Marriage!

This sign hangs in our room as a daily reminder in our marriage! I love my husband so much and I'm beyond thankful to God for the blessing of Matt and our marriage. Though some days are crazy and we don't always get it right, there is no one I'd rather be in the craziness with than my amazing husband! We still do! 

Breaking News...Good News!

Earthquakes, avalanches, riots, looting, ISIS, beheadings, nuclear threats, bombings, missing planes, outbreaks of deadly diseases, school shootings.

Just the sound of that makes me think of some epic film with people lining up at midnight for the grand opening show and lots sold out theaters. A major blockbuster movie with lots of action and excitement and a star studded cast known for their dare devil stunts and heroic acts. Yes, if this were ONLY a movie! But in reality, this is life on this earth we inhabit. Events so surreal that we wish it were only on the big screen. But then we realize....this is our "new normal".

What a stark reminder of the fallen world that we live in.

We've redefined marriage from what God laid out in His Word and punish those who make a stand. We have leaders that with no backbone and are so caught up in themselves that our country is crumbling around us. We have celebrities changing their God-given genders and calling them "heroes". We hear more about "saving the planet" but allow the unborn to be brutally murdered and call it "choice". We see videos of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world being beheaded for their faith. We watch people destroy towns that were built by hard working Americans and call it "justice".

Every day there is breaking news of some sort of tragedy. Social media has been overloaded with news stories of the craziness and questions of "why?" and "how?" are on everyone's hearts. Conversations at the office and around town seem to all be centered around our "new normal". It's horrible, it's unthinkable, but sadly, it's reality!

We have to pray! We have to make a stand on the Word of God!

In the midst of it all...all the craziness...all the sadness...I do have HOPE! The hope and truth on my heart today is...this is not my home. My home will be in eternity with my Jesus! What glorious hope!

"All I know is I'm not home yet

This is not where I belong

Take this world and give me Jesus

This is not where I belong"

The lyrics of this popular song, by Building 429, have been resonating in my soul lately and I am thankful that I have the confidence that I WILL spend eternity with my Savior in glory. There will be no more fear, no more crying, no more sorrow. It will be joy with my Jesus forevermore! The enemy WILL be defeated!

Over and over, God so sweetly reminds me, in the midst of the devastating news, that He is still on his throne, He is still in control, He still heals, He still brings comfort, He still loves, and He still SAVES!

"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)

So today, I pray and I stand on the promises of God's Word! His love and comfort permeate my soul and I give praise to him, praise for His presence in the midst of this storm. He is here and He is in control!

"My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

Psalm 121:2 (NIV)

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him."

Exodus 15:2 (NIV)

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”

Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)

What about you? Do you know where you will spend eternity?

Don't let today go by without knowing for sure where your eternity lies. Life is a vapor and we are not promised our next breath on this earth. Jesus came for YOU! Jesus died for YOU! Jesus rose again for YOU! Make him the Lord of your life today by turning from your sin, surrendering your all and committing your life to him! What blessed assurance can be yours today!

"For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Luke 19:10 (NLT)

"There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12 (NLT)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."

John 3:16-17 (NKJV)

Summer Bible Study!

Ok ladies! Here it comes! Summer Bible Study!!!

Last summer we had an amazing turnout as ladies from all over our community gathered week after week to study, grow, pray, learn, and encourage each other through the Scriptures. Well, here we go again! Let's not take a summer break from growing in the Word! I know there are summer vacations to be had and days at the beach but let's continue to study God's Word and encourage each other through it all! What an incredible summer this will be!

I know God has great things in store as we embark on a journey through Genesis 12-50! Below is a little bit about the study and I pray that you will join me for the journey! Registration begins soon so spread the word and let's have a summer that will be life-changing through God's amazing Word! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me here or at allison@scottshill.org

"The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - by Beth Moore Through this study of Genesis 12-50, we will discover God's pursuit of a relationship with man, and marvel as His plan to bless all people unfolds. Full of twists and turns, ruin and redemption, revelation and mystery this Bible study will keep us captivated by the God who stars in it! Explore concepts such as blessing, covenant, and promise, and the bearing each has on a New Testament believer's life today. Group members will also study the Hebrew names of God introduced on the early pages of Scripture."

He's Always the Same!

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

I am so eternally grateful for this truth this morning! In a day when everything and everyone are moving further and further away from God, I can stand on this promise in Scripture that Christ NEVER changes!

Precious Father, your steadfastness is comfort to my soul this morning! No matter where I look, I know without a shadow of a doubt that you are there and YOU will never change. Lord, make my life a pleasing sacrifice to you. May the changes in my life only be those that draw me closer to you and never compromise your Word. Let my life reflect your beauty and and lead others to your throne where there is hope, healing, and salvation! In your name I pray.....AMEN!

God Loves Me In the Mess!

The kitchen is a mess; laundry piles on the floor waiting to go in; a million things on my "to-do" list and a gazillion things on my heart. But it's in this moment when I have to stop and have a praise and worship concert to my God right in the middle of the mess. Thankful for a Savior who loves me in the mess! Aren't you?

He is worthy of all praise especially in the messes of life! He takes an overwhelmed soul and brings peace like no other can do! It is HE who can turn each mess into a message that shines HIS glory!

In His Presence!

In His presence is where I love to be!

Precious Lord, I'm listening and soaking in your glory!

"Be still, and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

This is for YOU!

Hey you...the one reading this right now...YOU are amazing! I don't know where you are this morning. Maybe you're struggling because life is hard right now or maybe you're just coasting through life a day at a time with no clear vision. I want to encourage you this morning! You are alive which means there is a purpose for you THIS day! Don't live in yesterday's disappointments or past regrets. Cast all your cares on God and praise Him because His mercies are new EVERY day! Rest in His unconditional love for YOU and submit your ways to Him. It's a new day and my God is a God of new beginnings! Cling to Him for guidance and direction and defeat the enemy's schemes. God wants you to live a full and abundant life in HIM!

So right now, take a deep breath and lift your head high in praise to God because He is your portion and your sustainer and He is crazy about YOU! Walk in victory today as you trust in Him!

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)

"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)

"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. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

1 Peter 5:6-8 (NIV)

"We love because he first loved us."

1 John 4:19 (NIV)

God's Word Stands Forever!

"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)

When all else around us withers away, the Word of God is constant. Are you reading, studying and clinging to God's Word for nourishment and direction in your life?

Get in it TODAY!

Praising God Today!

Today is a new day to give God praise! Remember the One whom we call on in our times of distress also desires a real relationship with us through the good times and also the normal everyday times. Let God take first place in your life today! Don't just run to him in a state of panic; rest in his amazing love and grace every second of every day. He's there ALWAYS! The greatest relationship you will EVER have is with the One who gave His life for YOU! His love endures forever!

"For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

Parenting Through God's Word!

Callie snapped this picture in the car the other day as she was holding my hand. What a precious moment that I will cherish! Even more so precious are the moments with her when we can sit and talk about all that's going on in her life. She asks questions and then listens as I share my knowledge from walking that previous road as a 14-year-old girl and sharing what scripture has for her. I know there will be a day when hand-holding and deep conversations won't be as many as now so I'll treasure each moment to love on her and pour God's Word into her! Priceless!

The moments with each of my children are treasured! God blessed me as mom over these three amazing souls and not a day goes by that I don't thank Him for this gift. I love the conversations with my sweet boys as well and I'm so grateful that all our children engage us in matters of the heart. Those matters aren't always pleasant but life is hard and God instructs us through His Word and provides comfort and guidance. Life is messy but God is always good!

Parenting is hard but it is also the greatest blessing! Parenting is so much more than taking care of their physical needs. We are also commanded to pour scripture into them and raise them in God's Word. That can be difficult because not only are we to open the Word and teach but we are to model the example of Christ to them. They are watching!

What a humbling realization!

I want to be a parent that walks the talk! I want to be a parent that lives God's Word so that my children see Christ in me. I want to treasure each moment with them and pour the love of God in them. Even during those difficult days, I want God's light shining brightly through me!

Lord, help us raise another generation that loves and seeks YOU! These blessings are yours, Lord, and what an honor you have placed on me to be called their mom! Father, your will be done in each of their lives and may your mighty hand guide them all their days!

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV)

"But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves."

James 1:22 (NLT)

"Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him."

Psalms 127:3 (NLT)

Sunday is Coming!

I was up early this morning. Well, it was early for a Saturday when I could have been sleeping and, believe me, I didn't intend to get up that early. Lol! But the Holy Spirit has a way of nudging me out of the bed when there is something I need to see in scripture or prayers that need to be lifted.

This morning it was quiet and I just soaked in His Word! I sat in the silence to just be still before HIM...my Father! I'm thankful the Holy Spirit disturbed my sleep this morning because reading through the gospels after they rolled the stone in front of the tomb had my mind thinking of the next day. How were they coping on that Sabbath? They just buried their King. Guards secured the location and nothing could be done until the Sabbath was over. Mary Magdalene couldn't even buy her spices to prepare her King's body until Sabbath was over.

So what was going on in their hearts and minds that day?

What were people thinking? Were the disciples still hiding out? What was going on?

Well, I can only imagine because scripture is silent here. They just saw Jesus stand trial unjustly and be horribly crucified before their eyes. They saw his lifeless body placed in a tomb. Their grief and sadness were probably overwhelming and I'm sure there was fear and uncertainty. Were they overcome with emotion because it was their sin that put him there? Did they realize the depth of love that was crucified for them?

I sit and ponder....

Jesus had told them what would happen! Jesus had been preparing them, before His death, of what would be to come. Grief and sadness, questions and pain could not last long because Sunday was coming!

“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”

Mark 10:33-34 (NKJV)

Then, on that beautiful morning, Hope arose and death was defeated! The tomb was empty! Jesus came forth...JUST AS HE SAID! Hallelujah!!

“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.
Matthew 28:1-6 (NIV)

Today, as we prepare to celebrate the events that DID take place on that glorious resurrection day, my heart is filled with so much gratitude to my Savior. He did ALL of that for ME! He did it ALL for YOU! He conquered death and the grave and paid the ultimate sacrifice for MY sin...for YOUR sin. He marked it PAID IN FULL!

"Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said."

1 Corinthians 15:3b-4 (NLT)

Read the story today! Read it for yourselves! Read the gospels account in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John! The greatest love story of all time is recorded right there in those beautiful pages of scripture. The greatest sacrifice that could ever be made but also the greatest outcome that no Hollywood movie could ever grasp on the big screen is right there in those beautiful pages of scripture. It's the love story of a Savior to YOU! Prepare today!

Read it...grasp it...accept it...celebrate it...and go forth in the will of the Father!

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

John 14:1-4 (NIV)

O, the Blood...It Is My Victory!

Reflecting on this Good Friday...O, the blood!

I feel so blessed that God has given me the high honor of being mom to Ben, Callie, and Caleb! When I look at each one of them I just sit in awe that God chose me to be their mom! Thank you sweet Lord for the blessing of children, especially these precious three that you entrusted to Matt and me. As a parent, I laugh when they laugh and hurt when they hurt. The unknown that we went through with Caleb's health issues a few years ago was one of those painful times as a parent. It broke my heart to see him having to go through so many tests but at the same time, his sweet spirit blessed my heart. As I sat and held Caleb on my lap one day during lab work, tears rolled down his little face as they once again stuck that big needle in his arm to draw blood. There was so much that hinged on his blood and many things would be revealed. I prayed the whole time as I watched each vial fill up with my precious son’s blood. O, the blood!

As we rode home from the UNC Children's Hospital that night, my thoughts turned to the foot of the cross. Mary watched as her son shed his blood for ALL! The pain Mary must have gone through as she watched her beloved Son’s blood run out of his body is overwhelming. That precious blood is the blood that washes clean! She knew his will but had to watch her son in great agony. As Jesus carried his cross up to Calvary through the crowds of people as they shouted at him, did they not realize that with every drop of blood, that blood is the very blood shed for them? His love for us, for me, is the reason he shed his blood. Never again will we have to be slave to our sin. He paid the price with his blood.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”

Ephesians 1:7-8

O, the blood! Precious blood! Today, as we reflect on this Good Friday, do we understand just what that precious blood did for us? There are many today that have heard the story of Jesus on the cross. They have heard the story of his shed blood, but do they understand the depth of love that was in the shedding of that blood? He carried the sins of us all on that cross and HIS blood washed them clean.

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.”

I Peter 1:18-21

Today, the words of this song will stay on my lips:

O the blood of Jesus washes me,

O the blood of Jesus shed for me,

What a sacrifice, that saved my life,

Yes, the blood, it is my victory!

He shed HIS blood for you and me. Then, at that moment, he bowed his head and said, "It is finished." Our victory!

Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19:30 (NIV)

Thank you Jesus, for your blood! It is because of that sacrifice of your shed blood, your life, that I can truly live and have hope. My heart is overwhelmed by this great love! You paid the ultimate price for me, for all, and the very thought of that brings me to my knees. This is a good Friday indeed! You paid it all for ME! The blood, your blood, it is my victory!

Allison

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday...the day before Jesus' death when He shared Passover, the Last Supper, with his disciples, washed their feet as an act of humility and service, and gave them this command....

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35 (NIV)

He knew his time had come to do the will of his Father and he took this beautiful moment to share what love and service is with his disciples. He took time to share hope and meaning. May we follow the example of service and humility of our Savior and obey his command to love God and others.

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."

John 13:3-5 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

John 14:6 (NIV)

Read the story in John today and let's prepare our hearts and minds for Easter!