Category Archives: Sermon

Sep19

A Sermon Not Spoken In “Church-ese!”

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You know, in the language only “church” people can understand…

words like propitiation, sanctification, redemption, Rapture, Armageddon, etc.

God’s Story

The Father

God created everything…

Man sinned…

God sent a Great Flood…

His Chosen people wandered…

His Prophets were ignored…

The Son

God sent His Son…

Because He loves us…

Jesus was born..

He healed the sick…

He died on the Cross…

To save us from Man’s sin…

He rose from the dead…

He ascended to Heaven…

He’s coming back…

Be ready for eternity…

The Holy Spirit

God sent His Comforter to live IN us…

To fill us with JOY…

To let others know about Him…

It’s so simple…Let’s not complicate it!

Sep16

Preach it, Sister!

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On Thursday, I received my first piece of mail addressed to “Rev.”

I feel blessed beyond belief!

I’ve been working on courses for my Licensed Minister’s Certificate for approximately 11 years!!

On Saturday, September 29th, 2012, I’m going to be commissioned!

I’ve been working on it while I was…..

Teaching full-time in NJ…

Raising my son…

Caring for my parents…

Directing Vacation Bible School in the summers…

Coordinating  Girls Club on Wednesdays…

Taking courses for my Master’s Degree…

Selling and packing up my Mom’s house, and our house in NJ…

Moving all of us to FL…

Teaching Kids Church in our new church in FL…

And Wednesday night Kids Club…

Speaking at women’s meetings…

Taking care of my Mom and her health problems before she passed away…

Taking courses to renew my FL Teaching Certificate…

Substituting, and going back to work part-time…

Etc., etc., etc…

And I’m finally finished!!!  Amen!  And Praise God!!

My family is full of minister’s…My uncle was my pastor when I was growing up…many of my cousins are pastor’s of churches or ministers of music.  Our e-mail and phone prayer networking is amazing…when we pray, things happen in Heaven!!

I started taking one course at my church in NJ with a group of people, and one class led to another, and then another…courses such as “Life of Christ,” Introduction to Theology,” Marriage and Family,” “Sermon Preparation,” “Soul Winning,” “How to Study the Bible,” “Biblical Theology of Prayer,” and “Missions.”

I loved it!

Then, when we got to FL, no one else was taking courses at my church, so I did a few by myself.  But, when Hurricane Charlie hit us…and things in our house turned to destruction, I lost track of my books, which got shoved back in the deep corners of my closet!  I had just finished “New Testament Survey,”  and had gotten several chapters done in “Old Testament Survey.”

It was a bad place to get distracted, because that’s a difficult course…so many names to remember, and lots of “begats.”  Ha!

So, after we recovered completely from the aftermath of renovation after the hurricane, several years had gone by, and I finally retrieved my “Old Testament Survey” textbooks from their hiding place.

Dear Jesus, what am I supposed to do now?  Should I finish this, or just forget it!

Clearly, He said, “Finish it!  And keep going!!”

I don’t really know what God has planned…

In directing our Drama Team, and preparing devotionals each week…I work with kids, youth, and young adults, and their parents all the time, in Kids Church I teach Bible lessons and object lessons.  In evaluating home schoolers with my FL Teaching Certificate, I work with two Christian home schooling groups.  So perhaps the Lord will just have me continue with these…

Whatever, He decides…I trust Him to finish within me what He started!  Amen!

I’ve already been asked by a friend and her husband to renew their wedding vows…how special is that???

My thought on preaching?

“You preach you burn…You teach you learn.”  So I’m blessed to be able to teach, so I can learn…and to remember I’m preaching to myself first, so I won’t burn!!  Ha!

Those of you that have started something for the Lord, and feel like giving up…don’t!!

Be patient!  Trust God’s timing!

I’m sure He wants to use you, too!!

P.S.   Commissioning Day photos taken by my husband!!

The Pastors’ prayers were very powerful…

And very humbling, also!

Please Lord…make me ready to serve You in this way!!

Amen!

Aug18

Life Happens…And More Abundantly!!

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Hello Dear Bloggers!!

Okay, my summer’s over, even though it’s still intensely hot around here!  School has started in FL!!

In NJ, I would still have off until AFTER labor Day!!

I substituted on Thursday and Friday last week, and on Monday this week, for a  new high school English teacher, who went to her sister’s wedding.  All went well, nice to see everyone from last year!!

There are many, more kids and I was in a new portable classroom for my 1st 3 periods, which was fine, except for the “new” chemical smell…YUK!!  Then I traveled to other classrooms the rest of the day.  On Thursday and Monday, I had two free periods, but on Fri., I covered for another teacher for those two periods, so she could go to a funeral.

So this was my schedule on Friday:

I got up at 4:35 am, covered 7 classes, went to the gym, went to drama practice, got home at 7 pm, straightened up the house, and collapsed!   On Saturday, I had to get up 6 am to go to breakfast with my sponsor to meet my new district superintendent of Gospel Crusade Ministerial Fellowship, so I can get my minister’s license, since I just finished my required courses!!  Yipee!!

Came home on Saturday afternoon…felt like collapsing, straightened up the house (of course!), and went to take a nap!

Let’s just stop here a moment…I had my son when I was 41 years old…he’s going to be 22 next month…he keeps me young…but, if you do the math, you can see…I’m no spring chicken!  I was exhausted!!

My left jaw started hurting on Friday and got worse by Saturday afternoon…my son prayed for me…I called dentist for pain meds in case it was a tooth ache, but the pharmacy closed at 6 pm, and I didn’t get the meds ’til Sun., and I didn’t need them by then.  I had an icepack on it all day Saturday while napping, and later while watching TV.

My husband and I watched some funny movie, and finally I relaxed, so it stopped hurting around 8 pm.

I didn’t go to church on Sunday, thinking it was lack of sleep.

*Let’s digress…a moment here, too, because:

Men don’t get it at all!!!

“Go to bed” to them…means, literally “Go to bed!”

Same thing in the mornings…”Go work means,  literally “Get up and go to work!!”

Females…we, on the other hand…well, we all know what we’re like…my list of things that I need to do, is endless…we don’t even get it ourselves…there’s always one more thing we need to do…day or night…before we can “Go to bed!” or “Go to work!”

*Hence the reason we’re always tired…but I digress!!

My jaw felt fine all day Sunday…got lots done around the house…went to work Monday…went to the dentist after work to find out it’s not tooth related.  Woke up Tuesday am at 3 am with it throbbing again, but not as bad…my husband prayed for it and by the time I got to work at Calvary Christian School the pain was gone!!

It’s like a muscle is twisting or something in the left jaw area, from my ear to and under my chin.  Like a gland or something!  Felt like the shingles I had years ago (from stress!!), but not as bad and no painful sores!  Looked it up on-line, and it sounds like it’s most likely TMJ…it makes your whole head hurt…please pray for me!  I read that some people have this pain for years!

No, I can’t take pain, so I must be healed in Jesus Name!  Amen!!

So anyway, I got a part-time job working at Calvary Christian School on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday each week.

I’m glad to not be working 3 days in a row!  I had to tell the high school I couldn’t work a bunch of days they asked me about already, but just feel God telling me to do this!!

The classroom at Calvary is set up so each of the 17 elementary kids has his/her own cubical (called their “office!”).  To help them, we
walk around the room and check their work at the counter above their desk, so I stand all day, except for a 20 min, break and a 30 min. lunch with the kids.  On the second day,  I wore sneakers!!  On my day off, I tried to get lots of things done at home…for drama practice on Friday, for my on-line course to renew my FL Teaching Certificate, laundry, phone calls, etc.

My son’s responsible for putting dishes away and folding towels.  My husband makes dinner, my son’s lunches, and takes care of the dog so I can go to bed early…so it’s taking the whole family co-operating to do this for sure!!  I’ve been retired for 10 years!  So we need to get  back in the groove.

It will work!

However…Blogging did not get done!!

And I miss you!

So, Dear Bloggers…Praying you are all doing great!  I still do have time to pray, of course, so I’ll continue to lift up each of you to the Lord!!  God Bless!

Why did I take on this part-time job????  (Subbing was working out just fine…go to work when you feel like it!)

It dropped into my lap!  Just like my son’s job at Calvary did!  After I told him time and time again this summer, while watching him play video games…”You’ve graduated from college now…don’t expect God to come knocking on your front door to say, ‘Hey, I’ve got this great job for you!’  You’ve got to actually go and find a job!”

Well, God literally dropped these jobs into our laps…

So what did we do???

We looked down at the gifts God laid in our laps, prayed about it, picked them up, and said, “Let’s Go!!”

PLUS…Bottom line?

I didn’t want to tell God…I don’t do mornings!!  Ha!  Even though everyone KNOWS I don’t do mornings!

I may be too busy to blog to you…but God is never too busy for any of us…

Really!

How does he do it????!

When we have such a hard time “doing it all!!”

Life happens…and then it happens some more…

Sometimes it’s hard for us to ask, “Where do you want me to go, Lord???

We could murmur (I do!!)  when He tells us…but it didn’t get the Israelites anywhere!!

Literally, they just wandered around… like we do without purpose…

Our purpose is to go!!

Go to your job…go to your school, go to the park with your kids, go to sit with a sick friend or family member…

Go into all the world…your world…

So that everywhere we go…

Everything we do…

Is for the Lord…and points everyone to Jesus…

If we remember that, life is easier!

Easy, because our Bible simply says, “Go!!”

“…Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”  Mark 16:15 NIV

Don’t add any stipulations…

Like,

“I’ll go when…I have nothing else to do…”

“When nobody else needs my attention…”

“When I feel like it…”

Or, after we remind the Lord…”I don’t do mornings!”

How about if an evangelist or missionary said, “I don’t do Africa…or China…or India…”

Our Bible also says “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”  John 10:10 NKJV

Life…more abundantly…

Notice the word “MORE”…

I’m not asked to sit in a rocking chair and do nothing…even at my age…

I’m still called to, “GO!”

Because I’ve been given LIFE…MORE abundantly!!

Face it, church…

God wants to give us MORE LIFE…so we can “GO!”

More job opportunities, more people to minister to, more people to love and feel compassion for…

When we obey and “GO!”

Jesus LIVES…so should we!

Our Drama Team exploded this year…

Why?  We prayed for MORE!!

More faith, more anointing, more wisdom, more members…for more outreach opportunities…so we can “GO!”

It’s never about more “stuff”  for us, Church…

It’s not about more money, more cars, more houses, etc.

Though God may bless us with those things…

They’re His to give us,  if we use them for His mission… reaching lost souls….

For us to use for His glory to help others…

But what He really wants to give us is MORE LIFE!!

MORE abundantly!

So since my last blog…my season in LIFE has changed…Life has happened…MORE has happened…I’ve been asked to “Go!”

But, my mission from God hasn’t changed…

“Go!”  Is still His command to me!

And to you…

What season of  LIFE are you in?

In NJ, there are many seasons:  Cool…crisp…beautiful fall foliage…frost on the pumpkins…apple-picking…

Icy cold…dry skin…frostbite…slippery roads…gorgeous snow drifts…(unless you have to drive in it or shovel it!  Ha!)

Wet…blustery…birds chirping…flowers blooming…

Hazy…hot…humid…beach…pool…summer vacation…

Fl has no seasons…unless you count…

“Not-so-hot”

“Hot”

“Really hot”

“Intensely hot”

That’s LIFE…let’s embrace it, whatever season…

And stick to God’s plan and His purpose for our lives…to live life MORE abundantly…and to “Go!”

I won’t murmur or complain about this season…(Okay, I may vent a little!!  Ha!  I’m tired and my feet hurt…etc.)

Don’t live in the shadows…the Son is Risen!

Let’s have an attitude adjustment…

This new season could be school, books, jobs, stress…

Or it could be love, compassion, teaching, ministering…

It’s all in how you look at LIFE…

Look at it much more abundantly…

Don’t get stuck in one hard season…

God’s trying to make you Live!

Maybe this season is blustery…you’ve driven into a snow drift…slipped on icy roads…gotten caught in a hurricane…you’re chilled to the bone…wet, cold, and damp…or it’s so hot you can’t breathe…

Keep going, keep living…’til you’re season turns into one of gathering flowers, picking pumpkins, making angels in the snow, or walking on the beach!!

Don’t get stuck in…”it’s too hot…I’m too old…it’s too hard…”

I’ll just be thankful for the job God gave me, for the Christian environment He’s put me in…in this season…

For health, so I can go…

For abundant life… to love…MORE…

And for the delightful sunrises I get to see each morning now!!

I hope to talk to you before my next vacation!!  Ha!

Jul21

The Reporter

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“The only reason I’m here is to tell the story.”

I saw a movie the other night about a journalist, and that was the ending line of the movie.

Wow, what a thought.

That’s why we’re here.

It’s not about us.

It’s about God and His story, the Gospel.

All we have to do is tell it, by living it.

Being a Christian is not about doing things.

It’s about telling God’s story.

How liberating!

I’ve always got a lot to say, but I’m glad it’s not about me.

And it’s not about you, either!

Jul21

Return Policy

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Ever bought anything at Wal-Mart?  Of course you have!  Can you believe their return policy.  Bring in the receipt, return the item, no questions asked.  They don’t seem to care why you want to return it, they just seem so happy to have it back.  You’d think they’d be unhappy, since they sold it to you, and now that they have it back again, they owe you money.  I never mind returning something at Walmart… they never judge you…they just take the item back.

So, I checked their web-site to see if that’s really their Return Policy…here’s what it said:

“Walmart’s Return Policy

Our goal is to satisfy our customers by exchange, refund, or repair, as outlined in this policy.

As an added convenience for customers, Walmart has adjusted its return policy for the holiday gift buying season for items that have a limited return/exchange period (15 days, 30 days, etc.). For these items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, the limited return period will begin Dec. 26. This includes items such as TVs, cameras, computers, DVD and music players which can have a 15-30 day return period.

Q:  Is there a time limit on RETURNS?

A:  Generally, we accept returns within 90 days after purchase. There are a few exceptions, including the below examples but not limited to these examples, to the 90-day rule:

  • Computers, camcorders, digital cameras, digital music players, e-tablets, e-readers, portable video players, GPS units, video game hardware, pre-paid cell phones, and post-paid cell phones must be returned within 15 days with a receipt.
  • Airbeds returned within 15 days with a receipt that are not defective and have been opened or used will only be exchanged for an airbed of equal or greater value.
  • Defective airbeds will be exchanged for an airbed of equal or greater value within 90 days of purchase.
  • Swimming pools, lawn mowers, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, air conditioners, power washers, compressors, and generators must be returned within 30 days with a receipt to obtain a refund or exchange.
  • Pre-recorded movies, music, and computer/video game software and circuit cartridges must be returned within 90 days in the original and unopened packaging with a receipt to receive a refund or exchange.
    • If the above-referenced items are defective, they can be returned within 90 days with a receipt and the original packaging. Defective units may be exchanged for another unit of the same title.
  • Defective pre-owned (refurbished) video game software can be returned within 90 days with a receipt and the original packaging. Defective units may be exchanged for another unit of a different title if original title is not available.
  • All perennials, tree and shrubs must be returned within 1 year with a receipt to obtain a refund or exchange.

Q:  Do you accept RETURNS without a receipt?

A:  Walmart, for several years, has accepted returns without a receipt, even though many of our competitors require receipts for all returns.  Walmart gives customers the option of a cash refund (if the purchase was under $25), a shopping card for the amount of the purchase (if it was over $25) or an even exchange for the product. Also, as applicable, we follow any manufacturer’s warranties.

Q:  Do you track RETURNS, do you place a limit on the number of returns?

A:  In the event that a customer has returned more than three items without receipts within a 45-day period, the cash register system will automatically flag the transaction, and a customer service manager or member of management must approve the return.  These cash register messages will remain for six months and will disappear if there are no more returns during that time period.”

Okay, now wait a minute…Walmart has a good return policy, but there are stipulations that I didn’t know about before doing  this research…they don’t take back everything, there are exceptions, they don’t take back damaged goods, there’s a time limit, they track how many times you return things, and you generally need a receipt that says you paid the price for the item before they will give you cash back, a gift card, or an exchange.

But, no such stipulations with Jesus!

Isaiah 44:22 KJV says, “I have blotted out as a thick cloud, thy transgressions; and as a cloud, thy sins:  return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.”

Return…we’re redeemed!

Pardon promised, sin forgiven.

He takes back everyone.

No exceptions!

Even damaged goods.

He repairs and restores lives.

There’s no time limit as long as there’s breath.

He doesn’t keep track of wrongs.

He has already paid the price.

He exchanges our stoney heart for a brand new one.

Gives us a “Get Into Heaven” card.

Stop…go listen to “Take You Back” by Jeremy Camp from his album Restored.

What a message…what a return policy…He’ll take us back!  Always!

Do you need a good return policy?  Come to Jesus…

Jul20

Are You A Modern Day Moses?

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Of all the personalities who engaged in prayer to the Lord in the Old Testament, it is doubtful that any can compare to Moses. In terms of prayer and communication with God, it was virtually his sole occupation.  Is it ours?

1.  RESPONDING TO GOD’S CALL:

God speaks, “Moses! Moses!”

Moses responds, “Here I am.”

  Today:  God speaks our name.

We answer,  “Lord, are you talking to me?”

2.  GOD GIVES A COMMAND:

God speaks, “Do not come any closer.”

Moses, obeys.

Today: God says, “Go back to church!”

We say, “We’re too busy!

3.  MOSES QUESTIONS:

Moses questions, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’  Then what shall I tell them?”

God answers, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites:  ‘I AM sent me to you! ‘”

     Today:  We question, “How can we fit God into our already crowded, overwhelmed life?”

God answers, “I AM GOD, I’ll work it out!!”

4.  MOSES HAS CONCERNS:

Moses confesses, “I am not able to contend with the unbelief of the people and I am not eloquent.”

God answers, “I AM.”

     Today:  We confess, “Lord, I am not able to do this.”

God answers, “I AM.”

5.  TIMING OF DIVINE INTERVENTION:

Moses doesn’t understand, “Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people?”

God answers, “Now you will see what I will do … and then you will know that I am the Lord your God … ”

Today:  I don’t understand, “Lord, you’re asking me to lead Vacation Bible School?  I can’t do that!”

God answers, “Say yes to me, and you will see what I will do … and then you will know that I am the Lord your God … ”

6.  PRAYER-THEN ACTION:

God speaks, “Move on!”

Moses, steps out in faith.

     Today:  God speaks, “Get off the fence for good!  Make a commitment!  Serve only Me!”

Will we step out in faith?

7.  CONTINUED DEPENDENCE ON GOD:

Moses cried to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people?”

God answers Moses because he drew near to God, and chose to pray.

God was ready to give up on Israel, “Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them.  Then I will make you into a great nation.

“Moses is totally unselfish and becomes a true advocate and intercessor to influence the final outcome, and the Lord relented.

Today:  We cry out to the Lord, “It’s hard to serve you when others around us don’t comprehend the spiritual things of God!”

God answers us because we drew near to God, and chose to pray.

God is ready to turn every soul 180 degrees around, to draw them closer, and turn stony hearts to flesh.

We must be totally unselfish, obey the vision given to reposition ourselves to become a true advocate and intercessor to influence the final outcome of every soul.

9.  GOD MUST GO WITH US:

God speaks, “I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”

Moses answers, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here … ”

     Today:  God speaks, “I will relocate you and your family.”

We must answer, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us there.  Our heart’s desire is that we can serve you there!”

10.  PERSONAL REVELATION FOR THE INTERCESSOR:

Moses makes a bold plea, “Now show me your glory.”

God answers, “Yes Moses .. .I will enlarge your vision and your faith.”

Today:  We make a bold plea, “Lord, I have always wanted to write (sing, dance, teach, play an instrument, etc.).  Give me a ministry for you with my passion!  Give me your blessings!”

God answers, “Yes, I will enlarge your vision and your faith and increase your territory of influence for Me and the spreading of My Gospel.”

Prayer and communication with God allowed Moses to desire to see God’s glory…and it will do the same for us today!

Jul20

The Ultimate Altar Call

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At the end of a Holy Spirit-convicting Youth service, with the band playing in the background and leaders praying for the
Spirit to have His way, everyone is seated with their eyes opened facing the altar.

Those of you who gave your heart to the Lord at any time in your life before tonight…in Sunday School, at camp, in Kids’ Church, at a revival service, at home, by yourself, with your parents or grandparents…wherever, whenever…please walk down here to the altar and stand facing the congregation.

Praise God!! You are saved and going to Heaven because Jesus is your Savior!!

Now, out of those of you standing facing the congregation:  If you have learned that you are saved to serve the Lord, whether you knew that immediately upon giving your heart to the Lord, or at a later time God spoke to you about what He wants from you…

Praise the lord, you’re on fire for God!!

Jesus is the Lord of your life, you pray for His guidance, you read His Word, follow His commandments and ways, and He directs your path, you love Him with all your heart and are ready to be used by Him to reach lost souls. I want you to begin praising and worshiping Him, acknowledging His plan for your life, and ask Him to continue to lead you.

If you are standing facing the congregation, but after the initial time you gave your heart to the Lord, circumstances have caused you to pull away from Jesus, your first love, you’ve allowed your flesh to direct your path and you haven’t resisted the devil in your choices in life and he’s led you astray…I want you to turn, kneel down facing the altar and begin praying for a renewed mind that is set on Jesus and His plan for you, a changed heart, and new direction. He saved you to be a mighty worker in His Kingdom!  He has an awesome plan for you!!

If you are still at your seat, think about God’s love for you… it’s beyond all understanding!!  Look to Jesus for forgiveness of all your sins, feel your heavy burdens and how wonderful it will be when Jesus immediately comes to lift them and carry them away for you. Give Him your heart and He’ll give you His Joy.  If you want to be saved and have eternal life in Heaven…Jesus is the Way, ask Him to show you!

If this makes sense to you and is the desire of your heart, I want you to stand. He’s knocking at the door of your heart…just simply ask Him to come in and live in your heart, to take away your sins, cleanse you, and be your Lord and Savior!

If you are still seated, please remain seated with your eyes closed and tell God about your doubts in believing what He has planned for you.  Ask Him to show you how you can be close to Him and receive His Peace.  He won’t force Himself on you,  you may feel the gentle nudging of His Holy Spirit, but still it must be your decision.

Now, those of you kneeling, facing the altar…if you’ve received from God what you asked for…His power, His strength, His Joy to serve Him…then, stand and face the congregation with the others.  If you still need more time to pray, continue kneeling.

For those of you that are now standing, facing the congregation, it’s time for you to be used by God…YOU’RE READY!!!  God can and does use teenagers in His service!!  There is a ministry waiting for you. You are not too young!!  You will grow and mature as you serve! Start now to gain confidence in your place in the Kingdom of God to help others find the Lord!!

So now begin praying with someone who is kneeling by you, or go to someone standing at their seat who is ready to become a new child of God.

GO!

Along with our leaders, begin praying with others and for others!  Pray also for those who are still seated, that the Lord’s Holy Spirit will answer all their questions and satisfy all their doubts…that they will desire to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Then come stand in a circle at the altar, so we can pray for the Holy Spirit to empower teens with boldness and joy to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ everywhere they go!

This is the vision God gave me for our youth!

Jul20

Words From My Heart

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I’m going to write to you from my heart…

As if you’re my best friend…

Life isn’t perfect.

Kids aren’t perfect.

Families can be dysfunctional.

Even a happy marriage can have arguments brewing.

But I have found the One who is perfect.

He controls my heart and my life.

With Him, I have peace, joy, love…which the world could never give me.

And can never take away!

He blesses me because He’s looking to bless those who believe in Him.

Not just that He existed, but that He exists today, & wants to dwell in our hearts.

I can write to you from my heart because He fills my heart to overflowing with His love…

Then, I can share His love with you.

It’s  really very simple…this Gospel…

We love God…because He first loved us.

He gave his Only Begotten Son for us…

That we may have abundant life…

Why make it complicated?

It’s not!

He says, “Come to Me…my yoke is easy.”

I can’t tell anyone how to solve all problems…

But I know the One who can…

Call out to Jesus…

You’ll find Him ready, willing, and able to meet all your needs…

“Help me, Jesus,” is a strong prayer that touches His heart…

It connects your heart to His…

Then, obey His voice…

Follow His direction…

Listen for His answer…

His Holy Spirit will direct you.

If we looked to each other, we would ultimately fail and disappoint.

Humans are frail…

He is MIGHTY!

Believe!

Trust!

He will never leave us or forsake us.

Nothing is about us, or our credentials.

It is always about Jesus.

What He has already done for us at the Cross.

What He wants to do for us today, if we’ll let Him.

He knocks, but we must open the door.

It’s that easy!

Accept His help today!

He’s knocking…

You must answer…by opening the door to your heart…

“Yes, Lord Jesus”…is the answer to all your problems…forever…here on earth and through eternity…

I’ll be praying for you…

Jul19

Empty

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I don’t know who you are, where you are, where you’ve been, or what you’re doing, but I do know we all have an empty hole only Jesus can fill.

You may be a professional who’s desperate, a teacher who’s overwhelmed, or a parent who’s exhausted.

You may be homeless and in despair, you may be wealthy, but life is futile.

It doesn’t matter, without Jesus, you’re a person running on empty.

Why would God fill the empty hole in me and others, but not in you?

Are we better than you, more educated, more perfect?

No. The Bible says, “All have sinned…”

It has nothing to do with us, it has everything to do with Him.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…”

Jesus died to save us from the empty hole within us, and the empty hole of an eternity in Hell separated from Him.

Let Him fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Nothing else can fill the spot that’s reserved for Him.

Sin tries to fill it up, but you’re still left empty.

Empty and guilty.

Only you can ask for the empty hole to be filled with what will truly satisfies.

You can try other things: Money, love relationships, fast cars, parties, drugs, alcohol, etc.

You’re just wasting time, and losing time that could be spent in JOY, PEACE, and LOVE.

Better than what you now feel: despair, overwhelmed, desperate, and discouraged.

How do I know?  I’ve been there.

Even with all you desire from this world, you can feel unsatisfied.  We all need Jesus.

Here’s what to do: Bow down to Jesus. Call out to Him.  Look up to God.

He’ll hear your sincere cry for help, even if you simply breathe a whisper “Help me!”

Jesus wants to live in your heart and fill you with His Holy Spirit.

To dwell in you.  For you to abide in Him.

It’s a gift.  It’s yours for the asking.  You don’t need to beg.

God’s listening.

Read His Word…the Bible.

Talk to any Christian…a strong believer in the full Gospel…a follower of Christ.  I know you know who they are.

I dare you!  Go find one.  Question them.  Ask them the important questions you really want to know about God.

I’m praying for every non-believer to have a Christian believer near them. Share your doubts.

Discuss God’s word with the ones you know have God’s Joy in their lives.  In every circumstance, even when the circumstance is a difficult one.

Don’t let anyone, or anything, stand in your way, or cause you to think God’s not real.  He is!

Or, that what Jesus did for others..He can’t do for you.  He can!

No matter who you are, where you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done, Jesus wants to be your Savior and the Lord of your life.

Be sincere.  Be sorry.  Be free.

Ask the Lord to help you allow His Holy Spirit to lead you into all Truth.  Not the world’s truth, but God’s Truth..

Ask that Christian friend of yours more questians. Dive into your Bible.

A good place to start is the Book of John in the New Testament, “In the beginning was the Word…and the Word became flesh.”  Pray for understanding while reading.

Find a Bible -believing church, go there, fellowship with other Christians, feed on the Word.

Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you, and show you a ministry you can do to glorify His Name.

Keep praying.  Ask the Holy Spirit to fill the empty hole, and constantly keep it filled to overflowing.  To be able to help others, and lead them to Christ.

So they will no longer be running on empty either!

You may think you’re really ok, you’re not on drugs, you’re not suicidal, you’re not planning on killing anyone.

And in the eyes of the world you may be ok.

But in God’s eyes “…all are as filthy rags…”

If you don’t know Jesus personally (which means you alone, not what your family or friends believe, just
you), you’re not ok.

It’s not enough. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father but through Me…”

Only complete trust in Jesus and what He’s already done for us at the Cross will give us eternal life in Heaven.  With equal satisfaction and fullfillment for us here on earth.

Let Him take you from wherever you are to wherever He wants you to be.

He’ll change you, fill the empty hole inside you.

And you’ll be whole.

Jul17

Straight To The Gate

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Rev. 7: 13-17  “And one of the elders answered, saying to me, who are these which are clothed in white robes? And where did they come from? And I said to him, sir, you know.  And he said to me, they came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  Therefore they stand before the throne of God, and serve Him day & night in His temple: and He that sits on the throne will live among them.  They will hunger no more. Neither thirst any more; neither will the sun light on them, nor any heat.  For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters.  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

 Where are we on the road from “hell” to “Heaven”?  Are we so close to the enemy that all we can hear are his lies?

Are we so far from Jesus that we have to strain to hear Him?  Are there so many obstacles in our way?  Who do we listen to?   The enemy strikes dedicated Christians all the time, but don’t you think it’s easier for us to live for Jesus the closer we are to Him?  Instead of being one step away from serving satan?

See the fence in the middle of this road? Sitting on the fence hurts.  It hurts us, and it hurts others.  We can’t help or disciple people from the fence.  Satan keeps us bound to it.  We can only help others from a position of total freedom, of true liberty in Jesus from a position at the foot of the Cross.

Our position, young or old, is to be as close as we can be to God through Jesus, then we’ll never leave people un-discipled & lost to satan.  Are we playing too close to the fence?  Are we too eager to climb over the fence to get to hell?  Or, are we too complacent to make an effort to get off the fence?

What separates us from Jesus?

Rebellion?  Lack of commitment?  The way we dress? Our language?  Our attitude?  Our friends? Our heart?  Our mind?  Lack of prayer?  Lack of Bible reading?  Lack of obedience?  Bad habits?  Disinterest?  Spending too much time on ourselves?  Laziness?  Lack of dedication?  Lust?  Immorality?

Lack of focus on Jesus?  Is it always about us!??????

Do we ask Him for help??

How can we get closer to Heaven?

We need to care enough to get into the right position.  We all know people around us in our schools, at our jobs, and in our neighborhoods, who have left the path to Heaven and taken a detour!  Do we care?  Satan is laughing…does that bother us?

There‘s a battle for our soul & the souls of our friends!  Do we hunger and thirst for more of Jesus!!  Do we cry out to Him to help them…to help us help them?

How can we help/disciple others?

We need to be spotless by being covered with the blood of Jesus.  Are we stained with the dirt of this world?  How?

And how can we get clean?  Here’s the answer!   A sin stained person, needs to be covered by Jesus’ blood and receive His pure white robe of righteousness.  Move closer to God…where nothing separates you from His glory.

What does it take to move us closer to God?

More church programs?  More fun activities?  More food, snacks, candy, and ice cream?  More “Slurpies!!?”  More people?  More leaders?  A new pastor?  More pot-luck dinners?  A new gym?  Or, do we agree that what the church really needs is more of God…more focus on Jesus!!

Coming to Jesus, repenting, changing, being filled with His Holy Spirit, and moving into the right position in Christ.  Where we kneel at the foot of the Cross, admit we’re a sinner, so Jesus will cover us with His blood, cleanse us, forgive us, & forget all our sins.  Then, our Almighty God sees only the blood of Jesus when He sees us with Jesus’ robe of righteousness on us.  Then He says, “Stand up My child, I have Kingdom work for you to do.”

“Me?  But…”

“Yes, you!!”  He will say,  “Go!  And I will go before you.  Then, people will see only Me and hear Me when you speak!”

Isn’t that awesome!!  What a relief…it’s not what we do, but what Jesus already did for us!  It’s not us people see, but Jesus in us!!  That’s liberating!!  That’s freedom!

What are we waiting for?  For people to force us to serve Jesus?  For God to make us love Him & serve Him?

We know it doesn’t work that way, right?!  It’s got to be our decision…our free-will choice!  Our hunger!!  Our thirst for Christ, and our relationship with Him personally!

How can we disciple others when we’re struggling ourselves?  How can we show Christ to others when He’s not visible in us?

Is it all about us?  God has this idea that it’s all about Him…it is!!!   Where’s our focus?  Are we preoccupied?  Thinking of other things?

Are our thoughts on yourselves?  On our friends?  Girlfriends or boyfriends?  On money?  On computers?  On games?  On fun?  On getting away with things?  On Facebook?  On texting?  Stay focused on God!!

Are we properly positioned?  Is our prayer to the Lord…”Position me, Lord!!”?  Are we reflecting Jesus to others?  Are we pointing the way to Heaven?  Do we shout that Jesus is the Way?

Only satan should be in hell!!  He’s there…and he’s having a party.  He’s invited everyone he knows.  Are we at his party?  Let’s leave his party!!  And take everyone we know with us.  Pulling them out of the fiery pit!!  Lead the way to the 180 degree turn around.  So they’re facing Heaven and not hell.

Jesus whispers…start a youth band…join the drama team…ask someone to church… pray for someone’s healing…show love, show compassion…can you hear Him?  Do you obey?

Encourage people to get off the fence.  Help them see Jesus’ glorious face at the gate ahead in Heaven.  Show them His love in you. Point them to Heaven, so they can turn their back on hell.  It’s the right direction for the abundant blessings of our Lord and Savior.

Ask for more from Jesus…get quieter…get closer to the Lord.  Stay on the path—“straight to the gate.”  of Heaven.  Bring as many people with you that you can.  Don’t compromise.  It leads you to satan’s lair.  Where he’s celebrating every lost soul that wandered off the path..  Gently  encourage others to follow the path with you, fervently pray.  Intercede.  Help them endure.  Help them recognize all the enemy’s tricks.  Ask God to respond from His throne, and to step into every situation.  The lost only need one glimpse of Him.  One whisper from Jesus changes their entire situation!  It changes their whole life!!

Christ is pushing us to new levels.  He’s encouraging our obedience, He’s encouraging us to trust Him and His plan for our lives each moment of every day.   He’s asking us to reach up to Him, and to reach out to others.

To be purified. We can’t show someone else how to live for God, if we’re not clean enough to reflect Him!  Are we a ROCK…a Reflection Of Christ your King?

Live to glorify Him, and Him only!.  It’s all about Jesus.  Get what we need from God…and be free to come and go to the fountain He provides!  Get God’s joy, then splash joy on someone else!  It’s fun!  It’s joyful!

Where were we two years ago on this road?  Where do we want to be two years from now?  We’re in this picture of the road from hell to Heaven, even if we’re sitting on the sidelines. Don’t just sit on the sidelines.  Let’s immerse ourselves in His Love.  Be in love. Crazy in love with Jesus!

If not…we won’t come out unscathed in the judgement.  Maybe we just serve God because our parents make us!  Or it’s expected of us. That’s not good enough!

Jesus is here, seeking, and saving the lost.   But satan sees us also, and he’s out to steal, kill, & destroy.  Are we just going to stand back and let satan destroy our lives?  Our dreams?  Our families?  Our friends?

If we’re not where we should be, or want to be…Jesus is right here…tell Him…we need to ask Him to help us and to strengthen us.  To make us more determined to stay focused on Him!!

Don’t take a detour.  A detour takes us away from God back through satan’s territory.  And when we finally “come to ourselves” and get back on the right road, we will be farther away from God than when we left.   Is that really where we want to be??

Pray more about what God wants us to do, think less about what we want to do…more about what’s right in our life, less about what’s wrong.  Look for more good in others, instead of pointing out what’s bad. There’s so much potential in all of us…not because we’re good, but because God is good!!

Please, I ask you to consider what God wants to do in your life!!  Where God wants you to be on this road…

Always facing Jesus and walking “straight to the gate.”

Proverbs 4: 14 & 15 “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.  Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”

Proverbs 4: 25-27 “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.  Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.  Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”