Weekly Bible Reading Chart http://70030.netministry.com/images/WeeklyGenresChart.pdf
(I will be loosely following this chart while incorporating my Sunday School lessons from LifeWords Adults by LifeWay)
Bible Reading Checklist http://raebear.net/faith/readingplans/
I'd like to say THANK YOU to Jessica for posting this checklist and other Bible study tools online for free on her website. I don't know her last name, but take a minute to visit her website and blog if you're interested in other tools for studying the Bible or just want to read her testimony. I searched and searched for a good checklist to use, and the two she posted are the best I found. So, thanks!!
Goals for 2013
This new year poses new opportunities for me - the publishing of my first novel being at the forefront - and I want to make sure I start this year off right! I'm not making resolutions -- I always need to eat healthy and exercise, why start January 1st? -- but I am taking the time to evaluate my life and make decisions I know will benefit me in many ways.
One of those "resolutions" I plan to share with you and hope you will join me in making this resolution yourself!
I read the Bible through many many years ago, but I feel that knowing my beliefs backwards and forwards is extremely important in today's society where Christianity is being put down and discarded by many. To be honest, the idea of reading the Bible through has often seemed a chore to me. I can make it through Genesis, but I get stuck in Exodus and Leviticus (I cannot get passed the "begots"). I know myself well enough to know that after a two days of "___ begot ____ and ____ begot ____", I'd be less likely to pick up my Bible on the third day, and my whole rhythm and motivation would be messed up.
So, I searched for a plan that would work for me! I like the idea of reading the Bible chronologically, but I'd still end up in Exodus day after day for a while, so that wouldn't work. I also like the plan that involves reading three separate passages from different areas in the Bible each day, but I don't feel that reading about multiple topics all at once will give me the best overall study. I'd rather just focus on one passage each day.
Then I found it! The study I've chosen to use is the One Year Bible Reading Plan on www.christiananswers.net. Each day of the week studies a specific type of writing from the Bible: Monday- The Law, Tuesday- History, Wednesday- Psalms, Thursday- Poetry, Friday- Prophecy, Saturday- Gospels, Sunday- Epistles. I love this plan!! Varying the types of passages from day to day will keep the text feeling fresh, and I like that it is broken down in to weeks rather than starting January 1st.
I will be blogging about the passages I'm studying so you can learn with me as I go, and I'd love to hear your feedback. Send me an email: rhondastaylor.blogspot@gmail.com.
I hope you had a wonderful CHRISTmas -- I sure did! -- and pray you have a happy and healthy 2013!
**My wonderful parents also gave me a new study Bible for Christmas. It's beautiful!! and HEAVY!!! I needed a large print study Bible to use while sitting at my writing desk, and this is perfect! Thank you!
One of those "resolutions" I plan to share with you and hope you will join me in making this resolution yourself!
I read the Bible through many many years ago, but I feel that knowing my beliefs backwards and forwards is extremely important in today's society where Christianity is being put down and discarded by many. To be honest, the idea of reading the Bible through has often seemed a chore to me. I can make it through Genesis, but I get stuck in Exodus and Leviticus (I cannot get passed the "begots"). I know myself well enough to know that after a two days of "___ begot ____ and ____ begot ____", I'd be less likely to pick up my Bible on the third day, and my whole rhythm and motivation would be messed up.
So, I searched for a plan that would work for me! I like the idea of reading the Bible chronologically, but I'd still end up in Exodus day after day for a while, so that wouldn't work. I also like the plan that involves reading three separate passages from different areas in the Bible each day, but I don't feel that reading about multiple topics all at once will give me the best overall study. I'd rather just focus on one passage each day.
Then I found it! The study I've chosen to use is the One Year Bible Reading Plan on www.christiananswers.net. Each day of the week studies a specific type of writing from the Bible: Monday- The Law, Tuesday- History, Wednesday- Psalms, Thursday- Poetry, Friday- Prophecy, Saturday- Gospels, Sunday- Epistles. I love this plan!! Varying the types of passages from day to day will keep the text feeling fresh, and I like that it is broken down in to weeks rather than starting January 1st.
I will be blogging about the passages I'm studying so you can learn with me as I go, and I'd love to hear your feedback. Send me an email: rhondastaylor.blogspot@gmail.com.
I hope you had a wonderful CHRISTmas -- I sure did! -- and pray you have a happy and healthy 2013!
**My wonderful parents also gave me a new study Bible for Christmas. It's beautiful!! and HEAVY!!! I needed a large print study Bible to use while sitting at my writing desk, and this is perfect! Thank you!
Prayers appreciated this week
This week, I am editing my manuscript, and I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I try to finish this by the end of December. I have a lot of work to do!!!
Last chapter
Whoo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm on the last chapter, finally, finally, finally!
Did I mention... whoo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did I mention... whoo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My 10K Race
I'm on the last leg of this year-long marathon!! My final 10K ---- 10,000 words, that is. Within the next few days, I will complete the biggest feat of my life thus far!
I pray for strength and will power to get me through the next week. The adrenaline is pumping excitement through my veins, and I will likely be up all night typing away because it's so hard to stop writing when I'm this close!!!
Ahh!!! So excited!!!!!!!!!!
(Maybe I should edit out some of those exclamation points, but I can't help myself!!!)
I pray for strength and will power to get me through the next week. The adrenaline is pumping excitement through my veins, and I will likely be up all night typing away because it's so hard to stop writing when I'm this close!!!
Ahh!!! So excited!!!!!!!!!!
(Maybe I should edit out some of those exclamation points, but I can't help myself!!!)
The little things...
Opening the refrigerator to figure out what to have for lunch, I shifted the near-empty pizza box, peeked around the untouched yet almost outdated gallon of milk, and was surprised to find a treat hidden behind the ketchup. Two king-sized Kit-Kat bars stacked neatly on a plastic container full of leftover meatloaf.
I smiled. My thoughtful husband must have brought these home from work because he knows I've been having a rough week, endless hours staring at a computer screen and headaches - massive, unrelenting headaches - blocking me from reaching my word counts each day. But I'm almost there!!!!!
The blessing of a supportive, loving spouse is one I can't fully express. My novel wouldn't be anywhere near this close to being ready for publication were it not for my wonderful hubby! Not many husbands would say, "Sure, honey. Quit your job so you can focus on your book. I support you." That's a pretty amazing thing to hear, and my heart swells to know someone loves me and believes in me that deeply.
And he knows me so well... Kit-Kats are my favorite!
I smiled. My thoughtful husband must have brought these home from work because he knows I've been having a rough week, endless hours staring at a computer screen and headaches - massive, unrelenting headaches - blocking me from reaching my word counts each day. But I'm almost there!!!!!
The blessing of a supportive, loving spouse is one I can't fully express. My novel wouldn't be anywhere near this close to being ready for publication were it not for my wonderful hubby! Not many husbands would say, "Sure, honey. Quit your job so you can focus on your book. I support you." That's a pretty amazing thing to hear, and my heart swells to know someone loves me and believes in me that deeply.
And he knows me so well... Kit-Kats are my favorite!
Almost there!!
The time is drawing near! The editor's deadline for my novel is in January, so I am finishing up the last couple of chapters and preparing the manuscript for a group of test readers. I'm planning to have it finished by Christmas so I can relax and enjoy the holiday with my family! This also means that I will start back blogging on a regular basis in January. Yay!!! I'm very excited about getting back to my devotions, and I have so many ideas for stories and study topics to begin the new year. In addition to the blog, I will also be working on preparing my devotional book for publication while my novel is in production over the next six months. Please be in prayer for me over the next month as I put the finishing touches on my manuscript! Being a Christian fiction novel, its purpose is to relay a Biblical message, not just entertaining readers, so I'm asking you to pray that God will guide my words as I complete the text. Thank you!
A Rebellious Nation
Isaiah 1
New International Version (NIV)
1 The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
A Rebellious Nation
2 Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!
For the Lord has spoken:
“I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knows its master,
the donkey its owner’s manger,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.”
For the Lord has spoken:
“I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knows its master,
the donkey its owner’s manger,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.”
4 Woe to the sinful nation,
a people whose guilt is great,
a brood of evildoers,
children given to corruption!
They have forsaken the Lord;
they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.
a people whose guilt is great,
a brood of evildoers,
children given to corruption!
They have forsaken the Lord;
they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.
5 Why should you be beaten anymore?
Why do you persist in rebellion?
Your whole head is injured,
your whole heart afflicted.
6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head
there is no soundness—
only wounds and welts
and open sores,
not cleansed or bandaged
or soothed with olive oil.
Why do you persist in rebellion?
Your whole head is injured,
your whole heart afflicted.
6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head
there is no soundness—
only wounds and welts
and open sores,
not cleansed or bandaged
or soothed with olive oil.
7 Your country is desolate,
your cities burned with fire;
your fields are being stripped by foreigners
right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.
8 Daughter Zion is left
like a shelter in a vineyard,
like a hut in a cucumber field,
like a city under siege.
9 Unless the Lord Almighty
had left us some survivors,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah.
your cities burned with fire;
your fields are being stripped by foreigners
right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.
8 Daughter Zion is left
like a shelter in a vineyard,
like a hut in a cucumber field,
like a city under siege.
9 Unless the Lord Almighty
had left us some survivors,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah.
10 Hear the word of the Lord,
you rulers of Sodom;
listen to the instruction of our God,
you people of Gomorrah!
11 “The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?” says the Lord.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals
I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
I am not listening.
you rulers of Sodom;
listen to the instruction of our God,
you people of Gomorrah!
11 “The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?” says the Lord.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals
I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
I am not listening.
Your hands are full of blood!
16 Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.17 Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.[a]
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.17 Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.[a]
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good things of the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.”For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good things of the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.”For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
21 See how the faithful city
has become a prostitute!
She once was full of justice;
righteousness used to dwell in her—
but now murderers!22 Your silver has become dross,
your choice wine is diluted with water.
23 Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves;they all love bribes
and chase after gifts.
They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.
has become a prostitute!
She once was full of justice;
righteousness used to dwell in her—
but now murderers!22 Your silver has become dross,
your choice wine is diluted with water.
23 Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves;they all love bribes
and chase after gifts.
They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.
24 Therefore the Lord, the Lord Almighty,
the Mighty One of Israel, declares:
“Ah! I will vent my wrath on my foes
and avenge myself on my enemies.
25 I will turn my hand against you;
I will thoroughly purge away your dross
and remove all your impurities.26 I will restore your leaders as in days of old,
your rulers as at the beginning.
Afterward you will be called
the City of Righteousness,
the Faithful City.”
the Mighty One of Israel, declares:
“Ah! I will vent my wrath on my foes
and avenge myself on my enemies.
25 I will turn my hand against you;
I will thoroughly purge away your dross
and remove all your impurities.26 I will restore your leaders as in days of old,
your rulers as at the beginning.
Afterward you will be called
the City of Righteousness,
the Faithful City.”
27 Zion will be delivered with justice,
her penitent ones with righteousness.
28 But rebels and sinners will both be broken,
and those who forsake the Lord will perish.
her penitent ones with righteousness.
28 But rebels and sinners will both be broken,
and those who forsake the Lord will perish.
29 “You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks
in which you have delighted;
you will be disgraced because of the gardens
that you have chosen.
30 You will be like an oak with fading leaves,
like a garden without water.
31 The mighty man will become tinder
and his work a spark;
both will burn together,
with no one to quench the fire.”
in which you have delighted;
you will be disgraced because of the gardens
that you have chosen.
30 You will be like an oak with fading leaves,
like a garden without water.
31 The mighty man will become tinder
and his work a spark;
both will burn together,
with no one to quench the fire.”
Lord, I fear for America. I fear for the future of this nation and for the generations to come. I fear Your wrath, however deserved it may be on this perverse country. Most of all, I fear You have hidden Your eyes from us and will not listen to our prayers just as these verses say. I fear You have turned Your back on the country that in large part turned its back on You. I'm so sorry that America has turned its back on You. Please have mercy on Your faithful servants. Protect us from the terrible leadership and the immoral citizens who elected that leadership, forsaking your teachings blatantly. I pray for mercy and protection today for all of my fellow Christians living in the midst of this corruption. Help us find strength, hope, and direction in You when society shuns us, persecutes us, and strips away our rights to worship. Help us live in peace, not fear. In Your Son's precious and holy name I pray, Amen.
To the work..
I've been working so much lately that I'm just flat exhausted when I get home and haven't spent any time on the computer in the past month!! I feel bad for not posting during this transition, but I know the Lord understand that when I have 5 minutes of down time, it's better spent on rest and reading my Bible or devotionals. My energy has been drained, and I'm struggling just to keep my strength replenished!
I want to share this song with all of you. It's been great strength for me knowing that I am working towards goals for my family that will give us more opportunities to serve God. In all that I do, I praise His name and give Him the glory. Now, enough of a break. Back to work!! :-)
To the work! To the work! We are servants of God;
Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;
With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,
Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.
To the work! To the work! Let the hungry be fed;
To the fountain of life let the weary be led;
In the cross and its banner our glory shall be,
While we herald the tidings, “Salvation is free!”
To the work! To the work! There is labor for all;
For the kingdom of darkness and error shall fall;
And the love of our Father exalted shall be,
In the loud swelling chorus, “Salvation is free!”
To the work! To the work! In the strength of the Lord,
And a robe and a crown shall our labor reward,
When the home of the faithful our dwelling shall be,
And we shout with the ransomed, “Salvation is free!”
Toiling on, toiling on
Toiling on, toiling on
Let us hope and trust,
Let us watch and pray,
And labor til the Master comes.
I want to share this song with all of you. It's been great strength for me knowing that I am working towards goals for my family that will give us more opportunities to serve God. In all that I do, I praise His name and give Him the glory. Now, enough of a break. Back to work!! :-)
To the work! To the work! We are servants of God;
Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;
With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,
Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.
To the work! To the work! Let the hungry be fed;
To the fountain of life let the weary be led;
In the cross and its banner our glory shall be,
While we herald the tidings, “Salvation is free!”
To the work! To the work! There is labor for all;
For the kingdom of darkness and error shall fall;
And the love of our Father exalted shall be,
In the loud swelling chorus, “Salvation is free!”
To the work! To the work! In the strength of the Lord,
And a robe and a crown shall our labor reward,
When the home of the faithful our dwelling shall be,
And we shout with the ransomed, “Salvation is free!”
Toiling on, toiling on
Toiling on, toiling on
Let us hope and trust,
Let us watch and pray,
And labor til the Master comes.
Whoever has ears...
Please take a minute to read this article, which reports of an anti-bullying conference for high school students that turned out to be a Bible-bashing during which many students walked out. I cannot understand why society chooses to be tolerant of everyone's beliefs and lifestyles except those of Christians. It is wrong. The article says the host of the conference didn't even apologize to the students; instead, the host claimed that as journalists the students would have to listen to things they didn't agree with, but this is way beyond a difference of opinion. This is someone bullying Christian teens while other teens cheer him on. Terrible.
http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/anti-bullying-speaker-curses-mocks-christian-teens.html
I've also read recently about a pastor in Arizona who has been PUT IN JAIL for holding Bible Study in his home. The officals claim that his Bible Study makes his home a place of worship, which violates zoning laws.
This persecution of Christians is the result of too much tolerance on the part of Christian Americans. Over the years, we have stood by and allowed our beliefs to be compromised, and our reward is to now be persecuted in our own "Christian" nation.
I challenge you to read Revelation chapters 2 and 3, the messages to the churches. Here are a few excerpts that should really hit home:
Revelation 2
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Revelation 3
I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
These passages are taken from the messages to the seven churches. Repeated throughout these two chapters is the phrase, "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
I pray that we hear and take to heart what He is saying to us today.
http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/anti-bullying-speaker-curses-mocks-christian-teens.html
I've also read recently about a pastor in Arizona who has been PUT IN JAIL for holding Bible Study in his home. The officals claim that his Bible Study makes his home a place of worship, which violates zoning laws.
This persecution of Christians is the result of too much tolerance on the part of Christian Americans. Over the years, we have stood by and allowed our beliefs to be compromised, and our reward is to now be persecuted in our own "Christian" nation.
I challenge you to read Revelation chapters 2 and 3, the messages to the churches. Here are a few excerpts that should really hit home:
Revelation 2
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Revelation 3
I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
These passages are taken from the messages to the seven churches. Repeated throughout these two chapters is the phrase, "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
I pray that we hear and take to heart what He is saying to us today.
Sleep
I start my new job in the morning, and I would greatly appreciate your prayers over the next two weeks. With Aaron out of state with military training, I'm having trouble sleeping, which leads to headaches all throughout the day. Sleep deprivation + headaches + new job is a formula for stress, something I don't want to allow back in my life. So, please pray that I will get the rest I need during this time of change not only to handle what the days bring, but to make the impact God wants me to make, also.
Please pray for Aaron and his unit while they are away. I'm not sure what his sleeping conditions will be (likely a tent with no air conditioning), and he doesn't sleep well with noise, which always causes problems while he's away with the Guard because some of the men stay up talking or have music blaring all night. He and the other soldiers need their rest to get them through two weeks of training, so I pray his sleeping conditions will be inducive to rest.
It's amazing how sleep can affect our lives. With me, it affects my mood, my focus, my energy, my thoughts. We need our rest to perform our best for God throughout the day.
Please pray for Aaron and his unit while they are away. I'm not sure what his sleeping conditions will be (likely a tent with no air conditioning), and he doesn't sleep well with noise, which always causes problems while he's away with the Guard because some of the men stay up talking or have music blaring all night. He and the other soldiers need their rest to get them through two weeks of training, so I pray his sleeping conditions will be inducive to rest.
It's amazing how sleep can affect our lives. With me, it affects my mood, my focus, my energy, my thoughts. We need our rest to perform our best for God throughout the day.
Psalm 4:8
In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.
Bedtime Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
May angels guard me through the night
and keep me safe till morning light.
Thank you, Jesus, for this day.
In your precious name I pray,
Amen.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
May angels guard me through the night
and keep me safe till morning light.
Thank you, Jesus, for this day.
In your precious name I pray,
Amen.
Blooming for Jesus
In Sunday School, we recently studied what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 commands us to "be filled with the Spirit." The Sunday School commentary taught that the Greek word for "be filled" indicates control and power; therefore, being filled by the Holy Spirit means allowing Him to control you and empower you. To be filled is to be permeated. And the results should be obvious.
Let's look, for example, at the flowers on my front porch. If I water them only once a week, they will succumb to the dreadful heat and die. However, when I water them daily, their soil becomes permeated and their strong roots will enable them to grow and flourish. How do I know they flourish when I water them daily? By their blooms.
The sin of the world to a Christian is like the summer heat to my flowers. One dose of God a week on Sunday isn't enough to keep us strong. We will wilt and eventually dry up from the heat. We need a daily dose of His Living Water. When we get that daily dose, our lives will be permeated. When you are filled by the Holy Spirit, the evidence will be reflected in every aspect of your life. You will flourish, and your blooms will reflect Jesus to all who see them.
Luke 6:44-45
For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
The mouth speaks.
While we know that works cannot earn one's way into Heaven,
we also understand that one's words are evidence of one's faith.
We have been commanded to use our mouths to declare
Jesus as Lord and to help win others to Him.
Jesus as Lord and to help win others to Him.
Tomorrow's blog post will explore in detail what the Bible says we should do with our mouths.
Your Excuses Are Inadequate-- You Aren't
We all make excuses sometimes, but there's no point making excuses to God because He knows our thoughts!! He knows what we're really doing when we skip church on Sunday, He knows we chose to watch TV instead of study our Sunday School lesson, He knows when we avoid eye contact when He puts someone in our path for us to witness to. He knows everything! Excuses to God are just insults.
Yesterday, I told you how God has been dealing with me about doing what He wants in my life. Well, guess what our Sunday School lesson is titled this week????
MAKE NO EXCUSES
Do you think that's a coincidence? I sure don't.
The scripture is taken from Jeremiah 1. God told Jeremiah, "I formed thee... I knew thee... I sanctified thee... I ordained thee... Be not afraid... for I am with thee to deliver thee."
That's pretty awesome! Think about it for just a moment. God formed you physically in your mother's womb, but he also formed your personality. He created you to be unique, with special gifts and talents unlike those of anyone else, which brings me back to yesterday's blog: Are you using your gifts or are you making excuses?
The Sunday School writer Billie Friel challenges readers to "give up your excuses for not serving God and respond obediently to His call." He goes on to say that people "are reluctant to serve because they feel inadequate to undertake the tasks God calls them to perform."
Inadequate??? How can you possibly feel inadequate when you were formed, sanctified, and ordained by the creator of all the universe??
I understand.
Many times I have felt my actions in the past have left me inadequate, but it isn't true. When He forgives our sins, he casts them as far as the east is from the west and remembers them no more.
You are more than adequate.
You are equipped by God himself to serve in a role only you can fulfill,
So stop making excuses.
Stop feeling inadequate.
God doesn't make mistakes,
but He can make something wonderful come out of yours.
Do What You Can-- No Excuses!
God has been really dealing with my heart over the last few weeks about doing what He wants me to do. I've made excuses to myself and to Him in the past, but this time I'm trying my best to throw all excuses aside and faithfully serve how He wants me to serve. I want to share with you some of the instances where He has been speaking to me about doing what I can for Him- doing what I can, not what someone else can; doing what I have been called to do, living how I have been called to live... without excuses.
On July 29th in the morning church service, Bro. Keith began his message by saying, "What keeps you from being what God wants you to be or doing what he wants you to do? People would come up with all kinds of excuses- physical, financial, etc." Just a couple days before, I had written a blog that said, "Whatever Satan is trying to stop you from accomplishing or however he wants to hold you back in life, don't let him!!" and before that church service began, I'd been talking to a fellow church member who was struggling with some of the same desires for service although things seem to keep standing in the way. This message really hit home! (to see more of Brother Keith's message, visit http://springhillbcsermons.blogspot.com.)
I left church thinking about excuses, I started looking back at my journal and came across several notes over the past few months about doing God's will. Back on July 8th, Bro. Keith's sermon was titled "Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way" and he said if you aren't going to do what you need to do, you should just get out of the way. If you aren't joyfully prepared to serve God, you're just hindering His work with your half-hearted service.
Are you serving half-heartedly? If so, what is your excuse?
Monday night, Aaron and I sang at a revival a couple hours away. The message was about choices, and the speaker talked about how people ask, "Why did God allow this to happen?" when they find themselves in difficult situations. He said that people want to play the blame game, that no one wants to take responsibility, and I thought about the old saying- Life is 10% action and 90% reaction. I've always had poor reactions in the past, and this is an area of my life I've given completely over to God. I know I've always been quick to act, slow to think, instead of the other way around, but God is working on changing that.
How do you react when bad things happen? Do you play the blame game? Psalm 119:1 says, "Blessed are those whose way is blameless."
Do you make excuses for how you handle the situation or how you got there in the first place?
In some situations, I think, "What can I possibly do to make this better? How can I possibly help?" At times, there is nothing we can physically do to improve the circumstances, but we can improve how we react to them and how we get through them. We simply have to trust God. I use the word "simply" here because trust- completely letting go of the situation- is something people often find difficult (myself for certain), but it isn't complicated. Faithfully, whole-heartedly trusting Him may be hard, but it is very simple.
In the devotional book I've been studying The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer (ladies- buy this book and read it if you haven't already), one whole unit is about giving your best to Christ. At one point Shirer writes, "Take a second to consider what God has uniquely equipped you to do, as well as what He's asking of you at this particular season of life. Instead of focusing on what you can't do, why not carefully consider how to capitalize on what you can do in a way that will tap into God's presence and power?"
Here's what the Bible says about what you do...
Keep in mind that these scriptures say "whatever YOU do," not what your neighbor does, or what your best friend does, or what your coworker does. It says, "whatever YOU do." For Him.You were called to do something specific for God, something He equipped you personally to do.
Are you fulfilling that purpose today??
Or are you making excuses?
*Visit tomorrow for part two of this blog message: "Your Excuses Are Inadequate-- You Aren't"
On July 29th in the morning church service, Bro. Keith began his message by saying, "What keeps you from being what God wants you to be or doing what he wants you to do? People would come up with all kinds of excuses- physical, financial, etc." Just a couple days before, I had written a blog that said, "Whatever Satan is trying to stop you from accomplishing or however he wants to hold you back in life, don't let him!!" and before that church service began, I'd been talking to a fellow church member who was struggling with some of the same desires for service although things seem to keep standing in the way. This message really hit home! (to see more of Brother Keith's message, visit http://springhillbcsermons.blogspot.com.)
I left church thinking about excuses, I started looking back at my journal and came across several notes over the past few months about doing God's will. Back on July 8th, Bro. Keith's sermon was titled "Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way" and he said if you aren't going to do what you need to do, you should just get out of the way. If you aren't joyfully prepared to serve God, you're just hindering His work with your half-hearted service.
Are you serving half-heartedly? If so, what is your excuse?
Monday night, Aaron and I sang at a revival a couple hours away. The message was about choices, and the speaker talked about how people ask, "Why did God allow this to happen?" when they find themselves in difficult situations. He said that people want to play the blame game, that no one wants to take responsibility, and I thought about the old saying- Life is 10% action and 90% reaction. I've always had poor reactions in the past, and this is an area of my life I've given completely over to God. I know I've always been quick to act, slow to think, instead of the other way around, but God is working on changing that.
How do you react when bad things happen? Do you play the blame game? Psalm 119:1 says, "Blessed are those whose way is blameless."
Do you make excuses for how you handle the situation or how you got there in the first place?
In some situations, I think, "What can I possibly do to make this better? How can I possibly help?" At times, there is nothing we can physically do to improve the circumstances, but we can improve how we react to them and how we get through them. We simply have to trust God. I use the word "simply" here because trust- completely letting go of the situation- is something people often find difficult (myself for certain), but it isn't complicated. Faithfully, whole-heartedly trusting Him may be hard, but it is very simple.
In the devotional book I've been studying The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer (ladies- buy this book and read it if you haven't already), one whole unit is about giving your best to Christ. At one point Shirer writes, "Take a second to consider what God has uniquely equipped you to do, as well as what He's asking of you at this particular season of life. Instead of focusing on what you can't do, why not carefully consider how to capitalize on what you can do in a way that will tap into God's presence and power?"
Here's what the Bible says about what you do...
- Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. - 1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. - Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters
Keep in mind that these scriptures say "whatever YOU do," not what your neighbor does, or what your best friend does, or what your coworker does. It says, "whatever YOU do." For Him.You were called to do something specific for God, something He equipped you personally to do.
Are you fulfilling that purpose today??
Or are you making excuses?
*Visit tomorrow for part two of this blog message: "Your Excuses Are Inadequate-- You Aren't"
In God We Still Trust
Aaron and I spent our afternoon practicing a new song to sing at a revival tomorrow night, and I want to share the lyrics of this song with you. The lyrics are so moving to me as both a Christian and as an American.
In God We Still Trust
Written By: Rob LeClair, Bill Nash, Kim Nash
Performed By: Diamond Rio
You place your hand on His Bible when you swear to tell the truth.
His name is on our greatest monuments and all our money, too.
When we pledge allegiance, there's no doubt where we stand.
There's no separation. We're one nation under Him.
In God we still trust!
Here in America, He's the one to turn to
Every time the going gets tough.
He is the source of all our strength, the one who watches over us.
Here in America, in God we still trust!
Now there are those among us who want to push Him out,
Erase His name from everything this country's all about.
From the schoolhouse, to the courthouse, they're silencing His word.
And now it's time for all believers to make our voices heard!!
In God we still trust!
Here in America, He's the one to turn to
Every time the going gets tough.
He is the source of all our strength, the one who watches over us.
Here in America, in God we still trust!
Here in America, in God we still trust!
Our country is a wonderful nation of freedom, but the more God is being taken out of our country, the farther our nation falls. Want evidence?? Just watch the news, walk around the mall, turn on your television, or - I hate to say it after the recent shooting - go to the movies. A couple of Sundays ago leaving church after the evening service, I turned on the radio to what I thought was a family station only to be greeted by a vulgar commercial about contraceptives. What is happening to our nation that I can't even turn on the local country radio station without wondering what I'll hear?
I thought after 9/11 that America had gotten the wake-up call needed, but I fear that 11 years later, we're worse than ever before. Do you recall what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah? It honestly scares me when I read that story and then look at our society today. God destroyed the two cities for their sinful ways. What about Ninevah?? God sent Jonah to warn them that He would destroy them if they did not repent and turn to Him. How many warnings do we get as a nation before God allows us to crumble?
Have you read the studies where theologians question the existence of America in the end times? I'm not a Biblical expert, but the depth of research gone into those studies does make me wonder what will happen to our nation over time. But I'll tell you one thing I don't wonder about: where I'll be for eternity. I want to do my part here on earth to give other people the same certainty I have about Heaven. God needs Christians to take a stand not only for America's sake, but for Heaven's sake!! He needs us to stand firm in our faith in everything we do and everywhere we go.
Follow this link to see a video of the Diamond Rio version of this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVcoQcdjrsA
In God We Still Trust
Written By: Rob LeClair, Bill Nash, Kim Nash
Performed By: Diamond Rio
You place your hand on His Bible when you swear to tell the truth.
His name is on our greatest monuments and all our money, too.
When we pledge allegiance, there's no doubt where we stand.
There's no separation. We're one nation under Him.
In God we still trust!
Here in America, He's the one to turn to
Every time the going gets tough.
He is the source of all our strength, the one who watches over us.
Here in America, in God we still trust!
Now there are those among us who want to push Him out,
Erase His name from everything this country's all about.
From the schoolhouse, to the courthouse, they're silencing His word.
And now it's time for all believers to make our voices heard!!
In God we still trust!
Here in America, He's the one to turn to
Every time the going gets tough.
He is the source of all our strength, the one who watches over us.
Here in America, in God we still trust!
Here in America, in God we still trust!
Our country is a wonderful nation of freedom, but the more God is being taken out of our country, the farther our nation falls. Want evidence?? Just watch the news, walk around the mall, turn on your television, or - I hate to say it after the recent shooting - go to the movies. A couple of Sundays ago leaving church after the evening service, I turned on the radio to what I thought was a family station only to be greeted by a vulgar commercial about contraceptives. What is happening to our nation that I can't even turn on the local country radio station without wondering what I'll hear?
I thought after 9/11 that America had gotten the wake-up call needed, but I fear that 11 years later, we're worse than ever before. Do you recall what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah? It honestly scares me when I read that story and then look at our society today. God destroyed the two cities for their sinful ways. What about Ninevah?? God sent Jonah to warn them that He would destroy them if they did not repent and turn to Him. How many warnings do we get as a nation before God allows us to crumble?
Have you read the studies where theologians question the existence of America in the end times? I'm not a Biblical expert, but the depth of research gone into those studies does make me wonder what will happen to our nation over time. But I'll tell you one thing I don't wonder about: where I'll be for eternity. I want to do my part here on earth to give other people the same certainty I have about Heaven. God needs Christians to take a stand not only for America's sake, but for Heaven's sake!! He needs us to stand firm in our faith in everything we do and everywhere we go.
Follow this link to see a video of the Diamond Rio version of this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVcoQcdjrsA
No Pain, No Gain!
Whew! I'm exhausted!
It's been a very trying past three weeks for me while I've been studying for my state insurance exams in preparation for my new job, but I'm almost finished! Just a comprehensive test and the state exam left to conquer before I start this new career. One thing is certain, life is about to drastically change at my house!
My carpal tunnel has really been causing me a lot of pain since I've been spending hours every day clicking away on online exams, scrolling through study materials, and handwriting notes, so please say a prayer for me. This pain runs throughout both hands, fingers, and wrists (even up to my elbow at times), and it is causing a real issue because I'm not able to type much, which is hurting the progress of my novel (you'd think that two hand surgeries would have done the trick, but, oh well).
But you know what I realized today while I was rubbing my wrists and wishing the pain would go away? I believe this pain is Satan's way of trying to hold me back, trying to stop me from accomplishing my goal, to stop me from reaching my deadline. Well, Devil, I'm going to burst your bubble! I will not let you stop me from doing what God's called me to do.
Whatever Satan is trying to stop you from accomplishing or however he wants to hold you back in life, don't let him!! With God's help, you can defeat the devil and whatever he throws in your path. He may be a pain in the neck (or- in my case- the hand), but he has no authority over you because you are a child of the almighty, all-powerful God!
It's been a very trying past three weeks for me while I've been studying for my state insurance exams in preparation for my new job, but I'm almost finished! Just a comprehensive test and the state exam left to conquer before I start this new career. One thing is certain, life is about to drastically change at my house!
My carpal tunnel has really been causing me a lot of pain since I've been spending hours every day clicking away on online exams, scrolling through study materials, and handwriting notes, so please say a prayer for me. This pain runs throughout both hands, fingers, and wrists (even up to my elbow at times), and it is causing a real issue because I'm not able to type much, which is hurting the progress of my novel (you'd think that two hand surgeries would have done the trick, but, oh well).
But you know what I realized today while I was rubbing my wrists and wishing the pain would go away? I believe this pain is Satan's way of trying to hold me back, trying to stop me from accomplishing my goal, to stop me from reaching my deadline. Well, Devil, I'm going to burst your bubble! I will not let you stop me from doing what God's called me to do.
Whatever Satan is trying to stop you from accomplishing or however he wants to hold you back in life, don't let him!! With God's help, you can defeat the devil and whatever he throws in your path. He may be a pain in the neck (or- in my case- the hand), but he has no authority over you because you are a child of the almighty, all-powerful God!
Modern Day Miracle
A family member shared this story on Facebook, and I'm passing it along to you. It is a fantastic reminder that God holds us in His hands ALWAYS. He knows what our future holds and has plans for our lives, even in the worst situations. He is in control, and I am so thankful for that!
http://bstrait.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/a-miracle-inside-the-the-aurora-shooting-one-victims-story/
http://bstrait.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/a-miracle-inside-the-the-aurora-shooting-one-victims-story/
Bible Quiz Time!
I've spent the last couple of week studying for my state insurance exams, and today I started thinking about tests. If you were given a test on the Bible, would you pass??
Knowing what we believe is extremely important, and we should all spend time regularly studying our Bibles. To brush up on some basic Bible stories, I'm going to start posting Bible questions on my blog regularly, and maybe we'll all learn something new!!
Ephesians 6 tells us this:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
God has given us His Word as a piece of armor, but it is only helpful if we USE IT. To use it, we must first know it, which is why studying the Bible is so important.
Here are a few basic questions about the Bible to get us started. If you know the answers, great!! If you don't know the answers, this is a great opportunity for you to look them up and learn!
1. How many books are in the Bible?
2. What four books make up the Gospels?
3. Who built an ark?
4. Who was cast into the lions' den?
5. Who fought Goliath?
6. What two cities did God destroy for their sin?
7. What is the last book of the Old Testament?
8. Where did Jesus go to pray with his disciples before being captured?
9. What was the name of the tree from which Eve ate the fruit?
10. Which disciple walked on the water towards Jesus?
If you have any questions about the Bible you think I should post, email me!! I'd love to hear your suggestions!! rhondascakes@ymail.com
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the Bible as armor, and help us to use it every day to draw closer to you and to further your kingdom.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Knowing what we believe is extremely important, and we should all spend time regularly studying our Bibles. To brush up on some basic Bible stories, I'm going to start posting Bible questions on my blog regularly, and maybe we'll all learn something new!!
Ephesians 6 tells us this:
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
God has given us His Word as a piece of armor, but it is only helpful if we USE IT. To use it, we must first know it, which is why studying the Bible is so important.
Here are a few basic questions about the Bible to get us started. If you know the answers, great!! If you don't know the answers, this is a great opportunity for you to look them up and learn!
1. How many books are in the Bible?
2. What four books make up the Gospels?
3. Who built an ark?
4. Who was cast into the lions' den?
5. Who fought Goliath?
6. What two cities did God destroy for their sin?
7. What is the last book of the Old Testament?
8. Where did Jesus go to pray with his disciples before being captured?
9. What was the name of the tree from which Eve ate the fruit?
10. Which disciple walked on the water towards Jesus?
If you have any questions about the Bible you think I should post, email me!! I'd love to hear your suggestions!! rhondascakes@ymail.com
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the Bible as armor, and help us to use it every day to draw closer to you and to further your kingdom.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Tired of Being Tolerant
When it comes to standing up for biblical principles, the founder of Chick-fil-A has recently shown that he isn't chicken (pun intended). As a result, media representatives are speculating that his boldness in support of the biblical concept of family may hurt his business.
Well, Chick-fil-A may lose some business over this, but they've earned mine! I purposely went out of my way to visit a Chick-fil-A after I read the news stories because I want to support people who take a stand for Christ. Too many of us are afraid of what will happen, what people will say if we stand up for Jesus, and we're too chicken to take the risk. I applaud this man for his bold support of upholding the Christian family values taught in the Bible.
I read that the mayor of Boston is trying to ban the Chick-fil-A franchise from his city because he says the company is being "intolerant." Well, you know what?? Maybe it's time we as Christians started being less tolerant of the world! The world sure isn't tolerant of us!
Society has banned prayer from schools and bashed the Ten Commandments. We've been called "backward thinkers" and criticized because we believe that unborn children are God's creations and that homosexuality is a sin.
At this rate, how long before we are forced to worship in secrecy, to hide our Bibles for fear of them being taken away, to skip the blessing when we go out to eat for fear of being tormented when we bow our heads? How long???
I love all people and don't judge others for their choices. A sin is a sin, and Lord knows I've had more than my share!! But my Christian love for people does not mean I condone or support their actions. My beliefs are firm, and I will stand up for them.
I do not understand why Christians are expected to be tolerant of everyone else when today's society is not tolerant of us. If we say we believe something is wrong, we're accused of hatred. If we're offended by something society does, it's our own fault for believing what we do. Society deems us radicals and belittles our beliefs in the media. However, when society says Christians are wrong or complains that our beliefs are offensive to non-Christians, what do we do?
We sit back and take it.
I'm tired of taking this sitting down. I'm tired of being labeled as the offensive one because I believe in Christ and the teachings of the Bible.
And I'm tired of Christians being chicken to speak up for our God.
Are you??
We have the freedom to worship and to share our beliefs, but the next generation of believers won't have those freedoms if we keep up this same attitude. It's time to stop being tolerant and to start taking a stand for Jesus Christ. Don't be chicken!
Well, Chick-fil-A may lose some business over this, but they've earned mine! I purposely went out of my way to visit a Chick-fil-A after I read the news stories because I want to support people who take a stand for Christ. Too many of us are afraid of what will happen, what people will say if we stand up for Jesus, and we're too chicken to take the risk. I applaud this man for his bold support of upholding the Christian family values taught in the Bible.
I read that the mayor of Boston is trying to ban the Chick-fil-A franchise from his city because he says the company is being "intolerant." Well, you know what?? Maybe it's time we as Christians started being less tolerant of the world! The world sure isn't tolerant of us!
Society has banned prayer from schools and bashed the Ten Commandments. We've been called "backward thinkers" and criticized because we believe that unborn children are God's creations and that homosexuality is a sin.
At this rate, how long before we are forced to worship in secrecy, to hide our Bibles for fear of them being taken away, to skip the blessing when we go out to eat for fear of being tormented when we bow our heads? How long???
I love all people and don't judge others for their choices. A sin is a sin, and Lord knows I've had more than my share!! But my Christian love for people does not mean I condone or support their actions. My beliefs are firm, and I will stand up for them.
I do not understand why Christians are expected to be tolerant of everyone else when today's society is not tolerant of us. If we say we believe something is wrong, we're accused of hatred. If we're offended by something society does, it's our own fault for believing what we do. Society deems us radicals and belittles our beliefs in the media. However, when society says Christians are wrong or complains that our beliefs are offensive to non-Christians, what do we do?
We sit back and take it.
I'm tired of taking this sitting down. I'm tired of being labeled as the offensive one because I believe in Christ and the teachings of the Bible.
And I'm tired of Christians being chicken to speak up for our God.
Are you??
We have the freedom to worship and to share our beliefs, but the next generation of believers won't have those freedoms if we keep up this same attitude. It's time to stop being tolerant and to start taking a stand for Jesus Christ. Don't be chicken!
Cabin Fever
"Lord, build me just a cabin in the corner of gloryland, in the shade of that tree of life that it may ever stand, where I can just hear the angels sing and shake Jesus' hand. Lord, build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland."
For some reason, this song has been stuck in my head for a week now! Everyone has certain songs that take them back to childhood in such an overwhelming sense that it feels like that was only yesterday. This song does that for me, and so much more.
When I was three years old, I sang this song in front of my church with help from my daddy singing along and his daddy playing the guitar- or the "Git- tarr" as Granddaddy used to say. Then, about six years later, we sang this song again in front of the same little country church, but this time with my little brother, who was about three years old then.
Last night, I had the amazing privilege of watching my little brother perform live with an entire jazz orchestra. I know those of you who are parents or siblings will understand the rush of pride that is still washing over me this morning. I see so many bright things in his future and firmly believe that God has HUGE plans for this talented young man. I don't believe God bestows such wonderful talents without intentions of using them to His glory if we allow Him to do so, and I'm so proud that my brother is allowing God to use him.
Yet sometimes we forget that every talent, every blessing comes from God. IT IS GOD'S. My writing ability isn't mine - it's God's. My brother's voice isn't really his - it's God's. If you are a child of God, everything you have belongs to Him, and He has given it to you to use for His glory.
Are you using what He has given you?
Are you glorifying Him with your talents?
Or are you focused on yourself, building up mansions on earth?
Matthew 6:19-21 says,
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Well, as much as I like nice things here on earth, I'd trade any earthly goods for just a small cabin in the corner of gloryland just to be in the presence of the Lord. I hope you would, too.
Lord,
Help us today to remember that everything we own belongs to You. When we get distracted by earthly things, remind us that our cabin awaits in gloryland. We love you and thank you so much for that!
In Jesus' name,
Amen
WATCH THE FIRST VIDEO ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THIS BLOG TO SEE PART OF MY BROTHER'S PERFORMANCE LAST NIGHT! I'M SO PROUD!
**If you don't remember this oldie but goodie, please visit http://youtu.be/KS0YuCdmokM to hear the Hank Williams version. It reminds me so much of my granddaddy's tenor singing along!
For some reason, this song has been stuck in my head for a week now! Everyone has certain songs that take them back to childhood in such an overwhelming sense that it feels like that was only yesterday. This song does that for me, and so much more.
When I was three years old, I sang this song in front of my church with help from my daddy singing along and his daddy playing the guitar- or the "Git- tarr" as Granddaddy used to say. Then, about six years later, we sang this song again in front of the same little country church, but this time with my little brother, who was about three years old then.
Last night, I had the amazing privilege of watching my little brother perform live with an entire jazz orchestra. I know those of you who are parents or siblings will understand the rush of pride that is still washing over me this morning. I see so many bright things in his future and firmly believe that God has HUGE plans for this talented young man. I don't believe God bestows such wonderful talents without intentions of using them to His glory if we allow Him to do so, and I'm so proud that my brother is allowing God to use him.
Yet sometimes we forget that every talent, every blessing comes from God. IT IS GOD'S. My writing ability isn't mine - it's God's. My brother's voice isn't really his - it's God's. If you are a child of God, everything you have belongs to Him, and He has given it to you to use for His glory.
Are you using what He has given you?
Are you glorifying Him with your talents?
Or are you focused on yourself, building up mansions on earth?
Matthew 6:19-21 says,
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Well, as much as I like nice things here on earth, I'd trade any earthly goods for just a small cabin in the corner of gloryland just to be in the presence of the Lord. I hope you would, too.
Lord,
Help us today to remember that everything we own belongs to You. When we get distracted by earthly things, remind us that our cabin awaits in gloryland. We love you and thank you so much for that!
In Jesus' name,
Amen
WATCH THE FIRST VIDEO ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THIS BLOG TO SEE PART OF MY BROTHER'S PERFORMANCE LAST NIGHT! I'M SO PROUD!
**If you don't remember this oldie but goodie, please visit http://youtu.be/KS0YuCdmokM to hear the Hank Williams version. It reminds me so much of my granddaddy's tenor singing along!
Hit the Pause Button
"Nothing worth having was ever achieved without effort." -Theodore Roosevelt
When I decorated my home office, framing this quotation and hanging it on my wall where it would be seen every day was the finishing touch. When I feel frustrated and overwhelmed for whatever reason, this makes me pause, step back, take a deep breath, and look at my situation objectively. When I do this, I come to either one of two conclusions: what I'm working so hard toward is either worth it or it's not.
On my office walls, you'll also find quotes such as "Consider the lilies," "Be thankful the thornbush has roses," "Bloom where you are planted," and "Take time to smell the roses" (detect a theme?? lol). These floral-inspired sayings are great motivational tools, but the quote that really sums up all the others is written on my chalkboard- "Now and then, it is good to PAUSE in our pursuit of happiness and just BE HAPPY."
Sometimes, we are such "busy bees" that we don't take time to just "be." This doesn't mean being lazy; it means taking advantage of the happiness found in every moment. Spending time with your husband when he's soon leaving for a business trip is more important that folding laundry, playing with your toddler is more important that what's happening on Facebook, studying for your big exam is more important than watching your favorite television show (that's what DVR is for!).
I struggle with prioritizing my time, but I'm determined to do better as I prepare to start my new 8-5 job in a couple of weeks. I don't want to simply do what needs to be done every day- I want to make the most of everything I do and enjoy the process. Yesterday morning on Rachel Ray, Jennifer Hudson was the special guest, and they were talking about exercise, saying you had to make it more like "recess" when you were in elementary school rather than "gym time." That's a great point!
I encourage you and me both to make life fun! Who says folding laundry or cooking dinner has to be boring!! When I cook, sometimes I put on high heels and a cute apron, then pretend I'm hosting my own cooking show lol. Try it sometime!! Work has to be done; that's a given. But that doesn't mean you can't take time to enjoy what you're doing.
Today, I challenge you to pause in your pursuit of happiness and just be happy!!
Dear Lord,
Thank you for all of the blessings you have in store for me today. Please help me not to be so busy that I miss out on them.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
When I decorated my home office, framing this quotation and hanging it on my wall where it would be seen every day was the finishing touch. When I feel frustrated and overwhelmed for whatever reason, this makes me pause, step back, take a deep breath, and look at my situation objectively. When I do this, I come to either one of two conclusions: what I'm working so hard toward is either worth it or it's not.
On my office walls, you'll also find quotes such as "Consider the lilies," "Be thankful the thornbush has roses," "Bloom where you are planted," and "Take time to smell the roses" (detect a theme?? lol). These floral-inspired sayings are great motivational tools, but the quote that really sums up all the others is written on my chalkboard- "Now and then, it is good to PAUSE in our pursuit of happiness and just BE HAPPY."
Sometimes, we are such "busy bees" that we don't take time to just "be." This doesn't mean being lazy; it means taking advantage of the happiness found in every moment. Spending time with your husband when he's soon leaving for a business trip is more important that folding laundry, playing with your toddler is more important that what's happening on Facebook, studying for your big exam is more important than watching your favorite television show (that's what DVR is for!).
I struggle with prioritizing my time, but I'm determined to do better as I prepare to start my new 8-5 job in a couple of weeks. I don't want to simply do what needs to be done every day- I want to make the most of everything I do and enjoy the process. Yesterday morning on Rachel Ray, Jennifer Hudson was the special guest, and they were talking about exercise, saying you had to make it more like "recess" when you were in elementary school rather than "gym time." That's a great point!
I encourage you and me both to make life fun! Who says folding laundry or cooking dinner has to be boring!! When I cook, sometimes I put on high heels and a cute apron, then pretend I'm hosting my own cooking show lol. Try it sometime!! Work has to be done; that's a given. But that doesn't mean you can't take time to enjoy what you're doing.
Today, I challenge you to pause in your pursuit of happiness and just be happy!!
Dear Lord,
Thank you for all of the blessings you have in store for me today. Please help me not to be so busy that I miss out on them.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
New Beginnings
Whew! This summer has been rather crazy, and I've been neglecting my blog. So sorry! A lot has been going on in my life, about which I am very excited. Here's just a quick update: I am taking classes this month to become licensed to sell insurance in Alabama (I'm cramming for my first big test all day today), I start my new job in August (assuming I pass my classes!), Aaron and I just moved our church membership (love my new church!), and my novel is coming along great!!
As of today, I'm starting a new chapter with my media ministry. In addition to posting blog updates daily, I plan to start an webpage for my church family and a Myspace Music page for myself and my family's singing group Joyful Noise!
I really appreciate your prayers as I strive to do all that I feel God is leading me to do. He's going to keep me very busy!! LOL
Take a moment to check out my music page- www.myspace.com/rhondastaylor
Joyful Noise has slowed down a bit because we have been unable to work around everyone's schedule, but I'd love to come sing at your church! Just send me an email and let's set a date: rhondascakes@ymail.com.
God Bless!
As of today, I'm starting a new chapter with my media ministry. In addition to posting blog updates daily, I plan to start an webpage for my church family and a Myspace Music page for myself and my family's singing group Joyful Noise!
I really appreciate your prayers as I strive to do all that I feel God is leading me to do. He's going to keep me very busy!! LOL
Take a moment to check out my music page- www.myspace.com/rhondastaylor
Joyful Noise has slowed down a bit because we have been unable to work around everyone's schedule, but I'd love to come sing at your church! Just send me an email and let's set a date: rhondascakes@ymail.com.
God Bless!
Long time no see...
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Life seems to have been more of a headache than normal lately, and I'm not handling it well. Please pray for me to make the right decisions and to feel a peace only God can give in the midst of this hectic chaos we call life.
Passing the Test and Being Blessed!
As a teacher, I always have one student in each class who wants to know, "What do I have to do to pass this class?" Well, sometimes my gut response - which I keep to myself, of course - is, "Show up for class!" or "Don't sleep at your desk!" You see, often the students who straightforward ask for a passing grade are the students whose names I barely know because they show up so seldomly and complete so few assignments. Then, they often don't understand why I don't just give them an 'A'. I mean, they did politely ask for it, after all. :-)
I recently learned a new song to sing at church titled "Blessings," and the message in this song is so powerful. It truly is my testimony, so I want to share the lyrics with you.
I know what it's like to go through hardships, to be so beaten down and bruised by life that I'd given up hope of ever recovering. I also know what it's like to be blessed beyond belief!! Praise God!
Two years ago, I experienced the worst year of my life. My husband was in Iraq, I lost two grandparents and a grandmother-in-law, and I quit my job. I fell into such a deep depression that I can't even describe it to you. I can just say that my ache was so deep that I was in physical pain every day. I couldn't eat without becoming ill; I couldn't sleep for the demons in my mind wouldn't give me a moment of rest. There's a line in this song that says, "What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near?" That's what 2010 was for me- a thousand sleepless nights. I realize now that I needed to go through that terrible year so I could discover this wonderful relationship with God that I have now. I don't ever want to go through another situation without relying on God to see me through it, and I want you to know that you don't have to face anything without God either!! But to follow Him, we have to trust Him with both the good and the bad times in our lives.
Deuteronomy 31:6 states, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Whatever trial you're facing today, please know that God has a blessing waiting for you on the other side. He never promised life would be easy, but He did promise that you would never have to face anything alone.
Are we like that with God sometimes??
Do we ask for Him to bless us
without being willing to go through the trials necessary to receive the blessings?
I recently learned a new song to sing at church titled "Blessings," and the message in this song is so powerful. It truly is my testimony, so I want to share the lyrics with you.
I know what it's like to go through hardships, to be so beaten down and bruised by life that I'd given up hope of ever recovering. I also know what it's like to be blessed beyond belief!! Praise God!
James 1:2-3
Whenever trouble comes your way,
let it be an opportunity for joy.
For when your faith is tested,
your endurance has a chance to grow. (NLT)
"Blessings"
As sung by Laura Story
We pray for blessings, we pray for peace,
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep.
We pray for healing, for prosperity,
We pray for your mighty hand to ease our suffering.
And all the while you hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things.
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near?
What if trials of this life are your mercies in disquise?
We pray for wisdom, your voice to hear.
We cry in anger when we cannot feel you near.
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from your word is not enough.
And all the while you hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe.
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near?
What if trials of this life are your mercies in disquise?
When friends betray us,
When darkness seems to win we know
The pain reminds this heart that this is not,
This is not our home!
It's not our home.
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near?
What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy?
What if trials of this life are your mercies in disquise?
Deuteronomy 31:6 states, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Whatever trial you're facing today, please know that God has a blessing waiting for you on the other side. He never promised life would be easy, but He did promise that you would never have to face anything alone.
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