the Desires of our Hearts-

Psalm 20:4 (ESV) “May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!

When life seems crazy and not as you planned- ask God to make the desires of your heart the same as His- and there you will be content-

We do not need to struggle- we can simply read God’s word- the Bible-

http://www.biblegateway.com/

So it is the time of year when so many people are in the hustle and bustle of the “gift-giving season” Christmas. Gifts are great to give- but the gifts we give and receive will only disappoint or give temporary satisfaction- So- talk to God- seek heavens gain- Make Him Lord of your life-

I pray I give God the desire of His heart- that I praise Him with all my heart- mind-soul and strength- and boldly share the Gospel of of Christ-

Many people think they will go to heaven because they have lived a good life. Perhaps, they treat all of their neighbors fairly. Maybe they volunteer for charity work and have never broken the law. Maybe they were even baptized or go to church regularly. But the Bible, God’s Word, says that no one can live up to God’s standard of righteousness.

Romans 3:10 ”As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one ….

Romans 3:23 ”For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God ….

Romans 6:23 ”For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Salvation cannot be earned. Everyone is a sinner and deserves death, but God gives eternal life. So how can we receive God’s gift of eternal life?

Romans 1:16 ”For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth ….

To be saved, we must believe the gospel. The word “gospel” means “good news”. But before we can believe the good news, we have to know what it is.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 ”Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel … that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose againthe third day according to the scriptures ….

This is the gospel which we must believe in order to be saved. Now, how does believing this gospel save us?

Romans 5:8-9 ”But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Romans 3:22-26 ”Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (appeasing sacrifice)through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

We can be saved from the wrath of God, because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins and rose from the dead. He paid the price for us, and we are justified in God’s eyes through our faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ”For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast.

There will be no boasting in heaven. We cannot be saved by our own righteousness, but only by God’s grace, through faith.

 

John 3:16 (ESV) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203:16&version=ESV

 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.


 

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The Journey With Christ-

Isaiah 26:7 “Our LORD, You always do rightand You make the path smooth for those who obey you.”

I think about my life and the journey I have had with Christ- He has been my Savior and Lord since I was a very young child- I have talked to Him all my days and years. I have praised Him and worshiped Him as much as I humanly could. I have longed to know Him more and more.

Oftentimes God’s Spirit gives me a glimpse into His love through other people. Sometimes I am so surprised from the kind word from someone that I know it is God-led and He wants me to hear from Him how much He loves me. The journey with Christ is filled with confidence and great peace. Even in the most difficult moments I can raise my hands towards the heavens and depend on my Savior and Lord.

I have lived my life with Christ. I desire to continue this journey! I believe His power is great and His compassion great and His mercy enduring. My desire is to trust and obey- and to follow closely after God’s plans for humankind.

How are you doing? Do you believe God’s Spirit is divinely guiding you? Read your Bible and learn more about how much God loves all of us- He loves us unconditionally and by the way- He does not love me more than you or your more than your neighbor- He loves us all the same. So much that He proclaimed to die for all of us on that cross.

The journey with Christ- a blessing! Take time today to read John. I am going to put the link on here so that you can take time to read the entire book of John. Take you time and read a few verses and ask God to teach you just what it is that He desires you to know. As you read the words don’t rush through them- let them absorb into your mind and heart. Also pray and let Him know your every need- Yes He already knows so go ahead and talk to Him!

How does God work? I talk to Him about life! All my thoughts about life seem to be directed first to God. We needed a car to replace an older one with a lot of miles. No we did not just go out and buy a new car. I know we both prayed but I took it daily to the Lord and it was not for almost a year till we have that newer car. And it is a car brand that we had never ever considered! It was God who unfolded that entire need. His timing – His way. Yes – now we will pay off a car loan and as rapidly as we can but God took care of our need.

I wanted to tell you that story because many times it is not an Instant-got what I need time with God- because His timing is not our timing! So wait on Him!!! and TRUST!!!

Love to know about your journey with Christ- let us know what is going on! If you post a comment it goes directly to our in-box email; and will not be posted as a comment without your permission.

The thanksgiving season is just beginning! The celebration of our Savior! King Jesus!!!

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1&version=CEV (link to Bible)

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Thankful!!

What are you thankful for today? There are obvious things in my life that are behind me that I am very thankful for! But as I look ahead I am thankful for every person I come in contact with – in hope that I can share God’s light and salvation message.

Last night we had a group of young adults in our home- We had dinner- Bible study and a prayer time. I am thankful that the day went well! The preparations were finished and when the first young couple arrived- we were all ready for greeting them with the Love of Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving is coming- I believe we must view this season with thought and it is a great time to make a list of what we are thankful for. It all goes beyond a Thanksgiving feast- it is way beyond a belly full of food- it is a heart felt, ever grateful heart that must muster up some things that we are thankful for-

So- make your list- what are you thankful for- then go through your list and pray. Ask God to give you a thankful heart every day and to see the things and people in your life that you are thankful for.

By the way- I posted several weeks ago that we were praying for a car- God led us to the salesperson and car that God wanted us to buy- We love it!!! We sought God in this big decision- and He led our way – and now we are thankful for His great provision.

I am thankful for texts, phone calls, notes, and just a personal word of encouragement. But most of all I am thankful that I have a Savior- Jesus Christ. I am thankful for a place called Heaven that when the time is perfect- I can go there and be with my Savior.

Are you Thankful? are you longing for something that will not happen? Read your Bible- Pray and ask God to direct your path- He will. If you need a Savior- ask Jesus Christ to abide in you- denying all other gods and in your repentance- sorry for your sins- ask Him to be your Savior and God. But you will have to turn away from your past and follow and obey God’s commands-

Now- don’t forget to make your list of things you are really “thankful” for.

Psalm 100 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+100&version=HCSB

1 Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.

3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God.
He made us, and we are His —
His people, the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

5 For the LORD is good, and His love is eternal;
His faithfulness endures through all generations.

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Prayer Thought

Someone asked a questions: What is your prayer experience this week? So here is just one of my answers:
Yes God continually answers prayer. I am a person who is always praying that I may be “the Light of Christ” so consumed that God’s Spirit is in control of my coming and going. Twice this week- I have been in a small group of women and in each group- God has led someone to say to me- ” You have so much light from Christ.” Of course that is what God desires us to- His Light- Now that was merely a personal yet humble testimony- God’s confirmation. I just sense moment by moment God’s Presence- and He is at work Mightily- One more example of how God is answering prayer- I met a younger women at Bible study on Tuesday- and I sensed God wanted me to minister to her. He gave me insights into her life and words that helped her- I looked into her eyes and said- “it is time to ask God to break the dam so that the tears that are in the depths of your soul can flow so that you can have healing.” So I prayed for her and held her and the dam broke- there is much more healing- God has given me the opportunity to connect- therefore I believe He wants me to walk with her for a season. There are many answered prayers that I do not know about- I pray with great faith and I get so many many requests daily – I pray- asking God to do what only He can do-I am praying for people and situations I do not know- and will never lay eyes on – this side of Heaven- Some days or seasons I have prayed through a list of several hundred people that needed salvation- I pray with faith- believing- God answers prayer- And He continually brings requests to me so that I will pray- Our lives are merely led by God’s Spirit- and we must devote ourselves to prayer- The prayer journey- the sweet fragrance of Christ- the face to face deep places with Christ are more valuable than anything this world has to offer- Praying constantly is realizing that every breath is from the Divine Heavenly Father- and that love relationship with Him is so precious that all the wants and wishes are consumed with How Much We Love Him – so much that our breathing in and out is prayer and praise- I just keep on praying and keep on believing the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords hears and answers prayers of faith- especially those who obey His commands and praise His with their whole heart- Prayer is not just words- it is a communication with God’s Holiness- and with us humbly surrendering – fully trusting and faithfully seeking His face- trusting Him to take our words and not only answer our prayers but to change us from the inside out- The more I seek Him- the more I find and Know Him-

Worship and Hope in Christ as you read this chapter in Psalms.

Psalm 65 (HCSB)

1 Praise is rightfully Yours,

God, in Zion;  vows to You will be fulfilled.

2 All humanity will come to You,
the One who hears prayer.

3 Iniquities overwhelm me;
only You can atone for our rebellions.

4 How happy is the one You choose
and bring near to live in Your courts!
We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
the holiness of Your temple.

5 You answer us in righteousness,
with awe-inspiring works,
God of our salvation,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the distant seas;

6 You establish the mountains by Your power,
robed with strength;

7 You silence the roar of the seas,
the roar of their waves,
and the tumult of the nations.

8 Those who live far away are awed by Your signs;
You make east and west shout for joy.

9 You visit the earth and water it abundantly,
enriching it greatly.
God’s stream is filled with water,
for You prepare the earth in this way,
providing [people] with grain.

10 You soften it with showers and bless its growth,
soaking its furrows and leveling its ridges.

11 You crown the year with Your goodness;
Your ways overflow with plenty.

12 The wilderness pastures overflow,
and the hills are robed with joy.

13 The pastures are clothed with flocks,
and the valleys covered with grain.
They shout in triumph; indeed, they sing.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+65&version=HCSB

Andrew Murray says…..”Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, above all that we ask or think. Each time, before you Intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!”

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Flying High!

I was on my way to Bible study this morning and I saw an airplane as it was leaving Memphis area. The plane was headed out to its destination- I thought to myself- “flying high!” Then I began to ponder the heights and depths of God.  I kept in a thought process and talked to God as I drove. I thought, “am I soaring high? am I flying high in God’s will?”

Isaiah 40:31 (HCSB) http://www.biblegateway.com 

31 but those who trust in the LORD
will renew their strength;
they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary;
they will walk and not faint.

As I made my way through traffic and prayed- I asked God to help me not grow weary! I so desire to soar on wings like eagles. Enjoy this song by Nicole C Mullen-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpHSGP6U1Ws

When you call on Jesus- Remember All Things are Possible- Now take time to pray- Think on things above- Go ahead and soar on wings of Eagles!

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November Days-

It is into the first week of November and here I am back on the blog. It was a busy week with our son and daughter in law coming to town so I have not been able to spend much time on the computer. I have missed jotting down my little thoughts for you and sharing my deep love of Christ. Indeed God is at work in my life and in the lives around me. Well- I must say – it is great to be writing and it was also a great visit with kids.

Our kids have a pup- His name is Tucker. He is a beagle and pretty young still, so he hops around and gets into things. I get the idea he is so spoiled that there will not be much more training. Just a lot of play and love. Tucker is sweet. In my past I have not tolerated dogs. In fact my motto was- “dogs belong outside.” Oh I have not changed my mind but I am learning about pets- and the love of the owners. So- I love my kids- and I must love their dog.

So- Tucker became my pal. I noticed he was pretty gentle around me in comparison to when our son would play with him. When Tucker ran up to me he never pounced me- he basically jumped up in the air and waited for me to pet him. Unlike the way he bolted up to our sons chest with great strength. Tucker is very healthy and muscular. And loves to play.

November days have started well. Visit with the kids, reconnecting with friends. I am watching in amazement as God opens doors of ministry. I am also noting much answered prayer.

Yet – I would be remiss if I did not take this all back to our Lord. I must say how thankful I am for his love and kindness to me. I am so grateful to be a receiver of His love and grace. This morning pretty early  I had a happy feeling. I was singing. And I want to share with you those simple words I was singing:

“Lord I come to You- In Your presence I come-Lord I come……..Oh I come to You-”

Each November day I hope to joyfully come into the presence of God. It is there I am comfortable, filled, awed and loved. He always accepts me as I am when I come to Him. I want to share a link of a song that says…..”Come Just as You Are.” Take a minute to listen – because I know it will bless your soul.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=come+just+as+you+are&mid=

Psalm 66:16&17 http://www.biblegateway.com/

16 Come and listen, all who fear God,
and I will tell what He has done for me.

17 I cried out to Him with my mouth,
and praise was on my tongue.

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October 31! It Is “Hallelujah Day to the Lord”

What does this date mean to you? 

Psalm 104:35
May sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. My soul, praise the LORD! Hallelujah!

It means to me that Fall is officially settling in-

It means when our children were 6 and 8 that they were baptized on October 31-

It means God has given us another day to celebrate HIS Goodness for all the World-

Below is a link to other verses that tell us Hallelujah to the Lord! Blessings-

http://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=%22Hallelujah&qs_version=HCSB

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Little Children-

Today in the mail we received 3 photos. They are photos of our twin nieces. They are so adorable! I got a frame and sat the photos on the mantle and stood back and smiled- They are precious and a reminder of how God loves the little children. He called them to His side in scripture and every time I read about that I can visualize all sizes of children running to His loving arms. 

Matthew 19:14
but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Just wanted to remind you to love, care, and bless the children in your life! They are precious in God’s sight- I hope that you cherish the little ones in your life and appreciate them.

There is an ongoing sad thing going on in the world. Abortion- I cannot believe so many babies are just sucked out of women’s wombs and thrown into the trash. They are BABIES!!!! Not trash.

I don’t know if you have heard about October Baby- but if you ever get to see the chance that is a MUST SEE!!!

http://www.octoberbabymovie.net

A failed abortion- and a young woman finding her way in life-

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Do You Know Real Love?

Love is something we desire. We not only desire to receive love but we desire to give love. In the midst of feeling loved we are more confident in our lives. The absence of love brings about a coldness- a loss- an unsettling season.

Have you ever taken notice of little kids? They love freely- they trust. Last week at a meeting two little girls saw me and freely came to hug me. They had big smiles of acceptance and they beamed; and I gladly received their affection.

God’s love is available. He even said “let the little children come unto me.” He knows the purity of their love. How are you doing? Has the world distorted the meaning of love in your life? Have you been hurt? Are you struggling against feeling rejected?

Let me say- God loves you. Where ever you are- what ever you are thinking He loves you. SO much so that He died so that He would be the bridge for you to get to heaven.

I met a lady. She was struggling. It was obvious she was miserable. So I began to listen as she volunteered her life story. She was raised in an unloving and cold household. She married young- still did not understand love and proceeded to sleep with many men even the first year she was married. She could not discover real love. She did not ever feel the nature of real loving arms. She was very ashamed of her lifestyle however it was as though she was tossing to and fro in a storm attempting to find the wave that would take her to love. She got divorced- lived with a few men- but still did not know real true love.

After many visits with her- she shared that she grew up in a certain church- and never heard that much about GOD’S unconditional love. Sharing some scripture with her- it was there she began to recognize God’s love.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203&version=ESV

The above link is Chapter 3 of John. Read it to discover GOD’S love for you. Remember John 3:16? “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whosoever shall believe in Him WILL have eternal life.” (paraphrase)

Want to know God’s Love? Read your Bible, bow low and ask Him to be Your God- Turn from your old ways and ask for forgiveness- and believe in Him – It seems that everyone in the world desires to be loved- and finding love apart from God is just not everlasting.  Now make a list- write down on that list what your struggles are- answer these question: What seems to be missing in my life- and what do I not feel loved or feel accepted?

To know real unconditional love- Discover God’s ways- read the Bible- It is real truth!

http://www.biblegateway.com/- if you do not own a Bible- read it online- Blessings and prayers for those who find this blog- and Yea- God Loves You!!!


His Love Never Fails
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Against The World- Standing For God

“What is impossible with men 
–IS possible with God.”
Luke 18:27b

I have been thinking and living this verse today! I have contemplated how my day has unfolded and unplanned as it is God has been near. Every plan I had in my mind today unraveled and God just took over my day. It has been a day at home- not feeling super this morning so just took the day as God brought it.

Throughout the day God has allowed me to pray for others, talk by phone with others and have sent notes of encouragement to other people. I am amazed by the deep need we have upon God. I am also as amazed to know how God is working on behalf of those who obey His command and follow His plan for their lives.

Some things are just not easy. For example my friend has a daughter in college. She is beautiful, talented and delightful. Her GPA exceeds most and yet she is not content. Not happy in college. She is 17 and in her junior year and has very few real friends on campus. Why? Because she refused to drink, party and have casual sex! Yep- that is the majority of the social activity on this Christian campus in Mississippi. Little stand for God and a whole lot of partying and entertaining with the worldly and fleshly desires.

I believe my friends daughter will be faithful to God although she seems lonely. It is my prayer her steadfast walk with Christ will exceed the pull of people who are not choosing to live a wholesome and godly life style. With God- it is possible that He has held her to Himself and will use her mightily because she is attempting to please Him and obey His commands.

What in the world is going on? What in the church is the youth groups learning? Why do they stray so far into drinking and sexual activity when they go to college? What?

How are you doing? Are you feeling like this college student? Alone- lonely- set apart for God in the midst of a world gone crazy? Just keep holding on- Keep reading the word and following Jesus Christ. Pray without ceasing daily and ask God to help you.

Thing is- we do not see life as God. Choose “not” to follow the ways of this world. Choose to be devoted to God and to prayer- and learn all you can about God’s word. Some day- He will cause you to stand and you will be ready – for with God- all things are possible- Stick to your dreams and hold fast to reality and to God-

http://www.biblegateway.com/ read the bible just click the link- great resource-

 

 

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