Carson’s Our Only Hope

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

Isaiah 40:30-31

 

The other day I was helping Chase with his math homework.  And we came to a problem and I could not figure out the answer.  I aced out of math when I was in college, I’ve never had a problem with the subject, but for some reason now, third grade math is beyond my mental capabilities!

 

YIKES!!!!

 

He didn’t have his book with him, just a homework page, so I had nothing to look back on for reference to figure it out.  And I told Chase, “I am sorry honey, but I truly don’t know the answer.” 

 

And he looked at me and said, “Carson’s our only hope.”

 

And I agreed … he was.

 

And yes, my very intelligent little Carson knew the answer and helped Chase understand the problem.

 

I was really having a bad day a few weeks back and I ended up in the middle of the day at my friend’s office.  She took one look at me and said, “Come on, we need to pray.”

 

Jesus was my only hope that day. 

 

And my very special Savior knew my problem and helped me find His answer!

 

Father, thank you for always changing our worst into your best.  Lord, thank you that your hope turns our loneliness into your comfort and gives us the strength to face whatever life hurls our way.

I Love You Jesus. 

     In Your Name I Pray,

     Amen

God Bless You!

Joyce

Face The Wall

Martin Luther walked into the hospital room of a man who was at the brink of death.  Martin Luther turned his face from the man and walked over to the window and looked out.

He quoted all the Scriptures he could think of.  Then he prayed boldly that God must hear him and answer him now if God ever wanted him to trust God again.

What do you think happened?  God healed the man at the brink of death.

When Isaiah informed Hezekiah to put his house in order because God said Hezekiah would die.  Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and reminded God that his heart was perfect toward him.

Before Isaiah even left the palace courtyard, God told Isaiah to go back to tell Hezekiah that God had heard his prayer and seen his tears and had granted fifteen more years to  his life (Isaiah 38).

There are things that both Martin Luther and Hezekiah did that we should learn to do when we are in crisis.

What are they?

They turned their face away from the situation, so that all they could see was God.  They had to get away from the apparent darkness and put their eyes on God.

They were alone with God in their thoughts.  They reminded Him of what He had promised before they made their bold request.  They had confidence that God would come through for them…and He did.

When we turn our face away from the situation, we aren’t looking at what is wrong any more.  Instead we are focused on God.

If we put Him in remembrance of His Word, we are focusing on how big our God is in comparison to our seemly impossible situation.

Then as we speak the promises that God has given us, we fill ourselves up on the Word.  When we do this, we are able to make a bold request of God and expect Him to answer.

We are to come boldly before His throne of grace to find grace and mercy in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

We don’t deserve it.  We can’t earn it.  God loves us enough to give us this right as a child of God.  Expect a miracle today.  Expect Him to come through for you.

- Annagail Lynes

Impact for God’s Kingdom

Read Acts 4:1-14

Peter and John were at the temple teaching and preaching to various people about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.  The first thing to notice is the different kinds of people they spoke to: regular people, religious people such as priests, working people like the captain of the temple and other religious people called the Sadducees. 

To me this speaks of getting God’s Word out to all people, no matter what their background or current state of living they may be in.  God wants all His creation to hear and believe His Word.  The Bible teaches God doesn’t want a single one to perish (Matthew 18:14).

Next we see a threefold reaction to this teaching.  First, the people became greatly disturbed.  When you are not ready for the truth it can be very disturbing.  Think about it.  You’re going about your business, thinking everything is fine and then you’re confronted with the truth and can plainly see you’re on the wrong side.  That doesn’t make a lot of people feel real comfortable.  The Bible teaches men loved darkness rather than light (John 3:19).  In darkness, their evil deeds can go on unnoticed by others.  We are called to expose the darkness with God’s glorious light (Ephesians 5:11).  For as we walk in the light, the blood of Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7).

Second, the people grabbed Peter and John and through them in jail.  Following Christ has its cost.  Peter and John were experiencing it.  All they did was speak what they knew to be true and they were treated harshly by being wrongly imprisoned.  In our country, we might not find our selves being thrown in prison for witnessing to someone (at least not yet); we will encounter persecution of some kind.  For example, folks you considered friends may stop hanging with you when you start telling them about Jesus.  Why, even your own family members may shun you.  Just remember, Jesus said that would happen in Matthew 5.

Third, about five thousand men heard the word and believed.  Can you imagine having an impact like that?  Simply speaking God’s truth and five thousand people came to believe!  Now, that’s a miracle only God can work.  Doesn’t the minor inconvenience Peter and John experienced pale in comparison?  We may not always see this kind of result, but we can trust God to work the miracles when we are obedient to His calling.  Galatians 6:9 tells us not to grow weary of doing good for at the right time we’ll reap a harvest if we don’t lose heart.  We are to continue on whether or not it looks like we’re making a difference, because in reality we are making an impact for God’s Kingdom through our obedience.

 Lord, thank you for your word and your spirit leading us in truth.  May we be bold like Peter and John to share your word with everyone regardless of the inconvenience it may bring.  May we continue to do what is right, knowing you will work it out for good.  In Jesus’ name Amen.  

 

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Interruptions

Some days we seem to have constant interruptions – especially from our kids. They don’t mean to be a nuisance. They just want some of “you.” And I’ve found that the days where they seem to interrupt and pester me a little more often are the exact days where I seem to have a lot to do. And the reason this is the case is that my attention is more focused on what I need to get accomplished than it is on my children. They can feel that.

Someone once told me that they realized that God was always interrupted! And I remind myself of that on occasion when I start feeling my temperature boil because my plans don’t go the way I wanted them to. It helps for me to realize that my projects will still be waiting for me after I’ve spent some time with my children. The work will always be there… my children won’t!

So the next time you are feeling stress because of arguing or constant interruptions from your children; consider the thought that they might need some time spent with you.

Their hearts feel a little unrest when they don’t get some muchn-needed love and focused attention from you. Take some time out to shower them with the love that you carry within your heart…. and then you will find the peace and freedom you need to get a little work done as your contented and full-of-love children let you do what you need to do.

~ By Dionna Sanchez Comments? mailto:madetomom@yahoo.com

Are You Yielded?

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. – 3 John 2 (King James Version).

God wants us to prosper and be in health as our soul prospers.

What does that word prosper mean in this context?  It is the Greek transliterated word euodoo, which means to grant a prosperous and expeditious journey, to lead by a direct and easy way, to grant a successful issue, to cause to prosper, to prosper, be successful.

In other words, God wants to lead us into prosperity of our health, wealth and in  every area of our lives.  He does this by leading us by a direct and easy way that will cause us to prosper and be successful.

We will never be successful in life if we don’t let God lead us.  If we follow our own way, we will fail every time.  How much we are yielded to God will determine how much prosperity we enjoy in our lives.

- Annagail Lynes

Living a Backward Life

Our pastor shared the following story with us at the Children’s Mass this Sunday:

This morning I am going to tell you a story about a king. As you know, a king usually wears a crown made of gold, silver, and precious jewels. The king in our story wore a different kind of crown. Listen as I tell you the story of “King Backward.”

Once upon a time, a long time ago, there lived a King. He was no ordinary king. He was different from other kings because He did everything backwards from the way other kings did them. From the very day he was born, you could tell that this king was going to be different. Most kings are usually born in a palace, but this king was born in a stable surrounded by donkeys, sheep and cows. It wasn’t a very big beginning for a king. In fact, very few people even knew that a king had been born. Only a handful of shepherds and three wise men got the word that a king had been born.

As the infant king grew into a man, he continued to be different from other kings. While most kings spent all of their time building up riches of silver, gold, and jewels, this king owned nothing at all. And while most kings surrounded themselves with servants, He chose to be a servant. He could often be found helping others. As time went on, people became very unhappy with their King because He just didn’t act the way that they thought a king should act. Instead of riding into town on a big white horse the way other kings usually did, their king rode into town on the back of a donkey. Was that any way for a king to act? And the people He chose to be his friends! His closest friends were a bunch of smelly fishermen and He could often be seen visiting with the poor and eating with sinners.

Finally the people decided that they had put up with this King long enough. If He couldn’t act the way a king should act, then they didn’t want Him to be their king any more. They made a plan to have Him arrested and thrown into prison. Their plan worked. When the day came for his trial, the King stood before the people. Instead of shouting “Hail to the King, Long live the King!” they shouted, “Crucify Him! He is not our king! Crucify Him!” So they crucified the King. They nailed Him to a cross; they put a crown made of thorns on his head; they poked Him with sharp sticks and made fun of Him. What a way for a king to die! After He was crucified, they took His body and put it in a borrowed tomb. Wait, that isn’t the end of the story. Remember … this King was different! King Backward rose from the grave to live forever. Now, instead of being the Backward King, He is the Forever King. He is the King to anyone who chooses Him to be their King. Oh, there are still some people who call Him “King Backward,” but those who know Him don’t call Him that … they call him King Jesus! Jesus wants to be your king, too. (Author unknown.)

When we really take time to reflect on Jesus and his message, we realize just how radical it is. Jesus’ path to happiness and eternal life goes against everything the world tells us. The world tells us to be successful we must make lots of money and have lots of things. We should look out for oneself and do whatever we think will bring us happiness regardless of what that means for other people. We live in a very “me-first”world.

In contrast, Jesus tells us to put others first and to give our possessions away. It is truly an other-centered philosophy. We achieve our own happiness and salvation through sacrificing ourselves and giving to others.

The longer I live the more I have come to realize just how true this is. A selfish life will not bring you any joy. Possessions are necessary and they may bring a temporary happiness, but if they are your sole purpose for living, you will soon become disillusioned. There will always be some new gadget to get; some person who has more. The quest is never-ending. On the other hand, when you derive your joy from giving and loving others, true happiness (at least as happy as we can be this side of heaven) becomes possible.

Yes, this is a backward way of living, put forth by a “backward king.” Those of us who are Christian profess to follow this king. Perhaps it is time we become a little more backward ourselves.

 by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur
http://spiritualwomanthoughts.blogspot.com

Different … But The Same

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  

If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3:26-29

 

This week has been Drug Awareness Week at the boys’ school, and each day they’ve celebrated it in a fun way.  One day it was crazy socks, the next, they were allowed to wear hats, and today was sunglasses day.

 

Each day the boys expressed themselves in their own ways.  Chase wore Bobby’s Syracuse Orangeman socks the first day, a beanie/propeller cap the next, and really cool, Men In Black shades today.   And Carson was himself each day.  No crazy socks, no hats, no shades.

 

Today was picture day at school.  Carson had on a t-shirt. Chase wore a bottom down oxford.  Tomorrow is trunk or treat for their Cub Scout Pack.  Chase is going to be a turtle, not a teenage ninja, but a turtle, as in with a shell.  Carson is going as a regular kid.

 

My two little boys couldn’t be more different.  Chase can’t go two minutes without talking, Carson can go all day and never say two words.

 

But when I came into the kitchen tonight to do something, I looked out on the trampoline, and their they lie … side by side, chatting about life, the best of friends — brothers forever.

 

Their differences are what make them so unique, so special. 

 

I was at a Women of Faith conference a while back and there were about 20,000 women in that auditorium.  And some were black and some were white.  Some were old and some were young.  Some were rich and some were poor.  But boy, during those two days we had one thing in common — we were all loving on Jesus!

 

We were all different, we were all unique, but we were all sisters in the Lord!

 

Father, thank You that You made each of us different, special, unique in our own ways.  Thank You Lord that You have a plan for each of us and a purpose and it is to be Your witness to the world.  Thank You Father that we can all be so different, but when it comes down to what’s inside, we can have one thing in common, our love for You!  And thank You for giving me those two very special little boys, who are oh so different, yet oh so special!

I Love You Jesus. 

     In Your Name I Pray,

     Amen

God Bless You!

Joyce

Keep Your Eyes On Jesus

So many times when we are going through crisis or problems, like Peter, we take our eyes off our Savior.  We take our eyes off our very present help in time of trouble.

Instead we focus our attention on the circumstances–the blowing wind, the choppy waves, or in our case, our depleting checkbook or the symptoms in our bodies.

We pay so much attention to what our bodies tell us or what our boss is saying about cut backs and layoffs.  We are bombarded by so many negative messages that we start to believe them over God.  We tuck those messages away in our hearts, and we let those seeds grow.

We need to re-shift our attention, our perspective.  Instead of focusing on the great need in our lives, we must focus on our Jesus.  Just as Peter turned his attention on Jesus and walked on the water, we too need to keep our eyes upon Jesus.

We are already healed according to I Peter 2:24.  We are already prosperous in Christ Jesus.  We are already blessed with every thing that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4).  However we focus too much on getting ourselves heal, making ourselves rich and providing for our own needs.

Instead we should focus on our Savior.  Worshiping Him.  Spending time with Him.  Singing to Him.  Paying attention to what He is saying to our spirits.

Our attitudes must change from “Gimme! Gimme!” to “Thank You, Lord.”  It’s time that we worship God and rest in His presence, where we will be refreshed and renewed.

What can we be grateful for?  A roof over our head?  Food on our table?  Extra groceries in our cupboards?  A bed to sleep in?  A Bible to read?  Let’s start by thanking Him for those things.  No matter how small.  We need to find the positive in every situation,  and be grateful to God for it.

When our focus is on Jesus, when we turn our eyes upon Him and trust Him to bring us through our tough times, He will.

As we worship God, we forget ourselves and our  problems.  It is when we spend time worshiping God that He takes care of everything that concerns us.  He makes sure all our needs our met.

We must remember to keep our eyes on Jesus.  Never let them waver.  Then He will cause us to be victorious in everything we do.

Squeeze Out The Sin

Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other

so that you may be healed.

James 5:16

When I climbed into bed with Chase last night to pray, he was all wrapped up in his blanket.  I reached over and gave him a great big hug and as I was hugging him, I said, “Ohhh, I could just squeeze you to pieces.”

I honestly don’t know why Moms say this, but we do.  At least I do.  And then I told him I was going to squeeze him until something came out.  And we were laughing and I said, “Should I squeeze you till all the love comes out?”

But we decided he needed the love to stay in.   He’s been fussing with his brother a lot lately, so he needs to keep all the love he has inside to help him love Carson more.  Then he looked up at me and said, “We could squeeze out the sin.”

 

Ummmm … I thought it was interesting that, yes, he did know that he had sin inside and it needed to come out.  And that he was willing to admit it to me.

I’m going through a training with a program called Celebrate Recovery.  It’s all about dealing with our habits, hurts and hang-ups and getting that stuff out into the open; before it festers and grows and destroys our spirits.

It’s all about becoming clean and clear inside.

The first step to healing is admitting that we do have a problem.  Denying my junk kept me from working through it for many years.  But once I spoke out my issue to another, well, at that point was where the journey to freedom began. 

 

So, I must ask … are you ready to squeeze out the sin?

 

Father, I just have to thank you one more time, and again and again, for giving me two of the sweetest little boys on this earth.  Oh they are far from perfect, but that is why I love them Lord, cause they are just like me!  But they have such sweet spirits, that is what I see and why I love them and I know that’s what You see as well.  And Lord Jesus, I ask You to reveal to each person who reads this message, what they’ve been covering up, what they’ve not wanted to let go of, what is hindering them from moving forward to the next step, with YOU!

I Love You Jesus. 

     In Your Name I Pray,

     Amen

God Bless You!

Joyce

Someday…

It’s Saturday night in Bethany.  Simon, formerly “the leper,” has invited Jesus and his disciples over for dinner.  Lazarus’ sister enters, trembling.

   She carries an alabaster jar of perfume.  Not the cheap stuff.  This is pure nard.  Worth a year’s wages.  Mary opens the jar and pours.  The sweet fragrance of extravagent love bathes the entire room.*

When was the last time you expressed love extravagently?  I don’t mean wantonly or recklessly – there’s a proper time and place – but generously, with joyous abandon?  Or are you holding back, linking arms with Someday...?

“Someday we’ll have them over for dinner.”

“Let’s get together someday.”

“We’ll take that family vacation someday.  The kids will understand.”

“Someday I’ll remember her birthday.”

“I’ll give him a call someday.”

Ever notice how “Somedays” arrive with the frequency of Haley’s Comet?  That calendars too often take precedence over caring?  That concocting excuses is more important than connecting?  Or that weeds of neglect wither the flower of friendship?

The truth is, “somedays” never come.  So plant the garden.  Cultivate that friendship.  Buy the gift, send the card, offer the hug.  Make the apology.  Slow down and think for a minute.  Is there a call you need to make?  A letter you need to mail?  An invitation to extend, an email to send  – or respond to?  Do it now. 

Mary knew that extragavagent love is meant to be shared.  Put another way: What good is perfume if it never escapes the jar?

* Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, John 12:1-11.

Kristine K. Lowder

http:www.HEvencense.wordpress.com

“I will come for you.  No matter how long it takes, no matter how far – I will come.”

Nathaniel to Cora in The Last of the Mohicans