Thought of the Day-12/30/2009

Revelation 3:20 (King James Version)

20)Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

God invites us, he desires us to know him and for us to allow him to know us. Will you open the door before it's too late?

Thought of the Day-12/29/2009

Ever so innocently, we've let our English language distort the meaning of the word church. Sometimes, that word means a place (as in I left my Bible at church). Other times, it refers to an activity (as in What time does church start). Often church is used to describe an institution (as in His behavior was frowned on by the church). While such definitions are appropriate, they miss the meaning of what church is all about.

The essence of the church is your Christian family---those people around the world who flow Christ and commit themselves to Him and to each other. When the apostle Paul wrote about the church, he wasn't talking about a building, an activity, or an institution. For Paul, the expression of church meant a personal relationship among Christians. He most often compared the church to a human body.

In a body, all the parts and details are important,and they must function in harmony.

• If one member of the body is injured or sick, then the entire body suffers.
• The members must operate in unison, because if they try to go in opposite directions, they won't get anywhere.
• Some members are more visible, while others play a vital role on the inside, But both types are necessary. There are no small parts in the body of Christ.
• If every member were the same, the body would look really weird, and if wouldn't function very well. (Just imagine a five-foot, eight-inch ear. Oh, sure you would have excellent hearing, but try driving a car that way).

the next time you go to church , don't look at the building of think about the schedule of events. Instead, look at the people. Appreciate them for who they are, what they need, and what they contribute to the "body". Then think about yourself. What is your role in the church? How do you fit into the body? Are you making a contribution to the overall health and fitness of the body?

Being part of the church means a lot more than just attending a service on Sunday morning, tossing a few coins in the basket, and shaking the pastor's hand on the way out. Being a part of the church involves an interactive relationship between people with Christ as their common bond. With that definition, you can't "walk out of the church" on Sunday morning. You are part of the body all week long.

Thought of the Day-12/23/2009

The Grinches that Steal Christmas
Written by Muriel Larson

What do you think of as Christmas draws near? Do you eagerly look forward to shopping for presents — and the gifts that you will receive? Do you enjoy shopping at big stores, and seeing all the decorations everywhere? Does your mouth water when you smell the turkey and the pumpkin and mince pies coming out of the oven? Can you hardly wait to eat turkey, sweet and mashed potatoes, and corn?

Do you have any time to think of the real reason for Christmas — our Lord Jesus Christ coming as a baby, and how the angels heralded His birth — and how He came to give His life for us that we may join Him in heaven someday?

Did you ever see that animated film on television, “The Grinch That Stole Christmas”? Well, I think that there are at least three grinches that can steal Christmas from us and the Son of God.

*Number One Grinch is Santa Claus.

This one sort of makes a god out of Santa Claus. After all, “he knows when we’ve been bad or good”– just as if he were God. Younger children eagerly await the gifts Santa will bring. This tends to take their eyes and thoughts off the greatest gift ever given: Jesus. Fairy tales are nice and I enjoyed them as I grew up. But really, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is no time for a fairy tale that presents itself as true, is it?

*Number Two Grinch is the world.

The non-Christian world has twisted the meaning of Christmas. Plays given at school used to be centered around the coming of Christ, the manger scene. Other plays like “The Grinch That Stole Christmas” have taken their place. They have stolen the real meaning of Christmas.

*Number Three Grinch is activity.

We have so much to do during the Christmas season that we have little time to think about Jesus. We have gifts to buy, trees to trim, relatives to visit, food to eat–lots of enjoyable things not wrong in themselves. But if they keep us too busy to think about our Lord Jesus then they “steal” Christmas, don’t they?

Now is a good time for all of us to determine in our hearts that we will not let the grinches steal the true Christmas spirit from us. How can we do that? During the season — and all through the year too — we can spend a minute or two each day thinking of the loving, compassionate Lord Jesus and what a difference His coming into this world has made in it and in our lives. We can praise God for the greatest gift possible, our Lord Jesus. Paul said, “Thanks be to God for his indescribably gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15, NIV).We may not be able to give the Lord Jesus Christ gold, frankincense, and myrrh, as the Wise Men did. But we can give Him our hearts and our time.

Questions: How can you cut back on activities and centre you thoughts more on the real meaning of Christmas? Tell us about one of your traditions at Christmas time that emphasizes the birth of Christ.

Thought of the Day-12/22/2009

A Plea to Use the Bible Every Day
Dr. Paul Dean
How often do you go to the Scriptures when faced with a difficult decision, an ethical dilemma, or when in need of simple advice? Do you realize just how practical the Scriptures really are? Would you first consult the bible when faced with a co-worker’s question concerning a problem he’s having with his teenage son, or would you first consult an “expert,” a secular book on the subject, or another friend?
Christians no doubt are aware that the bible contains information and of course doctrine. Not only is doctrine a dreaded concept in our contemporary context, but for many, the information the bible contains, even the information with which believers are familiar, seems so disconnected from their daily lives. Few people are aware of just how practical the Scriptures really are and therefore just how useful they really are for helping us to answer every day questions or deal with every day situations.

We get a lot of bible content on Sunday. In other words, we get a lot of information. However, somehow, we are failing to connect that information to our daily living and we have not grasped the fact that the bible is something that should be with us for ready use every day and not merely put away so we’ll have it on Sunday. In his little book, What to do on Thursday, Jay Adams asks the simple question, “Can we know how to go to the bible to find help on Thursday?” The answer of course is that we can and we must.


We must be able to go to the bible to find practical help in our every day lives because if we do not, we will make major decisions without reference to God. Not only do we miss out on the wisdom that God has for us but we actually commit ourselves to futility in so doing. When we attempt to make decisions without reference to God we are actually acting independently from God in the areas of knowledge and wisdom. To do so is to have no ground or basis for what we believe in that particular instance which means we have no ground for the decision we make. The decision we make will be foolish in God’s sight in that we have gone the way of Eve: we have decided that His revelation is not good enough for us and that we know a better way. Even if we happen to make a decision that occasionally squares with Scripture, we still play the part of the fool in that we don’t know why our decision is a good one because we didn’t consult God’s wisdom for us. We merely stumbled upon a good decision in one instance by virtue of the fact that we have been created in God’s image and therefore run into His truth in our thinking from time to time.

Thought of the Day-12/21/2009

Receive forgiveness at Christmas
by Rick Warren



Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (NIV)

Knowing that Christmastime is God's chosen time teaches us that Christmas is the time for us to receive forgiveness for the wrong things we've done.

God didn't send us a salesman because we don't need a product. He didn't send us a politician because we don't need diplomacy. He didn't send a scientist because we don't need more information.

God sent us a Savior because we need a Savior. If we didn't need a Savior, God wouldn't have wasted time sending one. God sent a Savior so we could receive forgiveness.

Why do I need a Savior? The Bible says that heaven is a perfect place. There's no sin in heaven; there's no suffering in heaven; there's no pain in heaven; there's no sorrow in heaven. It is a perfect place. The Bible says only perfect people get to live there. Obviously, if imperfect people lived there it wouldn't be perfect. That means I don't stand a chance of getting to heaven on my own merit.

You may be a good person, but the Bible doesn't say good people go to heaven. It says perfect people go to heaven. Not imperfect ... perfect. And none of us measure up.

So we all have a big problem. Here's this perfect place, but none of us are perfect. So God came to earth in the form of Jesus, who was perfect. I can't get to heaven on my own, but Jesus says, "I will be your Savior."

How do I let Christ save me? It's real simple. You admit you need a Savior. That's hard for a lot of us because it hurts our pride. We think we're a good person. That may even be true but you're not good enough. You're not perfect. We must admit, "I need a Savior. I need help. God, I need Jesus in my life. I need Jesus to be my Savior."

I was a life guard when I was younger. One thing every lifeguard knows is that you can't save anybody who's trying to save themselves.

If you've ever watched a lifeguard approach a person who is drowning, you will see the lifeguard swim out to the person and then just tread water. The lifeguard will watch the swimmer flail around until he or she finally gives up and goes limp. At that point, the lifeguard can simply put an arm around the swimmer's shoulder and swim back to shore.

It's that easy! But as long as the swimmer is trying to save him or herself, then no one can save him or her. If you grab on to swimmers before they give up trying to save themselves, they'll pull you down with them. You've got to wait until they stop trying to save themselves, then you can save them.

In the same way, God can't save you until you stop trying to save yourself. You can't have Christ as your Savior until you quit trying to get to heaven on your own effort. You have to just relax (remember 'stop being afraid') and say, "God, I don't deserve to be forgiven. I just cast myself on Your mercy." And God says, "That's what I've been waiting for. You are forgiven."

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17 NLT)

Thought of the Day-12/18/2009

"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 1:2, NIV).

Jesus spoke to His disciples and said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:1-8, NIV


It seems kind of weird that we should want to go through the pain of pruning, doesn't it? It reminds me a bit of the old work out saying, "No pain, no gain." When you allow the Lord to expose dead branches in your life and to strip them away, a simple, radiant beauty remains. You become a more vibrant reflection of Him and become better equipped to bear fruit. Trust Him, friend...no matter what or whom He may call you to give up.

Are there any dead branches hanging on the tree of you?

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect love that longs for me to be fruitful and beautiful in You. Please remove any life-less branches in my life. As the psalmist prayed: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV).

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Thought of the Day-12/17/2009

Todays Word is: Opportunity
1. advantageous chance: a chance, especially one that offers some kind of advantage
2. favorable conditions: a combination of favorable circumstances or situations

Are you seizing opportunities? Ones where you are able to show Christlike behavior,

characteristics to others. Are you using the moments of strife and struggle in

a co-worker's life or a family members life to exhibit the characteristics of Christ.

People here are noticing the light that shines in me. I have been

asked on several occasions to pray about specific requests.

Shocking I have stopped in my tracks to do so.

I am seizing the opportunity.

Remembers that the circumstances in your life may be

out of your control, but the way you respond to them

should not be.

Our lives are filled with opportunities to grow and

evolve into who Christ created us to be.

Once again I ask you to chose who

this day you will serve!

Thought of the Day-12/16/2009

My husband being a man of wisdom that he is has told me many times that:

"BEING HAPPY DOES NOT MEAN EVERYTHING IS PERFECT, IT SIMPLY MEANS YOU HAVE DECIDED TO SEE BEYOND THE IMPERFECTIONS."

It's amazing that when he looks at me, he sees beauty. He compliments me on my outer appearance, though when I look in the mirror some days I am unable to see beyond my imperfections.

Being happy in my marriage, being happy in my place of employment, being happy in my church, being happy with myself, has a whole lot to do with seeing beyond the imperfections.

Life is not filled with all flowers and high times, but life is filled with opportunities to grow.

You have a choice this day, whether you are to engulf yourself in how you feel, or whether to look beyond the aches, the moments of blue.

Let's remember the real meaning of Christmas... The giver of life Jesus!

Thought for the Day-December 15th, 2009

We thank Minister Kathy Lewis for inspiring and co-writing todays thought.

There are a lot of ways, choices in how we live our life. We can live our lives based on how we physically or emotionally feel. Or we can live our life as one who loves and inspires. We can live our lives as today may be our last, with love and joy.

When I arose this morning, physically I did not feel well at all. I spent time on the side of the bed contemplating whether I was going to call in, which would have only been my second time since I have been with my company. As usual I made the chose to press on, I decided that this too would pass. It did pass, and I feel so much better for it. I feel better for not allowing how I felt physically to stop my day.

Minister Kathy's Words today inspired me to remember once again that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!
Please see her message below:

Keep smiling and laughing no matter what. Remember: "Happiness is based on happenings but Joy is based on Jesus" and He is the only one that can give you peace that surpassed all understanding. You can not let your current circumstances control your attitude. True and lasting happiness, however, comes from pleasing God. We cannot achieve happiness, but can only receive it through a right relationship with God, because only God knows what is really best for us, and he is the Creator and the giver of happiness.


Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with his, he helps us walk through adversity without sinking into lows and helps us manage prosperity, without moving into deceptive highs. The joy of living with Christ daily keeps us levelheaded, no matter how high or low our circumstances. So hold your heads up high and remember who you are and who's you are. Have a blessed and glorious day!

Thought of the Day-12/14/2009

There are times when we need to forgive someone for something they have done. On occasion it can seem so difficult…almost impossible. But we spoke yesterday in Sunday about nothing being impossible with God.

But forgiveness is not an option for you and me as followers of Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness is an act of the will. You can forgive. In fact, Jesus said that we even need to love our enemies, those who may not want peace with us.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44,

“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

How can you do that? Because God has done the same thing for you. In Romans 5:10 it says,

When we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son.

When you and I embrace salvation through Jesus Christ, that same love of God is poured out in our hearts. (See Romans 5:1 and 5). As a result, we can forgive those who have wronged us.

What we need to understand is that forgiveness is more for ourselves then the other person. Many times the other person does not even know that we are holding forgiveness. Holding ourselves captive and opening ourselves up to a seed of bitterness. Holding on to unforgiveness
hurts ourselves more than it hurts others.

Tis easier to open your mouth in expression to forgive to spend one day out of the will of God.
We don't have the right to hold anyone captive in this way.

Thought of the Day-12/10/2009

Humility is a very important key to effective prayer. In 1 Peter 5:5-6 we read this,

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

God resists the proud. He gives grace to the humble.

Humility, more than anything else, is an attitude of the heart that says, “I recognize I am not self-sufficient. I am open, I am teachable, I am thankful. God, I am willing to bow my heart before You and confess that I am in utter need of Your assistance.”

Contrary to what some people say and think, humility is not to be equated with lack of courage. In fact, it takes great courage for a person to admit they have need. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is a sign of strength.

King David said in Psalm 18:35, Your gentleness (or Your meekness) has made me great. Moses was called the meekest or the humblest man on the face of the earth, and yet we don’t think of him as a weak person. He is one of the greatest leaders to ever step out of the pages of the Bible, and very few people in history have had power with God in the place of prayer like Moses did.

Jesus, our Savior, said, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart” (KJV). Friend, that ought to be one of the hallmark qualities of our lives— especially when we are praying. It is a key to effective prayer.

Thought of the Day-12/9/2009

We want to thank Minister of Music Jacqua Williams for our word for today. She led us in this study last night at choir. Thus far we have covered at choir: Obedience, Worthy, Overcoming, and still to come are discipline and stewardship. Things have been heating up for the choir since we have started to study the Word of God together.

Today's word: Overcoming

Let's take a look at 1 over comer Joseph.

We really don't give Joseph all the credit

he deserves as an over comer. We use that word overcome,

overcoming and over comer without really understanding that this is a state of being

and not just a mind set or a bunch of hard work. An over comer is someone who has

been saved, sanctified, and set apart for a specific task God has in mind. Over comers also do not allow Satan to destroy or sway their faith.

Joseph was severely betrayed. He was hated by his brothers.

They sold him into slavery and then after some years had passed, a famine

hit the land. By that time Joseph was running things for Pharaoh

and when his brothers needed some food they had to ask him for it.

Now, here is where the overcoming begins. Joseph could have looked at his brothers

who didn't recognize him, and said let them starve. But he didn't. Instead he advised them to go home and get all the family and come back. When they did so he let them know who he was and fed his family so they would not starve. That's an Over comer. Joseph went through some stuff before he became the King's second in command. He was in prison yet he didn't remain bitter toward his brothers. God kept using him to dream dreams that would help Pharaoh build barns to house grain for the famine. Joseph stayed faultless in the presence of God and God raised him up for a special time in which his brothers would need his help. The brothers who had told their father that he had been killed. The brothers who sold him into slavery.

A person who will not let the past dictate who they are, how they think, or their Christlike

walk is the prime and pure example of an OVER COMER! They will remain faithful to the Lord

making their calling and election sure. They will not doubt that God has set them apart for a time such as this.

Over comers are people who have the love of the Lord. They believe all things, hope all things, endure all things, never demand their own way, and are not puffed up or arrogant. Over comers are disciples baptized by the fire of the Holy Ghost. Over comers have a peace that passes all understanding. Over comers are never bitter or revengeful. Over comers are not people pleasers. Over comers are the strong who say I will not quit singing in the choir no matter what they do to me. I am singing for the Lord and for the Lord I live and for the Lord I will die.

Are you an over comer?

An over comer has a radical faith that will allow him or her to walk on water. They have a faith that can part the Red Sea. They can pray and make the rain stop for 3 years. But they can also humble themselves to forgive, forget, and move on up a little higher using the same Faith, mercy, and grace toward others that God has so generously shown them. Over comers are people who live, breath and have their being in God's divine favor.

Other over comers you might remember are Esther, Job and Peter.

Thought of the Day-12/8/2009

The Word for the day is
Link
1. a ring that connects with others to make up a chain,

or something resembling a ring in a chain
2. something that ties, connects, or relates two or more things

Yesterday we considered the importance of staying connected, of making

a connection with our Heavenly Father.

Today we look at what keeps us connected. We stay connected

by links, something that ties us to the body of Christ.

We talk about in the Word of God how there is one body,

but many parts doing different things. As we are all

apart of the body, we serve different functions.

As we serve in different capacities we form links

with one another.

I am linked to the body, as a foot I sing in the

praise choir, trying to minister in song to someone's spirit.

As a hand I am there as a minister to pray with

someone, as well as to lend a hug.

As a toe I am there to tip toe

behind the scenes in order to fill in the gaps

where needed.

I am linked to the body because I chose to be

linked. I chose to stay plugged in to what is

going on. I encourage you if you are

struggling in your walk, if you are having

trouble finding your way to get linked with

the body. A link refers to two or

more things, so you are not a link

unless you become connected.

Why not link with the Lord Most High?

The only one I know that can provide you with

what you are looking for.

Thought of the Day-12/7/2009

Today's Word is

Connected

1. joined together: joined or linked firmly together
2. related: having something in common
3. with beneficial social connections: having useful business or social connections

Do you feel connected to a group or family? Do you

have a sense of belonging and significance with a particular group?

When you join the family of Christ, you belong,

you have a guaranteed inheritance. No longer are you

orphaned, abandoned or alone. You have an inheritance,

a royal priesthood. A joint heir with Christ.

A daughter of Eve or a son of Adam.

What freedom, what peace in being connected to our Heavenly

Father, of being connected to others in the body of Christ

that believe as you believe.

Staying connected is your choice,

it is up to you. Staying connected has benefits

of protection, healing, restoration. Staying

connected to the Father helps one and encourages one

to remain directed and guided by the Father.

Staying connected is your choice.

Thought of the Day-12/4/2009

Word of the Day is
Resilience

Definition:
1. speedy recovery from problems: the ability to recover quickly from setbacks
2. elasticity: the ability of matter to spring back quickly

into shape after being bent, stretched, or deformed

Can we talk a minute about life, about the joys,

the sorrows, the trials and the tribulations?

Do you look at your problems as potholes,

or as an opportunity for growth?

Many times, most times, how we view,

re-act and inter-act with one another

directly affects our own progress.

I have a joint partnership with two significant, most

important, most life affirming people in my life.

My first partnership that I made was at the age of 16,

in a little church in Hannibal Missouri. I forged that day

in front of all that I love a partnership with my Heavenly Father.

I came to know him for myself, reaching an age of accountability

for my actions, thoughts and deeds. A partnership that would prove

very lucrative, should I hold up to my end of the covenant.

Should I spring back quickly after being bent, stretched and deformed

by my Heavenly Father, if I am to be resilient.

At the age of 16 God the Father had to mold me and make me,

he had to bend me, stretch me, deform me from my worldly

thinking, into the mind that He created me to be.

My second partnership that I entered into was at

a little church here in Columbia. I forged that day

in front of all that I know and love a partnership with

the man that was to be my husband. A true gift from God

given to me on December the 2nd, 2006. A partnership that

would proved very lucrative, should I hold up my end of the covenant.

A covenant made with my Father, leading and guiding the two of us the

rest of the days that we shall live.
Our marriage is one of resiliency. We are able to come together

in the face of an adversity, seek the Father and apply

a solution. With our Father's direction, my husbands

wisdom and my gift of creativity and organization

we are able to be resilient.

My husband is an only child, I am the oldest child,

the oldest grandchild on both sides of my family.

My husband is an elder, praised and highly respected

at the city gates. I am a minister of the gospel,

serving those in need with a spirit of hospitality.

I tell you all this to let you know that some resiliency was

involved in both our lives as individuals before we

came together. We are still as God created us in our

mother's wombs, we chose the path of the Father.

So, do you look at problems as potholes or

opportunities for growth? Are you resilient?

Able to bend, stretch and deform, are you

elastic springing back quickly from the setback,

trial or test.

The Word of the Lord says:

Psalm 91
1) He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2) I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3) Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4) He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5) Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6) Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7) A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8) Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9) Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10) There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11) For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12) They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13) Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14) Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15) He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16) With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Thought of the Day-12/3/2009

Word of the Day-
COURAGE
quality of being brave: the ability to face danger,

difficulty, uncertainty,

or pain without being overcome by fear

or being deflected from a chosen course of action

So yesterday we were able to talk about perseverance.

Today we look at living our lives with courage.

Courage shows up in the face of a Christian

in various ways.

A christian shows courage when they walk by Faith

in the sight of uncertainty. A christian shows

courage when they are going full force serving the

Lord, then is attacked for walking in a deeper

relationship. Courage keeps you on a steady

track in the sight of danger.

I have faced danger at different points in my walk.

As a child dealing with sexual abuse, I lived with

courage.

As a teenager choosing the ways of the church

over the ways of the world, I have lived

with courage.

As an adult needing to say goodbye to my

reproductive organs, I have faced my life

without children of my own, with courage.

I have faced a life of pain with courage.

I have not been overcome by the pain

of this world. I have lived a life

of perseverance, a life of courage,

a life of resilience.

A life of courage was not a gift that I gave myself.

A life of courage was a gift given me by my Heavenly Father.

I have always sensed a strong presence in my life, I have listened

to that little voice within that directs my path. When the Word

is provided for my learning, I am aware of how it applies to my life.

I use that information to continue to mold and make the True person I am to be.

My life has meaning, my life has purpose, and I do make a difference.

I make a difference and matter only because of who I am in Christ.

In this room in which I work, I am the glue.

The glue that holds us together, the only one that can sit

and adjust to my surroundings. Adjusting in that I change the

atmosphere of the room, if I am up, the room is up, if I

am silent, the room is silent. How I am each and everyday

affects the atmosphere of this room.

No other person other than my supervisor

has the power to affect the area in such a way.

I am the glue, that stretches across all the

boundaries, personalities and such that

creates the shape of my environment.

Tomorrow we will take a look at resilience.

Leave me your comments!

Thought of the Day-12/2/2009

Word of the Day is:

Perseverance

We are made to persist. That's how we find out who we are.
Tobias Wolff,
Perseverance:

1. continued steady belief or efforts,

withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence

Are you one that gives up, refuses to try, gets discouraged and falls

every time you hit a pothole along life's journey? Or are you

one that stands strong in the sight of adversity, telling

your pothole what is really true about your unwavering spirit?

This thought that I seek to write this day may speak to many hearts.

It may reach over the generations and talk to that inner woman or

inner man. Either way that it speaks to you, know that sometimes

I am just preaching to the choir, or trying to lift myself from the

ground beyond.

Perseverance, persistence is not an acquired trait or is it?

Can one who is adopted learn from their environment to

be self-resilient and to preserve against a world of obstacles?

Is perseverance en grained in our DNA or is it something

that we can take a class and learn?

From the time that I was born obstacles beset my life.

Being born in the seventies to a single teenage parent.

Being not white and not black in my skin tone.

Being of a different height and having different

color and texture of hair.

From the time that I was born and even before

I received an inheritance, a promise of

riches in glory. A promise of my Father's

ever present hand on my life.

When you come across two roads, you can take either road

according to the GPS to get to the same location.

But one road has wrong turns, potholes and such

that might deter you, or delay you from getting to the destination.

I must admit that I have lived a life of Perseverance.

I did however take a wrong turn. I forgot about

my own testimony for a moment, that I would

Praise Him regardless of my circumstances,

regardless of the temporary feelings.

I momentarily went down a wrong road of

despair, depression and darkness. That was

until one that I admire reminded me

of who I was and Whose I was!

I am picked on for a Purpose and I shall

Persevere, I shall be persistent in my

walk and in my talk.

Word of the Day-12/1/2009

The Word for today is :

Admiration
1. high regard: warm approval or appreciation of somebody or something
was filled with admiration for her courage
2. object of high regard: somebody or something regarded with approval, appreciation, or respect

I have admiration for several people that have crossed my path in life.

I would like to share of few with you and why.

First, my choir director (Di), who against all odds

has kicked addiction and is seeking to be addicted to our

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Di, serves in many different roles

in our church, she is a mother, a daughter, a sister, an Auntie Di, a

grandmother, a friend. The role that she blesses me in

is as a Big Sister, a mother figure who encourages me

to see myself as I am.

The second person I admire is my husband Aaron.

I admire Aaron because against all odds

he kicked his addiction, he has always been employed and loyal.

I have learned many things from Aaron and one being is for me

to be consistent. Aaron used to smoke when I first met him,

but for my health and his he stopped immediately., The

courage he had to quit cold turkey I will never understand.

The last person that I will share with you this day is,

I admire my friend Renetta, who has finally seen a

different side of herself, one that is able to share

her vulnerability. Renetta and her family

structure has always been one of strength. When I

look at her I see a strong tower, a strong fortress.

When I spoke with her on Sunday she taught me something new,

I saw tears in her eyes. I saw her praising the Lord,

and she was encouraging me in the midst of it all

to praise at all times.

I have been fortunate to have these three people in my

life and so many more that have helped to shape

who I am.

The final person I will share with you is my admiration

for Jesus and what God did through his presence.

What courage, what great sacrifice so that I

could have the opportunity for Salvation.

I have high regard, admiration, respect,

esteem, for the Lord Most High.

Our God Is an Awesome God!

Thought of the Day-11/30/2009

A Word for Today
Psalm 84:10 gives us an important perspective of God’s presence,

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

When the psalmist talks about “a day in Your courts,” he is not talking about being in some building or admiring some bit of religious architecture. He is talking about enjoying the presence of God. As verse 2 of this psalm says,

My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

God is so good that just one day with Him is better than a thousand anywhere else. Just to be on the threshold, just to be on the doorstep, just to feel the slightest fringes, if you would, of the presence of God, is better than spending a thousand days anywhere else.

I think The Message Bible conveys the idea of verse 10,

One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. I’d rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin.

I encourage you today to learn to cherish the presence of God!
When the music stops our Praise and Worship has only just begun... Continue to
Praise with me, continue to Worship with me says the Most High God...

Thought of the Day-11/25/2009

Todays thought: True Thanksgiving

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. --Matthew 5:12

Are you ever like the child who at the end of the day kneels by his bedside and prays, "God, thank you for not letting Mom find the candy wrappers in my pocket. And I'm glad I was able to have all the chocolate I could eat at Johnny's house today. Oh, and I can't forget to thank you for not letting Dad miss the nails I took from his workbench. Amen…"?

This attitude can characterize us as Christians sometimes. In Matthew 5:12, the Lord challenges us to look toward our hope and reward in heaven. Instead of putting emphasis on material wealth, social status, or success, Christ tells us that genuine happiness, contentment, and prosperity begin first in the heart.

There are several ways we can say "thank you" to the Lord in a meaningful and sincere way. Thank Him for the difficulties in life that have caused you to recognize your spiritual needs, to mourn over sin, and to submit to His authority. Thank Him for the joys and sorrows that have encouraged you to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to have compassion and mercy on others, to be pure in heart and holy in your lifestyle, and to be a peacemaker. Thank Him for all the things that have helped you to develop a willingness to follow His plan for your well-being.

This is God's idea and plan for true thanksgiving.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would help you learn what being thankful is truly about. Ask Him to develop an attitude of gratitude in your heart 365 days a year. And pray that He would help you to realize that Thanksgiving is not just a day, but a way of life.

Thought of the Day-11/24/2009

Today's word is:

Matthew 18:8-9 provides an important insight into how to deal with sin,

“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.”

The eye represents the thought life, where sin is conceived. The hand represents that sin actually being carried out. And the foot is where it becomes a walk, a pattern, an entrenched habit of life, a sinful lifestyle.

When Jesus says, “Cut it off,” He is speaking of ruthless self-judgment. And He didn’t stop there. He said, “Cut it off and cast it from you.” In other words, get as far away from the source of your sin as you can.

I remember one day I walked right into a spider web. As I did, I caught a glimpse of this huge orange-colored spider out of the corner of my eye. As I hit the web, I felt it get on my neck. I started doing a war dance, hitting myself and ripping my shirt off, trying to get that thing off me.

And you know what? The moment a sinful thought lands in your mind, you ought to do the same thing, go on the warpath! Start batting that thing away! Start quoting Scriptures.

Do whatever you can to keep it from sinking its teeth into your life. As Jesus said, it will be better for you if you do!

Thought of the Day-11/23/2009

Today's thought involves respect and responsibility.
Respect is defined as:
-esteem: a feeling or attitude of admiration and deference toward somebody or something
- state of being admired: the state of being admired deferentially
- thoughtfulness: consideration or thoughtfulness

Responsibility is defined as:
- accountability: the state, fact, or position of being accountable to somebody or for something
- something to be responsible for: somebody or something for which a person or organization is responsible
- blame: the blame for something that has happened

Yesterdays Sunday School lesson was on 2Peter: 1:3-15

We talked about having a responsibility in our relationship with

our Heavenly Father. Within that responsibility

we have a duty to respect the Word, ourselves and others.

I have paired these two words together today

for one reason and one reason only.

That is to give glory to God.

We might not like the instruction manual placed before

us because of how many steps it takes to get to the

end result. Some of us disregard the instruction manual (bible)

altogether. Then there are some of us that follow it

step by step, sometimes having to repeat

some steps that aren't truly clear to us.

Then there are those of us Disciples that seek

to use the instruction manual in fellowship with

other Disciples in order to learn more clearly how to work

through the steps.

No matter what type of disciple you are from 1-3,

it is important that you know that you have a responsibility.

A responsibility in your relationship with Christ. At different

times you will need to look back at the instruction manual (bible)

to see what it says about a particular step in your journey.

Some areas of the instruction manual you know quite well

while others need to be read and re-read to get what it is

saying. An instruction manual (bible) that comes in

all languages, but is your responsibility to be in relationship

with the Heavenly Father to understand how it applies to you.

Respect:comes in when you chose

to love the person, but hate the sin. We are to pray for

one another, not judge or create an environment of hostility.

When that lost sheep came home the other day, I am sure it was quite challenging

for him or her to be in the presence of such perfect people.

We need to be killing the fatted calf in celebration of them being

in the house of the Lord again.

So Lord, regardless how I feel, which

clearly does not matter a hill of beans.

I thank you that O was at church and that K was at

church. Bless them Father for standing in the fire.

I chose to honor my responsibility I have in relationship

with you and I respect other Disciples.

Thought of the Day-11/20/2009

Todays Thought: How to bear another's burden
Please open your Bible and read Galatians 6:2-5.

Our quiet presence during someone else’s time of pain says much more than any words of advice. A grieving widow, for example, doesn’t need to hear our own tale of loss; she needs an arm around her shoulder so she realizes she is not alone.

Think about the times we bring our burdens to the Lord in prayer. Simply experiencing His presence lifts the weight off our own shoulders. God’s response to our pain is a clear demonstration of how important it is to make ourselves available and listen to our neighbors. No matter how inadequate we might feel, we all can share a burden by spending time with a friend who is enduring hardship.

The Holy Spirit will show us the right moment to speak, if words are necessary. That is our opportunity to share how God worked in our life during a painful period. When we give the Holy Spirit total control, He etches feelings deeply into our emotional system so we can genuinely minister to others. Hurting people grab onto kindred stories as if to a lifeline – it gives them hope to reason that since God shepherded one person through a valley of darkness, He will surely be faithful to shepherd another.

Our Spirit – developed compassion may require us to give our burdened neighbor other types of help – even material aid. It’s easy to pray for a friend or share our story with a church member, but we cannot limit ourselves to those things. If we are willing to be used by the Father, we must be open to His leading about how to offer assistance.

Question: Do you know someone that is carrying a heavy burden? How could you help, support, and encourage this person with God’s love?

Thought of the Day-11/19/2009

Today's Word is:
Praise
1. expression of admiration: words that express approval or admiration, e.g. for somebody's achievements or for something's good qualities.
2. worship: worship and thanks to God

I give today an expression of admiration,

of worship, Praise unto the Father. I thank God

whether I am up or whether I am down.

I got up this morning not feeling well at all,

my right ear is still not well and I am

a little down about it all.

At this point I feel like going to my church

and laying on the altar until my

breakthrough comes.

I am afraid, but knowing that if I trust in

the Lord, I need not fear. I know that

the Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not

be in want.

I will Praise my Father whether my hearing

in my right ear restores or whether it is gone forever.

Praise is what I do....

How many times has the devil tried to physically destroy

my body and has failed. Devil you are a lie, My

Father is my healer, He sustains me, my protector...

Until I have the last breath in me,

I WILL PRAISE THE LORD!

Thought of the Day-11/18/2009

Today's Word is

Obedience

1. act of obeying: the act or practice of following instructions,

complying with rules or regulations, or submitting to somebody's authority
2. church's rule: the religious authority exercised by a church,

a priest, or another member of the clergy, or the people who are under this authority

Imagine the peace and solitude found in following in obedience the

rules and regulations set forth by the Word of God.

Imagine the peace and solitude I have today, just by

letting go of Self, my selfishness of trying to hold onto

an emotion that in no way benefitted,

nor brought happiness to anyone other than the devil.

I am very thankful and grateful that I have such a

spiritual awareness that I can't remain

out of the will of God for very long.

I am amazed how receptive I am with the Word,

instructions that by the time I had completed

the Part 2 of choices, which was moments

after Part 1, that I was able to find peace

by the time I laid my head to rest.

Submitting to God's authority

is my only way to live, to thrive

against the devices of this world.

Obedience is better then sacrifice!

If I am living and walking according to his word,

then I am in line with Obedience.

If I am needing to make a sacrifice of some sort, what

did I do that I am needing to be cleansed of, when I was

not walking in Obedience.

I share again with you my favorite scripture of the month

Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9 (King James Version)
9)Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Thought of the Day-Part 2 11/17/2009

Part 2 of Choices...

Psalm 32:8-9 (King James Version)
8) I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
9) Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

I am very fortunate that I hear from the Lord and communicate

with my Father quite frequently. I am able to communicate

in a manner which allows my spirit to be corrected

and re-directed in the right direction.

I am fortunate enough to share my hopes, dreams,

pitfalls and rough moments on this blog.

I am an example of what to do and

what not to do. With no concerns with how

people view me.

I have chosen to live my life as an example.

I have chosen to live my Life for Christ.

I have chosen...

I am thankful/grateful for his spirit that

dwells in me. A spirit that corrects, directs

and encourages me not to stay in the condition in which

I choose to be.

It is all about choice... There is sometimes, most

times life and death decision made in a choice.

I chose life, life in Christ, life of Christ, life for Christ...

I am not a stubborn mule, nor horse that has no understanding...

I know better,,, I choose better...

I choose to shake off the dust of stubbornness,

of anger and frustration...

I am thankful/grateful I have a job, that my

boss could look to me to fill in the gaps yesterday.

Some are on the streets in the rain searching, looking for a

job, wanting to have a boss to be mad at... A Co-worker

to be in disagreement with.

I rebuke myself, the complaining spirit, the anger, the bitterness,

the frustration, the frown on my face, the evil spirit.

In the name of Jesus I speak love, peace, joy,

happiness, thankfulness, gratitude...

Thank you Lord... Thank you for purging the unclean things

from my spirit this day... Hallelujah

Thought of the Day-11/17/2009

Today's Word is:
Choice
1. act of choosing something or somebody: a decision to choose one thing, person, or course of action in preference to others
Think very carefully before you make a choice.

2. power to choose: the chance or ability to choose between different things
They gave us no choice.

3. selection of things: a variety of things, people, or possibilities from which to choose
a wide choice of styles and colors

Choice... God has given us a choice, free will

in every decision that we make. Sometimes,

many times I wish that humans did not have free will.

I wish that Eve would have not strayed for the

wonderful life she had and that Adam would not

have gone along with her.

I wish I lived on Little House on the Prairie,

things were so much simpler then. Sure they had their

issues, but I would like the simplicity of it all.

I have chosen this day to hold an attitude,

one that I picked up yesterday when I was here.

I want to hold on to my anger and frustration,

I own it and it is mine and no one can have it.

Now we all see the issue with choosing to hold on to

this stubbornness.

Psalm 32:8-9 (King James Version)

8) I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

9) Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

I have allowed circumstances and my surroundings to influence my attitude. Not the

mind of Christ at all. Stuck up under a cloud of darkness by choice.

Will Grace and Mercy abound though I choose to continue

on in this sin, in this demeanor? Yes, it will abound, but

I will not continue in this manner. I know better, and I

am called to do better.

This post will be a 2-Part as I am currently

working through....

Thought of the Day-11/16/2009

Today's Word is:

Grateful
1. warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful:

Grateful is a song we sing at church. A song that uses the word grateful over, and over and over, with the levels of gratefulness increasing. In this season of gratefulness and of giving thanks, how can one not consider all the trauma in the media.

Locally a deer hunter was shot on accident by a close friend, children go missing each and every day, Parents leave the country with their children while leaving the other parent void for those children. A woman attacked by an animal is now missing a face and limbs.

I am unhappy about the weather in Missouri, but have lived here for 37 years. I struggle to get out of bed in the morning, because morning is not my favorite time. I stress over having functions at our house, because people don't have the same boundaries as My husband and myself.

Everything that comes to mind that I can mention are insignificant, or things that if I wanted too I have the power to change. The tragedies in the media affect how I feel about the world around me, I am grateful and will be thankful.

Thankful and grateful that I have eyes to see. Thankful and grateful that I woke up this morning. Thankful and grateful that my days are not consumed with self.

It is my desire to be more like Christ. To look around and see opportunities to serve and not be served. Though I am not 100% of what I can be, I am grateful about who I am.

Thought of the Day-11/13/2009

Todays thought involves the word:

Superstition
An irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome. A belief, practice, or rite irrationally.

How many people are running around town today, or

not running around town today because it is

Friday the 13th. There are various irrational

beliefs that my family holds, crossing the path

of a black cat, friday the 13th fears and

its a full moon drama. None might I mention

do I believe in one bit!

Some people believe strongly in their superstitions.

An irrational belief that holds no areas of truth to it.

Think how much peace one would have if they were

to invest so much of that energy into being

in right relationship with God.

If we continue to look to worldly pleasures to

satisfy, we will continue to participate in

worldly pain.

Instead of believing in irrational things,

trust God for what he has promised you.

If we continue to look to worldly pleasures to

satisfy, we will continue to participate in

worldly pain..

Thought of the Day-11/12/2009

Today's Word involves

Facing life's Giants

Days ago I shared with you some of God's promises.

My favorite that day was Joshua 1:9, a promise,

a stone that I was able to use to

kill, destroy, and remove an emotional Giant.

If you did not look at those promises, I encourage you

to look back to that day on my blog.

Anyway, back to today's Word.

Facing the Giants. As an oldest child in my family

I have received various responsibilities. Chastising

my siblings being one, Hero/Savior of the family

being another trait. As the oldest you/I

feel a sense of responsibility to inform and

correct my sibling as well as my parent

when I feel they are not living up to my expectations,

to the standards I know they are capable of reaching.

Standards and traditions that have held us as a family

generation after generation.

Sometimes this is done in a complete manner

of love that takes a moment or two for

the family member to accept. How many times

has my mother told me that I am not grown. Now I am 37,

still hearing that same line. How many times have I heard

lately I am the momma. True, she is the mom

but as the oldest child, I am in charge.

We have to speak the hard truth to those we love.

How they react either brings us closer or

separates us. Giants seek to overtake,

overpower, destroy those smaller then them.

Emotional Giants, Physical Giants, Spiritual Giants,

Work Giants,,, etc... It does not matter the type of

Giant you are facing.

The solution to dealing with the Giants is all the same.

Promises from God, telling your Giants How BIG GOD IS!

Speak to your Giants, don't hide, don't retreat.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and not the water Peter,

not the water Angela, not the water ________

(insert your name).

My mother is still my mother, the one who gave me life.

I am still her daughter though we disagree, though I get

frustrated. Likewise with my siblings...

The important piece is that love abounds, love abides,

love builds a bridge.

A phone call can create a Giant.

A phone call can create peace too!

Thought of the Day-11/11/2009

Todays thought is about

No Limits Living

Just think our Father knows everything. He has a book,

with my name on it, everything is written down,

planned out from beginning to end.

How many times have I gotten off track from what God intended

and he has had to make a revision to the plan. He has had to

add a lesson here and there, to correct

the wrong turn I took.

Just think our Father created everything that we see,

touch, hear and smell. It was His design that

made everything and everyone what they are today,

whether they acknowledge Him or not.

Our Father has no limits.

So lets talk about no limits living.

No limits living involves saying like "Obama"

Yes I can, or Yes We Can...

Yes you can be more and do more

than you can possibly imagine.

God has provided, given a provision for a world

of opportunities. In todays world a black child

can see someone that looks like them in

almost every area of life.

From the homeless person to the President of the United States.

There are no limits...

The plan is already laid out, the schedule intervals

where you will take time to learn the next skill to get you to

that next level is already set.

The only catch is......

You have free will, you have a choice

So Chose this day who you will serve

GOD or man...?

Self or God ?

One choice, one decision moves you from homelessness,

helplessness, to a world of possibilities.

Thought of the Day-11/10/2009

James 1:5 (New International Version)
5)If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

My Auntie Angela, sent me an email today. An email that

reminded me of whose I am, whose my brother is,

whose Kel, Mecci, Taylor, Age, Laianna is.

We as adults have trouble relating to the level of

rebellion and strife that we confront in todays youth.

God has provided us a scripture appropriate

for the struggle we face.

1 Corinthians 3:6-8 (New Living Translation)
6) I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7) It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8) The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.

We as disciples are to plant the seeds, supply them with the tools,

the information. But it is God's hand, god's spirit that does all the rest.

If we train up these children in the ways of the Lord,

when they are old they will not depart.

This is what my auntie reminded me of, we train, we plant,

God gives the Increase as he sees fit.

Thought of the Day-11/9/2009

The Word for today is
Identity
- what identifies somebody or something: the name or essential character that identifies somebody or something
- essential self: the set of characteristics that somebody recognizes as belonging uniquely to himself or herself
- sameness: the fact or condition of being the same or exactly alike

When your friends and family see you what is it that they see?

When my friends and family see me, they sometimes see

more than they want too. Sometimes they she

Angela, my angel as First Lady qualifies me. Sometimes

they see the strict sister of Andre' and Marquita that hold them

to a higher standard. Sometimes they see me as the overbearing Wife of Aaron.

Sometimes it is as Nana, strict, but lots of fun.

Sometimes it is as a Friend, faithful and loyal.

Sometimes they see me as a leader,

one who Feeds the hungry and tries to minister to

the broken hearted. One who visits and prays for the sick.

But are any of those characteristics unique to just me. I think not.

There are others who bare similar traits. So what is it that

sets me apart from the average Joe.

My identity is etched in Christ. What makes me unique

is that it is as natural as the air I breathe. I cannot, do not

exist without my Father, He is all I know.

What makes me unique is my walk, my talk,

my testimony, my mannerisms. In all the world

there is no one that is like me.

Where does your identity lie? Are you using it for the

uplifting of the kingdom? Or are you just

self seeking, self fulfilling?

Thought of the Day-11/6/2009

Todays thought is about Surrender. We thank Minister Jacqua Williams for sharing her reflection with us today. I apologize I have not had time today to committ to a reflection with being out yesterday afternoon I have been swamped with extra responsibilities. But it is always a blessing to receive a Word, tresures of Life from another Sister in Christ. So below are the words Jacqua has shared with us today. Thank you for your willingness to minister the Word.!

As I watch the leaves turn gold, red, purple I am reminded that all things have to surrender in order to be made new again. God created the seasons to surrender to each other so the earth can renew itself in what we call spring.

I can say that I am definitely in the fall/surrender season of my life. I have had to let go of a lot of leaves. Some leaves are called selfishness. Some are called pride. Some are called arrogance. These leaves have to go to give way to the winter/frozen season as I lay dormant and wait for a new spring/awakening season. The question is what do I do in that winter portion of life? I build a relationship and a relatingship with my heavenly Father. That's called fellowship. We meet at the same time everyday just to chill with each other. We laugh, we cry, we hope, we hang on with diligence waiting for the word to Spring forth and awaken us to newness of life. He abides with me and I abide IN Him, quietly listening and learning. I pray for you that this surrender time will be fruitful and cause you to multiply/increase/enlarge all the territories of your life.

Thought of the Day-11/5/2009

Todays word is

Stand:

a. To remain stable, upright, or intact: The old school still stands.
b. To remain valid, effective, or unaltered: The agreement stands.
c. To be or show a specified figure or amount: The balance stands at $500.
d. To measure a specified height when in an upright position: stands six feet tall.
e. To take up or maintain a specified position, altitude, or course: He stands on his earlier offer. We will stand firm.

I must confess right now, that todays word is for me.

I pray that something in it will touch you also, but I

know that it has changed me and it has only just begun.

Here are some of the promises the Bible tells us are for those who put their trust in God :

Christ accepts us : Revelation 3:20; John 6:37
God gives eternal life : John 5:24; John 10:28
God forgives us : 1 John 1:7-9; Isaiah 1:18
God is faithful to us : Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10
God comforts us : Psalm 23
Christ is always with us : Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5,6
God protects us from harm : Psalm 91; Psalm 121
God gives us courage : Hebrews 13:5,6; Ephesians 6:10-18
God gives us wisdom : James 1:5
God gives us the strength to refuse temptation : 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; James 1:12-16
God answers prayer : John 15:7
God gives peace of mind : Philippians 4:6,7
God guides us : Psalm 32:8,9

God relieves us from suffering : 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
God gives us rest : Matthew 11:28,29

Today we will look at and I will stand on Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)
9) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

I can have peace, I can have rest. I can lay this feeling (temporary) down at the feet of the cross and trust God for all. If I were to stay in my temporary emotions, I would fall into an abyss.

I choose today to look past my nose, to look past my here and now emotion.

I am very thankful and grateful for the Word. For my Father has spoken to my heart today. I have used his Word to chase away the Giants of discouragement, fear and distress. For my Father says, "have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go"

Praise Ye the Lord

Thought of the Day-11/3/2009

Today's Word is Flexible:
1. able to bend without breaking: able to bend or be bent repeatedly without damage or injury
2. able to adapt to new situation: able to change or be changed according to circumstances
3. subject to influence: able to be persuaded or influenced

Yesterday at the office we had a major crisis. We have recently changed to

an alternate shipping method which we will call fail mail. Anyway, all of our military

shipments going via fail mail had to be re-placed with priority mail. This was

a costly experience as a company, along with it being rather tedious

that my department teamed together to get those orders reshipped.

We as a team had to be flexible in getting our work completed and

being able to assist another co-worker re-place over 300+ orders,

within 4 hours time, in the meantime still providing

customer service to those that called. Many of us made the

transition rather quickly to accept the task at hand,

then there were those of us, who shall remain nameless, "me"

who wanted it to just go away. I was having a perfectly excellent,

non-busy day before the crisis appeared.

I was oh so overjoyed with the weather, more particularly

that the sun was shinning. Then there was a wrinkle

thrown in my plan, my plan not to do anything other than

my usual responsibilities. Interesting!

How so is it with the responsibilities I am given in the Word of God.

Do I listen, am I subject to influence, am I able to bend

without being broken.

I almost failed my test yesterday. If I am quite honest, I did

what I wanted to do, so yesterday was somewhat of a failed test.

The only reason it is not a total failure is that because of my acknowledgement

that my thinking was faulty yesterday.

Yesterday was a minor test and I was not successful.

Living a life of Christ is a major test, I must be successful,

it requires that I am able to bend without breaking.

That when adversity comes, I don't fall into an abyss,

but I hold my head high and press toward the mark, my

higher calling. That I dig in, take a deep breath

and am able to adapt to the circumstances.

Are you flexible for Jesus?

Thought of the Day-11/2/2009

The word for the day is:

Philippians 4:13

For I can do everything through Christ

who gives me strength.

Happy Monday and thank God for the

Son-Shine.

Did you know that if you wear Jesus, you can

do anything through Christ?

I brought Jesus to work with me this morning and I

am feeling encouraged and inspired.

I have found that in my focus, if I focus

on Jesus that all things look better.

We all live in a day and age where we will have some

Mis-takes in life. We say something we did not mean

to a friend, co-worker, family member. We

take a left turn, when we knew we were to go to the right.

Mis-takes happen, it is understandable, but

premeditated sin is just wrong.

If at any moment you have plotted, decided to

do something you clearly know is wrong, that is

premeditated sin, no matter how small it is.

That premeditation just breeds more sin..

So when that little voice stirs you wrong remember

Phil 4:13

"For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength"

Thought of Day-10/30/2009

Todays Word is:

Faith is taking that first step,

even if you don't see the whole staircase.

Martin Luther King

Live life on the bottom step and miss

a world of opportunities.

Climb higher and fly with

the eagles.

Life's a climb,

that can bring great expectations.

If you hang out on the bottom floor,

how will you know what you truly can do?

To run this race, to move on in

your journey, you must keep one foot

in front of the other.

Dig in deep and enjoy the climb...

Thought of the Day-10/29/2009

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast

- you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.

Eddie Cantor 1892-1964

What I most miss about my childhood is the simpleness.

No bills to pay, no responsibilities.

It seemed to be less, have it your way folks,

it was more about working together as a

community and less me, me, me.

Even on my mothers job there was

a sense of oneness among the worker's.

Frequently taking up collections to help

offset a sickness of a co-worker, a loss of a co-worker,

a life changing event of a co-worker.

Today, a lot of people seem to be fixated

on microwave living. Anything that takes

more than 4 minutes and 30 seconds to

do, we don't want to make the effort.

We are a drive through community

looking for the easy way out of every way of life.

I challenge you to go back to the mentality of

a child. Back to the newness of everyday.

Back to the enjoyment of life and exploration.

I challenge you to prepare dinner with your family.

To go to Big Momma's house for a family dinner on

a day that is not a holiday.

To stop and smell the roses. To meet your

neighbors. To develop community.

Thought of the day-10/28/2009

The Word of the Day is:

Transition

- process of change:

a process or period in which something undergoes

a change and passes from one state, stage, form, …

Life is a series of stages. A series of transitions from

one part to another. There are different

valleys and mountains along the way. At some moments

we are soaring and climbing, then at others we hit

a plateau, then there are those bad moments

when things seem to drop off into an abyss.

It is the moment of the abyss that I want to speak to today.

What keeps one from falling into the abyss and others soaring?

The only way to truly combat transitions, though they be good

or bad is to stay centered on JESUS.

One must be armed for battle, with the WORD of God.

So if you are falling into the abyss or having trouble climbing out...

Check in with the Word,,, there you will find your strength

for the transition.

Thought of the Day-10/27/2009

The verse for the day is:

Every wise woman buildeth her house:

but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1

These hands were made to serve. These hands were

made to heal. These hands were made to build up.

These hands were made to pray.

What are you using your hands for?

Are you tearing down, or building up?

They say idle hands are the devils

playground.

When you use your hands ladies and gentlemen

to buildeth your house. You are creating a

foundation for future generations. What are you

showing younger brothers and sisters in Christ

in your building?

Are you adding to the kingdom or are you

decreasing the numbers?