Good News

12/17/17 Sermon

Too Hard?

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

Jeremiah 32:27

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Is there something you are struggling with right now? Is there something that you feel is hopeless?

Maybe it is a financial situation. Maybe a bad work environment. Maybe a failing relationship. Maybe a lost family member. Maybe a dream/vision that isn't coming to fruition.

No matter what it may be, be encouraged!

Nothing is too hard for God!

Twice, in one chapter of Jeremiah, we read this truth. I've said it before and I'll say it again-when something is repeated in scripture, we need to pay attention because that means it is really important.

What is even more, we can look throughout scripture and see more references to the same thought.

Matthew 17:20b-If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Matthew 19:26-But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Mark 9:23-Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Mark 10:27-And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Mark 14:36a-And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee;

Luke 1:37-For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 18:27-And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Philippians 4:13-I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Take heart in knowing that what may seem hard to bear is bearable with God. What seems impossible, is possible with God.

I have created a printable that you can print and hang up somewhere where you will see it and be encouraged.

Click here for a PDF version

Do you enjoy scripture printables? I would love your feedback!

Draw on God's Grace

Tied With Love

Conditions for Learning

Sprained Ankles and Sermons

I sprained both my ankles two weeks ago which has put a damper on all of my activities. I spent 24 hours either with my feet up or crawling to get places in the house. After 24 hours, I got a pair of crutches and I could put weight on one of my ankles for short periods of time as long as I had a brace on it so then I could move around, but still spend much time with my feet up. Even after a week, I could only get to the computer for short periods of time. My ankles are finally doing better. I can hobble around without crutches as long as both ankles are in braces (a friend graciously loaned me hers so I would have one for both ankles).

That being said, I have the my husband's sermons from the past two Sundays to post. This past Sunday's (Pride, Headship, & Gifts) is a longer than normal sermon due to extra discussion on the topic.

11/26/17 Sermon

12/3/17 Sermon

Edification

11-19-17 Sermon

It is for Us, Too

Micah 1:1-7 KJV

1 The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. 2 Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple. 3 For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. 4 And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place. 5 For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? and what are the high places of Judah? are they not Jerusalem? 6 Therefore I will make Samaria as an heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard: and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof. 7 And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot.

I've heard some people say that the Bible isn't for us today. They say that what is written in the Bible was only for those people in the time it was written. However, I have to disagree.

First of all, we can all learn by studying history. We can learn from what others have done right and by what they did wrong. I have told my brother before that I learned much from the mistakes he made. Because I was willing to pay attention and consider what results he saw from the choices he made, I was spared from repeating the same mistakes.

Secondly, as in this scripture, the Bible tells us it is for "all ye people" and it says, "hearken O earth." This means it is for everyone. Now, we aren't living in the exact same problems that Micah describes, but we do still live in a sin-filled world that suffers from the same sin issues.

God will come to judge the earth. He is a just God and He will destroy evil-We need to be aware of what lies ahead if we continue on the path we are heading. While Micah only mentions the capital cities of Samaria and Jerusalem, we can understand that those are representative of the whole nation. The judgement that comes to them is the same that will come to any who worship idols.

Love Endureth

Seek Him

Amos 5:4-5 KJV

4 For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: 5 But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought.

In this section of scripture, God is lamenting over Israel and how they follow religious rituals and have the outward appearance of piety, but their hearts are not true.

Bethel, Gilgal and Beersheba were cities which held shrines. The Israelites would make pilgrimages to these places, but not offer true worship. God tells them that those cities (and the shrines in them) will perish some day. "Worship" by following the rules/guidelines of a religion will not please God. Worship needs to come from the heart and a heart truly set on worship will seek God.

 Jeremiah 29:13

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

This made me think about how we "worship". My first thought was of the Catholic faith and all their rituals. Many times people do these rituals but can't even explain why they do them. However, this can also be seen in evangelical worship as well.

If we go to church and sing the songs, but our heart isn't in it, then it really isn't true worship. We can look like we are seeking God, but not be seeking Him in our heart. What good does that do?

Amos 5:6a KJV

Seek the LORD, and ye shall live;

Examine your heart? Do you do religious rituals just because or in a heart of worship? Is your heart truly seeking Him?

Walking in the Spirit

Galatians 5:25 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Every time I have read this verse, I have taken it at face value-if we live in Christ, then we will walk with Christ. Today, however, I looked at it differently.

If we are not walking with the Spirit, are we truly living in the Spirit?

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? Doesn't it mean to submit to the Spirit's leading? To follow God's commands? To die to self and live as Christ?

If I am to truly examine my life, I do not walk with the Spirit. Sure, I've committed to walk in big ways-my salvation, family size, etc.-but I struggle to walk in the daily sacrifices.

I am a control girl.

I am sure that doesn't surprise those who know me. Sure, I have given (or rather given back) control to God in regards to our family size. Sure, I say God is in control, but I try to take control of whatever I can. I stress and worry about trying to control many things that I know I can't; however, knowing I can't doesn't stop me from trying.

Even going a little off path when walking with Christ will lead me way off path after a while and if I continue to take small steps away, then I will quickly not be walking in the Spirit. I need to examine my life daily, repent and strive to walk with Him.

How about you? If you are honest, are you walking in the Spirit?

Self-Taught Education

About five years ago, I was introduced to the Robinson Curriculum. While I don't follow the curriculum exactly as it is intended, I love using it as my base.

The Robinson Curriculum was born out of a need because the wife of a college professor died while they still had young children in the home. The books provided in the curriculum were because they were quality books already in their personal library. For that reason, I "replaced" some of the books with books that we already owned on the same topics. Also, having an English major and being a former public school English teacher, there were some books that I desired my children to read that weren't on the list and of course, I needed to add books for our state history and constitution.

Also, because our children are not desiring to go to college (at least at this point), I have altered the math curriculum a little bit by not going as high in the Saxon math and incorporating some personal finance and business math (because they do plan on having home-based businesses).

Another difference, is that with the younger children, I tend to lean toward a Charlotte Mason/Notebooking approach with them.

With the curriculum, they are to write every day. I then check them for grammar, dictation, etc. They can choose to write on anything they desire (except I require them to write on whatever they are reading for school on Fridays). Sometimes they choose to write stories, sometimes they ask if they can copywork out of the Bible, sometimes they will do extra research and write on a topic of their choice.

I have loved how they choose what they "study" and will go much further than I expect them to go. I am also surprised at what interests them. They may be introduced to something in their reading and then choose to study more (like Cora studied spiders!).

Another surprising side-effect is that they will continue to explore topics outside of school as well. Sabra has been reading about David Farrogut in Fifty Famous Stories (which is included in the Robinson Curriculum) and she is enjoying learning about him. Every day she was coming to me telling me something that she found fascinating. Yesterday, she took it upon herself to start writing her thoughts about him. She wrote 5 pages and this is in addition to her normal, daily writing!

David Farrogut is someone who I don't think she would have encountered in other curriculums, but I'm glad that she is reading about him because it is sparking a love of learning.

Do you homeschool? What do you like about homeschooling? What do you love about the curriculum you use?

Are You a Jonah?

Jonah 1:1-17 KJV 

1 Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. 4 But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. 5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. 6 So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. 7 And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. 8 Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? 9 And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. 10 Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. 11 Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. 12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. 13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them. 14 Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee. 15 So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. 16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows. 17 Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Jonah didn't want to do what God asked him to do, so he decided he would run away. However, that didn't work so well, did it?

There is no place we can run from God's presence.

Psalms 139:7 

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

Due to Jonah's disobedience, God disciplined to bring him back. Has that ever happened to you?

I'm not saying that every time bad things happen it is because God is disciplining you (we do live in a fallen world), but sometimes He is trying to teach you something. He may be trying to open your eyes to something or He may be trying to remind you of his greatness.

There have been times in my life where I was not following God's will and things were not going well for me. I was so oblivious to the idea that I was out of God's will that I had to pray that God would help me see/learn what I was missing from the hardships I was enduring. When I admitted my sin, confessed and repented, things started getting better.

In fact, right now, it seems like there are a lot of little things going wrong. It could just be life in a sin-filled world, but it may be that I am out of God's will. I need to spend some time with Him and ask Him to open my eyes if I am missing something.

How about you? Have you ever had a Jonah experience?

Gifts Without Fruit

10-29-17 Sermon

Fight Temptations

Luke 4:1-13 KJV 

1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. 3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. 4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. 5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. 8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: 10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: 11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. (emphasis mine)

Although I've read this scripture many times, I never caught the phrase, "for a season". Christ was able to resist temptation and the devil left Him for a time, but obviously it wasn't the last time the devil  tried tempting Him. He, the devil, only "departed from him for a season."

This should be an encouragement! Christ was tempted many times and yet He withstood temptation every time. I guess I had always thought He had only been tempted three times, but here it tells us that Satan visited Him again.

Take courage! Just as Christ fought Satan's temptations multiple times, so can you!

I would love to hear your thoughts. Had you noticed this before?

Waiting in Hope

Lamentations 3:21-26 KJV

21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

I have been struggling with something for a few months. It is something that I have taken to the Lord in prayer and I have been waiting on the Lord. Sometimes waiting is difficult, but I need to "recall to my mind" so that I can continue in hope.

Have you been dealing with something and waiting on the Lord? Be encouraged that His mercies and compassions fail not.

Smallest Act of Kindness

Justified by Him

Acts 13:38-39 KJV

38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

For those of us who come from a performance based background, it is easy to fall into a works based Christianity.

While I know that Christ's love is unconditional and it is nothing of myself that earns salvation, there are times when I find myself doing the things that "good Christians" do in an attempt for Christ to love me more. My desire should be do obey out of love, not because I am trying to earn anything.

Today I was reminded once more of how it is nothing I can do. It is only through Jesus Christ and by him that we are justified. There is no way we could be justified by following the law of Moses. I'm not saying that the law of Moses is bad and that we shouldn't strive to live by the God-given standards, but we need to do it out of love and not to earn anything.

Have you ever found yourself trying to perform the law to earn Christ's love?

The Goal of Prayer

Tempered Gifts

10-22-17 Sermon

Simplify

Bring Forth Fruit

Matthew 3:10

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Are you producing fruit in your life? Is it good fruit, mediocre fruit, or poor fruit? Scripture tells us (in multiple places) that God will cut down any that does not bring forth good fruit.

How can we make sure we are producing good fruit?

First, we need to be fed. Just as fruit trees need water and sunlight to grow, we need the Living Water and the Sonlight to produce good fruit.

Fruit trees need to be planted firmly in good soil with a good root system.We need to have our firm foundation in the Rock. He is our root system as that is how we take up our nourishment.

Fruit trees that grow wild may still produce fruit, but they are small and not the best looking. Why? Because so much energy goes to the suckers on the tree. To help the tree produce bigger, better looking fruit, it needs to be trimmed. Let Christ trim off the suckers of your life. Pruning is not always pleasant and may create stress to the tree, but the tree is healthier in the long run and so will you be.

Is your root system in Christ? Are you feeding on the Living Water and Sonlight? Are you asking Christ to prune you?

Change

I read this quote on a friend's facebook page the other day. I can't stop thinking about it.

Your Gift is not Your Value

10-8-17 Sermon

Obedience Not Happiness

Genesis 16:8-9 KJV

8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai. 9 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

God sees all things. He knew what kind of situation Hagar had run away from. He knew she had been dealt with harshly. Despite her hard situation, He told her to go back.

He told her to not only go back, but to submit herself to her harsh master. She wasn't supposed to go back and fight for better treatment. She was supposed to go back and submit.

Many Christians think that if they aren't happy, they aren't supposed to stay in a situation. They think God would want them to be happy. However, we see here that happiness isn't what God desires. Sometimes He allows us to go through difficult times. We must be obedient and follow Him wherever He sends us.

You Are Valuable

Evil Hearts

Mark 7:21-23 KJV

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

We recently experienced the worst mass murder in the US (besides abortion, but that is for another day). The atrocity that that man did is great. Many people are talking about how evil he was. Some are talking about gun control because it must be because he had access to guns.

However, scripture explains that the evil didn't come from an outside thing such as a gun, but from within the man.

"For from within, out of the heart . . . "

Evil is in the heart and then manifests itself outwardly. Let's look at those outward manifestations: evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, coveting, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.

Do you see that listed right alongside murders, adulteries, and blasphemy is evil thoughts, coveting, foolishness, lying (deceit), and pride? All of those are considered evil in the sight of God.

I am praying for the people of Las Vegas, but I am also taking the time to examine my own heart. Do I have evil in my heart? I suggest we all consider that we may be just as evil in the sight of God. Repent if you find foolishness, covetousness, deceit, etc. in your heart and pray for others as well.

Wedding Cup

Here is the sermon for 10-1-17. Somehow the recording got paused so part of the scripture passage is not here, but it is 1 Corinthians 11:19-34.

Throw Back Thursday

I've been complaining (yes, I have actually complained) about being too busy. I know it is wrong for me to complain, but I have been overwhelmed with all that needs to get done-school, canning, finishing the garden, sewing, cleaning, decluttering, etc.

Today, this reminder popped up in my news feed as well as the fact that I read an article this morning in one of my favorite magazines (Keeper at Home) on this very topic. I figured if it was something I needed to be reminded of, someone else may as well.

Busy

Salvation

My children are required to do a page of writing everyday. They get to choose what they write on, but they do have to write every day. I then check the paper for grammar and spelling errors. They fix it and turn it back in. 

One day last week, Dara chose to write on her thoughts about salvation and I wanted to share it.

The word "salvation" primarily means deliverance. But here I am using it in reference to spiritual deliverance.

Now you may wonder what does it mean to be spiritually delivered. And delivered from what?

Let me explain to you how it is the greatest salvation ever, and what it means.

First, to be delivered from something, you would have to be in bondage to that very thing to begin with. And since this is spiritual deliverance, that means it is our souls that are in bondage.

In the beginning, humans were made free and faultless and put in a perfect world with only one rule. This rule was put in place for our safety. The first human beings were deceived and believed that if they broke that rule they would gain more freedom. But in doing so, they actually put themselves and all their descendants after them in bondage. They chose to obey the voice of lies instead of the voice of truth and the consequence was bondage to sin instead of the freedom of righteousness. The price needed to gain freedom back was the blood of a righteous man. But how can mankind come up with righteous blood while in bondage to sin? That is where salvation comes in. But let's go back . . .

Our creator is God. He is the one who made us righteous and gave us freedom. And He is the one who made the rule we disobeyed that brought us into bondage.

Now, you would think that because he lost us to a bondage we chose he would give u on us. But . . .He didn't. Being holy, he had what was needed to free us. And even though it cost Him, he sent it. He sent his perfect, only Son to die a horrible sinner's death so that all of humankind would be free.

Isn't that amazing!

But there is a dad part-not everyone wants to be saved. Many people are still deceived that they have more freedom in sin than they do in righteousness. They think that if they choose the righteousness, they are slaves to God. But He is the one who sets us free and keeps us safe. And they think that if they choose sin, they are free. But that sin consumes them and controls their life. How is that freedom?

Reconciliation

9-24-17 Sermon

What a Man Is

He Will Help

Throw Back Thursday

The following post came up in my memories on Facebook this past week. Wow! It is perfect timing as I need to trust more than I need clarity.

Clarity vs. Trust

He Cares for Us!

Psalms 144:1-15 KJV

1 <> Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: 2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. 3 LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! 4 Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away. 5 Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke. 6 Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them. 7 Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children; 8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 9 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. 10 It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword. 11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: 12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: 13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. 15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

God is worthy to be praised!

He is our strength. He is our deliverer. WE can trust in Him and rely on Him.

Even though He is far above us, He still cares for us!

To the human understanding, we are so lowly that the great Almighty King of kings shouldn't even take notice of us . . .yet He does!

Not only does He take notice of us, but He cares for us!

He provides for our needs. He protects us. It is because of His great love for us that we can be fruitful and multiply. It is because He cares for us that we can experience true happiness and eternal life.

Headship

9-17-17 Sermon

Walk Your Talk

1 John 1:5-10 KJV

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

If we truly follow Christ, we will do His will and walk in His ways. A person can say they are a Christian, but if they are not walking as Christ walked, then they are lying.

We must walk our talk. We must show our faith by how we live our lives. We may try to deceive ourselves by talking about our righteousness, but we are only righteous when we confess our sin and are cleansed by Christ's shed blood and covered with His righteousness.

Sacrifice is Gain

Sense the Beauty

Throw Back Thursday

I haven't done a Throw Back Thursday in a few weeks, but I occasionally go back and read old posts and this one spoke to me. I have been struggling with taking the time to pray. Yes, of course I will pray throughout the day and for others, but I hadn't taken time to spend in just prayer-speaking with and listening to God. I felt like I was being lazy if I took a 1/2 hour in the morning just to pray, but I have to remember that it isn't "just" praying. I need that communication to keep my relationship with God strong.

I thought you might be encouraged as well.

Taking the Time to Pray

Time

Wayside Sacrament

A Good Foundation

Matthew 7:24-27 KJV

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

If you have ever seen anything be built, you will see the importance of a good foundation. Water and movement easily shift the ground under any building or roadway and unless you have a strong foundation of something immovable, your creation will shift and move with the ground.

God's Word is the solid foundation for life. It is the immovable ground we need to live our life upon. If we don't, we will be as shiftless as the ground when faced with the storms of life.

Baptized in Cloud and Sea

9-3-17 Sermon

Whole Heart

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

These scriptures grip my heart.

You see, for years, I was one of those people to whom God would have spoken verse 23.

I was raised in the church, knew much about God and Jesus, but I followed Him on my own terms. I had created my own version of Christianity. I did some of what He called me to do, but not all.

God wants our whole heart. He sees obedience to Him as evidence of our faithfulness. When we pick and choose how to follow Him, we are saying He doesn't have our whole hearts. Following Him completely is a sign, a fruit, of true discipleship.

I'm not saying I perfectly follow Him now, but it is my desire to do so. Jesus grabbed my ehart when I was in college and showed me how wrong I was. Since then, it has been my desire to know Him and His will and to follow it.

Liberties are a Gift of God

Blessing Us Right Now

More Than Just Making It

One of the blogs I follow is the Humbled Homemaker. Erin Odom writes on the topics of homemaking, frugal living, and homeschooling. I often find good information and plenty of encouragement from reading her blog.

She was looking for people to be part of her book launch team for her first book-More Than Just Making It. I jumped at the chance and quickly filled out the application. I was happy when I found out that I had been selected.

When the book arrived, I quickly started reading. To my surprise, much of what I read were things that I, too, have learned along my path of financial struggle and frugal living; however, I was able to find some new tidbits of information.

I liked how she incorporated her own personal story along with the information of how to live a frugal lifestyle out of necessity. It helps to know that you are not alone in your struggle with making ends meet. It also gives hope that it is possible to go from a place of almost financial ruin to a place of prosperity.

I agree that there is a stigma involved with the working poor and as a Christians, we need to address that. I love how she talks about "kisses from Jesus" as reminders of how He is working in our lives. It helps keep perspective on how blessed we truly are.

There were some things that I didn't necessarily agree with in the book. In her section of needs vs. wants, there are things she listed as needs that I have found myself, or friends of mine, have found not to be needs. While they are nice to have and definitely make life easier, they were also things that were possible to live without if absolutely necessary.

I also found that I disagreed with some of the thoughts on government aid. I do agree that sometimes government aid may be needed and people shouldn't be looked down on if they are using it as it was created to be used. I also found that I disagreed with the idea of bankruptcy that her bankruptcy lawyer took, but agreed with a blogger she mentioned, Bob Lotich from www.seedtime.com.

Even though there are some things that I disagree with, I do recommend this book. It is still full of lots of great information and you can see for yourself if you agree with what is said about government aid and bankruptcy.

If you decide that you would like to read this book, now is the time to get it. If you pre-order the book, you can take advantage over $220 in bonuses! You can pre-order from Amazon or the More Than Just Making It website. You can also enter the More Than Just Making it mega giveaway! 

I hope you take the time to read this book as it is good for everyone-even if you don't think you are financially frustrated.

Never Forget

Thy Testimonies

Psalms 93:1-5 KJV

1 The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. 2 Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. 3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. 4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. 5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.

Beauty Full

Good Fruit

Matthew 7:15-20 KJV 1

5 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

The nature of Satan is to deceive and he will use people to try to deceive us. We need to be on our guard and keep an eye out for those who try to get us to stray from God's way. How can we know? We need to examine their fruit.

Christ tells us that an evil person can not produce good fruit. It may look good, but it won't be good. We need to make sure that we don't just take their "fruit" at face value, but examine it and see if it continues to produce good fruit.

People can say "good" things, but we need to remember that actions/fruit speak louder than words.

Throw Back Thursday-Garden Time

It's the time of year when those who plant gardens are harvesting. My girls were just saying earlier this week that we haven't had veggie pizza in a while and wondered if we could have it again. That got me thinking to my blog post about the veggie pizza I make as well as a soup using garden goodies. Check it out here!

Garden Recipes

If I use this recipe again (for the veggie pizza), I will have to adapt it to our current dietary needs. I will probably use coconut sugar instead of evaporated cane juice crystals and a blend of garbanzo bean flour and tapioca starch with guar gum instead of the gluten free flour mix and coconut oil instead of grapeseed oil.

For those who follow Trim Healthy Mama, I just found this recipe and will try it for myself when I make the other for the children.

Veggie Pizza: THM-S

Which Gate?

Matthew 7:13-14 KJV

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

In life, we have choices to make. Usually one way is easy and the other more difficult. Most people will choose the easy way; however, that is often the least wise way as well. The best way is often more difficult, but it will lead to greater rewards. We must not just follow the crowd (wide gate), but choose the right way (narrow gate).

I have always wondered if Robert Frost had this scripture in mind when he penned, The Road Not Taken.

Lawship

8/20/17 Sermon

Smile!

Keep A Quiet Heart

I have been reading, Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot. I have enjoyed everything I have read so far. I have shared a few quotes from the book over the last weeks, but I wanted to share one entry in it's entirety.

Chasting the Virgin

8-13-17 Sermon

The God of Hosts

Amos 4:13 KJV

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name.

I truly believe that sometimes people forget who God really is. They forget the power He has in just His spoken word. They forget that He created all things. They forget His majesty.

He is the sovereign Lord. He is in control of all things. He created the heaven and the earth and all within them.

We can not stand before such an awesome God. He is the one and only true God and we must remember His power, His majesty, His wisdom, and remember that His judgement will be just and pure.

Sermons

I had trouble getting last week's sermon to upload to my computer, but I was finally able to get it to work! Here are the links to last week's sermon as well as this past week's sermon.

7-30-17 Sermon

8-6-17 Sermon

Stand Alone if Needed

1 Kings 22:1-39

John 6:38 KJV 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

When I finish a study and God has not told me which study to do next, I just pray that God will lead me to what I need to read to either encourage or convict myself or others. I then open my Bible to wherever God has placed my hands.

One day, God had me open to 1 Kings 22 where I read about the prophet Macaiah. Micaiah was not afraid to stand for God. While 400 prophets said what King Ahab wanted to hear, Micaiah spoke the truth. Her was not afraid to stand alone for God.

The next day, God led me to John 6. There I read about Christ and how He came, "not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."

I see these past two days as days of encouragement. Often I have to stand against the crowd (especially in the current atmosphere). I don't need to focus on following the crowd, but instead, I need to speak the truth. I don't need to worry about pleasing others, but doing God's will.

In recent years, the suffering that Christians in America truly endure has become more and more real. We must continue to speak truth just as Macaiah did despite what everyone else around us is saying. We must do the will of Him who saved us and will save others if they believe on Him.

Love's Strength

Today is Mine

How often to we miss out on the joy of what is happening right in front of us because we are worried about what might happen tomorrow? Scripture tells us not to be anxious,

Matthew 6:34 KJV Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

 However, we often do worry about the future. Why? If we have truly given our lives to God, then it isn't our business. We will miss something today by focusing on the future.

Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now. ~Elisabeth Elliot

I'm not saying it is easy to not worry about the future, but it is something that we need to strive towards. We need to ask God what He has for us today and get busy with that. He will tell us what we need to know at the time we need to know it.

Difficulty Opens Our Eyes

Let the Father Choose

People often comment on our family size and wonder if we have always wanted a large family. The answer, no. My husband didn't want any children. I figured four or five would be nice. I'm so glad that the Father knows better than we and that we have decided to leave Him in control of our family size. Look at all the blessings we would have missed out on experiencing if we had chosen what we thought best. Not only is each of these children a blessing, but we experience blessings in seeing how God provides for us every day.

Keep a Quiet Heart

Know Who God Made You to Be

I've struggled with being someone I wasn't for much of my life. I kept trying to please everyone around me. I tried to be who they thought I should be. It wasn't until I found my worth in Christ that I stopped struggling and tried to rest in who God made me to be.

If you are like I was, stop trying to be someone else. Read and study and learn who God created you to be and be YOU!

Peace

Romans 5:1

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

The only way to have peace with God and the peace of God is through faith in Jesus Christ.

Bought With a Price

7-23-17 Sermon

Rule for Life

Matthew 7:12 KJV

12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Even most non-Christians live by this scripture, only they call it the "golden rule"-Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

If everyone lived by this standard, the world would be a much nicer place to live. However, over the years, this has been distorted. People thing that others may want us to treat them badly because that is how they are treating us; thereby, they justify their own bad behavior. However, we need to remember, we are not responsible for someone else's behavior.

We can only be responsible for how we act and respond. We must rise above how others are acting and do what God has called us to do.

Perfect Peace

Isaiah 26:3-4 KJV 

3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Religion vs. Relationship

God is More Than Good

Matthew 7:9-11 KJV

9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Sometimes we forget how good God is.

I think our minds cannot comprehend the extent of His goodness. We compare Him to what we know, but He cannot be compared to any earthly being because we all have sin natures. We need to remember that if we can be "good", then God is so much more.

He desires the best for us.

Throw Back Thursday

The following post popped up in my news-feed as a memory on Facebook. I wanted to share it as it has been on my mind lately as I am reading a pre-release book on a similar topic.

Making the Impossible Possible

Saints or Law-It's Your Call

7-16-17 Sermon

Immerse Yourself in the Word

New Page-Resources for Sale

I often talk about books that I have enjoyed or that have made an impact on my family. I often find great deals on books and DVDs that our family has enjoyed so I thought I would pass on these finds. The prices include media mail shipping and you can save on shipping buy purchasing more than one item. This is a permanent page that can be found on the right-hand side of my blog. I will add items as I find them and will delete items as they sell so you never know what might be available! Below are just some of the items available currently.

Check out the Resources for Sale page, today!