I'm amazed at how my Savior can take any and every circumstance around me to show me more about him. My prayer has always been that this journey of life I'm on would continually bring honor and glory to him, so by using every opportunity; my mistakes, my successes, and my day-to-day adventures, he teaches me how to use it for his glory. This life he blessed me with is ALL about him! So, these are my thoughts, my heart cries, and my lessons from his glorious Word. These are the teachable moments from my Savior!

Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

Monday, January 27, 2014

Living Victoriously This Monday!

Good Monday morning! Today stands before us with all its activities and crowded schedules. Today begins a week that looks to be pretty crazy. Add a winter storm warning to a coastal community and things get a little chaotic. Also add to that the already crazy weather we have seen in the last few weeks and things get a little more chaotic.

But one thing I am certain...I am not in control of it and I praise the ONE who is! Hallelujah!

"He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together."
Colossians 1:17 (NLT)

Though we don't always understand our circumstances, we are to trust in the One who holds the world in His hands. We are to submit to His authority and rest in the promises of His Word. We are to remember that our struggles are not with people or things but with the powers of this dark world and we are to go forth in the strength and power of Almighty God.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

So, if you're like me and facing another week of challenges and difficulties, stay encouraged in the Word. Armor up for the battle ahead and stay grounded in Christ. Fall on your knees daily for guidance and look to God for His perfect plan.

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)

Today...this week...let's live victoriously in the ONE whom reigns on high! ALL praise and glory are HIS!

"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you."
Romans 16:20 (NIV)

Friday, January 24, 2014

~ My Morning Prayer ~


Good morning sweet Father! Your love fills my heart and your glory fills the sky this morning! Thank you for another day to rise and give YOU praise. May I recognize and grasp the opportunities before me today to share your love to others and find courage to speak your truth. Your love is better than life and I will praise YOU! I will go forth with my Sword in hand prepared to fight the enemy's schemes and I will draw strength from YOU and you alone! I will rest in your grace and praise YOU for your mercies are new today and every day! When storms brew, I will praise YOU! When discouragement comes, I will find my hope in YOU! I will deny myself today of selfish ambition and take up my cross to follow YOU anywhere you lead. I will pray continually and lift my soul to YOU. This day is all about YOU! I love you my Rock, my Redeemer, my Lord!

Your daughter,
Allison

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."
Psalm 143:8

Thursday, January 23, 2014

~ This Day Is In Your Hands, Lord ~

I have to admit there was a hesitancy on my part to get out of bed this morning. Not just because it's cold outside and I was extremely warm and comfortable in my cozy bed. But because the last 36 hours have been intense in many ways. Mostly mentally and spiritually. The hesitancy came from being exhausted. Exhausted to fight the battle against the enemy again. But as God so sweetly whispered his fatherly comfort in my ear and nudged me out of that bed I hit the ground running (well, you know what I mean. Haha!). 

He whispered promises from his Word that give me strength and hope for a victorious day! He gave me nourishment and for the battle ahead! My arsenal is prepared to go forth into battle:


"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

Ephesians 6:11 (NIV84)

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
James 4:7 (NKJV)

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord. 
Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV)

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” 
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (NASB)

"For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord . ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope."
Jeremiah 29:11 (NET)

This day is in your hands, precious Lord! I submit to your authority as King of my life and rest in your promises that you will take care of me. I will go forward, not in my strength, but in your strength and power that you give to me. I will arm myself with truths from your Word as I move forward into battle. I will trust you completely, I will have faith in your unfailing Word, and I will praise you continuously. For you, my Lord, are the absolute Rock on which I stand and my Hope eternal! Hallelujah!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

~ What Stands Before You Today? ~

Sitting in my quiet room this morning and enjoying my time with Jesus! Some mornings it's hard to reach over and cut that alarm off so early but when I sit down here and open my Bible and read the words of my Savior, it's all worth it! How could I begin my day any other way? 

I would be lying if I said I could function properly without spending some time with Jesus before I head out the door. In my own strength I fail miserably, and it happens often. But when I pour myself into the Word for guidance and wisdom and draw on strength of my Savior then the day seems to have more meaning and purpose. Sure, there are still hard days but a day covered in prayer and submitting it to God's authority gives me strength for whatever lies ahead. 

What stands before you today?

You may be waking up dreading the long list of "to-dos" or you may be grateful for a 4-day work week. Whatever your situation today, remember to give God first praise. It's by his grace that you are alive and breathing! That, in itself, is more than enough to offer him glory and honor! Spend some time in his Word. Commit this day to him and let him guide your footsteps. Draw on God's strength when moments get hard and rest in His peace when you feel unsettled. 

Today is before us! Let's give God his rightful place in our lives and in this day! 

To God be the glory!

"From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord’s name is to be praised."
Psalms 113:3 (NKJV)

"How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts! My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God."
Psalms 84:1-2 (NASB)

Friday, January 17, 2014

Friday Opportunities

It's Friday!!! I know everyone has eyes on the timeclock (or school bell) and are counting down the minutes until the weekend begins but don't let opportunities pass you by today. Don't let your focus with the weekend hinder your work for the Lord today. Be in the moment! Today stands before us with many opportunities to share the love of Christ with someone else. Today holds opportunities to encourage others, pray with others, and make a difference on someone's life. 

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm excited for the weekend too! A quick little getaway with my hubby is on my weekend agenda and I am very excited about that but I don't want to miss opportunities today. I pray that God would anoint my words as I talk with others. I pray that I can be mindful to encourage others I encounter. I pray that I don't overlook opportunities to share Christ with someone I come in contact with. All these things stand before me and I pray that I don't get lost in the weekend anticipation. 

Friday...it's all about YOU, Lord! Help me honor you today and shine your light for all to see! 

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)

Thursday, January 16, 2014

~ Falling in Love With Jesus ~


I'm falling in love with Jesus more and more every day! The more I know him the deeper my love goes! I know him because of his Word. I know him because of his presence in my life. I know him because everywhere I turn there is evidence of his glory! I'm living the greatest love affair of all! The God of the universe sent his only Son to earth to walk, talk, and experience life in human form and to carry out his plan.....to die for ME. He sacrificed everything for ME! Why did he do this?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16

He did it because he loved me so much! He did it so I could spend eternity with him! O, I praise you, God!

You know what else is great? He did this for YOU too!

"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."
1 John 2:2

What a glorious reminder this morning! His love for me is so great and I cannot help but fall deeper in love with him! On this day, go forth in the joy of knowing that God loves you! He sacrificed it all for YOU! Give him thanks today and share the good news with those around you. Praise his holy name!

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."
1 John 4:10

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Exciting Day!!

Today is an exciting day! I know that usually doesn't come out of mouths on a Wednesday but today begins the winter Bible study! If you haven't caught on by now, you know that studying the Word is a passion of mine. ;)

What is so great about it, you ask? Well, since you asked...lol!

First of all, as soon as my hands touch that precious book, I feel a nudge in my soul and life is breathed into me. Then to open it as my fingers smooth across the pages and my eyes get caught on every word....every word that was written under the divine inspiration of my God, my soul is satisfied. HIS words written for me. His love letter written for me, HIS child, to encourage me, to correct me, to show me the way I should go. The Word that will stand the test of time. The Word....MY GOD! Tears flow even now as I think about how precious each word is. I was on his mind as every word was penned. I was on his mind as every author gleaned their inspiration under his authority. I was on his mind as he recorded how much he loves me, how he came to earth and took on flesh, conquered death and the grave, and is, even now, preparing my place with him for all eternity. Hallelujah!

But you know what is also incredible? It was written for YOU too! This book is for your breath and life as well...for your direction and encouragement.

Maybe you don't feel that passion. I didn't either at times in my life. Ask God for it. Dig into to those blessed pages and ask him to ignite it afresh to you.  Join a Bible study class and study with others who will help you gain understanding and keep you accountable to stay in the Word. Never have I heard someone say that they were not blessed from studying the scriptures.

So there is where my passion lies....in my God! Begin, today, letting the Word change your life!

There are many studies available tonight that will bless your soul. Message me for more information. But I personally invite you ladies to join me in studying, Jesus the One and Only. Come as you are and allow HIM to move and work in you!

See you tonight!!

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John 1:1 (NIV)

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (HCSB)

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Winter Bible Study!!

"God used a famine to serve His purposes until the fullness of time. He used the withholding of his words to prepare for the revealing of The Word (His Living Word, Jesus: the expression of the heart and mind of God in human flesh)." ~ Beth Moore, Jesus the One and Only

Beginning the journey tomorrow evening. A journey on the life and ministry of Jesus.   It begins with God's silence. 400 years of it. A famine is produced and such hunger begins to develop. This is part of HIStory. An account is recorded right in those blessed pages of scripture as God was preparing to send His Son.
As I study the silence leading up to Jesus' birth, I can't help but ask God to invoke such a hunger in me. A hunger to know him more. A hunger that can only be satisfied with the Bread of Life! I want to be so full of HIM that His glory shines out of every fiber of my being.

I'm ready for the journey. I yearn for it...for more of Him!

Ladies, I would be honored for you to join me for this life-changing journey to know Jesus, the One and Only!!


Monday, January 13, 2014

Standing on the Word of God

Just finished reading Candace Cameron Bure's (DJ Tanner from Full House) new book "Balancing It All". I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it so inspiring! She is such a strong Christian woman and very bold in her faith. 

There has been so much controversy over this book in the media the last several days because of her stand on being a submissive wife according to what the Word of God says.
It is sad that so many people view her as "weak" or a "doormat" because of this stand (and I'm not just speaking of non-Christians). I find that those who balk at the biblical stance of submissiveness in relation to husband and wife either don't really know what the Bible says or are just in direct defiance of it. (The Bible is also clear on the husband's role in the relationship too of loving his wife as Christ loved the church.) 


I stand with Candace on this issue and thank God for my husband and my role as his wife. But most importantly I stand on the Word of God!


Click here for Candace's interview on ABC News


Rejoice!

It's Monday!! Ok, ok, I can hear the growls and snarls through the internet. Haha! Anyway, remember that this is the day that the Lord has made....REJOICE and be glad in it! Make a difference TODAY!

So, I am probably getting deleted from friend accounts right now with all the "Monday happiness" but this is my attempt at bringing some encouragement your way and making you smile! 


Today, remember WHO are and WHOSE you are! (Something I always tell my kids!)

Think on this:

The God of the universe created YOU...in HIS image. YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made! YOU have a purpose on this earth! The world is actually a better place because YOU are in it! There is no one else like YOU and there never will be! Make a fresh start TODAY! God is full of new beginnings and HIS mercy NEVER fails! God's love letter to YOU is filled with encouragement and purpose for YOUR life. Read it! Pray it! Live it!

Live for the Lord TODAY!

Let HIS glory SHINE!

Monday....let's do this! (Psalm 118:24)

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT)

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

But He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” 
Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)

Sunday, January 12, 2014

~ BELIEVE ~

Love my new bracelets (lots of fun colors) to help keep me focused on my verse and word for the year!

BELIEVE!




"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Happy Saturday

Yesterday, after a mentally exhausting day, there was nothing better than having my hubby come home and wrap his arms around me and tell me he loves me, especially after his own mentally exhausting day. No questions to answer. No fires to put out. Just a sweet smile, a simple hug and three little words, "I love you", that seem to make everything better!

After almost 22 years of marriage, I love that we can finish each other's sentences, laugh at each other's corny jokes (even when no one else does), and realize when advice doesn't need to be shared, just a good hug, a listening ear, and a compassionate heart. My husband is my biggest encourager and I am his, and for this, I am so thankful!

Today, I look forward to immersing myself in the Word of God for wisdom and guidance, drawing on strength from my God, and tending to the needs of my family. Blessings await!

Happy Saturday everyone!

"But David found strength in the Lord his God."
1 Samuel 30:6b (NLT)

"Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting."
James 1:5-6a (HCSB)

"She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness."
Proverbs 31:27 (NLT)

Friday, January 10, 2014

~ Encouragement for a Sleepy Morning ~


Even though I am a morning person, I would be lying if I said that getting up these past few days after Christmas break was easy. Haha! Wow! That 4:45 wake up call has not been music to my ears. Christmas break we enjoyed no alarms and had the pleasure of getting up when our bodies awakened from a nice long sleep. These past few mornings my body was not thrilled to be awakened from its nice sleep and even tried to rebel at some points wanting to roll over and forget about work and school. Even my dog, Louie, looked at me like I was crazy and rolled back over on the floor to return to his slumber. Lol! Needless to say, my heart won out because I knew that what awaited me was my morning rendezvous with Jesus! Quiet time with him before the family arises and even the sun, as a matter of fact!

This morning, through my sleepy eyes, I praise my Jesus! I am alive and awake and get to spend time with the Creator of the universe! He pauses for me and spends his undivided attention on ME! If that's not enough to make you shout, "Hallelujah" then you may want to check your pulse. At this moment, it's all about our time together. He teaches me from his Word and I listen intently on all that he is telling me. He wraps his big fatherly arms around me and gives me comfort for the day. He lets me know that I will not be alone to go into the this world today because he never leaves me. He equips me with promises from his Word before I go out the door into the battlefield. He comforts me with letting me know how much he loves me. He listens as I share my heart and lift up my husband and children. He promises to provide my needs and gives me strength for the journey ahead. Precious time!

I don't know what your mornings look like. Maybe similar to mine, maybe a lot different. But know that your God is waiting to spend time with you. He will take you right where you're at, sleepy eyes and all. Let him pause for you and shower you with his presence! You will NEVER regret it and you will be EMPOWERED because of it!

Encouragement for you from the Psalms today and I pray your day is filled with blessings!

"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you."
Psalms 143:8 (NLT)

"Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly."
Psalms 5:3 (NLT)

"Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives."
Psalms 90:14 (NLT)

"If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me."
Psalms 139:9-10 (NLT)

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Monday, January 6, 2014

~ It's Monday...and It's Going To Be Great! ~


Good morning! It was a wonderful weekend with my family soaking in every last second of our Christmas break. I love those precious souls God has blessed me with. Now it's time to get back to it....work, school, sports, etc. 

Today, we get the opportunity to set the tone for the week. By that, what I mean is, we get to wake up and decide how this week will be started off. Will we wake up grumbling that, "It is Monday and it is a full work/school week." Or will we wake up and declare that "It is Monday and I look forward to new opportunities ahead to serve my God!"?

It really is up to us how we start this first full week of the year. I love to be around happy people! Their spirit of joy is contagious and makes for a pleasant encounter. Then there are the people that grumble and complain about everything. You know who you are ;) Lol! It not only hurts my ears but makes me want to run away as fast as I can. Haha! Now, there is a difference between someone who is burdened and needs encouragement and someone who is just downright grumpy and needs a good dose of "lighten up". Life is too short to focus on the negative. God has given us the greatest gift we could ever receive and it is the gift of eternal life through his son, Jesus. That should well up in us a joy that can't be contained. That should trump any bad mood over trivial things and cause us to shout for joy!

"I will shout for joy and sing your praises, for you have ransomed me."
Psalms 71:23 (NLT)

"Satisfy us in the morning with your loyal love! Then we will shout for joy and be happy all our days!"
Psalms 90:14 (NET)

Make today a wonderful day by focusing on our great God! Choose this day to throw off the negative talk and speak of the goodness of God. Begin this week on a positive note of thanksgiving for all that He has done for you. Be a light around others! Choose to lift others up instead of turning them away with your negative attitude. Choose to BELIEVE God today! BELIEVE his Word and walk in his ways! What a wonderful day it will be!

"Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing."
Philippians 2:14-16 (MSG)

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Building Godly Marriages in 2014

Matt and I will celebrate 22 years of marriage next month! I'm so thankful for him and our marriage! But as great as our marriage is, believe me it is not perfect! Lol! One thing I have learned throughout these 22 years is that I've done a lot of things wrong (and will as the years go on). I have also seen what works and how a marriage grounded in God's Word is beautiful and everything God designed it to be. We strive daily to commit ourselves and our marriage to God and allow HIM to be our center. I love my husband so much. He is truly a gift from God! 

 I have seen so many marriages crumble around me and many this past year that have truly been on the verge of disaster. My desire is to see couples return to a godly design for marriage and see them put each other back as a priority.

I'm calling on married women all around to commit to building stronger marriages this year. For those ladies that are not married yet, go ahead a commit your future marriage to the Lord and to prayer now. 




"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
Proverbs 31:10-11 (NIV)

Throughout the year I will be sharing some things I have learned in my own marriage. I am no expert...far from it. Lol!  These are some things that I know have worked and things that didn't (so you can steer clear ;). I desire to see marriages grow stronger in Christ this year. Whether you've been married one year or sixty years, whether you are engaged or just dating, marriage takes work. Granted, the work is not all hard, and believe me, can be quite enjoyable, but you have to make it a priority. 

Marriage was designed by God, which I would say is pretty important, so let's give it all we've got and commit it to God for HIS glory. 

Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Genesis 2:22-24 (NIV)


Today I will share some basic "dos and don'ts" that I have learned along the way as a wife:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are the "Dos":

Tell him you love him often and at times he wouldn't necessarily expect it. 

Greet him at the door with a hug and smile when he gets home from work. 

Reserve the first hug and kiss for him when you get home (not the children). 

Cut the cord from your own parents and rely on him now. 

Tell him your proud of him. 

Offer grace frequently!

Forgive. 

Show him respect. 

Let him know you appreciate all he does for you and the family. 

Serve him before your children. 

Hold his hand in public. 

Pray for him. 

Pray over him. 

Read the Bible with him. 

Leave him love notes or texts messages throughout the day. (That can be fun! ;)

Hug him in front of your children (even a sweet kiss). 

Encourage him. 

Publicly praise him. 

Plan a spontaneous date for him without children. (Doesn't have to cost money...get creative!)

Serve him breakfast in bed on occasion. 

Laugh together. 

Dream together. 

Pray that God would make your heart and your marriage honorable before him. 

Tell him you would say "I Do" all over again!



And here are the "Don'ts":

Don't dote on your children more than your husband. 

Don't run to your parents (or someone else) for everything. 

Don't go to bed angry. 

Don't tell your friends private things that are between you and your husband. 

Don't keep a record of wrongs. 

Don't always share your bed with your children. (They have their own bed!)

Don't turn down a date offer from him to do something else. 

Don't talk about or "ooh and ahh" over other men (even celebrities). 

Don't put him down in front of your children or other people (even in a joking way).

Don't belittle him about the finances. 

Don't text or call other men friends.

Don't always go on double-date with other couples. You need one-on-one time with your hubby too. 

Don't nag him about the honey-do list. 

Don't override his say-so in front of your kids. Discuss matters privately. 

Don't give up! Marriage is a gift. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

These are just the beginning. There may be many more that come to mind. Let's put them into practice this year. 

Strong and godly marriages in 2014!!



"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)


Friday, January 3, 2014

Obedience Is a Long-Term Commitment

Reading about Noah this morning!

A story I have read and heard many times throughout my 40 years of life but still, his obedience to God resonates in my soul. He was a man of great faith, though not without faults, as he obeyed God when nothing made sense to him or those around him. He is forever remembered in the great "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11 and what an incredible man he was! What strikes me of his life this morning is this:

Obedience is a long-term commitment.

Noah proved he was in it for the long haul. He constructed the ark over all those years as naysayers looked on thinking he was crazy. He took his family and herds of animals on a boat and stayed for a year until God showed him it was safe to depart. He portrayed patience and such obedience even though it was hard. Wow!

"So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him."
Genesis 6:22 (NLT)

Obedience

Am I in it for the long haul like Noah? When I am called to obey and it is not a quick process will I remain faithful and obedient to God through it all?

A lot to ponder this morning. Taking it to The Lord!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

2014...A New Page Turned



The page has been turned and a new blank novel awaits all the beautiful stories that God will write about your life this year! As God begins to pen those pages, allow HIM to bring out the storyline because HIStory is so much better than any story we could write on our own. Let the Author work! Feel his Spirit move through you this year and heed the call to live that full and abundant life that he has promised.

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10 (NKJV)

Through hardships...rest in HIM! Matthew 11:28-30

Through silence...be still in HIM! Psalm 46:10

Through valleys...trust in HIM! Proverbs 3:5-6

Through failures...obey HIM! John 14:15

Through victories...praise HIM! Psalm 150:6

In ALL ways...serve HIM! Psalm 100:2

Every day...worship HIM! John 4:24

At ALL times...love HIM! Mark 12:30

In everything...BELIEVE HIM! Ephesians 3:20

This is the year of our LORD, 2014! Let him move through you and make this the best year yet! A novel is penned today and YOU are his prized subject!

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
1 John 3:1a (NIV)

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)