. God then commanded him to go to Nineveh, and Jonah went. The condition of Jonah's heart is what changed his response. As we'll find out later, he still had issues in his heart that needed to be dealt with, but God was able to use him because he had been humbled.

Shine your light. (v. 4)
The work of the Lord that we are responsible for is just what God commands. All Jonah was told to do was speak what God gave him. More than likely Jonah spoke more than just what was said in verse 4. But this was the summary of the message. If you noticed the first time God commanded Jonah to speak against Nineveh because the wickedness was great. God explains later on that the people of Nineveh didn't know right from wrong figuratively by saying they didn't know their right hand from their left (Jonah 4:11). All they knew was a lifestyle completely absent of God and Jonah shined the light of God and it revealed to them that they were very much out of line with Him. Jesus commanded that we let our light shine to the world (Matt. 5:16). We shine when we hold His word dear in our lives and are obedient to what He reveals (John14:15, James. 1:27). Allowing ourselves to be empty before our Lord so that He can fill us is all He wants from us. His light will then shine naturally through our lives and we can't help but live lives that honor Him and draw people to Him (John12:32).

Leave the rest in His hands. (v. 5-10)
When this amazing revival is taking place, Jonah is not mentioned once. The Lord is the One that works on the hearts of people and turns people to Him. Jonah was obedient to say the words God gave him even that which he was responsible for was the working of God through him. Why is it that we don't see God working today like He worked in this passage? Don't get me wrong, His Word is not going to come back without fruit, and He will receive glory from His creation(Isaiah 55:11). But so many times we try to step in and do what only He can do or we think we are so unworthy because the task is overwhelming. Ultimately, we are absolutely powerless to do the work of God. He doesn't even expect us to worry about the results because they are out of our hands. All He wants from us is that we would be humble enough to look to Him and be obedient to the command which He promises to empower us with if we submit. Are you willing?

Fasting Unto thy Father
Written by Michelle Smythers

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:18

Pastor Vines has asked the church to fast. She asked that we pray about how to fast, seeking God's wisdom and will for each of us. There are many reasons that a church full of people cannot all fast the same. For health reasons, work schedules or personal reasons, one person's fast may not work for all.

As I began to pray about what I would fast and for how long, one thing immediately came to mind. Just as fast asthe idea came to mind, the devil began to fight. Oh that's silly! What kind of fast is that? That is no where near what you need to give up! You might as well not fast at all! That's just a few ideasthat he tried to put in my mind. I began to doubt it myself. But then I realized, if he is fighting me like this, thenGod willsurelyhonor my fast.

If we were to go around and tell each other what we were fasting or giving up and for how long, we may begin to look at and praise eachother. We may forget that what we are giving up isa sacrifice to God. It is not to get ahead of the next person. It's not to get what wewant from God. It should be to draw us closer to God, to strengthen our prayer life,to offer up something that, at times, we may feel like we can't do without as a complete sacrifice to God. When we humble ourselves,go into our secret closet to pray and talk to God, He goes before us to prepare our reward. He wants us to keep some things just betweenourself and Him.Maybe there are some things that you are praying about that only you know. You haven't shared your hurts or concerns with anyone. But then you offer up something to God in a fast. This gives you theopportunity to focus on giving yourself and your needs to God. Because you show your complete trust and faith in Him, God is going to blessthe needsin your life.

So in the last two weeksof the fast, don't go from person to person asking what should you fast. Seek God. He will lead you in the right direction. He will show you something that He will honor as your sacrifice. Maybe you arefasting or have already completed your fast. Maybe you still don't know what to fast. Regardless, fast unto God your Father. His will is all that matters.

PRAY FIRST, PRAY MOST
by Max Lucado

One of our Brazilian church leaders taught me something about earnest prayer. He met Christ during a yearlong stay in a drug-rehab center. His therapy included three one-hour sessions of prayer a day. Patients werent required to pray, but they were required to attend the prayer meeting. Dozens of recovering drug addicts spent sixty uninterrupted minutes on their knees.

I expressed amazement and confessed that my prayers were short and formal. He invited (dared?) me to meet him for prayer. I did the next day. We knelt on the concrete floor of our small church auditorium and began to talk to God. Change that. I talked; he cried, wailed, begged, cajoled, and pleaded. He pounded his fists on the floor, shook a fist toward heaven, confessed, and reconfessed every sin. He recited every promise in the Bible as if God needed a reminder. He prayed like Moses.

When God determined to destroy the Israelites for their golden calf stunt, Moses begged the Lord his God and said, Lord, dont let your anger destroy your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with your great power and strength. Dont let the people of Egypt say, The Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt for an evil purpose. . . . Remember the men who served youAbraham, Isaac, and Israel. You promised with an oath to them (Ex. 32:1113 NCV).

Moses on Mount Sinai is not calm and quiet, with folded hands and a serene expression. Hes on his face one minute, in Gods the next. Hes on his knees, pointing his finger, lifting his hands. Shedding tears. Shredding his cloak. Wrestling like Jacob at Jabbok for the lives of his people. And God heard him! So the Lord changed his mind and did not destroy the people as he had said he might (v.14 NCV).

Our passionate prayers move the heart of God. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). Prayer does not change Gods nature; who he is will never be altered. Prayer does, however, impact the flow of history. God has wired his world for power, but he calls on us to flip the switch.

Most of us struggle with prayer. We forget to pray, and when we remember, we hurry through prayers with hollow words. Our minds drift; our thoughts scatter like a covey of quail. Why is this? Prayer requires minimal effort. No location is prescribed. No particular clothing is required. No title or office is stipulated. Yet youd think we were wrestling a greased pig.

Speaking of pigs, Satan seeks to interrupt our prayers. Our battle with prayer is not entirely our fault. The devil knows the stories; he witnessed the angel in Peters cell and the revival in Jerusalem. He knows what happens when we pray. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemys strong places (2 Cor. 10:4 NCV).

Satan is not troubled when Max writes books or prepares sermons, but his knobby knees tremble when Max prays. Satan does not stutter or stumble when you walk through church doors or attend committee meetings. Demons arent flustered when you read this book. But the walls of hell shake when one person with an honest heart and faithful confession says, Oh, God, how great thou art.

Satan keeps you and me from prayer. He tries to position himself between us and God. But he scampers like a spooked dog when we move forward. So lets do.

Lets pray, first. Traveling to help the hungry? Be sure to bathe your mission in prayer. Working to disentangle the knots of injustice? Pray. Weary with a world of racism and division? So is God. And he would love to talk to you about it. Lets pray, most. Did God call us to preach without ceasing? Or teach without ceasing? Or have committee meetings without ceasing? Or sing without ceasing? No, but he did call us to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17).

Did Jesus declare: My house shall be called a house of study? Fellowship? Music? A house of exposition? A house of activities? No, but he did say, My house will be called a house of prayer (Mark 11:17 NIV).

No other spiritual activity is guaranteed such results. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action (Matt. 18:19 MSG). He is moved by the humble, prayerful heart.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ.
(Colossians 4:23 NLT)

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, you created all that exists, and you keep it running through your infinite wisdom and boundless power. Yet you invite me to come to you in prayer, boldly and with the expectation that you will hear me and answer me. Teach me, Lord, to take full advantage of this amazing privilege, especially in regard to reaching others with your love. Give me a heart for those who have yet to experience the fullness of your grace, and prompt me to pray for them and for their welfare, both in this world and in eternity. Lord, bring me to the front lines of this battle. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
___________________________
From Outlive Your Life
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2010) Max Lucado

Resolutions
Written by Michelle Smythers

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach thy sons, and thy sons sons; Deuteronomy 4:9

As we finish out 2010, most of us look back at what changes have taken place. Some we like, some we dont. Some we can improve on, some we cant. Some we have no control over, some we do. When we look at these things, we see things we make resolutions to change in 2011. We make promises to ourselves to lose weight, work on our health, exercise more, spend less, work harder and so on. These promises may stick for some, but most of us try for a week or two then give up. We may even keep some of our resolutions. Though we have the best of intentions, sometimes we feel it takes too much time and effort.

There is one area of our life that we need to put in all the time and effort that we can. We cant give up. We cant say we will work on it later, were just too busy. We have to make a promise to change, but that promise is not to ourselves, its to God. Once we give our lives to God, its never the same. We dont just get saved and thats it. Each day is filled with hope, joy, peace and love. There are even times that we just know God is going to take care of us and we know He is there. We begin to take our walk with God for granted. We become comfortable.

At times like these, we need to shake ourselves and remember all that God has done for us. We need to keep our souls diligent, earnest and energetic. Keep all of Gods teachings, promises, and works in our hearts. But not only keep these in our hearts, teach them to others. Let others know what all God has done for you. Let them know why you want to grow and change in the New Year. Change for the better. Grow closer to God than ever before.

So when you make your resolutions for 2011, make a resolution to keep God in your heart all the days of your life. Make this resolution the one that you will keep. Dont get tired of trying. Dont put it off until next week. Start today and push to improve every day. This will be a resolution that will change your life forever.

Peace on Earth
Written by Michelle Smythers

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
John 16:33

A lot of Christmas songs we are hearing now are about peace on earth. Have you thought about the true meaning of peace? We may think about no family arguments, no worries on your mind, or no troubles in your life. But one definition of peace is freedom from disturbing thoughts or emotions.

We have often heard sermons about how satan will attack your mind more than anything. He tries to play on your thoughts, bring worry, frustration and fear. During the holidays, all of these emotions seem to grow. We feel stress if we cant financially have a big Christmas, we miss our loved ones that have passed away, we long to be with family that is separated by miles. All of these can lay heavy on our minds if we let it. When the enemy comes in and tries to bombard your mind with negative, depressing thoughts, it is time for us to call out to Jesus. He tells us in John, in His own words, that in Him we have peace. He spoke it, He promised it and He will not go back on His word.

Think about the definition freedom from disturbing thoughts or emotions. Jesus gives us that freedom in our minds. He keeps us from having those disturbing thoughts and emotions that will try to keep us awake at night, try to keep us down and depressed, and most of all, He will keep us from having fear of what might happen. There are some things that are beyond our control, but Jesus is still in control. The peace that Jesus gives conquers fear, depression, doubt, sadness or any emotion. So when the devil tries to put disturbing thoughts and emotions in your mind, call on Jesus and accept His peace. Lets have Peace on Earth every day, not just at Christmas.

Extra verses about peace:

Isaiah 26:3
Romans 16:20
Romans 5:1
Psalm 4:8
John 14:27
Philippians 4:7

No Room
Written by Michelle Smythers

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

The birth of our Savior Jesus is an amazing miracle. God took a young girl that had never been with any man, and placed in her womb the baby that would grow to save the whole world. God touched the heart of a carpenter to marry this pregnant girl when he knew he wasn't the father of her child. But he trusted God that this child was the prophecy of the Isaiah.

But when it was time for Mary to deliver the Savior of this world, no one had room for Jesus to be born. All of the inns were full and Mary and Joseph had to go into a barn, where the animals sleep and eat, and deliver Jesus. Then the only place to lay him was in a manger filled with hay for the animals.

But even in these dirty surroundings, the angels of heaven rejoiced and announced the birth of the Savior. Even though there was no room for Jesus to arrive, He still came.

Are you making room for the Savior in your life? You may not feel like your situation is 'clean enough' for Jesus to be in your life, but there is no situation that He will not come into. Sometimes, we want to get rid of the dirt in our lives before we decide to let Jesus in.

But we need to realize that Jesus is coming again. We can either turn Him away by saying 'I don't have room for you in my life yet' or we can open our hearts and welcome Jesus to come. When we welcome Jesus into our lives, the angels rejoice. It is a time of celebration because our Savior has saved once again. When we invite Him into our lives, we prepare ourselves for His return. We are preparing to live with Jesus forever.

Are you prepared for Jesus to come? Please remember, Jesus came even when there was no room for Him to be born, and He is returning to gather His children even if others don't have room for Him in their lives. Isn't it time to make room for Jesus in your life?

A Giving Time of Year
Written by Michelle Smythers

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35

This is the time of year that people run from store to store finding the perfect gift for someone. When we are shopping, our money may not stretch like it once did so we hope that we are not letting our loved ones down. A lot of people are even making their list of what they want. When we are making these lists, we try to consider the other person's financial situation or not asking for more than we feel we deserve.

One thing that I have realized while working with the food drive and adopt-a-family program is that so many people are hurting and doing without. God has called us to show His love and compassion to those hurting people. There are those around us that have no means of emotional, financial, or spiritualsupport. The scripture above tells us to support the weak.We may not be able to financially support with a big donation but we can support by giving our time, a few cans of food, buying snacks or crafts at a fundraiser and prayer. When Jesus said It is more blessed to give than receive, He is telling us that we will be blessed as we give to others. He doesn't tell us we have to give so much that we go without, we just need to give. Others look for our support, even when they don't know us or know where the support comes from. By letting God use us, His love and compassion is spread all through our communities and families.

This Christmas season, follow Jesus' words to give. And remember, you don't have to give a lot of money when you don't have it. Give yourself, your time, your prayers. Focus on giving, not receiving. You won't be disappointed.

Giving Thanks
By Michelle Smythers

We celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday. We spend this day with family and close friends. We look back on the past year and count our blessings. But for some, they may feel like they don't have much to be thankful for. Given today's economy and all the bad news every time you watch the nightly news, the future looks bleak and uncertain. It seems everyone is watchingevery penny and cutting back on extras. But even when tomorrow is shaky for the world, we can rest assured in God's arms. He is our Father and He is watching over us. We may be living paycheck to paycheck but He is God every day. He knows our needs and even our desires. So when you begin to wonder what you have to be thankful for, think about these scriptures:

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7

When we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.
II Corinthians 4:8-9

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.Psalm 138:7

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:1

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.I Peter 5:7

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.Isaiah 26:3

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13

When you wonder what you have to be thankful for, turn to God's Word. There are reasons all through the scriptures of why we should be thankful. Take some time this week to find reasons to be thankful. Don't think about what you don't have. Concentrate on the blessings God has given you.

Sweet Refreshing
Written by Michelle Smythers

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Ephesians 4:23

Have you ever been in a place spiritually where things were going good but you just felt that you needed more? I dont mean more material things, just more peace of mind. You may not have doubts or troubles in your life, but it would be good to feel Gods love and peace surround you.

I experienced that love and peace this weekend. I cant really say I had a lot on my mind. I cant say I was facing a huge battle. I cant even say I was a little down or depressed. Even though they say you cant base your Christian walk on feeling, I just really wanted to feel Gods presence. I had gotten to that point that I needed to feel His presence. Not that I felt alone or anything like that, just that His presence gives us strength.

In each service that I attended at a Ladies Retreat, there was no program, no plan, just a willingness of the people to let God have His way. When the services began with prayer of hundreds of women longing for Gods presence, His sweet presence filled the room. I could feel a sweetness in the air that wrapped around me like a blanket. It was the type of love that only God can give, the type of love that brings you to tears. Not tears of pain, shame or hurt but tears of happiness, love and peace. This is the type of presence that makes you not want to open your eyes because you may take your mind off of the flow of the Spirit.

Services like these are needed so much. There are times that our minds get so full of things to do, places to go and just everyday cares that we dont think about getting into Gods presence. Yes, we go to church, we read our Bibles, we pray but there is still that little part of us that wants more. We need to be renewed in our minds. We need to get in Gods presence, close our eyes and let Him surround us with His love. Just let Him love us as we tell Him how much we love Him. Dont ask for anything, just tell God how much you love Him. Tell Him how wonderful He is. Just take time to love Him. As we take the time to show Him our love, He comes into our hearts and minds to renew and refresh us. With that sweet refreshing, we gain strength to continue. We gain power to fight when things come against us. How long has it been since you were in His presence? How long has it been since you took time to just tell God how much you love Him? How long has it been since your mind has been renewed? How long since youve had a sweet refreshing of Gods presence? You dont need to be in church to do this. You can be at home in a quiet place or anywhere that you can close your eyes and let God love you. As soon as you can, get to the place where you can receive that sweet refreshing. It is something that we all need and we all benefit from it. But most of all, God will hear you tell Him how much you love Him and you will be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

In Order
Written by Michelle Smythers

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

As we read through the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New, God performed many miracles and made so many provisions for His children that it leaves us in awe of Him. But have you noticed that with each miracle or every way He provided, there were steps to take or instructions to obey? From the parting of the Red Sea, which Moses had to raise his staff and stretch out his hand, to Jesus obedience through the Last Supper and giving His life on the cross, there was submission. By submission of a person, God was able to show Himself powerful and amazing.

There are a lot of ways to be submissive. We have to submit every area of our life to God, from our conversations with those around us to our submissiveness on our job. As a Christian, how we react to and respect those around us shows if we are in order with God. There are rules and guidelines set all around us. You cant just do whatever you want whenever you want. There are laws of the county, state and government that we have to follow. You dont obey the laws, you pay the consequences. There are rules on our jobs, schools and even places we go. Dont follow the rules, privileges are taken away and restrictions are placed.

All rules and regulations are in place for a reason. Some reasons are for safety, some are to keep things from running wild. Our obedience to mans rules shows if we are willing to be obedient to Gods rules. Of course, following Gods rules are much more important than mans rules, but they go hand in hand. When other people see our willingness to be respectful of each other or those who are over us, it shows the submissiveness God requires of us. God commands us to do all things decently and in order. For example, a church service has a particular order. When there is not respect for God or others in the service, someone may be distracted for a split second which is just enough time to miss an important word of encouragement or instruction. But when we all show respect to each other, a service is carried out decently and in order and needs will be met by God.

So in everything we do, everywhere we go, do all you can abide by this scripture: Let ALL things be done decently and in order. Submit yourself to God. As you do this, follow His scriptures to submit to those in authority. Respect those around you. By allowing order to be carried out, you may be allowing a miracle to be performed.

Oh How You Bless Me!
Written by Michelle Smythers

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: Proverbs 28:20

The choir sings a song that says: Lord youve been good to me, O how you blessed my life, Youve made everything alright, time after time. This song has been on my heart so much in the past month. To some, it is just words, but to me it is very real. I look back in the past year at how good God has been to me. Hes been good to me more than just the past year, but I stand amazed at His blessings.

All the news seems to show is how bad the economy is, how many people are losing their homes and jobs, health is an issue because so many are without insurance. Could you imagine the news if just one 30-minute newscast had people telling about their blessings? How many would come forward? With all of the bad going on right now, people need good news to give them hope. In times like these, so many are searching for one small sliver of hope. Hope that a new job will come along. Hope that their mortgage will be paid. Hope their electricity is not turned off. Just hope that needs will be met.

So, if you are searching for hope and want some good news about Gods blessings, I want to share some with you. My husband, the main source of income in our family, lost his job 16 months ago. Yes, he drew unemployment most of that time, but with a 25% loss of income things got very tight. In my heart, I knew God would take care of us. I knew our needs would be met. But when it came time to pay the bills, my mind would say there is no way to stretch the money. By sight of the checkbook, needs would not be met. By faith in God, every need was met. I shared with my Sunday school class that even though money was tight and income was low, God allowed us to keep our home, keep our car, keep electricity, and have food to eat. When there was no money in the bank, God used others around us to provide a way to pay a bill. When I was low on faith and hope, the right word from the right person, no matter how simple it seemed to them, built my faith and hope again. Was everyday easy? No. There were days I just sat and cried because I felt like giving up. But in those days, God held me close while I cried and then showed me how much He loves me. Is everything perfect now? Far from it. But through this past year, I have learned that no matter how bad things seem, I am blessed. I know that I have failed at times to be faithful to God in everything and I wonder why I deserve Gods blessings. But I know that nothing I do or will ever do will make me worthy of so many blessings. God just loves me. And because of His love and my attempt to be faithful, I will abound in blessings.

So today, no matter what your situation, look at your blessings. If you are searching for hope, turn to God. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). If your faith is weak, turn to God for strength. Hold onto your hope. Cling to your faith. Trust in your God. He will never let you down. He will shower you with blessings.

Be Strong and of Good Courage
Written by Michelle Smythers

In the first nine verses of Joshua chapter 1, God tells Joshua three times to be strong and of good courage. But before He tells him this, in verse 5 He tells Joshua "as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Wouldn't you think that by God just saying that, He wouldn't need to say anything else? But just like Joshua needed to hear God say "Be strong and of good courage", we need to be reminded of that also.

Today there are so many things that are trying to come against us, that sometimes we are not as strong as we need to be. When your body is facing sickness or weakness, it can affect you spiritually also. Although physically we may not be able to be strong, God can use our hearts and minds to keep us spiritually strong. With this strength we can fight off depression, oppression, and bondage.

If you are fighting sickness, whether it is a virus or a terminal disease, God is with you. He wants us to be courageous and trust in Him for our healing or our miracle. When you are not feeling 100 percent or even 50 percent, you may slack off reading God's Word because you just can't focus. You may not pray like you normally do because you don't have the strength to get on your knees. But even when we are weak in our bodies, God can meet us where we are. We can call out to Him while we are laying in our bed. He doesn't require us to be properly dressed and bowing on our knees. He meets us in our pjs while we are bundled under the covers.

Just remember today, God is with us, in sickness and health. Our strength and
courage comes from Him. He did not forsake Moses or Joshua and He will not forsake us. Joshua 1:9 says, "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Don't let your sickness keep you from time with God. He will bring you the strength and courage you need.

The Big Picture
Written by Michelle Smythers

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

This past week I realized another amazing thing about God. I was looking at some of the trees that are starting to change colors and I thought about how pretty that one tree was. Then I saw another with different colors. Some are still green, but a lot are in the changing process. I rode along for a few minutes and then went across a bridge on the lake. As I looked along the cliff, all of the colors blended into a beautiful picture. Not one tree looked out of place. Not one color was too bright or dull. It was perfect.

I began to think about the seasons in life like a single tree and a cliff. As we go through the different seasons and change, we may see the dead of winter in one battle, the new growth of spring or the drought of summer or even the beauty of fall. But during each battle or victory, we tend to see only that one tree, right now. We may have a beautiful life full of joy, peace and everything moving forward. It only takes a moment for that life to change seasons. We can go through the driest point of our spiritual life. We may not be able to fill our thirst for the Word of God or the river of His love. The dead of winter may be in our life to where nothing is moving forward or we feel the chill of depression. When we are in these dry, cold seasons, we tend to only see what is right in front of us.

The hard part is seeing our life as a cliff, which I believe God does. When you take all of these seasons of your life into account, do you can see how you need all of these seasons to make you beautiful? If there was only one season in nature, nothing would ever change. Nothing would grow. Things could still be beautiful, but all of the different colors of our life wouldnt come through. When we grow from season to season, God looks at our life as the cliff. He sees the beauty of all the trees in our life. All of the colors blend together to make that perfect picture that God created.

Because each season changes us, the growth that we experience draws us closer to God and closer to being what He wants us to be. That cold winter chill turns to a warm breeze. That dry heat turns to crisp fresh air. That dead branch stretches out with a new budding flower. That dry grass softens from the morning dew. No matter what season you are in right now, try to see the big picture. Look at where you have been but see where God has brought you. Look at your need but see how God is meeting that need. Believe in your heart that God is creating a perfect cliff in your life, a cliff where everything is blended perfectly. Try your best to see the Big Picture..God does because He loves you!

Rejoice Not Against Me, O mine Enemy
Written by Michelle Smythers

Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise, when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall beholdHis righteousness. Michah 7:7-8, 9b

Look around you. You may not have to look far, just in the mirror. Ask this question: Is everything going the way it should be? Are you happy with your job, your finances, your commitment to the church, or most of all, your commitment to God?At least one-fourthof the time, the answer is no. Plain and simple. Maybe you've experienced a job loss or change, maybe sickness has kept you out of church, maybe you are just too busy to keep up with prayer and bible study. Anything like this can be describes as 'mine enemy' that will cause us to fall and sit in darkness. So what are you going to do?

The first part of this verse says, I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. How many times do we really want to wait? I know I don't have a lot of patience in simple things, much less large,stressful situations and I think "God, you really expect me to wait?' It seems like time after time, we find ourself in a situation where if we try to go ahead of God, we will absolutely make a mess. We will take on a job that is not where God wants us. We will walk away from a position in the church that is exactly where God wants us. When we do that, the enemy will rejoice.

How do we stop the enemy from rejoicing? We wait. We wait for God to lead us to the right path. We wait for Him to bring us out of the dark emotional place that we are in. We wait for the Light to pierce the darkness that surrounds us. But we don't just sit and wait. We arise. We let God bring us forth to the light. When we get up from our fall, we open our lives to God's salvation. Not just salvation from sin, but salvation from our dark place, our disobedience, our pain, our sickness. When we arise, the enemy can no longer rejoice. He is put on the run from God's Light. We are surrounded by the Light that makes the devil tremble.

How about getting up? Don't sit in the darkness any longer. Do you want your enemies to rejoice over your darkness? I don't and I'm pretty sure you don't. If you need to, write this verse down and read it every day until God brings you forth to the light. If you read this verseand believe it with all of your heart, God will not hesitate to bring you forth. We all have a work to do for God. We all have a place to be at a certain time. We all have battles we will face. And we all have salvation. It's up to us to decide, 'Do I want to sit in darkness or do I want to go forth in God's light?' It's time to arise -no matter where you are sitting.

Grace
Written by Michelle Smythers

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

We have heard that God's grace is sufficient, but how does that help us? Grace is described as 'unmerited (not earned, not deserved) help given to people by God; a virtue (strength, courage) coming from God'. So when you change the words in this verse with this definition, it may seem a little clearer. 'My help strength, and courage is sufficient (adequate to accomplish a purpose or meet a need) for you: for my strength is made perfect (exact, precise, complete) in weakness (an instance or period of being weak).'

We all face times of being weak. We don't even have to be facing a large battle. We could just feel exhausted from work or everyday life, filled with too much to do and too little time. Jesus didn't say 'My grace is sufficient if the devil is trying to rob you of your life and you've done all you can, so I'll step in and take control.' When we are exhausted from work or rushing through life, we can get strength from God. But when the devil comes in and is hitting us from all sides, we don't have to back down and let him do what he wants because we are not strong enough to fight him. We can call on God for any need and He will come and give us the help, strength, and courage we need to get throughour weakness. The key word is through. He is not going to give us strength to stay where we are forever. When God extends His grace to us, that gives us the promise that He will make us strong enough to come out of our trial and have a great testimony.

The second part of this verse says, Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. This doesn't mean that we need to go around and brag about all the problems we are facing. Sometimes, the more you talk about your problems, the more the devil can attack your mind. He can use others to put negative thoughts in your mind and then you dwell on what God hasn't done yet and wonder or doubt if He will really come through for you. But this part means we don't have to be afraid of going through trials and times of being weak because this gives Jesus the opportunity to bring peace and rest to us. We can give everything to Him and let Him carry us as we rest in His arms. And even though God doesn't have to prove anything to us, He will use our trials to prove that He is in control. People may look at us while we are going through a trial and say How can you act like you don't have any problems? Don't you realize how serious this is? But we can look at them and stand firm in knowing and sharing with them that Christ's power is resting on us and He is taking care of our trial and us at the same time. He won't leave us while He deals with our problem and then come to us and say 'Ok, you can move forward now'. He helps us deal with our problems while He holds us close.

Sometimes God's mercy and grace are taken for granted. I know I have taken it for granted. When I think about His grace helping me through battles, I realize that God can't help me unless I ask Him to. But once I ask for His mercy (compassion), He is faithful to me and will give me His grace (help) so that with Him I can face anything that the devil brings against me. The best part about it is that I can walk with God now and it won't be long until I will be able to back and say 'Do you see how God turned the whole situation into good? He didn't do it just for me but others can see that it had to be God and now they have a hunger for the same peace and strength that I have'.

Take a look at your life. Are you taking God's mercy and grace for granted too? Do you realize the power God has and is offering to you? Do you realize the peace you can have as you rest with Him? Think about Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

A New Thing
Written by Michelle Smythers

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Are you tired of the old things in your life? I know I am. Tired of wondering when is God going to answer my prayers, how is He going to provide in my situation, and even sometimes wondering if He is really listening when I pray and cry out to Him. But then, just as fast as the fear, worry and doubt come, God's peace comes to calm me. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has said "I'm just not gonna worry about it anymore"but it's not long until the devil is whispering "Are you crazy? God sure is taking His sweet time. Are you sure he really cares about you?"

When Sister Thomas preached the Sunday after the women's conference, her message really touched my heart. She preached about the dry, desert place and the new beginning that God is going to give. But the new beginning is our choice. We have to forget the past, understand the present and look to the future. Those three simple steps are not so simple. In order to forget the past, we need to let go of hurt that someone may have caused us. We have to let go of the regret that we have lost a significant income. We have to let go of the grief of losing someone special. Look at your present situation. Do you understand why you are in the desert place that you are? Sometimes to understand this, we have to face the fact that we made some bad choices. Sometimes things are beyond our control and that makes it harder to understand. But dig down deep in your heart, look at your situation with an open mind and heart. Realize that sometimes there are changes we need to make ourself and some changes that only God can make. Find the difference. Do your part to make changes and then let go of your control so God
can change what He needs to. Now look to the future. What do you see? Do you see God opening a door that only He can? Do you see a better job coming your way? Do you see your family's needs being met? Do you see that one you've prayed for so long surrendering all to God? That should be our goal, see what will be not what is.

God's Word is so full of promises that sometimes we overlook them or think they are not for us. No matter what our situation is, there is a promise of a new beginning. You don't have to get everything in order before God will work for you. Leave all of your worry, regret, pain and fear with Him. Leave it. Don't put it there and pick it up in a couple of hours. Leave it. Ask God to show you the new beginning that His word promises in Isaiah. Ask Him to make a way in your wilderness. Ask Him for the rivers in your desert. His Word promises it and He doesn't go back on His Word.

Our Work
Written by Janet Scott

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might: Ecclesiastes 9:10a

While I was sitting at the table after breakfast one morning a few days ago working on my laptop, my granddaughters were sitting at the table coloring. Abby is 4 and Patience is 2 and Abby was naming off colors for Patience. Abby handed her a crayon and said, "green" and Patience said, "duhreen" and Abby said, "no green" and Patience said, "duhreen" so once again Abby corrected her and said a little more firmly, "green!" And Patience said, "duhreen". With a very heavy sigh Abby turned and looked at me and said, "I CAN'T WORK LIKE THIS!"

Do you ever get to the point where your daily routine becomes rather ho-hum or frustrating? Somehow it just doesn't excite you or some days you just wonder why you have the job you have, or maybe why you don't have a job. If you are a stay at home Mom, sometimes the "world" can say and do things to make you feel like you aren't doing enough! I have been a stay at home Mom and for me it was the best job I ever had!

Whatever it is you do, it's important! God has a reason for every job you do andfor every time you don't have a job! I have been a stay at home Mom who home schooled, I did reservations for a resort in MI, I owned my own hair and tanning salon, I was also the Group Sales Manager for a resort in MI for a while before I came to TN to do youth ministry. For a while when I first moved here I went several months without any job at all and really struggled financially. Strange as it may seem I can now see how all of those things prepared me for what I do today!

Trust me, I know how terrible some jobs can be! There were days I absolutelyhated my job as Group sales manager, I felt like I worked in Sodom and Gomorrah and yet every aspect of that job was preparing me for what God had for me to do here! And, when I didn't have a job I knew it was a season where God wanted me to just focus on my relationship with Him and trust that He would provide the right job at the right time but I needed to grow spiritually first!

Whatever God has called you to do right now, trust Him it is important! God always has a plan! He has a purpose for everything He brings your way so as the verse says, do it with all your might. Take pride in it so you can learn everything He has for you to learn so you are ready for that next step up in life!

Quote:
"The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are thewill to try it and the faith to believe it's possible." -Rich Devos