What Blessings These Friends of Mine

Heb 10:2525 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.NIV

It's evident, that the Day of the Lord is approaching, and sooner than many of us might think. Therefore, we must be ready and willing to help others when they face difficulties.

Praise God I am part of a Women's Bible Study Group that does just that. We meet each Monday morning, studying God's Word and lifting each other our families and our world in prayer. What an amazing Blessing! I encourage you, if you are involved in a body of Believers, find one and become a part. It will be one of the best things you've ever done for yourself, each one involved and your family.

What is our life when compared to eternity?

In a couple of days it will be 4 months since mom went home to be with her Maker. Wow, I can't believe how fast time flies! 73 years of her life here on earth are but memories in our hearts. Even still it bothers me at times. It's not the fact that she is gone that bothers me as much as that the time I had with her was short, like a vapor, quickly faded and gone.
I can't imagine the disciples only having 3 years with Jesus. And his mother only 33. At least I has 15 more years with ma, than Mary did with her Son.
What must have been going through Mary's mind? What was she feeling? It had to have been nearly unbearable to watch her Son go through such torture!
Watching our mother go through the coughing spells and difficult breathing traumas, and heart attacks and surgeries was not easy for any of us. And seeing her on the hospital bed while she took her last breath, had to have been even harder for my dad and sister. 103 years...sounds like a long time, but 73? But if we look at it in the perspective of things; what is our life when compared to eternity?

Spring is Closet Cleaning Time

“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matt 6:6 KJV

I just spent about 2 hours sorting and cleaning my bedroom closet and I’m not finished yet. It’s amazing the articles of clothing, shoes, purses, belts, etc.; a person can accumulate over the years. There were items I hadn’t worn in the last to years that are soon to find a new home. What was I hanging on to them for? I remember a friend once told me, “If you haven’t worn it in a year get rid of it.” Well it’s quite obvious I’ve had a hard a time following her advice.

Since it’s nearly spring, I decided to pack up all my sweaters and coats, boots and winter scarves. I can’t believe I have so many; I live in Florida, why do I even need them? I filled a huge box of things I decided to part with and still my closet is full! What good is a closet full of clothes if you are not wearing them? What good are shoes on the shelf that don’t fit? “But, I may need them someday”, is my answer. Anyone in their right mind would agree that this kind of thinking has got to be a sin!

Holding onto things that are of no use to me, is crazy. After all, there are many people in need of them, and besides they take up precious closet space. With those thoughts in mind, why am I having a hard time parting with those red shoes?

Even though cleaning out my closet is time consuming, it is very necessary. Likewise, cleaning up my life, heart and attitude is just as imperative.

Many times, our days become clogged with tasks, thoughts, and moods, causing our quiet time to suffer. With excess activities, comes less prayer time, and less prayer brings weakness and in weakness we are susceptible to sin. When that happens; it’s time to tackle the beast!

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 KJV

Selfish desires and foolish acts pollute our heart and keep us from God’s blessings. When we sacrifice quiet time, for worldly pleasures, we destroy our relationship with our Savior. When we are lured from what is holy to that which is not, we rob ourselves of God’s light; and that brings separation and often death. So what do we do when we are tempted from all sides?

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Phil 3:13-14 NIV

We must remain focused; persevere, and keep our eyes on Jesus. We must fight all temptation till we drop, and then fight some more. We must never quit. We must never lose hope.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
2 Tim 4:7 KJV

In the quietness of our clean closet, the Lord meets us. In the pureness of our hearts, He lives.
Spring is in the air, what are you waiting for? It’s closet cleaning time, are you ready?

Pray for the Ones Who Lay Down Their Lives for Us

“Greater love has no one than this; that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13 NIV

The other night at GBC we had the opportunity to hear Eric Horner worship in music. Eric’s ministry is going to our Government’s Military Bases and ministering to our Soldiers, both here and abroad. As many of you know we have a son in the United States Army and are extremely proud of his dedication and commitment to serving the United States of America, for our freedom. Fortunately, he is presently stationed in Fort Gordon, Ga and will be till he finishes his AIT studies at July’s end. God is so gracious to us, He has allowed Clay to remain as close as possible to his family during this critical time in Military. Even though we do not see him every weekend, we know he is safe and in the hands of his Maker. But what about the countless young men and women who are in harm’s way? What about the ones who are miles, even countries away from their loved ones? Just like Clay they are in God’s hands but even more so, they need our continued support.
Let us never forget to remember them in our prayers. Let us never forget to thank them.
Just like our Savior who laid down His life for his friends…someone’s Soldier is laying his or her life down for their country today.

“Brothers, pray for us.” 1 Thess 5:25 NIV

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you”
Col 1:3 NIV

Relax and Let Him Handle it

Ps 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff,they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. NIV

God is amazing! I'm seeing Him work in marvelous ways! He is my provider, my friend, my comforter and my helper! Nothing that I face hasn't gone through His hands first! I love that! He has experienced everyting I am experiencing today, and if that be so, who is better able to handle all, than He?

She must have known

Ps 149:33 Let them praise His name with the dance ;Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. NKJV

I never told my mother how much I loved the ballerina cake she made for me on my 18th Birthday. It wasn't fancy, just an ordinary Betty Crocker Cake, but it was made by her with much love. Adorning the top of it was this beautiful ballerina figurine. Amazingly, 30 years later I still have the ornament. I ran across it when I opened a box that had been packed away since hurricane Charley.
I, in the depths of my heart as a young girl, wanted to be a dancer, but no one knew. Ballerinas and dancers were beautiful, I thought. I remember my friends at school talking about taking dance lessons, and wishing I could join them. But that wasn't in my plan, at least not that kind of dancing; and I'm okay with it (good thing, it's a little too late for that now). These days, I dance before my Lord whenever I please and shake my timbrel (tamborine) to boot, and that is far better than anyone can imagine.
I held on to the ornament not because I worshipped it, but because it was something my mother picked out specifically for me. Somehow, I wonder if she knew. It seemed she always knew more than I ever told her, and usually she was right on the money.
In our house we rarely went without a birthday cake. When it was our special day we knew, even though there may not be a wrapped gift, we would have the gift of cake! Our mother made sure of it. Even though it is harder now that our children are grown, I do my best to follow in her footsteps. Thanks mom for beautiful memories and wonderful traditions. I love cake and I miss you, dearly!

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You,
LordI choose to be holy
Set apart for You,
my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within

It's Never Too Late to rewrite the Pages of Your Life

Everyday things happen in our lives, some we wonder why, others it’s evident. Our experiences, woven together, make up our story. Our testimony may be the very thing God uses, to win others to Him. You might say; “I don’t have a dark testimony, or I’ve been a Christian all my life, no one can benefit from my story.” Well, that statement is far from true. Let’s take a look at two well known women in scripture: the Samaritan Woman, and Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

John 4 states; “Jesus, being wearied from His journey, sat by the well…A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink.’…the woman of Samaria said to Him, ‘How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me?’...”If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." The woman said…’Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water?’... Jesus answered…’Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again…but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.’ The woman said, ‘Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.’ Jesus said… ‘Go, call your husband, and come here.’ The woman answered…‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You have well said…for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband’…The woman said…’Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet…I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ).When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said…’I who speak to you am He’…The woman then left her water- pot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, ‘Come, and see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?’ Then they went out of the city and came to Him. NKJV

The woman at the well was probably like most of us. She saw Jesus face to face, and did not know it was Him. It was not until He told her, her life story and offered her Living Water that she pegged Him for a Prophet. She still did not know Him as Messiah! Jesus gave her something that no man ever had. He gave her an eternal promise and she was ecstatic. She ran to the city telling all, her story and afterwards, led them to Him, but of His identity, still was unsure. Does that sound like us at time?


Luke 1:26-34 reads about Mary Jesus’ mother;
“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God…to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph... The virgin's name was Mary. …the angel said to her, Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women! But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying...Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God…you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" NKJV

Mary did not have a dark side. She didn’t live a life of partying and bed hopping. She was a virgin, who was loved by God. All her life she was obedient to her Maker, and the Angel of the Lord told her that God was pleased. But when God’s messenger said that she would bear a child, a million things must have been going through her mind. Could you imagine being 14 and pregnant; knowing you’d never had relations with a man? But listen to what she said to him.

“Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:34-38 NKJV

Because she loved her God, She accepted her calling no matter the cost. She knew there would be whisperings and gossip, but even so, she remained obedient. And what blessings she received.

Both women’s stories go on forever, touching and leading lives to Christ. Both shine brighter than the brightest bulb and light the darkest hearts. Does yours? What does your story say to others? Is your book be filled with dark pages or bright ones that lead others to the Savior? It’s never too late to change the cover and rewrite the pages.

Why not Give Him the Spotlight for a Change?

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV

What does it mean to be humble? Does it mean to deem yourself worthless, of no value?
I don’t think so.
In my eyes, as a Believer in Christ, being humble is realizing that without Him I can do nothing worthwhile. Sure, I might hold an Executive position in a big company, or manage a chain of restaurants, but what does that do for the Kingdom of God?

Isn’t our “purpose” all about what we are called here to do? And, isn’t our calling to spread the Good News, to tell the world one by one, group by group, of His unfailing love, and the hope we have in Him?

Being a messenger of Christ at times is quite humbling. I mean that in the sense of, one puts himself on the line with friends, co-workers and the like, when sharing of this great love, because religion is not a subject people want to talk about. It’s convicting, and powerful, and when the Holy Spirit is alive in it; sharper than a two edged sword. Therefore we must totally rely on the One who wrote the Book, to do the speaking for us, while realizing it’s not what we do but what He does that brings a man to Christ. That’s humility.

“Biblical humility”, according to Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, “is a recognition that by ourselves we are inadequate, without dignity and worthless. Yet, because we are created in God's image and because believers are in Christ, we have infinite worth and dignity (1 Cor 4:6-7; 1 Peter 1:18-19). True humility does not produce pride but gratitude. Since God is both our Creator and Redeemer, our existence and righteousness depend on Him (John 15:5; Acts 17:28; Eph 2:8-10).”
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Living a humble life is not being boastful or proud of what, “I” did but rather what “He” did and still does. It’s taking the spotlight off of “me” and shining the beam on "Jesus Christ"!

In the Palm of His Hands

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him, be the glory and the power, for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11 NIV

What words come out of your mouth? Are they the words of God or self? When you do a deed, does your strength to complete it come from your flesh or from God’s Holy Spirit within you? Many times we get caught up in the “I can do it myself” attitude. We think that nothing is impossible for us, rather than believing that all things are possible with God. We feel that no matter what hole we are in, in our own strength, we can dig ourselves out of it. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don’t

As I look upon our country’s present financial status, I can’t help but wonder, “What are we going to do? Or where in the world will recovery come from? That is where I am at fault. Instead I should be praising God for
He has already won the battle. He is our Jehovah-Jirah, our provider; and we must believe that nothing is impossible for Him.

Nothing I do is worth a dime if I don’t have His blessings in the doing. Nothing I say can change the hearts of man, if His Spirit did not order the speaking. Nothing I have will ever be enough, because I own nothing, and He owns all! The Bible states in Psalm 50:

Ps 50:7-"Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God… I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you for the world is mine, and all that is in it. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? Sacrifice thank offerings to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me." NIV

All the riches in the world belong to Him. He just allows us to use them for a time, a season. If He decides to take them back, we must be willing to give them up. When He closes one door, He always opens another, often with bigger and better things. Maybe we don’t see it that way, but He does. He is the only one with perfect vision. He knows everything and He is faithful.

So then, why are we afraid? Why do we worry? Why do we, eyes glued to the screen; watch for hours, the falling stock market? Why do we with ears wide open, listed intently to negative news? Hopefully it’s because we still feel there’s hope. Hopefully, it’s because we as a whole, are yearning for a major miracle; one that only God can provide. Then if that be the case we must learn to trust Him and offer thanksgiving and praise offerings rather than moaning of fear and defeat. He’s in control; the world is in His hands. Scriptures tells us in Luke:

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:32-34 NIV

I know I’ve written about this verse in previous columns, but I can’t stress it enough. God is continually showing me that nothing I own, nothing I do, nothing in my carnal man is worth anything; if I don’t have His Spirit living and breathing in me, directing the paths of my life. He wants the best for you and me. He desires prosperity for us, if not in this life in our life eternal. Our hope and our future must be in Him.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11-12 NIV

Where is your hope? Is it in what you can do, or is it in what He can do? Is your faith so weak that you don’t believe He cares, or is it so strong that you know He owns it all?

I Love Books

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 KJV

I told my sister the other day that I’m not a collector; but I unintentionally lied! I collect books! I love books! Our den is full of them; four shelves filled to the "T" and that’s not counting the ones on the bed, under the bed, on top of the desk and in drawers. Forget the ones in the other rooms of the house. If I could have, I probably would have moved right into Blessings when it was in operation. In fact when the hurricanes hit, we did stay there one night…ahh the sweet smell of books filled my nostrils the whole night.

I have lots of books, choice ones I kept from our former Christian Bookstore, and others I’ve purchased over the years. Poetry books, love books, ones about relationships and marriage and raising children, writing helps and study books, dictionaries, and yes, Bibles, lots of them. I’ll probably never read them all in the thousand years I’ll be alive on this earth (wow that's a long time!), but they’re on my shelves if I ever need them. I can’t part with them. I’ve recently been giving some away as gifts to those I think can benefit from them, but honestly it hurts! Hanging in our den is a postcard that says: “When I get a little money I buy books, and if any is left I buy food and clothes.” It’s true. I’m a nut for books. I’ve got to force myself to stay out of Books a Million and Eagle’s Wings or I’ll spend every dime I have in my wallet. If you ask me I’ll tell you "I’m not wasting money when I buy a new book, I use every one for my studies, for helps and for doing my Lord's business, and that's my story and I'm sticking to it!" God Bless You All.

While I'm Waiting...

8. While I’m WaitingPsalm 5:3, 27:14, 33:20, 37:7, 38:15, 40:1, Isaiah 30:18, Lamentations 3:24John Waller

"The explanation for this song is simple, I was waiting on God and I was hurting when I wrote the lyrics. I probably wouldn’t have written a song if my friend, Mike, hadn’t encouraged me to document what I was going through during that time. I’m sure there are few people who can’t relate to this song, but the important thing to remember while we’re waiting on God is to not just wait but to actively wait. Serve, worship and be faithful with what you have, where you are… “even while (you) wait.

”I’m waiting I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopefulI’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I’m waiting I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship While I’m waiting
I will not faint I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully,
I will wait Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

© 2007 Travelin’ Zoo Music (ASCAP) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)

Celebrate the Greatness of the Lord

Luke 15:23-243 "Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate . For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." NIV

The other night I decided to celebrate life with Jim. Life is worth celebrating, especially if we are believer's in Christ. We really had nothing special to celebrate. It wasn't our anniversary. It wasn't either of our birthdays and it we didn't win the lottery! What we did win however, is life everlasting with the One true God that gave His very best for each of us. Our Heavenly Father, gave His one and only begotten Son as ransom, for the debt of the world. He experienced the greatest sacrifice ever, the death of His precious Son Jesus, so we can live!! Now that is cause for celebration! When was the last time you celebrated your Salvation birth? Why not do it today?

"Jesus, I Love You!"

Thank you my precious, thoughtful friend :)

My friend sent this to me the other day and I just had to share it with you. Max Lucado, is my favorite Christain Author. I love his creative style of writing. Every book I've read of his has me either brought me to tears or caused me to rethink where my life is heading or whether what I'm doing right now is furthering the kingdom of God. He has a way that captivates my thought center and gently but firmly lead me back to my Father's Heart. That my friends, is God's Holy Spirit working through him. Enjoy! Gotta get this book!

"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread." by Max Lucado
What a statement of trust! Whatever you want me to have is all I want. Some days the plate runs over. God keeps bringing out more food and we keep loosening our belt. A promotion. A privilege. A friendship. A gift. A lifetime of grace. An eternity of joy. There are times when we literally push ourselves back from the table, amazed at God's kindness. "You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup fills with blessing" (Ps. 23:5 MSG).And then there are those days when, well, when we have to eat our broccoli. Our daily bread could be tears or sorrow or discipline. Our portion may include adversity as well as opportunity.This verse was on my mind last night during family devotions. I called my daughters to the table and set a plate in front of each. In the center of the table I placed a collection of food: some fruit, some raw vegetables and some Oreo cookies. "Every day," I explained, "God prepares for us a plate of experiences. What kind of plate do you most enjoy?"The answer was easy. Sara put three cookies on her plate. Some days are like that, aren't they? Some days are "three cookie days." Many are not. Sometimes our plate has nothing but vegetables--twenty-four hours of celery, carrots, and squash. Apparently God knows we need some strength, and though the portion may be hard to swallow, isn't it for our own good? Most days, however, have a bit of it all. Vegetables, which are healthy but dull. Fruit, which tastes better and we enjoy. And even an Oreo, which does little for our nutrition, but a lot for our attitude.All are important and all are from God. The next time your plate has more broccoli than apple pie, remember who prepared the meal. And the next time your plate has a portion you find hard to swallow, talk to God about it. Jesus did. In the garden of Gethsemane his Father handed him a cup of suffering so sour, so vile, that Jesus handed it back to heaven. "My Father," he prayed, "if it is possible may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matt. 26:39).Even Jesus was given a portion he found hard to swallow. But with God's help, he did. And with God's help, you can too..From The Great House of God© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001) Max Lucado

Think about such things

Isa 44:9
"...and the things they treasure are worthless." NIV
I've been cleaning house getting ready for a yard sale in a couple of weeks. I can't believe how much stuff I can collect in such a short time.What a sin to have "things" that are useless cluttering up my closets.
Kindof like the things that fill my mind sometimes or take up my time. Useless, worthless thoughts and actions that have no place in my life.
Phil 4:8 instructs
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things" NIV
We are to think of things of value, of worth, things that are pure, righteous, true and holy.
Something to think about.