Believe - Brooks and Dunn

What a beautiful touching song… BELIEVE!!!  I pray by the end of this song, and after you read His word, you’ll be singing “I Believe!” With your volume turned up, and your hands raised high, and who cares if everyone thinks you’ve gone crazy.

In case you've never seen this picture, It’s real, and it’s my car God chose to have this precious bird make it’s nest on. Some people saw this picture and thought the bird was fake, and I put it there, (go figure).  Some people just have a hard time believing anything. I also wrote a devotional about it that you could find in my blogs under the title of: Descending like a dove.

What is CHRISTmas without Christ? The manger in your front yard, or on your coffee table may be fake, but what happened, and what is written about the birth of Jesus in God’s word was very real. "You will find a baby... lying in a manger." (Luke 2:11-12)

I pray if you don’t have the Spirit alive in your heart and soul, that this CHRISTmas, you will open the most important gift waiting to be opened year after year, and you won’t find it under the tree.

Jesus was God’s gift to us. Some people believe, and some don’t. Jesus was not just a great prophet, as some people say. He is God in the flesh, who has come to be the light to all of this worlds darkness, and to free us from our sins. To make a way for us to the Father, and to have life everlasting. If you have never read John 1:1-18, The word became flesh.  John 3:16-21, God so love the World.  John 14: 1-14, Jesus confronts his disciples, READ IT!!!  If you've read it, read it again! God’s Word is life changing, and meant to change us into a new person. But don't take my word for it.

How do you keep from going crazy with all that goes on in this world? I can tell you how I do it, “I raise my hands, and I bow my head, I’m finding more and more truth of the words written in red!”

So my prayer for you this season, is you are more and more convinced of those words written in red.

I hope we can all impact people like old man Wrigley.

Merry CHRISTmas

Kim

Creed - Rich Mullins

I pray you believe EVERY WORD of this song. If you do, then, “Our Father who art in Heaven, hollowed be His name,” is the same Father.

Next time I hear a knock at my door, from Saturday visitors, I am going to welcome them to come in and have prayer before we have conversation.

Last Saturday I had those regular visitors that come, and before they left, I asked them if we could have prayer, and they said, “No, we have to leave.” I couldn't believe it. Who doesn't need prayer, or to just give thanks for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? I had to wonder if My Father is their father. When I closed the door, I asked God, “Why didn't they allow me to pray?” In my Spirit I sensed God say, “How did MY SON say to pray?” That’s when it hit me, “OUR FATHER,” may not be their father.  

I don’t like when I invite someone in and they point out everything that is wrong about the manger scene on my coffee table. What’s important is Jesus did come to save the world, and that’s what is important. I really don’t care what anyone thinks about when, or where, because, “I believe what I believe, it what makes me what I am. I did not make it, it is making me. It is the VERY TRUTH of God, and not the invention of any man.” I love talking about what matters to God, and that is that Jesus has made a way to the Father, He is "the way and the truth and the life."
(John 14:6).  Salvation is available to all WHO BELIEVE this truth.  After he speaks about the Resurrection of Christ, Paul reminds us that, "By this gospel you are saved." (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).  

There is a penalty for distorting the gospel...  Read about it in Galatians 1:6-9, especially the part about, "God's curse."  Stand firm for the truth you hold, and share what really matters.

People will ask you why you follow God, why we have so much hope.  Peter tells us, "be prepared to give an answer to everyone... But do this with gentleness and respect..." (1 Peter 3:15).  I am so thankful that God has prepared me with answers, and has given me a compassionate heart for the lost,(and Saturday visitors.) I will always welcome them into my home. They may think they are coming to teach you something, but God has another plan in mind. Remember, there is always a learner in the group. I know this because I have friends who have changed to Christianity because of hearing the truth, and the truth of God’s word would, "set [them] free."  Just like God’s word says in, John 8:25-32.

It is not us who do anything. It is God doing the work through us, and for His Glory, and that has to be our hearts intention. Don’t get mad at them, have compassion. They may come knocking at your door with a magazine to give you, but you hold the truth of Jesus to give them.

Remember... God ordains everything in our lives, including those annoying Saturday visits, and how He may be using you in that visit.

So instead of shooing them away, invite them in, and share the gospel. I hope some of these bible verses help you to share the truth with them.

Kim

Waiting here for You - Christy Nockels

Alleluia ---

In any song, I love when the word Alleluia is sung. It has so much meaning to me, and just makes my heart cry with GREAT THANKS to JESUS.

Do you admire Him, desire Him?  Love Him? Are you thankful for all the things He has done, will do, and is going to do, according to His will?

We live in such a fast-paced world. We want everything now. I mean look at the technology of phones now, people hold the whole world in their hands. Answers to almost anything, without waiting to go home to your computer. The microwave was invented to cook food faster. Most of us don’t even want to wait for water to boil, so we put it in the microwave, and still stand there tapping our foot.

Some things in this life we don’t have to wait for. But when it comes to prayer, most of us have waited years for answers. Some answers we might not receive until we see Jesus face to face. God has a plan, a purpose, and it’s His will in our life we should desire as hard as this may be.

Daniel 12:12, tells us, “Blessed is the one who waits.” Plead your case to God, be honest with Him about your weakness, and how hard it is. Then wait in faith, and in patience, and with, “hands lifted high, singing Alleluia” through the hard times, showing God you trust Him and His plan for you. Show Him your heart will stay fixed on Him no matter what. Proclaim to Him that He will STILL be your joy, your refuge, your salvation, and your strong tower!

Numbers 9:19-23, “When the cloud remained….the Israelites….did not set out.” Our Father will never keep us somewhere without His presence, or His daily supply from His word. Wait till the cloud clearly begins to move, then let His hand guide you. Move ahead bold and confident, taking every step in obedience.

“He’s everything He promised, His faithfulness is true.”

“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1).  

Kim 

A Beer with Jesus - Thomas Rhett

If God is everywhere, and I believe He is, than Jesus would be glad to meet you right where you are at. Even if it is in a bar, needing someone’s help from that bar stool. Someone to talk to, instead of drowning out your problems. We are all sick, and in need of a healing.

Just like Jesus was judged by being with sinners, (including tax collectors, 

(Mark 2:15-17)) I guess a Christian would be judged for having a beer or 2 in the bar. But if a Christian wasn’t in the bar having a drink with sinners, how would we reach that one that may be calling out for help from that bar stool. (SELAH !)

As long as you are being led by the Spirit, and do not cause someone to stumble, we need to follow where Jesus leads. You could be a great witness to God’s strength when they ask you how you stop at 1 or 2 drinks. That’s your open door to tell them about Jesus.

I believe Jesus doesn’t mind where we go, if it is Him who sent us!

I truly believe that saying having a drink will lead to drunkenness, is like saying eating food will lead to gluttony. I like a glass of wine, or maybe even two, but I will not get drunk.  That's what the bible condemns.

Ephesians 5:18 - "Don't get drunk on wine... Instead, be filled with the spirit."

Proverbs 20:1 - "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."

Isaiah 5:11 - "Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks..."

Isaiah 5:22 - "Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks,"

I believe what the bible says, and have asked Jesus to speak to my heart about it. I feel like "there is now no condemnation..." (Romans 8:1).  

We all have issues, our, "plank in [our] own eye," so let’s not judge anyone, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. (Matthew 7:4-5). 

Grace and the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ to you

Kim

Sweetly Broken - Jeremey Riddle

From the cross, Jesus invites us all to come and surrender our ways. There is no sin, no mess that your in, that He didn't die for.  Our Savior was bruised and crushed to show us that God is love, but He is also just. So don’t take His mercy and grace lightly, and continue to live in sin that you are aware of.  

“He was pierced for our transgressions... Crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” 

(Isaiah 53:4-6).   What a priceless gift we have been given... our lives.  Are we living this life we've been given the way we choose, or are we seeking God’s direction?  We're being called from God’s wrath, to life only found in Jesus Christ, His Son. We will all be drawn to our knees one way or another. 

Jesus draws us as gently as He can. We are the ones kicking and screaming, wanting our way, and living as we choose. Then we wonder why things are as they are, just one big mess.

I don’t know how big your mess is, but it's because of that very mess that Jesus is beckoning you to the cross. We have a choice to continue to put up a fight and wonder why we are so miserable, or we can give Jesus our misery and let Him turn it into a ministry. He sweetly breaks us, so we can wholly surrender, to glorify His name.

So look to the empty cross and cling to the truth, that the Priceless Gift that once hung there, was given for you.

He calls us out of the life that we are living, that is causing us harm, to a life that we will be in awe and “lost for words, so lost in love, sweetly broken, wholly surrendered.”

Kim

I Need You Now - Plumb

Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...”

Whether we see results now, or years from now, God is faithful in all the in-between with what He is doing in us. Genesis says we were created in, "His own image..." (Gen. 1:27).  So we should be more Christ-Like as long as we're here.  

What’s your story?  What’s your wound?  Do you believe there is still beauty, even in the valley of the shadow of death?  We all have them, we can get so tired of holding on. We don’t want to let go, and we’re scared to move on. Yet we have to believe it, when we're told to, "not be afraid... because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.” (Deuteronomy 20:1).  

There is beauty in your shadow, because there is a meaning God has for it. Many times in my life, I have cried out from my own personal Egypt, “God please take this!” But the beauty in it all, is He continued to give me the strength to keep breathing and believing in His written word.

When I heard this song, it brought me to back to Psalm 56, which is a prayer of mercy from God when your enemies are in hot pursuit.  When I went to it in my bible, I had a prayer I wrote right next to it. I wrote: 

“Lord, defend Your name in my life. There is so much wrong, and I feel so much sorrow and pain in my heart. I need to ask You, how long? I will always trust You, and never give up the hope I have, but I need Your help desperately. I read Your word, but sometimes I feel like the ones who are far off are always winning and I’m the one falling. Lift me up God, and hear me. I pray I get to see the power of Your word before You call me home.”

 I pray you read this Psalm for yourself, and let God speak to your heart. Your circumstances  may not change, but He will continue to change and strengthen you.

He truly does hear the words we can’t seem to speak from our quivering lips, and He bottles up all our tears. When your pain is so deep, and you don’t have the words to speak from your heart filled with so much sorrow, remember the Spirit speaks for you, and God hears the cries of the humble. 

Romans 8:26, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”

REMEMBER... it’s just a shadow.  "Walk before God in the light of life.”

Kim

P.S.  In the waiting, and growing Spiritually, I've received His strength in my weaknesses, before He called me home. He does answer prayer according to His word.

One Life to Love - 33 Miles

So many of us have said at least one time or another, “If I could, I would have, or should have.”  We only get one time around, one shot at this life. Jason Gray wrote, “I wanna live like there’s no tomorrow, love like I’m on borrowed time..."

Don’t take this life for granted, not one day, or even one second. “Every day that we wake, every breath that we take, He’s given.”  Just watch the news, and it could worry you sick. I know that I am guilty of worry at times, but I thank God it doesn't hold me captive like it use to. So much time is wasted on worry, and things that are out of our control. Worry isn't going to change a thing. We are only wasting every minute of the day God’s given.

We really are on borrowed time. The older I get, the more I realize this. I know that’s why I call my family every day, even if it’s not for anything but just to say hi, and know that God has given me another day to hear their voices. Every time I hang up the phone, I say thank you to God.

It’s such a sad thing when you hear people say, “I wish I could have another day to say all the things I should have, or just to hear their voice.” We have to realize we only have this one day. There may not be tomorrow, or the next minute. I try to live a life of no regrets.

I know I am not free from the sorrow that comes in this life, or from the evil choices people make that cause others pain. It's possible to be, "Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." (2 Corinthians 6:10).  The one thing I do possess, and that is everything to me, is Jesus Christ my Savior! Remember Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

You may not be given tomorrow, so start to care about every minute of the day God has gifted you with.

"Rejoice in the Lord!" (Philippians 3:1).

"Rejoice always." (1 Thessalonians 5:16). 

"I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4: 4).

Kim

Strangers Here - Tenth Ave. North

We are in a world of constant turmoil...  But there is a GREAT HOPE for all of us.  You will have to make the choice.

Jesus said in John 15:18-19,"I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”

We all get tired of the hurt and heartache that life can bring, but knowing that the pain is temporary, makes it a little bit easier to get through.

Ephesians 2:4-6 “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Jesus Christ...”  Only being in Christ gives us the benefit of knowing God our Father. This is the only way to live with the strength, peace, and joy on earth as a Christian (a heavenly realm).

Some people will look at you strange, when you can rest, and be peaceful in every situation of this world.  They don’t realize that you've come to learn that we are all just strangers here. Passing from here to eternity, to our eternal home, in God's house where he has, "[prepared] a place for you..." (John 14: 2-3).   

What is shaking the ground you stand on? If you trust in God, who will ALWAYS BE ON HIS THRONE, you will not be moved. He is in control of everything, even if everything here seems out of control.

In Revelations 22:17, Jesus gives the offer to, “Come!” The offer is made, but the choice is up to each one of us. God has done His part, in giving us His Son. He has given us an open door to an abundant life. Each individual has to make the choice to welcome Jesus into their hearts, or keep chasing this broken world that only keeps our hearts breaking.

If you think your vote for the president was important, than why wouldn't you think your choice for Jesus is important? (Selah) Jesus rules for ALL ETERNITY!!! His term NEVER ENDS!

“This is not the ending. Someday we’ll touch the face of our God and the sorrow will disappear. Until then, we are just strangers here.”

So it’s o.k. if you can’t stop the tears…

Kim

Furious - Jeremy Riddle

Some of us need to be hit on the head, over and over again by God’s Spiritual 2 by 4, before it does it’s work in our hearts and soul. (Selah)

Has His love wakened your heart and soul to life yet? God’s love for us is unrestrained, energetic, full of activity, all of which are different definitions of Fury.

Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than a double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul... it judges the thoughts, and attitudes of the heart.”  The Word of God is meant to wake us to true life. Are we living for God, or for our own selfish desires? A divided soul is not God's desire. His word is alive and active, and means to me, that I am either going to continue to live as I choose or, let His word penetrate my selfish flesh desires, and completely surrender my ways to His will in my life.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God, "neither death nor life... angels nor demons... present or future..." (Romans 8:38-39).  Nothing in all of creation can keep us from Jesus Christ. Are you convinced yet, by all that is going in your life? God is trying to waken hearts to life.  He wants our attention, and desires a relationship with us. I didn't realize this at a time in my life, so I use to blame God,  and question God, about a lot of things I just couldn't understand. All the evil; the storms that devastated families, babies abused, innocent God loving people dying at someone else’s evil choice, the list went on and on. 

I knew God was big enough to handle all my questions, and He understood me. I loved Him regardless of all my unanswered questions. I never questioned His existence, and I always knew there was a reason for the pain in this world. Knowing, and believing that Jesus didn't deserve to die for any of us, and yet He willingly laid down His life for us, “while we were yet sinners” made me search His word for why He had this kind of love for mankind.  Jesus never said He came down to carry out his will, "But the will of Him who sent me." (John 6:38).  He didn't want to lose any of us, but will raise us up on the last day.

That’s when I realized this wasn't the ending, and certainly isn't home. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus tells us  "learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." So my prayer, Psalm 51:17, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart.” My divided soul then became one with Christ, and I have never been the same since.

Spending time with Jesus has taught me so much, and I want to have this gentle and humble heart for people who are lost and in such need of the Savior I've come to know.

“His love is fierce, his love is strong, it is furious... His love is sweet, His love is wild, and it woke my heart to life!"

Kim

3 nails gave us our liberty... Yes You Have - Leeland

Time to vote... BUT PRAY FIRST!!!! "Seek [his] face... [He] will hear from heaven... and heal the land..." (2 Chronicles 7:14).  

Do you want our nation to come together? So does God, but we need to seek His face, THEN He will turn to us and heal our land!

We need vote, but PRAY first. There is so much power in prayer, and God wants to hear from His people, and that WE PUT OUR TRUST IN HIM TO HEAL OUR NATION!!! It’s not about the candidates running, it’s about God and His ways, and what He wants, not about what we want! Turn from our ways, and turn back to His. God knows what’s good for us. So pray, then vote! Realize that He holds this whole world in His hands. He knows our thoughts, and our selfish reasons for picking who we want to be president.

The United States Declaration of Independence, July 4^th, 1776, “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Our country has gone so far from Godly principles, and we need to come back! It’s not about what makes us comfortable, Jesus wasn't comfortable when He took the nails for us!! But He did it to free us, and to bring us into a relationship with Him and His Father. They created the world together, so I vote for whatever God wants!!

Do you realize, it’s 3 nails that really gives you and I our liberty! Jesus died so we could be free from sin. Accepting Him as your Savior will make your world different. You will truly have life, liberty, and happiness. Has He stolen your heart yet? With His love, He sets you free.

If you know God’s voice, by spending time with Him and reading His word, you will know in your Spirit when you hear these candidates speak, who would be best to run our nation.

I pray God will help each one of us to choose the best candidate.

Kim

Here and Now - Eddie Kirkland

I love the Lord’s prayer, Matthew 6:6-15, when Jesus told us how to  pray, He said, “Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed (Holy) be thy name...”  My favorite part of this prayer is, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven...”

How does His will get done on earth as it is in Heaven? Like the prayer says in the very first words Jesus said, “Our Father.” Our desire in our hearts, as children of God, should be to submit to our Father, and His Lordship, and His will in our lives, as hard as it may be at times. Let His love in our hearts be found by those who are lost. “Let His grace run free, let His Name bring peace, Heaven come in the here and now.” His kingdom come in us, His children, on earth as it is in Heaven.

We are the church that Jesus died for, not a building. All are welcome to come to the church building, but the lost look at us first. Are we attracting them? Are we being imitators of God?  Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us...”

God is near every heart. He doesn't pick and choose who should come, all are welcome.  Look at every person that God has cross your path, as one that He sent your way to shine His light. You may not want anything to do with that person, but God has sent them your way for His purpose, and His glory. He will get you through the season, and He will also remove it in His timing.

Be the door open wide, because you hold the truth that shines in the night of someone’s life. Your life and actions will show the God that they can know.

So I sing, “Your Kingdom come till it rules the earth, Your will be done all around the world, let it come in the here and now!”

May you have His peace

Kim

I don't wanna Go - Avalon

Our hearts need to be where Jesus leads. It takes self control to be healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

I have shown a lot of clients how do to strength training: proper eating habits, duration of exercise. They used to say how thankful they were for having me in their lives, and wish they could take me away with them when they go on vacation. It's a fact that frequent, regular training and proper eating habits result in great health benefits. Leaner body mass, more energy, more self esteem and much more "strength". Seldom training, or none at all, results in fatigue, high body fat, low self esteem, and so on...

If you were to want to compete in any kind of sport, you would have to take the proper steps of training, not just your body, but your mind. Your mind and the Spirit of Jesus Christ are in constant battle! Where your thoughts are going on about what you can,and can't do, be or not be. You need to realize that God says you can do ALL things, and His Word is true, living, and active! "YOU" have to train hard to run the race, and win the prize, and don't go a day without Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize... Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training..."

We are all in a great race of life, and the enemy loves to use your mind to play his games. To win the race, your trainer and example is Jesus Christ! Seldom time spent with Him, or none at all, pollutes us with fear, doubt, low self esteem, TOTAL MIND AND BODY, and SPIRIT "weakness."

"He changed my world when He came to me. He drove a passion in my soul down deep. I don't wanna go nowhere, if I know He's not there." As the lyrics to this song states.

I choose to be consistent in my time spent with Him, and take the proper training from Him, and His written word.

One of the promises I strive to keep is PEACE. How do you train your mind, body, and Spirit to keep this peace that transcends ALL UNDERSTANDING? God promises it will guard your heart, and mind.

Take the proper training steps. **Feed on His word daily for nourishment.

Philippians 4: 4-9 is a great promise you can eat, but if you don't digest it in belief, by faith, you will not receive it. CLAIM IT!!! Tell the enemy to BACK OFF, that the battle, is already WON!!! Then, "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS..." Do not be anxious about anything... Peace is promised to come.

I pray you be consistent, and regularly talking to who will forever be your best friend (and trainer), Jesus Christ. He is our only source of self control. Only His peace will quiet our minds, and put our hearts at rest. Jesus is such a precious blessing, given to us all, that to truly know it, YOU MUST EXPERIENCE IT, it truly does "transcend ALL UNDERSTANDING."

Peace of Our Father be with you

Kim

Alive! - Natalie Grant

We acknowledge Easter and Christmas once a year, but we really should be celebrating all year, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances..." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).  He is “Alive!”

Watch this video, I will never forget what spoke to my heart as Mary held her Son at the foot of the cross, and kisses Him. Then she looks up from Jesus, as if she was looking right at me saying, “what do you believe of this, and what are you going to do with my Son in your life?”

Think of this; if you were in a situation that you were about to die, like drowning, or someone is holding a gun ready to shoot you, or in a burning building and no way out. In all these situations, you would be desperate to be saved, and then someone comes and rescues you, but they lose their life in the process. How would you live a life of thankfulness? Wouldn't you want to stay in constant contact with them if they survived? Wouldn't you feel like you owed them everything, especially your life, or at least time?

I am not the one to judge, "[God] has entrusted all judgement to the Son..." 

(John 5:22-23).

After His brutal crucifixion and death on the cross, on the 3rd day Jesus rose from the grave, just as He said He would. He is alive, and stands watching over us, and longs to hear our voices each day. To feel His presence, is the greatest feeling in the world.

Throughout the new testament you will read that Jesus always spoke to His Father on a daily basis. That is what prayer is, a conversation with Him. Taking time out of our busy schedule to spend time with Him. No matter what we've done, or what mess we are in, He wants us to talk to Him, just like you want your own children to talk to you.

I know I have broken my mom's and dad's heart in my growing teen years, but they always made me feel loved anyway. This unconditional love is something I will be eternally grateful for. For showing me a glimpse of Jesus in their love for me.

Sadly, this is a love some people don’t get to feel with their earthly parents, and some even in their marriages. If you seek Jesus, you will see that He lets His heart be broken every time, until He heals yours. He will turn your darkness into dawn when you run into His arms.

I pray you press on, "straining toward what is ahead..." (Philippians 3:12-14).  

Forget what is behind, keep seeking to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. He is “Alive!”

Grace and His peace be with you

Kim

Should Have Been Me - Citizen Way

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” 

We should do work for God because we are motivated by our love and thankfulness for what He has given us. Salvation is something we couldn't have gotten, or done for ourselves. We don’t do work to get God to love us, that’s a given, and He gave!

We are God’s creation, His perfect work of art. God sent His Son to die for our sins, He is the perfect gift. Jesus saved us from the deadly cancer of sin that can kill us unless surgery, and the proper medication is taken. Jesus is the Great physician, and all the medication you need! He is a gift from God, and grace is a gift that should be accepted if you truly want to live. Just like you would accept a gift from a loved one who gave you something and said, “This is for you, you need it, so open it.” By faith you would open it. You don’t owe that person anything because it was a gift freely given. Sometimes the gift isn't what we wanted, but our loved one knew we needed it.

O.K., if we were to look at sin like cancer, you would need to put your trust in doctors and whatever they tell you, you need to have done to get rid of it. You don’t want to go through with all their telling you, but you need to, to live. So by faith and trusting them, and only they can do for you what you can’t do for yourself, they operate and get rid of the cancer. If you didn't trust them, or have faith in all the procedures that needed to be done, the cancer would have killed you. That’s what sin does if we don’t let Jesus be the CURE ALL! We will die in our sin.

Now wouldn't it get you mad, after all you've been through, if someone didn't believe you had cancer but you have the scars to prove it. Well, there’s an empty cross, and by faith when you look at it, it’s your choice to believe what happened upon it or not. I know one day I will see His nail scared hands, and it was all for me. My loved One knew what I needed, and I choose to believe it now, by faith.

People don’t easily forget what the doctors did for them, and the cancer that would have killed them. Please don’t forget what Jesus did for you, because it, 

“Should’ve been me, it should’ve been us, hanging there on that cross. It should leave us saying thank God for this heart He changed and this soul He raised.  My God, THANK YOU FOR TAKING MY PLACE!!!!”

Kim

Worn - Tenth Ave. North

We are worth so much more than the lies that we feed ourselves.  If you think you aren't worth anything, that thought is not coming from your Savior.  After all, His love went into an action "While we were still sinners." (Romans 5:8).  

I have a hard time wrapping my mind around this truth, but it tells me I am worth everything to Him.  If you have voices from the past, or even the present, of anyone or anything that makes you feel any less than you are, REBUKE IT!!! Say, “you might as well get behind me Satan, because Jesus never fails me!”

I’m writing this to prayerfully inspire those of us who get worn out, tired, our hearts are so heavy, and our minds are filled with thoughts that are ripping us apart. Also for special prayer for my dad. He says he’s tired even before the day begins.  When I heard this song, I thought my dad had a special interview with Tenth Ave. North and they wrote these lyrics just for him. We should never lose our will to fight because our lives are worth so much to Jesus. He doesn't want our souls to feel heavy, or our hope to fail. He came to give us rest, and to show us that redemption has won. He bought us back, and He was the ransom for us all. "In Him we have redemption through His blood.”  Don’t let His death for you go in vain. (Ephesians 1:7).   Cry out with all you have left.  He can mend your frail, torn heart.  All the dead inside can be reborn.

Maybe you can’t do all the things you use to do because of age, or illness, and you just don’t feel like you are worth anything anymore. That is a lie, and we all know who the liar is. Maybe it’s a mom or dad, or both, who always pointed out all your failures, everything you did wrong, and never acknowledged all you did right. Maybe that's the situation at your job... it's all a lie!  Your identity is not in your job, or what people tell you, or anything you can or can’t do. Your identity is in Jesus Christ! He wants you to forget everything you think about yourself, and pick up EVERYTHING He is!

He gave His life for us!  What more could He give to show that we are worth everything to Him? The same God who spread the heavens open wide, sent His Son, and He waits for us at the cross with arms open wide to lay every unhealthy thought down!

SO LIFT UP YOUR EYES! The struggle can end if your seeking, listening, and following Jesus. If you’re not doing this on a daily basis, it's no wonder the devil creeps in and makes you feel worthless and worn. Your following and listening to the wrong one, and he is doing just what Jesus told you he would do: “Be alert and of SOBER MIND. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8-9).  

Is it you?  Sober up your thinking!!!!!

May the precious blood of Jesus cover you from head to toe.

Kim …

Change My Life - Ashes Remain

Have you ever said, "If only they would see that they need to change, things would be a lot better between us." Or, "I don't know how much more I can take, if things don't change." I'm sure you could relate to one of these statements, or make up one of your own about change, but change is a personal choice, and believe it or not, it begins INSIDE YOU.

This is a personal journey with Jesus for all of us who want it, and who want to change. There are many stories I could share about changes I thought should have been in other people, but God showed me differently...

I remember always praying, "Oh God, please change my husband!" I know the bible tells us to make our request known and they will be answered, but this was the wrong way to request a change for my personal happiness. It took me a lot longer than I would have liked it to, to finally understand, God doesn't change the other person, and He's not my personal Genie! Change is a personal choice, and He could only help me to change to have happiness I longed for, no matter what the circumstances were in my life. What a journey this has been in my life, in many areas, but WELL WORTH IT! It is an ongoing process, but you get to see so much more of Jesus, and so does the other person, inside you.

We are in an imperfect world, with imperfect people, (including me) and there will be hurt and pain while we are here, But there is hope for us in a life changed within us.  "To them God has chosen to make known... this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory... To this end I contend with all the energy Christ... works in me." (Colossians 1: 27-29).  It's never over, but there's always hope...

The nights of staying awake, and feeling so broken up inside, not knowing where to go, or what to do, crying out for a miracle, God was beginning inside of me.

I know all the stories of the miracles that happened in the bible, but God was making them become more than stories to me. He was, He is, and always will be the same God, ALIVE and powerful inside me, in Spirit. He was bringing me to a better understanding of His living word.  If Christ gave Himself for me to live, I didn't want to waste another day letting the enemy tear me apart. I wanted to know Jesus more, and more. His joy, His peace, how He handled hurt and suffering that came from others, and not of himself.  "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20).  

He opened my eyes more, and more each day. He was fixing my heart, and setting me free, because I didn't want to think, or be the way I was before.

He gave me something to believe in, something worth fighting for, something I can't ignore...  I needed to change, and have faith in Him, with guiding me to be all He wants me to be in every area of my life. "I no longer live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God..."

I pray we all come to realize, change is an inner choice that can Set you Free !!!!

Kim

You do all things well - 10th Ave. North

Mark 7:37 “People were overwhelmed with amazement, 'He does everything well' they said.”

I remember the day the doctor came in my husband’s hospital room and said, “The cancer is gone!” I can’t tell you how amazed, how OVERWHELMED we were. There was still suppose to be one more treatment, and then surgery, but God showed us He can do, “all things well.” We do need to be prepared, and be able to say, “God is still good,” no matter what the outcome was. We are not home yet.

God holds this whole temporary world in His hands, and everything, and everyone. It takes time and trials to really start to get comfortable saying, “It is well with my soul,” or, “You do all things well,” regardless of the outcome of what you are desperately praying for. After hearing the testimony of how this song came about, it just reconfirmed that comfort zone deep in my soul.

This group of Christian artist were in Africa, and one of their friends got malaria.  He was not expected to live, but he did. To make the story short, they were praying to God for his healing. Running out of words to say, this is his words exactly:

 I was suddenly struck with the thought, Father, you can heal him now, 

or heal him by taking him home, but whatever you decide to do, 

you do all things well. So I feebly picked up my guitar and began to clumsily strum and sing that simple thought. 

"You do all things, you do all things, you do all things well." 

And out of the corner of my eye, I see Travis' mom stand to her feet, 

lift her hands up in the air, up above her tear stained cheeks, 

up above the despair crushing down on her heart, and impossibly begin 

to sing those words with me.

Only a good God can bring us to this unexplained peace. It’s true, I can testify to this looking back at my husband’s illness, and my dad’s. My prayers became desperate, but really for self, not really thinking of the Kingdom of God. I mean let’s face it, we are never going to be ready to lose a loved one, but it’s amazing how God, by the truth of His word, can bring peace to your soul. Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” I didn't know why this verse always ripped at my heart, or what the outcome would be, but then I put my focus back on God, and that He is not willing to lose not one. I might, but He won’t!! “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of ALL that He has given Me.” (John 6:39).  

God brought me to the order in which he wanted me to pray, “Not my will, but Yours dear Lord.” I started to pray desperately for their souls, over their healing. What meant more to God, started to mean more to me. It’s amazing what God can do in anything you face, good or bad.

He truly does “All things well!” Never give up, and never lose sight of the hope you have. If you are a child of God, our family will be one for all eternity. Here is some comforting scriptures for you to look this truth up for yourself.

Genesis 25:8, 35:29, 49:29

2 Samuel 12:23

Luke 22:17-18

Matthew 8:11, 17:3-4 

My favorite,  Psalm 116:15.

Grace and His peace to

Kim

Quiet you with My Love - Rebecca St. James

Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

Zephaniah 3:17, “He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” 

Just a couple of promises I KNOW TO BE TRUE, but there are MANY more in God’s word to us.  This song was in my heart for three days, because it was the cry of my heart to God. I know you have had those days too, where your heart is just so heavy you can’t help but cry. I kept desperately praying, “God please quiet my insides, I feel so heavy in my heart.” and God put this song in my heart right after I got the last word off my lips. I did just what it said, “Lay your head down on My shoulder, and I will give you rest.”

God is so good, even if your circumstance NEVER changes, He will continually change you. We can’t make anyone change, or feel a love for you the way you think they should. We need to leave them in God’s hands, and never cease praying for them. We need to do just what Psalm 16:8 says, “I keep my eyes ALWAYS on the Lord. With Him at my right hand I will not be shaken.” I know this verse says right hand, but I cling to Him with both!

Philippians 4:4-8, I can’t help but use these verse all the time because it is so true! 

 “Rejoice in the Lord Always... The Lord is near... 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, 

present your request to God. And the peace of God... 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ... 

Finally brothers, and sisters... Whatever you have learned, or received, 

or heard from me, or seen in me - put into practice. 

And the God of peace will be with you.”

What have you learned or received from knowing the life of our Savior? I've learned it won’t be easy for me, because it wasn't easy for Him, but He had a relationship with His Father that I will always seek to have! If you put what you know of Jesus into practice, “the God of peace WILL BE WITH YOU.” ALWAYS!!

Are you beginning to hear Him sing over you?

Grace, and the peace of our Lord, be with you.

Kim

The Struggle - Tenth Ave. North

Before you continue to read this, and I hope you do, I want to ask you something, and I want you to really think about it!

If you had a choice of inviting a family into your house, and their names were, Fear, Worry, and anxiety - and  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which would you open the door for? I am sure you are acquainted with fear, worry, and anxiety, but have you gotten to know the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

In Genesis 1:26, God say’s “Let us make man in our image...”  What does that image look like to you? It’s everything I want, because I got to know Them, and they are WELCOME TO STAY !!!!

But fear say’s the same thing : What does that look like, and feel to you? I know I might crack the door open for them sometimes, but I kick them back to hell where they came from, when I realize they are extending their stay, (Selah).

 

So what is your struggle? Remember Jesus already won the battle. Your free to struggle if you want to, for as long as you want to, or you can sing HALLELUJAH chains have been undone!!!!

It’s hard to believe that when you are going through this darkness that fear causes, that something beautiful can come from something so ugly. God sees something being done in us, persevere, "so that you may be mature and complete [and] not lacking anything." (James 1:4). 

Fear is something that God wants us to be delivered from. It just causes more anxious thoughts, and more worry, and it all becomes a viscous cycle that will dig a hole and bury us deeper, and deeper, until that one last ray of light is gone. We lose sight of God’s promises, forgetting that His promises never fail us.

Satan  wants to keep us buried in our uncontrollable thoughts, and he invites himself and his friends anytime we let him in. God's "love drives out fear..." before it destroys us physically and mentally. (John 4:18).

1 Peter 3:15 tells us to, "always be prepared to give an answer... for the hope we have." A lot of times when I do this, people laugh at me and say, “Jesus is your answer for everything.” I say, “Yes, He is.  How are your answers doing for you?" There is medication for a lot of things, but NO PILL is going to FIX YOUR THOUGHTS! So I take a double dose of Jesus every day. Yes you can even say I overdose!

I am 53 years old, and I wish I knew long ago what I know now. So I want to help others who struggle with these uninvited guest. You can overcome, because Jesus overcame. Invite Him in so He can kick those other guest out!! Their ugly heads will always show up, but like what he said to the snake in Eden, Jesus will bring the final blow! Genesis 3:15 “He will crush your head and you will strike His heal.” Strike or CRUSH, which one do you think won? God already revealed His plan to defeat Satan.

So let’s drop our chains and sing. Hallelujah we are free!!!

May the God of peace bless you,

Kim