From the Start

But let all who put their trust in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever, because You cover them. And let those who love Your name be joyful in You.

Psalm 5:11

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5

I met with a friend today, whom I haven't seen in a while, and we talked about a lot of things. The last thing I talked to her about was trust. I told her that it's easy for us to use the verse about God having to trust us in the small things before He can begin trusting us in the larger ones. But, yet we have such a hard time just trusting God in the small things. I had never really thought about that before, but it's so true. We can't just say that we trust God with our lives if we can't even trust what He is doing from day-to-day in our life. I truly believe that is one of the reasons that God only gives us as much as we can handle, because He wants us to trust Him completely and He is starting out small and working His way up. By how we react to Him in the small things will determine how we will react when He starts asking the huge stuff of us.

Come inside and write,

Oh, sweet heaven's chorus,

The tune of quiet space,

Prepare the chords of history,

Strike the first, let it play,

Creation's only melody,

Soft tones of music,
Each note a holding place.
Free this ancient song,
Let me sing,
True to the present,
Longing for home,

An upward cry of praise,

Love's own awakening,

The break of every day.

All this room in this place,

Such a waiting race,

Constantly changing,

Always the same,

Even stones have music,

Trees have their own dance.

I've found my first verse,

Each word a part of you,

Oh, face, you hold me,

Hands, you captivate,

Dear feet,

You teach me how to move,

A babe in daddy's arms,

A girl on his knee,

Little tunes you poured out,

I loved you even then.

Now you sing, beautiful,

You ask me to come,

My eyes are for you alone,

This soul is taken in,

Fresh harmony,

Don't let go,

My song I will finish,

With each sounded beat.

A Christmas Story

"A little boy returned from Sunday School with a new perspective on the Christmas story. He had learned all about the Wise Men from the East who brought gifts to the Baby Jesus. He was so excited he just had to tell his parents: "I learned in Sunday School today all about the very first Christmas! There wasn't a Santa Claus way back then, so these three skinny guys on camels had to deliver all the toys!" And Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with his nose so bright wasn't there yet, so they had to have this big spotlight in the sky to find their way around."
I thought this story was cute! :) Merry Christmas!!!

Teach Them

You know, I was going to write this huge post today on purity and all that, but you know what? I'm tired of talking. We TALK so stinking much! DO WE ACTUALLY BELIEVE IN WHAT WE ARE SAYING AND ACTUALLY DO IT OURSELVES???? I don't want to waste my time talking anymore. I'm going to put more action into what I say. I usually keep what I believe "on the down-low," but, right now, how can I afford to do that when this generation is going where it is? It makes me so upset to watch good Christian kids slip into the world, or in and out of it, which is the very familiar case of today's society. But, you know what, I don't blame them completely. Who do they have to look up to? They are only doing what they see acted out by people all over television and worse yet, in their lives. They don't even see a present standard of purity and holiness. Even the church today has been infiltrated with just plain junk. It makes me sick spiritually to watch godly people shrink back and allow the ungodly ones to rise up. But, you ask the ones who aren't 100% living for God and you know what they will say? "We don't have anyone to look to anymore, because the ones who used to, have all disappeared." WOW. Ok, huge wake up call! Let's stop putting down this rising generation and start finding out where in the world we have been hiding at. Are we afraid that they will rebel? Let me take a moment to laugh ........ still laughing ......... trying to control myself .......... ok, I think I will be fine now. WHERE IN THE WORLD HAVE YOU BEEN? IN A HOLE IN THE GROUND??! Come on, that's not a new concept. That has been going on from the time of ADAM & EVE for goodness sake. Spare the rod, spoil the child ...... seriously, this generation WANTS SOME STINKING GUIDANCE. But, we are so worried that they "will be upset and not like me and not think I am the coolest parent/person/friend/whatever anymore," um, no matter how much you try to please them, it's NOT going to happen. Kids, teens, whatever, are no longer afraid of people over them. WE have become afraid of THEM? Where in the world did that twisted mindset come in and invade? What, some Dude wrote a book called "Let Them Do What They Want and When You Are Old and Grey They Will Thank You For Letting Them Do Drugs & Have Sex"?????!!!! Yes, I said the word. For goodness sake, if you haven't got a clue yet, when will you? You are afraid to talk to your kids/teens about this stuff, but I promise you they know a whole lot more than any human being has a right to know. Stop being afraid. This generation needs you. They are trying to figure this whole thing called "life" out on their own and they can't. They need you to help them. A baby can never learn to talk if it is never spoken to and never taught. A child can never learn to read unless they are taught to. A teen will never know how to LIVE if they are never shown what the true meaning of life is. Living isn't about "experiancing," it's about learning. You want this generation to experiance EVERYTHING? Why? So, they can be found wasted on a street corner somewhere half dead and alone? OR do you want them to learn? In order for them to learn, they need YOU to teach them. I know I am being a little rough, but if that's what it takes, then that's what it takes for you to understand. If you want to stop seeing the junk going on that has been, then you need to step in.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

(Proverbs 22:6)

Friend

When I was 13 yrs. old, one of my friends committed suicide. The day I found out what had happened changed my life. I can remember feeling shocked, then sick.... I couldn't understand. He was such a wonderful person. He was always so polite and kind to everyone. I worked with him and my mom cleaning the elementary school in the evenings. He was always so quiet. He was a few years older than me, but he never treated me like I was younger. I loved to be around him because he always knew how to make people smile. But, he never let people get beyond a point and he only let people know him "so far". The last year he was alive, people were so cruel to him. He was hurt so much. He started saying things that weren't like him and doing things he had never done before. His parents found a note in his room where he had shot himself. He apologized and said he felt alone and that he was a disappointment to everyone.
The day it was officially announced at the school, I remember everyone sitting in the chapel for hours as we prayed. I looked around at the shocked faces and I was angry at the ones who had always been so mean to him, some of them didn't even look like they cared. It took God for me to forgive them. I couldn't go to his funeral....

That same year, I made friends with a girl who was in my same class. She had been abused her whole life. She became one of my close friends. She would call me in the middle of the night crying on the phone as she told me the nightmares she was having of her past. Everyone made fun of her. They called her names and I can remember countless times when I would catch her hidden in a stall in the bathroom floor, crying. I was so afraid for her, because I had just had one friend take his life. She threatened to take hers....

During all of this, I had another friend. She was the most popular girl in school (typical cheerleader). She was my best friend. She was the one who made me realize that even friends can hurt you. She told me I had to choose between her and my abused friend because it was "embarassing for her best friend to be friends with someone like that". It was hard because I couldn't understand why anyone would ask someone to do that and how anyone could be so cruel. I told her that I couldn't just give up on my other friend because she needed me. Then I found out that my "best" friend was doing drugs, among other stuff. When she found out that I knew, that's when the lies started and the rumors spread. I told her I couldn't be her friend anymore and that I would have to tell what she was doing, so she started to spread rumors about me so that "people wouldn't believe me" is how she put it. I was in a Christian school. You can imagine what "bad rumors" will do in a place like that. I started getting threatening and disgusting notes and letters stuck in my locker and back-pack from all sorts of people in the school. I went home every day and locked myself in my room and read books. I would read up to and sometimes more than three books a day to forget everything. My so called "best friend" would call me and tell me she was sorry almost every night and then when I would get to school she would inform me that I would "never get a clue" and she would ask me to stay away from her. I used to sit alone in the back of the lunch room and pray and my "friends" would throw paper airplanes at me with mean notes written all over them. I was too embarassed to tell the teachers or my parents about any of what was going on until my mom finally found out and the mess got even bigger.

I stopped talking to people. I started questioning God until He started speaking to me....
He became my best friend. He never hurt me and He always loved me.

Why am I saying all of this....I never really have before. I don't talk about my life before and up to 4 yrs. ago to people. But, right now, I am beyond being embarassed and I really feel like there is someone who needs to hear this. No matter how bad things get, you will make it through. I only told you a small part of my life. What happened during just those few years have affected who I am today. Would I have changed or traded a moment? No. It all had to happen. I've learned lesson upon lesson. I've also learned what it means to be a friend. So, if nothing else, I hope you take away from this the importance of REAL friends. Don't be fake. There are people that need you. And even if you are the one who feels completely alone....you aren 't.

"Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me."

Psalm 3:2-5

Psalm 107:21-31

Have you ever felt a supernatural peace that you couldn't explain? That no matter what was going on around you and no matter what people thought or said, you couldn't shake the feeling of God's hand upon the ship's wheel? In the storm, the disciples couldn't feel that peace the day the storm rocked the boat. They chose to see the storm rather than the one who calms the storm. When Jesus calmed the winds and the rain, they realized what they had done. They had surrendered to the fear of not being in control rather than trusting in the one who is. How many times have we done that? We tend to lose ourself in our fear of the storm. We clutch to whatever can steady us as the boat rocks back and forth. We cry out for help when the Captain is standing beside us, one steady hand on the wheel, the other reaching out to calm us. He can see the end of the storm in the distance. All we can see is the storm and we lose faith in making it through. Rather than worry about what you are being guided through, why not trust in the one who is guiding?

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.
Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalm 107:21-31

Who Is To Come

I will not rest,

I will not go until it's done.

The world around me, it surrounds me

and all I know is what's to come.

The lingering shadows test me now,

my ears can hear their sounds.

My eyes sting and I can see them,

those of whom I love.

My legs cannot hold me,

yet I continue on.

Every moment's agony

is a single won destiny.

Every drop of blood,

a heart yet to beat.

Heavenly hosts surround me,

they long to draw their swords.

They dare not even touch me,

their existence is my words.

Until I say it's finished,

it is not yet done.

I will face this death,

since it has begun.

I look upon the future,

I see each face, each soul.

I swallow the blood and drink it,

this is my cup, all my own.

One last breath I take,

the shadows gather now.

I hear their rising shouts

as my spirit's taken down.

I stand before the dark one,

he who lost his place.

On earth he thought he had destroyed me,

but now he sees my face.

He looks into my eyes

and sees the truth that is there.

He faces his defeat

as his lost grip is bared.

The one who thought he had won.

Will he ever understand?

I am He was and is and is still to come.

The Lion of Judah

"And one of the elders said to me, Do not weep. Behold, the Lion being of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, overcame so as to open the scroll, and to loose its seven seals."

Revelations 5:5

Chill Out and Eat Popcorn

Relax! That's all I have to say today. We all need to learn to just NOT receive every little thing that is said to us. Don't be on the defense all the time. Just let things bounce off that isn't supposed to be received. The Devil loves it when we get tangled up in a mess of offense/hurt/whatever. Don't give him the satisfaction of becoming like that. The Word of God says to hand over all of your burdens. That includes anything that is said or done against you. He'll take care of it! Ok? :-)

Precious Gifts

One of my good friends is having a baby shower today. So, this morning I went and got the baby a gift. I love shopping for baby stuff! Everything is so cute! The little hats, tiny little shoes and socks, and the adorable outfits. Awwwwwww. Babies are so precious! I know a lot of people who are getting ready to have babies. I can't wait to hold them! When my niece was born, I never wanted to put her down. Now I am going to be having another niece or nephew and I am going to love on him/her. I'm secretly hoping the baby is a boy.


Life is a miracle and so precious. It is truly amazing every time a baby is born. They are God's gifts. People always talk about babies being "little angels" but, I don't see angels, I see Jesus. Every little finger and toe was created by God. They have the fingerprints of God all over them.


Treasure these little gifts, because God loves each child. The Bible says that we have to become like one of these little ones to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. What a beautiful way to show our love for our heavenly dad, to be His sons and daughters.

David and Goliath

David and Goliath
by John Ferris

The Philistine army faced the army of Saul,

The giant Goliath came out each day to call,

Send me a man that’ll represent you in battle,

I’ll tear him in half, then scatter you like cattle.

Goliath the giant measured six cubits and a span,

Which was well over twice the height of even a tall man,

He had six toes on each foot and six fingers on each hand,

What this brute didn’t realize, was he was about to be canned.

The giant mouthed off for at least forty days,

The army of Saul did nothing but gaze,

They wandered about with their eyes all aglaze,

They’d lost all their hope, they were all in a daze.

But young David the shepherd had brought food for his brothers,

What sickened his heart was hearing men cry for their mothers,

What’s wrong with you guys, is there no bone in your back?

What you’re needing to do is to go on the attack.

Who’s this that challenges the army of God?

Give me five minutes, I’ll put him under the sod,

Allow me a chance at this vile Philistine,

This uncircumcised heathen has stepped over the line.

News of his words filtered back to King Saul,

Who was greatly impressed by his bravado and gall,

If his heart was in tune and he had heard God’s call,

Perhaps he was the one to make the giant to fall.

David was summoned to meet with the king,

Who offered to him if he would but bring,

The head of Goliath who he’d have to slaughter,

David’s reward, the king’s beautiful daughter.

Not only that, Saul promised to axe

Payment by David of the king’s tax,

As well as great riches beyond compare,

Ensuring a life without worry or care.

Saul said, I’ve no choice but to tell you the truth,

I’m just concerned by your small stature and youth,

Don’t be insulted, your zeal can’t be denied,

But David interrupted, and cautiously replied,

I tell you the truth, for lies I can’t bear,

In defense of my flock, I killed a bear,

Again, and I swear, be assured I’m not lyin’

On another occasion, I killed a lion.

So King Saul clothed David in his personal armor,

He replied in polite terms he was just a sheep farmer,

Who relied on his speed and his skill and his wits,

To go into battle weighed down, for him was the pits.

David went down to the brook, and picked out five stones,

Then called to Goliath and made himself known,

The giant couldn’t work out why from the whole mob,

They’d picked on a boy, to do a man’s job.

David replied, You come with a sword,

But I come to you, in the name of the Lord,

He gives this battle into our hands,

You’ll know all about it, when this shiny rock lands.

Goliath drew near to David, who ran towards him,

He let go his sling and made the giant’s lights dim,

The stone flew like a rocket and imbedded in his fore- head,

Before he crashed down, David knew he was for sure- dead.

David ran to the body and took up Goliath’s sword,

When he hacked off his head, the army of God roared,

When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead,

They turned on their heels, and like cowards they fled.

The army of Saul pursued them for days after days,

Then returned from their chasing to praise God and His ways,

By the use of the weak things to confuse the strong,

They learned that by His faith, they could never go wrong.

King Davids

If there is one thing that I pray for my Sunday school class is that they would walk away every week encouraged, knowing who they are and knowing that they can face any giant that they come up against. "They are only Junior Highers." I hate that statement! They have destinies and God is going to raise them up to be the Davids of this generation. Studies show that between the ages of 13-16, youth will make the most important decision of whether or not they truly want to serve God. WOW. I don't let a week go by without telling them how important they are and how God has something awesome in store for them. I asked them this morning in class what they wanted me to teach on starting this next month. They all said the book of Revelations. They want the DEEP things of God. Sometimes, I can feel the LORD's prescence so strong when I am with them and I have to keep myself from crying. I am looking at prophets, pastors, intercessors, warriors, and king Davids. I only have them for two years. But, in the small time I have them, I pour everything I can receive from the LORD into them. It is such a priviledge to teach them. They will probably not remember me being their teacher years from now. But, that doesn't matter. I just want them to have received revelation about who they are and who God wants them to be. I feel like a mom!


A few months ago I started going to the youth group at our church to just sit and watch. Again, I want to cry because I think, "God, wow, look at them! They are so amazing. Way more than I could have ever imagined." I've taught everyone on that leadership team and they are going way beyond me! I don't care if they remember me! But, it gives me so much joy to hear them speak! They talk about winning their schools and they PROPHECY!!! Prophets! They put ME to shame at times, because they are just so stinking passionate for God. I stopped coming to their pre-service prayer because I realized they don't need me there. I would stand there and not say a word and they would begin to prophecy and talk about the visions God was showing them and what He was speaking to them. The only week I ever said anything was because the youth pastor asked me to and guess what? I didn't know what to say! All I could say was that they were amazing and I could see how far they have come and it blows me away! Wow.


Anyway, don't put down this younger generation, because they are rising up wether you want them to or not. You are an influence in their lives and you will be accountable before God on how you teach them. Are you encouraging and lifting them up or are you putting them down? Please, don't be a Saul.

To Hold or Let Go

You know, Nintendo was where it all began. Seriously! LOL - well, for me anyway. I remember playing that thing for hours. I was so determined to win the Mario Brothers game. Then, this golden age of playstation came. I was hooked. There is nothing like having the satisfaction of knowing you have every chance of winning if you really concentrate and try hard. I would walk away with thumbs and hands so sore, I thought they would fall off. But, I was always determined to win the game. When I wasn't the one playing, I would watch the person playing and their every move. I would watch their mistakes and learn from them. I would watch their wins and learn from those as well. Then, there came the X-box. Yes, I said it. The X-box. I am definitely ALL GIRL, but, there is something about playing those games that make me want to win with everything in me and come out knowing I, Nickie, not my brothers, came out the victor. LOL - hey, I gotta win something, because I sure can't play football or basketball! I was a cheerleader. Although, I did play softball when I was in 5th grade. I was an outfielder. I would have to say that I was actually pretty good at it too. But, that was a long time ago. I do still like to play catch every once in a while, though.



Take a moment to think about this right now: Where does perserverance come from?



You probably thought, "well, God, of course." Well, that's obvious. But, here's another question. Why would God put within us the supernatural strength to perservere?



When you perservere, there is something waiting for you at the end. How long have you been sticking it out? Why? Why have you continued to hold on for this long? Why don't you just give up and walk away? Why don't you just say it isn't worth it and get on with your life? Why?



We are called to 'hold fast.' That means not giving up. The better question is this: Why would you want to give up? Don't allow the fear of failure to keep you from your destiny. I pray that God will teach you to hold to the things He has for you and let go of the things He does not.

The News

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment; and the one fearing has not been perfected in love.

1 John 4:18

My sister is going to have a baby! I'm so excited! She called really early this morning to tell us. We are all hoping that it is a boy.


The bad part of it is that my sister's health is really bad. The doctors say that she wasn't even supposed to live through her last pregnancy. But, she did, and my niece is 7 years old. I choose to believe in the report of the LORD who can make all things possible. The doctors are thinking the worst. I let myself think the worst for about five minutes this morning and it was a horrible feeling. Now, I am trusting God and I know that He is going to take care of my sister and this baby.


But, I will be honest, I struggled with one thought all morning. "It isn't fare." It isn't fare that she has had to deal with pain all her life. It isn't fare that she can't just be happy that she is going to have a baby without having the fear of death hanging over her. But, who am I to say that? God is in control and He understands better than I do. I look up to my sister and her strength. She is one of the strongest people I know. Yet, she isn't even a Christian. But she trusts God. That is so unbelievable. I know that when she comes back to the LORD she is going to be an amazing Christian. She is truly a wonderful person and an awesome mother. She is a beautiful person inside and out. It breaks my heart that she has to go through what she has.


I'm probably just rambling. But, what I want you to know is that even if it doesn't "seem fare," God knows better than we do. I have prayed every day for 14 years for my sister and I have not only prayed for her to come back to God, but to be healed. God is faithful and I know both of those prayers will be answered. I don't know how, but they will be. All I know is that unless I hand this whole thing over to God, it will tear me apart worrying over it. Is there something you are having a hard time handing over? Is there something that keeps coming to you as not being fare? Maybe it's time to let go and let God take control.

Pure Words

"For all the negative things we might say (or believe) about ourselves, God always has a positive answer."

THINGS WE SAY:

It's impossible.

I'm too tired.

Nobody really loves me.

I can't go on.

I can't figure this out.

I can't do it.

It's not worth it.

I can't forgive myself.

I can't manage.

I'm afraid.

I am always worried and frustrated.

I don't have enough faith.

I'm not smart enough.

I feel all alone.

WHAT GOD SAYS:

All things are possible.

(Luke 18:27)

I will give you rest.

(Matt. 11:28-30)

I love you.

(John 3:16 - John 13:34)

My grace is sufficient.

(2 Cor. 12:9 - Psalm 91:15)

I will direct your steps.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You can do all things with me.

(Phil. 4:13)

It will be worth it.

(Romans 8:28)

I forgave you.

(1 John 1:9 - Romans 8:1)

I will supply all your needs.

(Phil. 4:19)

I have not given you a spirit of fear.

(2 Timothy 1:7)

Cast all your cares on me.

(1 Peter 5:7)

I have given everyone a measure of faith.

(Romans 12:3)

I'll give you wisdom.

(1 Cor. 1:30)

I will never leave you or forsake you.

(Hebrews 13:5)

The Enemy loves it when he can fill us with all sorts of junk, including lies. Instead of listening to those lies, we should identify them as such and look towards the truth. The worse the Enemy can make you feel, the better he feels. Stop listening to him and listen to God.

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Psalm 12:6

He Makes the Way

I feel like I am on this kick about listening to God's voice and time and all that. But, it is really pressing upon my heart to talk about it lately. So, here's another one!

Most of my life, time seemed to go by soooooo slow. Do you ever feel like that? That thought usually goes through most people's heads at least once a day. I laugh at myself all the time, because I get frustrated when I have to wait in the drive-through for more than a minute. We seem to expect everything to be quick. We want our food now, we want the water in the shower to be warm now, we want everything NOW. We have such a low-patience scale.

For the past several months God has been teaching me a huge lesson. I always tended to look at the future. I didn't care about the NOW. I wanted this day to end and the next to begin. Now, every day I wake up, all I know is that day. Weird, but true. You may be thinking that is impossible, but it's really not. I have been blessed, then again it isn't what I think of at times as a blessing, to know things that God has revealed to me about the future. When He used to show me things I would get so excited and I would focus on that time coming, but I would miss out on what He was doing right then. I don't want to miss out. Now, I just walk in peace. Sure, there are times that I have my doubts, but I always come back to knowing that my God is making a way. I can't make the way. It's like this old song that I know about "Jesus made a way when there was no way." It doesn't say "Nickie made a way..." Not at all!

The Bible talks about the road we are on being narrow. Yet, we tend to wander into the grass sometimes because we want it just a bit wider. Why? Because we get tired of not having elbow room. What I mean is, there is something in us that longs to rush ahead or step out of the boundaries that are set for us. Yes, there are boundaries. Do we always keep them? No, but we should.

God doesn't always show me alot about my life. He reveals like peeks here and there, but honestly, He gives me more for others than myself. I used to think that was so stinkin' odd and not all together fare. This question always tends to get at me "Why is it that God can give you exactly what someone else needs to hear, but He doesn't always give what you need to hear?" You know, I really don't know. All I do know is that God has never failed me. You know, honestly, I think God revealing stuff to me about others is better than stuff about myself. The reason why is because, I get the chance to sit back and watch them walk into the destiny God has for them. I usually don't tell what I see, unless God wants me too. Have there been times when I wished I could tell? Oh, boy, don't even get me started! I face that every stinkin' day. "If only I could just drop a hint, God!" I feel like I am betraying people by not saying anything and everything in me wants to tell them what God is saying to me. But, I can't. It is really a test of my patience. Try knowing something for YEARS and never being able to tell and watch people get hurt time and again. It breaks my heart. But, I know I have to trust and obey, because God knows better than me.

So, why am I saying all of this for? LOL - I have no idea!!! Just kidding! I do have a point. God's time and plan is greater than ours. Even when God shows you something, it doesn't mean you are to always tell. If it is supposed to be known, He will give you the right time. But, don't rush ahead. No matter how hard it is, you have to trust God. You want to know something? God is so much smarter than us. He doesn't see just a part, He sees the whole. Don't worry, be patient, and just listen to Him.

Jesus

When I was a little girl I can remember going outside early every Saturday morning when I lived in Rhode Island and I would preach to my dog, Zonia, and her puppies. I would try to do it just the way I had seen the children's pastor do it in children's church. I would pace back and forth and pause every so often, putting my hands on my hips and staring right into the eyes of each squirmy, crawling, little puppy. I would tell them the story of Jesus and how He came to earth to die for all people. I would get so excited that my voice would get louder and louder. Then, once I had preached all that I wanted to, I would go sit on my swing and sing songs. What did I sing? You know, I really don't know. I would just make up songs about Jesus and God and angels. I loved to sing. I dreamed of one day being able to preach in front of real people. I would get so excited and lost in that dream that there was no doubt in my mind that it was going to happen. As a little girl, I had no idea what it even meant to be a pastor or to preach. All I knew was that if I was going to preach, I wanted to tell everyone about Jesus.


While I was living in Rhode Island, I attended a Christian school. Yeah, I had to wear the uniform and all. I can remember that every morning we all had to line up and your class had to go in to the chapel and sit in their assigned row. My favorite part was when we got to do the pledge of allegiance. But, we didn't just get to pledge allegiance to the American flag, but to the Christian flag and the Bible too. Every time I recited those words to the Christian flag and the Bible, I would put my whole heart into it. "I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God's holy word. I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path..." To say those words meant that I had to MEAN those words. It wasn't about the book. It was about what the book stood for and whose words were in it.


As Christians, we are all called to preach. We are all called to share the gospel. If we don't even know the words that are in the Word of God, then what gospel are we preaching? Are we telling others what we "think" will save them? If we truly grasped what a gift the Bible is and really knew what it says, then this world would be different. America would be different. Yet, look around. There are so many denominations and they can hardly get along. We all choose to take what we want or have been taught from the Word of God. Yet, we miss out on EVERYTHING that it is trying to tell us. We worry so much about how to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. But, really, our message is far from being that. We are afraid of what people will think. We are afraid to talk about the only one who can save. How can we be a witness for Christ without sharing with everyone that we come in contact with who He is? As a little girl, I understood this more than I do even now. I wanted to preach about Jesus. I didn't want to preach about The Father's Love, Signs and Wonders, Moses, Jonah, Joshua, David .... I wanted people to know who JESUS was. I knew that was the most important message that could ever be given. When Jesus ascended into Heaven, what did the disciples preach on? Jesus and His kingdom! They understood the importance of the message to the point that they gave their lives for it.


When I was five years old someone told me the story of Jesus. That is when I gave my life to Him. No other story would save me. No one else had given His life to save mine because He loved me. My reaction to Jesus was all because of learning the truth. How can we expect the world to act any less?

Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
2John 1:3

Wisdom & Knowledge

PROVERBS

1:1-9, 20-23, 28-30

"The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings."
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. "

"Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. "

"Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof."

Yet, even though this was all said, people still do not seek for wisdom. To this day there is a small amount of people, specifically in America that try to rely on their knowledge alone. We do not need to fill our minds with useless knowledge but the knowledge that the LORD is offering to us. We need wisdom that can only come from the Holy Spirit.

God Speaks

Wow - so - where to start.... Last week, I went to Redding, California with the leadership team from my church. I didn't go really "expecting" anything to happen, I simply went with an open mind and just ready to receive from the LORD. I didn't really know what to "expect". One of my friends asked me what I "wanted" from the conference. I told him that I "wanted" to never be the same and to leave Redding a changed person. I did. I can't explain it all exactly, but I don't feel like the same person I was just over a week ago. My whole attitude has changed. I even see things differently. Since last week, God has just been giving me word after word about His glory coming. I cannot shake it.

I never asked for my eyes to be opened, but they have been for a long time. There have been days when I thought I was going crazy, because of what I was seeing, hearing, and feeling. But, everything that the LORD prophecied to me has happened. Two years ago He gave me a vision of the lost in the city. He showed me what would happen. Now, it is happening. There are so many things like that which have strengthened my faith in God. For a time, I just thought what I was seeing were just visions, but they were actually prophetic. It really blows me away. God is so awesome and He knows what is getting ready to happen today and what will happen years from now. God is in control. Why do we worry so much? There is no need to.

You know that feeling of being pressured into something? Don't you hate that? If you don't, then there's something a little odd about you. I can't stand to make a decision because I am pressured into it. I like to think, pray, think some more, chew on it, read the Bible, pray, think a little more, eat popcorn while I think and pray some more, take long walks and pray ..... yeah, it sort of goes on like that until I hear from God. The sad part is that sometimes God is giving me an answer all along, but I have a tendency to be stubborn at times and it takes me a while before God finally says, "Hey, dummy, I have been trying to tell you what to do all along." Yeah, God calls me things like 'dummy' all the time...fondly of course.

My point is that so many times we wear ourselves out trying to find an answer or make a decision when the whole time God is holding up a neon sign with flashing lights that says, "Listen to Me." Hmmmm - why is that so hard to do? Well, because we tend to make things too complicated. We come to a fork in the road and sit for years thinking, "ok, if I go left there could be all sorts of horrible traps just waiting for me, but, if I go right....the Devil may be waiting there to jump me." Oh, come on! No matter what we do, we are going to face unpleasant situations. For goodness sake, you have to make decisions about what you are going to EAT every day. Now, we all tend to go for that hamburger, cheesecake, pizza .... but, even though they are great, they all have consequences. No matter what we do, we can't run away from facing giants. Stop being so afraid of making decisions and take a look in God's direction. He's standing there, staring at you in the middle of the road that you are supposed to take.

I really don't have much more to say today. I am just in awe of God. To question what He speaks to us individually as well as corporately just shows a lack of faith in Him. What is He speaking to you right now? What has He been speaking to you? Are you questioning it? Why? Because others may not understand? Or you can't fathom it yourself? I have made more decisions in my life than I can count that I did not understand. Each one that was led by God really was like staring at a mountain that God has said go through. But, faith can move mountains. It's so true! It's so much easier to receive a word from God than to question it. You try questioning it and what do you think happens? You will end up taking the long road. It's so much easier taking the direct route to God's will. So, whatever God is speaking to you right now, however impossible or improbable it may sound, just listen and obey His voice.

"Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice..."

Exodus 5:2b

A Heart of Forgiveness

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

Proverbs 4:23

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

Proverbs 3:5

"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."

Proverbs 15:13

I have been reading out of the book of Proverbs and it struck me how many times the heart is mentioned. Proverbs talks about the heart being full of wisdom but also having the capabilitiy of being full of evil. "Trust the LORD with all thine heart" and "Keep thy heart with all diligence." We always put so much emphasis on the spirit, but the heart is also very key to who we are. Our mouths speak what is in our hearts. That is why it is so prudent to guard our hearts. When we allow things to penetrate our hearts that are not of God, we are pulling off the guard over our spirit. This is why the Enemy attacks us through/by our homes, families, and those close and dear to us. He knows he cannot reach our spirits head on, but he can break our spirits by first going through our hearts. Wow. It's so true though. Here's an example. A member of a church feels hurt by someone else in the church, so, they leave and completely turn away from God. Their heart was wounded and so the Enemy takes that opportunity to draw them away from God. Look at Job. The Devil tried all sorts of tactics, but if you notice, it is when Job's family was taken away that we all seem to get angry. We all know that material things are not eternal, but the thought of losing those you love is painful. Yet, Job had a guard over his heart. That guard was his trust in God. That is so key. Job knew that no matter how much he was attacked, God had a reason and He was still in control. If we allow the circumstances and the trials that we face every day to penetrate our hearts, then we set up our spirit to be broken. That is why depression happens. "By sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken." The greatest advice anyone ever gave me was to guard my heart. Now I know why it is so important to surround my heart with trust in God. You may think that is foolish because maybe you trusted God and were still hurt. I never said that you won't be attacked. The Enemy goes after our hearts more than anything else, because he knows that if he can destroy that, he can destroy you. Our hearts determine what decisions we make. "But, Nickie, that's bad. My pastor has always said not to trust my heart." BINGO!!! That's it. It's not trusting our heart it is allowing our heart to trust in God. There's a huge difference.

One way you are surrendering to your heart and another you are surrendering your heart to God.
 

When you surrender to your heart, you will be hurt. When you surrender your heart to God, He will protect and surround you. Don't confuse the two. If you have been hurt, it is not God's fault. God does not desire to wound or cause you pain. He loves you and He sent His son to die for you. One of the college students at Tehillah said that God had to bring her to the realization of "how much Jesus was wounded the day He hung on the cross." The Devil laughed at Him for trying to save a people who wanted Him dead. If there is anyone who has the right to say His heart was wounded, it's Jesus. But, his heart was surrounded by His trust in God. WOW!!!! Have you ever thought about that? Instead of allowing Himself to surrender to the pain in His heart, He surrendered His heart to God. "Into Your hands I commit my spirit." This is powerful stuff!!! Jesus had a human heart that felt everything we feel. We can't imagine the extent of how much pain his heart was being bombarded with as he was beaten, spit on, mocked, and hung on a cross to die. Yet, instead of saying, "what is the use, they all hate me," he simply said, "Father forgive them." Ok??!! How many of us are willing to do something even close to that? How many of us can say to God as we are being bombarded by words of hate and pain, "God, forgive them." Jesus said it to God concerning the entire world. Yet, we have a hard time saying that about one person who has tried to hurt us or not even tried but, it just happened.

What better way to show our trust in God than to ask for forgiveness? Not for God to forgive them, but for you to forgive and in turn be forgiven.

But, you say, "I didn't do anything, so why should I ask to be forgiven?!" The word of God says, "Forgive and you shall be forgiven." There's two sides to that coin. First side, you were forgiven by God the day that you became a Christian. Second side, you cannot be forgiven until you forgive. But you say, "what?! That doesn't make a flip of sense." Oh, yes, it does. When Jesus forgave you for your sins, God forgave your sins. When you forgive those around you, God forgives your unforgiveness. But you say, "that's just a bunch of circles of forgiveness." Yep, man, you are smart! Do you remember that verse you learned when you first came to know the LORD? "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son." In order to forgive you have to give something of yourself. Jesus gave His life in order that the world could be forgiven. What is it that you need to give in order to forgive those around you and in turn be forgiven for not forgiving?

Holding Father's Hand

I will never forget the day my niece was born. Wow, that was seven years ago. It's hard to believe that much time has gone by. But, I remember being so excited. The day that my sister told all of us that she was going to have a baby was pretty unexpected. She had just graduated high school and she was already going to be a mom. But, she has been a great mother and my niece is a wonderful little girl. Sometimes, I look at my niece and want to pick her up and hold her like I did when she was a baby, but she's too big for that now. It's hard to believe that those little baby hands and feet are now getting bigger and bigger each day. She doesn't need anyone to hold her up and feed her or take her hands and walk her around. I can't talk to her like I would when she was so tiny anymore because now she wants me to talk to her like she is a "mature-growing-up-girl" is how she puts it. :-)


Once so reliant on those around her to take care of her every need, now she wants to do everything herself. I wait for those moments when she can't do something and so she gets frustrated and looks at me and asks for help. I love it when she curls up next to me when we sit and watch a Disney movie or Sesame Street. She still is small enough to allow me to hold her hand when we go anywhere and she still gets tired and wants me to hold her when she doesn't want to walk anymore.


I wonder how true these are the feelings of God? When we first come to know Him, we rely on Him. But, when we have been Christians for a period of time we tend to try and do things on our own. We still want Him there just in case we need help, but we want to do it on our own. God doesn't want to dictate everything we do, because He has given us the ability to make choices, but He doesn't want us to lose our reliancy on Him. He still wants to hold our hand and teach us new things. When we come to the point of "Ok, I think I have gotten this being a Christian thing down" that is when we should realize that we are trying to do it on our own. Just think about that today.

Gerbals or Gerbils?

Well - today I am supposed to have a silly fact ready for you. I am not really in a "silly" mood and I am too busy to look anything up. But, I will say one thing.

"Watch out for the secret ninja gerbals," Joshua.

"What" do you say is that supposed to mean? Hmmm - if you find out, let me know.

Priorities

My 27 yr. old sister lives in Tennessee and the other day she calls and asks me to come move down there with her. She has this really good job working as a sort of dispatcher for a trucking company and she is getting ready to buy a house for her and her daughter. She said that if I came, she could get me a job at the same company she works for and I could live with them. She laughed at me when I turned the offer down. She said that she couldn't understand why I would say no to something that could pay my way through school and so on and so forth. I told her because I was happy where I am and that money can't buy happiness. Sounds cheesy, but she caught what I was saying. She isn't a Christian either, so it's hard trying to explain to her that God has called me to stay here. It's sad that the world's concept of happiness centers around having the "good life." Yet, you can look at the people who are living this so called "good life" and they really aren't that happy. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against money. But, it's when it becomes your focus that it really messes up your life. I've seen it happen and I thank God that I am not stuck in that rut. I don't want to make huge life decisions based on how much money I will get. There was this story someone told me once of this pastor who all he had was the clothes on his back and a Bible. Wow, I can't imagine that. But, this man has experienced God in ways that I have only prayed for and dreamed about. Not that I am telling you to go sell all you have and keep one pair of shoes and so on. I am just saying that it's when our focus is off of the "stuff" of this world and on God, that is where we are called to live. If other stuff is coming before your relationship with God, you probably need to do some serious rearranging in your life. If something besides God is your focal point for any decision that you make, then there is a problem. Everyone faces this in one way or other. It's called priorities. We all have a mental checklist we go through when we make decisions and are faced with the unknown. What's at the top of your list and where does seeking God for the answer fall in there?

The Prophetic - Part 2

(continued)

"Long periods of meditation in the presence of a holy God bring about a dynamic revelation of the roots of evil, the reasons for failure and the way to restoration and holiness."


"Prophets hear from God and speak the direct message that he receives in a variety of ways. These may include: a gradually unfolding consciousness of God's will, an audible voice, and internal voice, by seeing into the spiritual world, by visions or dreams."


"In most Old Testament cases, the prophetic office carried the attendant supernatural gift of working miracles."


"The prophet's ministry is revelatory, involving the past, present and future, and in this way manifests God's omniscience. In the Old Testament, prophets were known as seers, and were prominent in uncovering past facts and hidden things. The prophet will also receive revelation regarding future things. This is the quality that sets a true prophet apart from other ministries. While he will not have total knowledge of future things, he will generaly be used of God to convey predictions and revelations much more than other ministries will."


"This ministry, while based in the local church, is often 'released' for travelling ministry to the whole Body of Christ to assist the apostle to set the church in order. The prophet has no right to usurp authority in another local church, but if he is God-sent, his ministry will make way for him. The prophet frequently has an ability to cause change in people's hearts more than other ministries. This is due to the inspired nature, and direct revelation of both his message, and its manner of delivery."


"The ministry of the prophets has often emerged at times when there is a decline or degradation among God's people. Prophets aslo emerge at, and facilitate times of transition in the church."


"All believers may exercise the gift of prophecy, but not all are prophets. There are many in local churches who bring a word of prophecy on occasions who are not prophets. In fact all believers may exercise the gift, but the Lord has only given 'some' to be prophets. The person with the gift of prophecy is primarily concerned with edification, exhortation and comfort. The spiritual gift of prophecy is spasmodic in operation, while the prophetic office is permanent. A person may give a word of prophecy on an occasional basis, but a prophet will operate in his ministry regularly. Prophets may, and usually will also regularly manifest the gift of prophecy, though this will perhaps be exercised more regularly and to a greater degree than the average believer in a congregation."


"The signs of a prophet: he supports the apostle in establishing churches, he brings direction to the church, his ministry may expose sin, though in the New Testament this is primarily the responsibility of the apostle, he has revelation of the mysteries of God, he unveils new truth to the people of God, he pormotes the presence of God, his ministry in prophecy and preaching tend to be immediately inspired, he speaks for God in a personal way, he may predict future events or reveal hidden facts."

(To Be Continued)

Silly Fact (7)

Well, there isn't a silly fact for today, because I am too lazy to look one up. :-)

But, I found out today that I have a hilariously funny reporter voice. I was looking for a Christmas skit for my mom and I found this one with a reporter. I was cracking myself up reading it out loud. Yeah, I amuse myself.

The Storm

Have you ever been to Holiday World? Well, last year I went with a group of people from Church. I had my niece with me for the day. She is not afraid of anything, so she loved riding the roller coasters (but, only the small ones, because I hate those life threatening big ones), but I was paranoid the whole day that she would fall out of one. I would either hold her hand or put my arm around her just to be careful. She decided she wanted to go on the tallest water ride in the water park and the stairs to the slide are really high, but she didn't seem to have any problem with standing near the edge. I finally made her stand in the middle of the stairs away from the side, because she was making me dizzy (I hate heights).

But, near the end of the day, we were waiting in line to ride the Scrambler and I looked up and noticed that the sky was turning black in the distance. Clouds were rolling quickly towards us and the trees were bending from the winds that were picking up. People started to stampede. I knew there was no way for us to get back through the line to get out, so, I picked her up and put her over the wall behind us, then I climbed over. We ran up the yard and squeezed through some railing. She grabbed my hand and we headed up the hill. People were running and screaming. I watched as some people were trampled over. Trees were falling down and limbs were hitting people. I looked down and saw that my niece was terrified and crying. So, I picked her up and held her close, with my hand over her head so that she wouldn't get run over or hit with a tree limb. I went off into the grass and avoided the people running and I hurried to the top of the hill, praying the whole way. By the time we reached there, the sky was black and it began to rain down in sheets. I looked for a place to get cover and I noticed some people huddled in a game booth but I knew that wasn't safe, so I went inside a building. We went to the back of the building away from all of the windows and it took a while before my niece was willing to let me go so I could put her down. I checked her over and saw that her leg was bleeding, so I fixed her up and we found a place to sit. She just kept looking at me and wondering if her nanna was alright. When the storm calmed down and it was just raining, I picked her back up and hurried to the place our group was to meet. I wrapped her up in a towel when we got there and held her close until she calmed down.

Life is full of storms. Wether they are small or large, they are not very enjoyable. But, just like my niece who knew I wasn't going to leave her and I was going to take care of her no matter what, so we should be assured that Father will take care of us. He carries us and holds us and reassures us. He goes with us each step of the way and when the storm passes He is still there. So, whatever storm you may be facing, call on Father.

Peace

This weekend God has really taught me a huge lesson. My entire life I have been living worried about what others thought of me, especially my family. My grandparents are here this weekend and for the first time I didn't feel the need to explain or justify why I am doing what I am. I was dreading the questions of "why." Yet, I am not called to justify anything about myself. Every question that they have asked me is just a repeat of the questions they have asked my whole life. Now, I just tell them "God is in control." Even if everything around me says I am acting insanely and everyone thinks I have lost it, I have relinquished control. I am so happy. This is the happiest I have ever been in my life! I have peace and joy. All I know is God spoke and I listened. Wow - talk about laying it down. All I have to go on is the LORD's words and promises. It's a daily listening for direction. I cannot make plans of my own or try to take over. Every time I try, it is a mess. I think about the visions God has given me of my life and part of me is terrified because I have no stinkin' idea how any of it is going to happen. Yet, I have a supernatural peace that I can't begin to explain.


So, what do I have to tell you today? Do you long for peace in your life? Do you long for joy? Give it up!!! Stop trying! Let go and allow God to be God.

My God

The dust of the earth could not measure your splendor,
Every drop of ocean could not fathom your depth,

Your glory holds more majesty than the stars,
Your face is more precious than life itself,

The meaning of love is one glance from your eyes,
One word from your lips pierces the sky,

Your hands hold the strength of centuries,
Your feet are the roots of heaven,

You shake nations with your promise,
You broke darkness through your death,

How can I but surrender to this great God of mine.

Silly Fact (6)

Undertakers report that human bodies do not deteriorate as quickly as they used to. The reason, they believe, is that the modern diet contains so many preservatives that these chemicals tend to prevent the body from decomposition too rapidly after death.

EWWWWWWWW!!!! That's sick. There is something real freaky about preservatives.

The Rocks

I had a vision yesterday ....

I was standing on this beach. I was enjoying watching the waves crash against the shores and the sea gulls running along the beach. There were other people on the beach, but it took me a while before I noticed that these people were all facing the shores. Some of them were just standing there and others were sitting in the sand. Some of them were even lying down, asleep. I noticed someone walking down the line of them. He would stop in front of them and stand very still. He would stare at each person for several moments. But, the people didn't even seem to notice him standing there. Finally, he would turn and kneel down, picking up something off of the ground. He would look at the object in his hand and he would begin to weep. Then he would take the object and throw it as far out as I could see into the ocean. He did this with every person he came to.

I was completely puzzled until he came closer to me. I began to hear someone shouting. It was as if someone were shouting from a long way off, it was so faint, but I could still hear it. I looked around to see who it was, but none of the people around me seemed to hear the sound. I stood there, listening. I began to make out the words of the shout. "I NEED YOU!!!" What? Was someone hurt? Then I heard it again, but it was a different shout. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!" I looked around to see if anyone could be the one crying out, but no one was saying a word. Then I heard it again. "I HAVE TO HAVE YOU!!!"

Whoever it was sounded really desperate. I began to tune my ear to the sound and I tried to follow it, but it sounded as if it was coming from the direction in front of me, which was the ocean. So, I thought that maybe someone was drowning. Whoever it was needed help. So, I started to move towards the water but then I noticed that the shout sounded from the direction behind me. I was completely confused at this point. I turned around and frustrated, I bent down to the ground. Where was that shout coming from?

Then, it sounded much louder now. The shout was in front of me as I faced away from the ocean. I inched forward towards the sound and I stopped short. On the ground lay a stone. The shout was coming from it.

I didn't know what to think. This rock was screaming, "I NEED YOU!!!"

Then it clicked. I stood up and watched as the man held the object in his hand and tears streamed down his face. Then he took it and threw it into the ocean.

This stone .... the stones .... they were crying out .... but, why??? Then I remembered that old verse my mom used to quote when I was a little girl about the rocks crying out to the LORD if we did not.

The man was coming closer. He only had two more people to pass by before he came to me.

The realization of what was happening hit me with such a force I began to weep. Then through my tears I began to say, "I need you." It came out as just a whisper. "I need you." Again, just a whisper. "I need you!" I began to feel desperation rise up within me. "I need YOU!" Tears streamed down my face and I could hear the rock beside me crying out, "I NEED YOU!" I cried out again, "I need you!!!"

I crumbled to the ground on my knees with my arms wrapped around me. "I need you!!!" "I need you!!" "I have to have you!!!"

Again, I could hear the rock crying out and it was drowning out my cries.

I yelled out, "I NEED YOU!!!" I kept yelling it and every time my cry became louder than the stone's. It was as though every part of my being was screaming.

Suddenly, I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I gasped and looked up. It was the man who was throwing the rocks into the ocean. He looked into my face. A smile spread across his beautiful features and he began to laugh, tears of joy streaming down his face. He dropped to his knees and gathered me to him and held me.

He then picked me up and carried me into the water. He carried me as far out as he could and then he placed me in. Instantly I was surrounded by the ocean's waves and I got lost in its depths.

The depths. That is where He longs to take us. Cry out!!! Get desperate!!! Don't allow the rocks to cry out in your place.

FEAR

When I was in grade-school my dad was in the military. I can remember when I had to go to the hospital on the base for my check-ups and shots. First of all, I hate needles (with a passion - I HATE THEM) and I remember once when I had to have all of these shots for school. I can remember sitting in a room full of military men and women and just about passing out from a shot I was just given. I was embarrassed because they were all watching me, but I cannot handle shots. They had to take me into another room and let me lay down. There was this one time when I had to have a blood test done and I sat there, terrified. I did not want them to come near me with a needle and I really didn't like the thought of them drawing blood. But, one gentleman in uniform gave me a reasuring smile as he had his blood drawn and I felt a little better. As a little girl, I thought it strange that so many people from the military were at the hospital. I had thought that they were the "strong" ones who don't get sick or hurt. But, I was wrong. In fact, these people were more prone to get hurt than the average person.


As Christians, we are on the front-lines of battle every day. Especially those who are leaders and are following hard after God and His will. Even Christians get confused when they see their leaders get attacked because they have this idea in their minds that leaders don't get attacked. Wow - that is so not true. Being on the front-lines means that you ARE going to be attacked. The ones farther back are a little safer. Why do you think that the Bible says to "put on the whole armor?" God knows what we face every day. Jesus experianced what we experiance, so there isn't anything new under the sun that He doesn't know about. That is why He is telling us to "be ready" and "stand firm."


One plan of battle that was used a lot in the earlier centuries is for the front-lines to stand their ground. If you moved out of formation you could cause serious damage and even death to those fighting with you. But, seriously, the front-lines were the first ones to be attacked and the first ones to die. Imagine standing there as the enemy's army advances towards your lines ... you know that once they reach you, they will try to kill you ... your heart beats so loudly that it pounds painfuly in your ears along with the never ceasing sound of the drum beat of war ... you can barely make out the orders "HOLD!" ... every muscle in you wants to flee ... your knuckles turn white as you clutch your weapon ... sweat beads down into your eyes, bringing stinging tears that run down your cheeks ... STEADY! ... your legs feel rooted to the ground, your knees as weak as jelly ... STEADY! ... your breath comes out in painful shudders and you clamp your teeth shut fighting against the urge to faint ... the army advances ... STEADY! ... you can make out the forms and faces ... the ENEMY ... STEADY! ... you remember what you are fighting for ... HOLD! ... the ENEMY that has been destroying your family, your home, everything it can get its hands on ... HOLD! ... you feel the urge to fight rise up within you, spilling out into a battle cry as the final order of "CHARGE" is given. The Enemy's greatest tactic is fear. He will use it for all it's worth. Don't give in! Rise above it. You do not fight alone. The one you are fighting for will be right beside you. Don't allow the Enemy to destroy you and everything you love. Fight back.

2Ti 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."

You Don't Always Get What You Want

Last night my parents took me to see the new house that they have decided to buy. It is really nice and I joked around with them about it being their little cottage for when they are old and grey and all their grandkids will come to see them. It's only like five minutes away from the church which is really conveniant. So, the first thing my dad says to me this morning is "hey, your mother and I were talking and instead of having to find a place, which you are wanting to do, you could just stay here and rent this house and just have three other girls move in and split the cost." My first thought was "sweet!! I could get the master bedroom." LOL - but, my dad informed me that they are going to see if my sister would want to move back up here and move in. Dangit!! That means I wouldn't get the room I want.


But, today I want to talk about "not always getting what you want." Who has that ever happened to? Well, let me see .... yeah - everyone. It's funny how we spend so much time thinking about the future and planning everything out until you finally get there and the ducks you thought were in a row are scattered in every direction on this pond of a life. It's like going to the dentist thinking "yeah, I have been taking pretty good care of my teeth if I might say so myself" and then finding out you need an "extensive" cleaning that takes over an hour. My boss would say "It's the Devil!!! He's always trying to get me!" Yeah, well, whatever it is, it isn't fun. But, think about it, if everyone always got what they wanted in this life there would be mass chaos going on everywhere. "I want your car!", "I want that house!", "I want (fill in the blank)!" Yeah, complete chaos. "Ah, but, I want to be married by this age, have this many kids, live in this house, have this car, with this dog..." Hmmm - can we say "Have you thought about the other people involved in this equation?" One reason things don't always happen "when" you want them to and "how" you want them to is because other people are affected by what happens. Have you ever stopped running long enough to think about that? The reason why something didn't happen when you wanted it to is most likely do to the fact that someone else wasn't ready for it. That's why God is so stinkin' awesome!!! He knows the exact moment we are ready and He doesn't let anything happen before it is time. WOW! We are just a small piece to this enormous puzzle. Have you ever noticed that when you are putting a puzzle together you usually have a certain "formula" to it? I always find the edge pieces first and I put them together. Then I start putting similar pieces like the "sky pieces" together in a pile. Then once I have done that, I start working on putting it all together. Now, if I had just picked up a random piece and said "here, that is where that goes," well, it just doesn't work that way. The great part about God is that He already knows what the finished project looks like, so, He sees that and pieces together the puzzle according to what He knows. A good lesson in this is that, have you ever noticed how frustrating it gets when you keep trying to put pieces together, but they just don't fit? You may go through this ten times just trying to find one matching piece. You cannot be in a hurry when you are trying to put together a puzzle. It takes work, time, and patience. That is like life. You cannot just "breeze" through life as we all know and things don't always happen when or how we would like them to. I get this picture of God standing over our shoulder urging us on but at the same time saying "patience" because we get frustrated. Putting together a puzzle is pretty much an individual project and most people cannot stand for anyone else to help. We may not have a stinkin' clue where that one piece is at that you really really need, but you aren't about to ask for help, let alone allow someone to help. God wants to help. Why not let Him? He already knows what it's going to look like in the end. Allow Him to place pieces that you cannot.


Rom 8:25 "But if we hope for that which we do not see, then we wait for it with patience."


2Th 3:5 "And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ."


Eph 4:15-16 "But that you, speaking the truth in love, may in all things grow up to Him who is the Head, even Christ; from whom the whole body, fitted together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of each part, producing the growth of the body to the edifying of itself in love."

Superhero

My favorite show is Smallville (for those of you who don't know). Why? My favorite superhero was Superman growing up. I mean, what's a better name than Super-Man (laughs)? But, seriously, I thought he was the greatest. I used to think that my dad was Superman when I was a little girl, but I found out that he couldn't fly.


I was thinking about this today and I realized that even though "super-heroes" aren't real, I have an assurance that my God is. He can do all the things Superman could never even fathom doing. Who needs something made-up when you can have the real thing? Every time I cry out for help, He is already there. Every time I get myself into trouble, He's already on it.


Rom 10:13 For everyone, "whoever shall call on the name of the Lord will be saved."


We have no reason to doubt God. When He says something, it is a binding word. So, if He says that if we call upon Him we will be saved, then that's how it is, no questions asked. There is no "hidden agenda" to God. He isn't trying to trick people into believing in him. Every thing that He has ever spoken is the truth and nothing less.


It's sad that the world is so quick to accept "super-heroes" and yet when God came down to earth as a man to save the world, we crucified Him. To this day I hear people say, "I just don't believe that Jesus was who he said he was." Why? Because you weren't there to see him heal the blind and the lame, feed the masses with a boy's small lunch, raise the dead, walk on water, be crucified and rise on the third day and be seen ascending into heaven? All of these things are true, they are facts. They are recorded in history. There is nothing made up about them. I can understand if you feel like you have to see the facts written out for you. Well, I challenge you to a history lesson. Believe me, it will be well worth it. Let me ask you a question. Growing up, did you wish for a hero? Well, you aren't going to find him on any tv show. He's not made up for your imagination. In a world that has lost faith in God, He still saves. He isn't a bird, or a plane, or even Superman. He is the Creator. You don't believe that? Have you ever heard a bird sing? Sure, you have. Now tell me, did that bird just happen to be able to sing a beautiful song by chance or did someone give that song to that bird? In a world that is filled with so many intelligent people, why is it so easy to believe in chance? I don't think it is a coincidence that the sun rises and sets every day and that the stars and moon come out at night. It's a system that works together and if it was even the slightest bit off, it wouldn't work. THAT is not by chance. Think about that today.