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)