Perseverance

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

Ever go through a difficult time only to pull through it and then thank God for blessing you? The blessings did not stop there. He continues to work His will through your faith. As people in your circles watched you fall, it spoke fathoms; however, it did not speak nearly as much as your continued trust in God. Through your faith in Him, He may be using you to reach others. Trust Him so that others may come to know Him.

1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Back

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

Why is it that with every step you take forward, life takes you two steps back? When Christians turn their life over to Christ, they must:

1. Receive God’s love and through an intimate relationship with Him, acknowledge the sacrifice of sending His son to die on the cross for OUR sins.
2. Believe in the Holy Trinity (God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) and that only through Him alone, can we find eternal salvation.
3. Repent of our sins; this is where many people fail. The hard truth is that in order to truly be a follower of Jesus Christ, one must pick up their own cross – daily. This is an every day challenge. Leaving the sinful desires and selfish ways behind to walk a new life in His light is difficult but through Him, all things are possible.

Today, He invites you to follow Him. Eternal salvation trumps all other priorities in life.

I Will Give You Rest

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Ever ask yourself, "Why am I here?" For many, this becomes a question that stays on the backburner until you can no longer run from it. When faced with the reality that one of our main purposes is to glorify God, we lay it all before Him and He gives us peace. This peace that you once found as a baby resting your head on your father's chest, awaits you.

How Great Thou Art

My heart burns for Jesus.

This is so powerful!

How Great Thou Art

A Simple Thank You

Dear God, today I woke up.

I am healthy.

I am happy.

I am loved.

Thank You.

Engage God

Is it sacrilegious to write in your bible?

(Sacrilegious:  Grossly irreverent (disrespectful) toward what is or is held to be sacred.)

Growing up, I was raised with the notion that the answer was YES.

I now know that this is not true.

If ANYthing, I find it more disrespectful to allow your bible to collect dust or remain packed up in a box somewhere.

The bible is the word of God and it is intended to be read and understood. Anyone can read the words on the pages but to understand, to comprehend the intent of His message, takes serious focus and concentration (meditation). And, as with any other form of study, I have found that it is best to get fully engaged with God and allow Him to take control.

Therefore, if your heart's true intent is to get to know God, and not deface the bible, not only is it acceptable but rather, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, that you utilize your bible as a study tool in the biggest test of life.

This person, obviously, gets this, too.

(photo credit:  www.pinterest.com)

Are YOU Being Selfish?

Let's Talk

I am going to vote; however, here is what I find VERY disturbing…

I. The exorbitant number of people who do NOT vote because they:

1. Could care less. (<--- how about caring for the future of this nation? for our children?)

2. Feel that things “happen for a reason” (<--- there is such a thing as “free will”… things are not “caused” to happen but happen by our free will and things are “allowed” to happen)

3. Do not believe their vote counts (<--- no vote IS a vote)

4. Think that neither candidate is worth voting for (<--- again… no vote IS a vote)

II. People who DO vote but base their OWN PERSONAL decision(s) on their candidate’s stance on one or more of the debatable issues (e.g., health care reform, economic recovery plan, social security, abortion, etc.).

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Where do YOU fall?

Have you ever stopped to ponder just how many people are being selfish?

How many people are making a decision based off their own, personal desires or ambitions?

How many people vote for a candidate because off their candidate's own stance on issues that affects, NOT the nation as a whole, but THEM directly (e.g., right to bear arms, abortion, medical coverage, military cutbacks, etc.)?

I implore you to put all selfish ambitions, desires, wants or methodology aside and base your decision on the principles that this country was founded on… biblical, God-fearing, principles for the future generations we will be leaving behind. The only way this will happen will be by creating dialogue with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, family and anyone else who will listen and engage (intelligently) and not shying away from the issues that face us today. One thing I have learned in life, as many of you have, is that if you see a problem, do not be the one to criticize. Take the problem for action by offering recommended solutions and leave it up to the people we place in charge to make the best, possible well-informed decision. That is what truly makes this country great.

Your VOTE is documented.

Your voice IS heard.

Make it count.

(photo credit:  www.americansforprosperity.org)