Think on This...

Feats of Love

2012-01-29T01:51:00.000-05:00

The greatest feats of love are performed by those who have had much practise in performing daily acts of kindness. ~ Anonymous

Life is About...

2012-01-28T07:06:00.000-05:00

"Life’s about altars not applause." ~ Ann Voskamp

What is the Reason?

2012-01-27T16:36:00.005-05:00

"One thing we may be sure of, however: For the believer all pain has meaning; all adversity is profitable. There is no question that adversity is difficult. It usually takes us by surprise and seems to strike where we are most vulnerable. To us it often appears completely senseless and irrational, but to God none of it is either senseless or irrational. He has a purpose in every pain He brings or allows in our lives. We can be sure that in some way He intends it for our profit and His glory." ~ Jerry Bridges**********************************************************This song speaks loudly - "The Reason for the World" by Matthew West

Fasting

2012-01-27T13:47:00.002-05:00

"Fasting, if we conceive of it truly, must not... be confined to the question of food and drink; fasting should really be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose. There are many bodily functions which are right and normal and perfectly legitimate, but which for special peculiar reasons in certain circumstances should be controlled. That is fasting." ~ Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Say No to...

2012-01-27T13:33:00.000-05:00

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. ~ Titus 2:11-14

Every Body Matters

2012-01-26T19:24:00.001-05:00

"Whether you're in your twenties, thirties, or forties - or facing your fifties, sixties, seventies, or beyond - one thing is certain: you're doing it in a body, a body that not only contains a soul but affects your soul as well." ~ Gary Thomas (from his book "Every Body Matters")

If God Seems So Far Away

2012-01-26T00:17:00.002-05:00

“I think the reason we sometimes have the false sense that God is so far away is because that is where we have put him. We have kept him at a distance, and then when we are in need and call on him in prayer, we wonder where he is. He is exactly where we left him.” ~ Ravi Zacharias

Man's Greatest Care

2012-01-25T19:50:00.001-05:00

“A man's greatest care should be for that place where he lives longest; therefore eternity should be his scope.” ~ Thomas Watson

Catering or Abandoning?

2012-01-25T16:20:00.002-05:00

‎'We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is about abandoning ourselves...' ~ David Platt

Being Watched...

2012-01-24T19:18:00.000-05:00

"Sometimes we Christians are so full of vitriol, rotten attitudes, and vain thoughts that it’s a wonder we exist as a faith body in as much as it depends on us. Stop the cycle. Live in love. We’re being watched by a hurting world." ~ C. Hosher

Who will take care of me?

2012-01-23T19:22:00.003-05:00

‎"But then I realize there is never going to be a day when I stand before God and He looks at me and says, 'I wish you would have kept more for yourself.' I'm confident that God will take care of me." ~ David Platt (Radical)

Grace or Truth or Both?

2012-01-22T19:28:00.000-05:00

Truth without grace crushes people and ceases to be truth. Grace without truth deceives people and ceases to be grace. “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). ~ Randy Alcorn (from The Grace and Truth Paradox)

Prayer...

2012-01-22T07:24:00.003-05:00

“It’s not enough to discuss issues, pray about them, and merely feel inspired by them. No, to actually participate in the Beautiful Fight, we have to find ways to put them into action.” ~ Gary Thomas

Criticism...

2012-01-21T19:30:00.000-05:00

Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots. ~ Frank A. Clark

Real Tests...

2012-01-19T17:31:00.002-05:00

"The real tests that you will face in life are not the ones that will challenge your strengths but rather the ones that expose your weaknesses. When that happens, remember this: If you allow God, He will prepare you for all your battles. So when your weaknesses get exposed, He's already given you the tools to overcome." ~ Kevin Seymour

Forgive...

2012-01-10T23:55:00.002-05:00

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."~ Mark 11:24-25

Post Christmas Prayer

2012-01-07T00:00:00.006-05:00

"Long after the angels disappear into the heavens, the shepherds return to their flocks, the magi journey home and the great star sets, Jesus remains.

The Child in whom we rediscover God’s great love for humanity becomes the adult Redeemer who challenges us to imitate his selflessness and compassion in order that we might transform our world in love…

May we allow the miracle of Christmas to continue long after the holiday trappings have been packed away;

May we welcome the adult Messiah and his challenging Gospel to recreate our lives, making the peace, justice and hope of this holy season a reality in every season of the new year."

~ Post-Christmas Prayer: CONNECTIONS, Jan.1, ‘95

Don't forget..."It's About the Cross."

One Day at a Time

2012-01-05T00:00:00.003-05:00

"We should take advantage of His faithfulness and make every day a fresh start. Resolve to make each day the beginning of a new year, a new morning, a new adventure. He wipes the slate clean and goes back to zero so we can be filled up again with His spirit and give it out all day long. Enjoy the blessings of a new year, in Christ, one day at a time!"

~ Debbie Carroccio

Prayer for You...

2012-01-04T00:00:00.004-05:00

"I pray that the Lord might crown this year with His goodness and in the coming one give you a hallowed dare-devil spirit in lifting the biting sword of Truth, consuming you with a passion that is called by the cultured citizen of Christendom 'fanaticism', but known to God as that saint ly madness that led His Son through bloody sweat and hot tears to agony on a rude Cross---and Glory!"

Jim Elliot

A New Year's Prayer

2012-01-03T00:07:00.000-05:00

A New Year's Prayer

"May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God's love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead."

~ Anonymous

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T00:00:00.002-05:00

"If this is to be a Happy New Year, a year of usefulness, a year in which we shall live to make this earth better, it is because God will direct our pathway. How important then, to feel our dependence upon Him!"

~ Matthew Simpson

A New Year

2012-01-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

2012

"A new year – a book of blank pages waiting to be filled. It is easy to fall prey to doubts and questions about unknown days before me. But maybe God’s will for my life is far greater than knowing what path my life will take, what career choice I will make or what job change will occur. Maybe God’s will is simply for me to serve Him and love Him and share His love with others. So simple, yet so complete. There is no need for lofty resolutions, no need for fear – I will begin my days with prayer; I will listen, and God and I will walk together. He will help me through the rest, one day at a time."

~ Author Unknown

About to Begin...

2011-12-31T23:15:00.000-05:00

"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there are always some obstacles in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

Alfred D. Souza.

A New Year's Prayer

2011-12-31T21:28:00.000-05:00

Dear Lord, please give me… A few friends who understand me and remain my friends; A work to do which has real value, without which the world would be the poorer; A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed; An understanding heart; A sense of humor; Time for quiet, silent meditation; A feeling of the presence of God; The patience to wait for the coming of these things, With the wisdom to recognize them when they come. Amen.~ Anonymous

Time for New Beginnings

2011-12-31T21:22:00.000-05:00

"This is a time for reflection as well as celebration.As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life,Remember each experience for the good that has come of it and for the knowledge you have gained.Remember the efforts you have made and the goals you have reached.Remember the love you have shared and the happiness you have brought.Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears.And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one to come.Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings and the celebration of life."~ Taylor Addison, Blue Mountain Arts, 1989

Cure for Jealousy

2011-12-30T22:02:00.000-05:00

"I have learned that I am not equipped to handle what others have—both good and bad. I am, on the other hand, completely equipped to handle what I’ve been given. And the more time I spend being thankful for my life, the less I look around wishing for something else." ~ Lysa TerKeurst

Good Habits

2011-12-30T14:21:00.000-05:00

"Good habits are not made on birthdays, nor Christian character at the New Year. The workshop of character is everyday life. The uneventful and commonplace hour is where the battle is lost or won."

~ Mattie Davenport Babcock

What's Ahead?

2011-12-29T12:31:00.000-05:00

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." ~ C.S. Lewis

Too Late?

2011-12-29T10:01:00.007-05:00

“One moment after men die, they know exactly how they should have lived. But then it is too late to go back and live their lives over again. Too late for the unbeliever, in the jaws of hell. But also too late for the believer, who cannot relive his life, remake his choices, this time following his King more faithfully.”

~ Randy Alcorn (from his book "Safely Home)"

New Year's Day Approaches...

2011-12-29T00:00:00.009-05:00

"As we grow older in life, years somehow seem to shorten and New Year's Day approaches with an ever increasing tempo. The more mature we get, the more we realize that time is only relative; how we live means more than how long we live. Haply also we do not live by years, but by days. In His wisdom God does not show us all that lies ahead. So we enter a new year to live it day by day. What is past is past. Today we start anew, and what we do today will make our life for tomorrow. Chin up, shoulders straight, eyes agleam, let us salute the New Year, and each day let us follow more faithfully, more courageously, more daringly the lead of our great Captain who bids us follow Him."

~ William Thomson Hanzsche

Singles...Advice from Gary Thomas...

2011-12-28T10:15:00.001-05:00

"Singles, learn to value humility when choosing a lifemate: the only thing worse than marrying an imperfect person is marrying an imperfect person who thinks he/she is perfect." ~ Gary Thomas

Be On Guard...

2011-12-28T10:12:00.000-05:00

"As you prepare for the coming year— remember Jesus is coming. These are the last days-- difficult times are here... "You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:17-18"

~ Repost from Kay Arthur

Self-Pleasing, Self-Indulging...

2011-12-28T09:49:00.000-05:00

"A crucified Savior will never be content to have a self-pleasing, self-indulging, worldly-minded people." ~ J.C. Ryle

Christmas Is...

2011-12-22T01:30:00.000-05:00

Christmas is God’s gift to us – a gift of light and life, hope and grace. The gift is a reflection of God’s concern for the world, and God’s desire to heal it and drive away its darkness. The gift of Christmas therefore, comes with a mission, a calling and a responsibility. We must bear Christ’s light into the world by our love expressed through works of mercy and justice. At Christmas we are invited to receive Christ’s light, but not only to receive it. We are invited to bear the light, to walk in the light, and to take the light into the world. ~ Adam Hamilton

Light into Darkness

2011-12-22T00:09:00.000-05:00

Jesus has come to bring light into our darkness, hope to our moments of despair, and salvation and deliverance to all who are burdened, bound, and oppressed. ~ Adam Hamilton

Under the Tree?

2011-12-20T00:15:00.000-05:00

What we really hunger for will not be found under the tree on Christmas morning. We hunger for meaning, for joy, for hope in the face of despair. We hunger to know that we can be forgiven and start anew after things we regret. We hunger for a love that will not let us go and for a life and triumph in the face of death. These come through a baby born in a stable, laid to sleep in a feeding trough, visited by night-shift shepherds. He is for us the bread of life. And we must come to the stable to satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts. ~ Adam Hamilton

Gifts...

2011-12-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

Mike Slaughter, pastor of the Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, reminds his congregation each year that “Christmas is not your birthday!” Consider giving a special offering this Christmas for people in need. If you have children teach them this tradition, and help them learn that Christmas is not primarily about what is under the tree but about God’s gift of Jesus Christ, and, in turn, Christ’s call upon our lives to give ourselves for others.

~ Adam Hamilton (The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem)

Religious Activity Vs. Adventure

2011-12-16T18:04:00.000-05:00

Here is a quote from Simple Church Revolution: "In fact, we often replace the miraculous adventure of following Jesus with religious activity. Did I go to church this week? Check it off the list. Did I read my Bible? Check it. Did I pray? Check it. Done! I have completed my Christian activities and am, therefore, a “good Christian.” Religion itself becomes an easy replacement for a daring life lived in partnership with Jesus." ~ Roger Thoman

Download a free copy of Roger's book Simple House Church Revolution

A Christian...

2011-12-16T02:20:00.002-05:00

"You are a Christian 24/7, not because you participate in a two-hour worship service, but because Christ lives in you every minute of every day." (taken from Roger Thoman's book Simple Church Revolution)

~ Molong Nacua

Church Is...

2011-12-16T02:18:00.001-05:00

"Church is where Christ lives, not the place where we meet. It is
Christ-empowered people, a kingdom of priests for the purpose
of winning against the works of the devil and establishing God's
Kingdom (1 Cor. 3:17; Matt. 18:19; Ex. 19:6)… Christianity is not
about doing church, but being the church. Church is not some
place to go to participate in, but it is about being who you are in
Christ and thus experiencing His real life in you." (taken from Roger Thoman's book Simple Church Resolution)

~ Molong Nacua

What the Church Is Not...

2011-12-15T17:55:00.002-05:00

“Church is not a building. Church is not an event that takes place on Sundays.” ~ John Eldredge

(taken from Roger Thoman's book Simple Church Revolution)

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas

2011-12-15T11:45:00.002-05:00

♥ 1 Corinthians 13 Christmas ♥
♥ If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.
♥ If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family,... I’m just another cook..........
♥ If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
♥ If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
♥ Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
♥ Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
♥ Love is kind, though harried and tired.
♥ Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
♥ Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
♥ Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
♥ Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.
~Author Unknown

Grace...Cheap Grace...?

2011-12-15T09:54:00.000-05:00

“Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession.... Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

Difficult Situation

2011-12-08T02:23:00.000-05:00

‎"When a Christian finds himself in a difficult situation, he should immediately give thanks to the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Spirit, to keep his heart from complaining and fretting. The devil moves in when a Christian starts to complain, but thanksgiving in the Spirit defeats the devil and glorifies the Lord." ~ Warren Wiersbe

Charitable Giving

2011-12-05T23:31:00.000-05:00

"There ought to be things we'd like to do and cannot because our charitable expenditure excludes them." ~ C.S. Lewis

What is a Blessing?

2011-12-05T17:46:00.001-05:00

"Sometimes we think God's blessing involves gaining money, power, and prestige. Blessedness is often associated with a life of comfort and ease. When we describe our blessings, they often include our homes, our jobs, our health and wealth. But Mary's blessedness wasn't material. It wasn't born of security or physical well-being. Mary's blessedness came from being a part of God's plan to be used by God for God's kingdom. Her blessedness was in the fact that she was chosen by God to bear the Messiah." ~ Adam Hamilton (The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem)

Life Is...

2011-12-04T19:12:00.000-05:00

"Your life on earth is a dot. From that dot extends a line that goes on for all eternity. Right now you’re living in the dot. But what are you living for? Are you living for the dot or for the line? Are you living for earth or for heaven? Are you living for the short today or the long tomorrow?" ~ Randy Alcorn (from his book "In Light of Eternity")

Christmas Gift Suggestions

2011-12-03T15:36:00.000-05:00

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. ~ Arnold

The Point of Trials

2011-12-02T13:55:00.004-05:00

‎"The point is not just getting through trials. It's loving, valuing, & trusting Jesus more as a result of them." ~ Bob Kauflin

Courage Is...

2011-12-01T20:30:00.002-05:00

"Courage is fear that has said its prayers." ~ Dorothy Bernard

Prayer Is...

2011-12-01T20:28:00.002-05:00

"Prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God." ~ Saint Teresa of Avila

Truth...

2011-12-01T20:02:00.002-05:00

"Truth is eternal, knowledge is changeable. It is disastrous to confuse them." ~ Madeleine L'Engle (1918-2007)

Worth More than a College Education

2011-12-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

"A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education." ~ Theodore Roosevelt (1958-1919)

I Believe in...

2011-12-01T19:58:00.000-05:00

"I believe in prayer. It's the best way we have to draw strength from heaven." ~ Josephine Baker

Prayers Must...

2011-12-01T19:55:00.000-05:00

"Our prayers must mean something to us if they are to mean anything to God." ~ Maltbie D. Babcock

Prayer Is Not...

2011-12-01T19:53:00.002-05:00

"Prayer is not eloquence, but earnestness; not the definition of helplessness, but the feeling of it; not figures of speech, but earnestness of soul." ~ Hannah More

Prayer is...

2011-12-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

"Prayer is translation. A man translates himself into a child asking for all there is in a language he has barely mastered." ~ Leonard Cohen

Are You Rich?

2011-12-01T19:41:00.000-05:00

"Rich is the person who has a praying friend." ~ Janice Hughes

What Does Prayer Change?

2011-12-01T19:37:00.001-05:00

"Prayer changes people, and people change things." ~ Burton Hills

The Brotherhood

2011-12-01T19:36:00.000-05:00

Whoever in prayer can say, "Our Father," acknowledges and should feel the brotherhood of the whole race of mankind. ~ Tryon Edwards

Prayer

2011-12-01T19:34:00.000-05:00

He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. ~ Psalm 102:17

Prayer

2011-12-01T19:32:00.002-05:00

"Prayer moves the hand that moves the world." ~ John Aikman Wallace

Tragedy

2011-12-01T19:31:00.000-05:00

"The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer." ~F. B. Meyer

Your Identity

2011-11-30T17:35:00.000-05:00

When we know our identity before we jump into activity, we don’t have to guess how to handle the vicious lies of the enemy. Because in God we are loved, accepted, and whole. Oh, may this statement straight from God be inscribed, engraved, and tattooed in the most permanent of ways on our hearts: “Well pleased … well pleased … well pleased.” ~ Lysa TerKeurst

Tempted to Eat...

2011-11-30T17:32:00.000-05:00

"When the desire for treats is triggered by difficult emotions, it’s not really a desire for treats. It’s a thinly veiled attempt at self-medication." ~ Lysa TerKeurst

The Greatest Work

2011-11-30T11:02:00.001-05:00

"God's greatest work in our lives may be difficult and challenging, and we may never receive recognition or the praise of others, but we are called to serve anyway, seeking nothing more than God's satisfaction and glory."

~ Adam Hamilton (from his book "The Journey Walking the Road to Bethlehem")

Hurting People...

2011-11-30T10:58:00.000-05:00

"Do you know someone who has lost a loved one, who has been out of work for some time, who is facing physical illness, who has been divorced or is walking through some other dark place? How might you be a modern-day Immanuel to that person - a physical reminder of God's presence and love? Jesus, in a way no one else could, embodied or incarnated God's presence. But we, as his followers, can seek to embody his presence for others."

~Adam Hamilton (from his book "The Journey Walking the Road to Bethlehem")

The Ultimate Journey

2011-11-30T10:52:00.000-05:00

"As we journey into our future, we being to understand our past in ways that help us travel today."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey:)

The Journey of Love

2011-11-30T03:12:00.002-05:00

"Love is not a goal you reach as part of your life's journey, but something you give and receive all along the way."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

Dreams...

2011-11-30T03:00:00.000-05:00

"Our dreams launch us on every one of life's journeys, and they are there to meet us to the end."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

The Journey of a Day

2011-11-29T11:11:00.001-05:00

"Life's journey may last many years, but to reach our destiny, we must travel well each day."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

Laughter...

2011-11-29T10:07:00.000-05:00

" Life's journey is often along a rough and rocky uphill road.

Laughter can lighten the load."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

Giving...

2011-11-29T10:01:00.001-05:00

"In life's journey, the things we keep we eventually lose, while the things we give away was always have."

Family...

2011-11-29T09:15:00.002-05:00

"Our family is involved in our life's journey long before we are born and long after we die. Some of our family is connected by blood and others by love."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

Problems...

2011-11-29T07:53:00.000-05:00

"Every life's journey is filled with problems.

These problems have solutions that create greater opportunities and more problems."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

Gratitude...

2011-11-29T03:04:00.001-05:00

"As we journey through life, we must focus on the places we want to go while we are grateful for all the places we found."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

Friends...

2011-11-28T21:37:00.000-05:00

"A journey should never be judged by the destination or mode of transportation. It should be judged by the friends who accompany us on the trip."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

Learning...

2011-11-28T09:59:00.000-05:00

"Learning is a journey that never ends.

Each discovery reveals another mystery waiting to be understood."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

Money...

2011-11-28T08:04:00.001-05:00

"Money can help us along our journey and buy us a vehicle for the trip, but it is never the destination."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

Work is...

2011-11-28T07:32:00.001-05:00

"Work is a journey we undertake for others that makes us who we are."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

Things to Ponder While Giving Blood

2011-11-27T22:08:00.001-05:00

"I gave a pint.
He hung on a cross…
I lay on a cot.
He was pierced by a spear…
I, with just a needle.
He was mocked…
I was praised.
He was condemned…
I was commended.
He was tortured…
I was babied.
He died…
I lived.
He went to the grave…
I went home.
He gave for all…
I gave for one.
Thank you Lord for the difference."

~ Sarah Miller

A Gift...

2011-11-27T14:30:00.000-05:00

"The journey of life is a gift we have been given.

Our lives should be lived as gifts to those who follow."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

Journey of Life

2011-11-27T14:27:00.000-05:00

"The Journey of life is a matter of traveling well rather than reaching a destination."

~ Jim Stovall (from his book "The Ultimate Journey")

‎Charitable Giving...

2011-11-25T17:55:00.000-05:00

‎"There ought to be things we'd like to do and cannot because our charitable expenditure excludes them." ~ CS Lewis

Criticize? No...

2011-11-23T10:01:00.003-05:00

"God never gives us discernment so that we may criticize, but that we may intercede."

~ Oswald Chambers

Confronts It...

2011-11-22T13:36:00.002-05:00

"The church does not lead the world, nor echo it. She confronts it. Her note is the supernatural note." ~ Oswald Chambers

An Odd Number...

2011-11-21T00:21:00.000-05:00

“A real Christian is an odd number anyway. He feels supreme love for one whom he has never seen; talks familiarly every day to someone he cannot see; expects to go to heaven on the virtue of another; empties himself in order to be full; admits he is wrong so he can be declared right; goes down in order to get up; is strongest when he is weakest; richest when he is poorest; and happiest when he feels the worst. He dies so he can live; forsakes in order to have; gives away so he can keep; sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passes knowledge. The man who has met God is not looking for anything; he has found it. He is not searching for light, for upon him the light has already shined. His certainty may seem bigoted, but his assurance is that of one who knows by experience his religion is not hearsay. He is not a copy, not a facsimile. He is an original from the hand of the Holy Spirit.” ~ A.W. Tozer

What Are You Waiting For?

2011-11-20T16:22:00.000-05:00

What are we waiting for? Why on earth would we put off doing what needs to be done, saying what needs to be said, giving what needs to be given, or expressing what needs to be expressed? We really don't have forever. ~ B. Brown

What Causes God to Move?

2011-11-15T17:35:00.000-05:00

“What causes God to move?” asked Howie (Howard Shute, Jr.). His conclusion: “Minding God in prayer. Being open to sacrifice. Victorious leaders. Excellent strategy.” Howie believes God can do anything…anywhere…anytime. So why not a movement of God in your community today?

~ Taken from "African Dreams: Church Growth in the Horn of Africa" by Pat Stockett Johnston

Fellowship of the Believers

2011-11-14T17:42:00.000-05:00

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

~ Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)

Persecution...

2011-11-14T14:26:00.007-05:00

“Persecution strengthens our leaders,” said Howie Shute. “We teach them to pray and fast, love back, and be patient.”

~ taken from African Dreams: Church Growth in the Horn of Africa by Pat Stockett Johnston

Homeward Bound

2011-11-09T17:28:00.000-05:00

‎"The key is realizing - and believing - that this world is not your home. If you and I ever hope to free our lives from worldly desires, worldly thinking, worldly pleasures, worldly dreams, worldly ideals, worldly values, worldly ambitions, and worldly acclaim, then we must focus our lives on another world."

~ David Platt (from his book "Radical")

We Are All Needed...

2011-11-06T15:31:00.002-05:00

"God could have made us all Sanguines.
We could have lots of fun but accomplish little.
He could have made us all Melancholies.
We would have been organized and charted but not very cheerful.
He could have made us all Cholerics.
We would have been set to lead, but impatient that no one would follow!
He could have made us all Phlegmatics.
We would have had a peaceful world but not much enthusiasm for life.
We need each temperament for the total function of the body.
Each part should do its work to unify the action and produce harmonious results."

~ Florence Littauer in The Gift of Encouraging Words

I Was Hungry...

2011-11-05T02:10:00.001-04:00

I was hungry and you formed a humanities group to discuss my hunger.

I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.

I was naked and in your mind debated the morality of my appearance.

I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.

I was homeless and you preached to me the spiritual love of God.

I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.

You seem so holy, so close to God, But I am still very hungry—and lonely – and cold.

~ Author Unknown - Found at the Oak Street House Exhibit

See Matthew 25:31-46

Welcome to Holland

2011-11-01T14:51:00.001-04:00

A friend just shared this essay with me to explain how she feels as a mom of a newly diagnosed autistic son. What a beautiful description...

"When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum, the Sistine Chapel, Gondolas. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It’s all very exciting. After several months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, “Welcome to Holland!” “Holland?” you say. “What do you mean, Holland? I signed up for Italy. I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy.” But there’s been a change in the flight plan. They’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven’t taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place full of pestilence, famine, and disease. It’s just a different place. So, you must go out and buy new guidebooks. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It’s just a different place. It’s slower paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you’ve been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around. You begin to notice that Holland has windmills. Holland has tulips. And Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy, and they’re all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life you will say, “Yes, that’s where I was supposed to go. That’s what I had planned.” And the pain of that experience will never, ever, ever, go away. The loss of that dream is a very significant loss. But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland."

~ c 1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved

You are Made for the Eternal...

2011-10-30T07:48:00.004-04:00

People are made for the eternal and therefore cannot be ultimately satisfied by the temporary. When you are made for another world you cannot be fully happy with this one. Realizing this can help us as we face both difficult times and wonderful times. “God has set eternity in the hearts of men” (Eccles. 3:11). ~ Randy Alcorn

I WILL Trust HIM!

2011-10-26T22:15:00.000-04:00

“I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be necessary causes of some great end, which is quite beyond us. He does nothing in vain."

~ John Henry Newman

Boundaries...

2011-10-20T08:19:00.002-04:00

"Boundaries aren't restrictive fences meant to keep us from enjoying life, but gifts from a God who cares about our well-being." ~ taken from Lysa TerKeurst's Facebook page.

Prayer and Fasting

2011-10-17T16:07:00.000-04:00

"Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God." ~ Andrew Murray

Leftovers?

2011-10-15T07:07:00.005-04:00

“By now you’ve probably realized you have a distinct choice to make: just let life happen, which is tantamount to serving God your leftovers, or actively run toward Christ.” ~ Francis Chan