World on Fire....By the Tree

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwSI5FuJ0Zc

 

Jesus gave His life to set this “world on fire,” not to be lukewarm.

 

John 5: 31 “If I bear witness of myself, My witness is not true.”

I love this statement Jesus spoke, because ONLY when our words are reflected in action, do they truly impact others in a meaningful way. We build a reputation on by what others say about us, not by what we say of ourselves. What do you believe? Do you live by faith or by sight? Knowing that God sees all, what would He say about you? Are you His, or are you of this temporary world?

 

2 Corinthians 6:17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate”…. If God’s word tells us to be separate, meaning in the world but not of it, why do we tend to have one foot in to fit in and please people, or to get attention, and one foot out to please God? I can tell you, you are not pleasing God at all, and you truly have His attention! This confuses people, and the world doesn’t need any more confusion from those of us who call ourselves Christians. Listen to what He says in Revelations 3:15 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot….so because you are lukewarm…I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” This tells me that to God there is nothing more disgusting than a halfhearted, in label only(Christian). We can’t settle for following God halfway. We should be fired up into action if we are truly Born Again. Let the fire of God’s word and truth, burn the worldliness away.

 

For those of you who don’t know what you believe, all I can do is pray God opens your eyes before it’s too late. For those of us who call ourselves Christians, does our actions (and words) “bear witness” to this truth? For every person who is searching truth and reading the bible, they are also reading you and me. So how is it with our lives? What are we believing ourselves that is contrary to God’s word? How can we expect to lead others to Christ when we are not in FULL BELIEF of what God’s word says? I believe with all my heart, that the cause of Jesus Christ is suffering more and more because worldliness, in some shape or form, is finding its way into the children of God. Instead, we should be a “world on fire” for our Jesus!!

 

James 4: 4… Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. You can read this truth for yourself! So if we choose to live our lives being attractive to the world, and at the same time attractive to God, we lost what it means to be a Christian. A CHRISTIAN WILL NEVER BE ATTRACTIVE TO THE WORLD.

 

Jesus was all about love and truth. His actions and the words He spoke showed us that. His arms are always open to love and forgive, yet many still are not attracted to Him. This breaks the heart of His Father, who gave Jesus, His One and Only Son to die for the sins of the world… John 3: 16….

 

Christians, we need to live how Jesus lived. Love the sinner and hate the sin (including our own). We are not perfect, because we live in an imperfect world. Speak the truth in love and understanding and with a compassionate heart.

 

All of hell will not prevail against a “World on fire.”

 

 

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Kim

In My Arms...Plumb..(A message to my girls)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf-1rtYPjjE

 

My birthday just passed, and I love reading my cards over again. My mom and dad gave me a card I would like to write about, and that most parents would agree with. Even this song explains how Mary must have felt, knowing what her Son Jesus was going to face in this world.

 

Even before our children are born, we want their world to be perfect. You want their lives to be happy and always loved unconditionally as you loved them. Never to be lied to, or treated with disrespect. You want them to be sure of themselves, but also that they are secure and walking closely to Jesus. Knowing that when the storms of life come, they will be o.k. You don’t want them to worry about things, but real life just isn’t like that.

 

Now that I am older and wiser, I know what it means to take up my cross, forgive even when you don’t feel like it, or that the person even deserves it. The person that it really frees up is you. I’ve learned to take every step with Jesus, all for the sake of Knowing God more. Growing up hurts!! But I will also tell you that it was worth never giving up, and trusting Jesus with my life. I wouldn’t even try to walk through the storms of life without keeping my eyes on Him.

 

You want your children’s world to be perfect, but you know it won’t. You walked the road that they are more than likely going to experience, and you want to try and spare them the hurt. But the truth of the matter is, what got you close to Jesus, will bring them closer too, and it was through the pains and lies of life. Life will challenge them to grow up, and all you want to do is hold them tight and not let go. Remembering when they were small, they were always safe in your arms from any harm. The years will come and go bringing trials and triumphs, joys and sorrows. They will grow up seeing and knowing the truth through lies of those they trusted most. Some of their dreams of what life should be like, might not come true. But you know the best of what God has for them will, and you want them to realize that truth, but life will have to teach them as it has taught you. Letting go is one of the hardest things to do. Here is where all we can do is pray and trust God with them In His arms.

 

My prayer is that they realize they are safe in the arms of Jesus. When Jesus calls them to come across the rough waters of life, they will step out with confidence, NEVER taking their eyes off Him. As believers we need to realize we are being prepared, polished, and made ready for heaven. Jesus came and showed us the way and it won’t be easy, but He is always with us. Many will bail out on God because He will ask for more than you are willing to give. For some of us who continue to keep our trust in Jesus, we’ve come to realize that His own hand is being used in fulfilling His purpose. Our prayers and efforts cannot make us, or anyone else ready for heaven apart from the hand of Jesus Who fashions our hearts to His in a personal way.

 

So Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, even though you are shaken, take comfort in knowing that Satan must ask permission before he can lay a finger on us. God is in full control, and the whole process will work out for your good and His glory, and also for your eternal profit. Romans 8: 28 “And we know that IN ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

 

So to my children, grown women on your own now, you may not be held “In my arms” anymore, but you are ALWAYS held in my prayers.  Love you both, Mom….

 

 

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Kim

Scars...Praise God we don't have to hide scars..Jonny Diaz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5avBGmFjJo

 

What drove you to the deep love for God? What stories can your scars tell people?

 

1 Corinthians 1: 22… God put His mark on us, “A seal of ownership” It doesn’t leave a scar, it’s a deposit. The Holy Spirit in our hearts, guaranteeing what is to come. One day I will see the One Who wears the scars on His hands and Feet. The One who healed me, and set me free, King Jesus!

 

When you take the bandage off your cut and it gets air it heals better. Our scars can give others hope, so don’t hide them.

 

I got to take my 4 year old grandson to Vacation Bible School at our church. I couldn’t wait till he was old enough to do this. I was so excited to be able to take off one day to take him, but more excited to pick him up to see what he learned. When I picked him up, the first thing he showed me was the bandage on the palm of his hand. I asked him what happened? He said they went on a walk, and he cut his hand on a bush. I said, “Oh you’ll be o.k.” He said, “Nanny you know what? I have one hand cut but Jesus had both, and His feet too.” I was in awe, not to mention I almost squeezed the breath out of him. I thank God for my daughter who brings both boys faithfully each Sunday. I know that it isn’t an easy place to be, leading alone, but God gives the strength and grace that you need to press on. He also is true to His word for the faithfulness of our leading.  I also thank God for all the volunteers at our church, and all that they are helping to teach our children.

 

Gavin hid his cut under a bandage, but thank God we don’t have to hide “Scars” of our life. They only remind us of where we have been, but not who we are now. They strengthen, and soften our hearts for the ways of God. They should always remind us of the pains that brought us to healing. Use them to break your heart whenever you feel yourself slipping.

 

Our scars should always remind us that we have been set free by the blood of King Jesus. The One Who rose up from the dead with the scars on His hands and feet, and by them we are healed.

 

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Kim

 

I never knew Love like this before...Stephanie Mills

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D2XAOwdFlo

An oldie but a goodie... This was one of my favorite songs to dance to when I was younger. I still love to dance, but now the lyrics mean SO MUCH MORE to me now!

When you're young and in love, a lot of the songs you listened to pertained to who you were dating. As you grow in your walk with God you come to realize, He truly is the ONLY ONE Who will NEVER leave you or forsake you. You will meet many who you think are the love of your life, or "Oh this is definitely the one." All I can say is, until you have a love relationship with God, you really don't know love at all. You may think you do, but it is clear what the bible says, if you don't know God, then you don't know real love!!!.... 1 John 4:8.... If you don't know God, you will NEVER be able to fight the battles that will come in your marriage, and don't think that Satan won't constantly be knocking at your door. Every time you get through one thing, another thing will follow. The bible tells us to be equally yoked. A cord of Three is NOT easily broken.... (2 Corinthians 6:14 ... Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Well, in another one of those talks again with God on my way to work I said, "Some of these old songs I've been listening to, I never heard or felt the way I feel now when I hear them, what's wrong with me?" He said, " It's not what's wrong with you, It's what's right with you now. Doesn't the title of the song say it all? You never knew Love like this before. Your eyes are opened now, why are you so surprised? I said, "God, You are awesome, and not to mention, so much fun!

Let me go on with the lyrics because I know some of you who read my blogs don't have a computer to watch the videos that inspire the writings.
"I never knew Love like this before, now I'm lonely never more, since You came into my life...You are my Love Light this I know, and I'll never let You go. You're my all, You're part of me." (Here's my favorite part, Luke 15: 32) "Once I was lost and now I'm found, and You turned my world around, when I need I call Your Name...This feeling so deep inside of me, such a tender fantasy (but of course it's real) You're the One I'm living for. You are my sunlight and my rain, and time could never change what we share FOREVER MORE!!!"

Our God can be so much fun, and He truly does have a great sense of humor.  We are His children, so have fun with your heavenly Daddy.

Those who can view the video, go back in memory, and I hope it was good. If not look at this song in a different Light, if you know what I mean.

God Bless....


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Kim

Help me find it... Sidewalk Prophets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIpIHfZ88PM

1 John 5:4 “Everyone born of God overcomes the world.”

If you don’t ask Jesus to help you find the way, the enemy will gladly show you his. So walk humbly with God, because every other step invites the devil’s attacks.

If we allow it, at every turn of the road there can be a thought that we entertain, a vision that we won’t turn our eyes from, a conversation that we shouldn’t engage in. These things can rob us of peace of mind, and the victory we have in Jesus. Satan is FAR from leaving God’s children alone, and he is starting with the man of the household. He knows that’s where it hits hard! But God is still on His throne, and He can turn ANY defeat into victory. This is what I live to see in my life and others.

Matthew 26: 41, We need to “Watch and pray so that you WILL NOT fall into temptation.” Time with God should be our hearts desire, not just the thing we should do, like a service or duty. Psalm 37: 4says, “Delight yourself in the Lord.” I firmly believe that God’s children will suffer consequences due to not spending, or finding quality time, FROM THE HEART to be with Him. Our children would suffer without the special loving time with us. Ephesians 6: 1-4, Read especially verse 4 for fathers. Our kids are learning from us, don’t confuse them. As parents, our duty is to teach our children the ways of the Lord. Teach them love, respect, right and wrong, but we, BOTH PARENTS have to live it also. Just as our children learn from quality time with us, so do we when we take time to “watch and pray” with our heavenly Father. Quality time gives us strength to face each day.

Temptations of all kinds are waiting to confront us at every corner. Without God, we ARE NOT prepared to withstand them. So don’t give into laziness or excuses and miss your time with God. If Jesus, the Son of God, felt it necessary to spend time each morning with His Father, shouldn’t that speak loud and clear to us. I would rather be late for work (and I have) than miss my time with Jesus. I feel POWERLESS in my day without that time with Him.

I know that if things in my day become overwhelming, my road seems blocked and I don’t know which way to turn, I will be still, have faith in Jesus, and He will “help me find it.” His road is the one I want to stay on, all the way home!!

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Kim

Save my life....Big Daddy Weave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WYsmPUiclI

Listen to these words. I pray that we all realize just how much we need Jesus to save our lives. Stop running from the light of the truth! Pray Psalm 51…. When we sin, we sin against God alone. Don’t try to get anything right with someone else, before you are right with God. It will just keep creeping up its ugly head. Our repentance should be to get things right with Him before they can be right with anyone else in our lives. It will never work, because God DEMANDS, and deserves our highest praise!

I have always loved the light of day. Light that shines through a window at work can brighten up everything. There is something about a bright sunshiny day verses a gloomy dark day. I have so much more energy. I always want to get out and do something more than I do on gloomy dark days. But now that I have a relationship with Jesus, the same way I  have joy and strength on a sunshiny day, I also have it on gloomy dark days. A song can rise up from the darkness and bring light to anything you are going through if you have Jesus in your life.

Job 35: 10 “Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night?...... I can tell you personally, HE IS RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!

I would rather walk the rest of my life in the dark days with my Savior, than walk one day with the enemy. Sunshine, dark days, they are all the same when you have Jesus, and I mean TRULY have Him. No matter how dark life can get, when you hide your life in Jesus, trust Him, you have a light in you that will overtake any darkness.

Have you ever had a song in the night? Even though it seems so dark you can still sing praises. This is an amazing place to be with God, and I pray this is your heart’s desire.

I remember being in some dark places with the enemy, and I NEVER want to go back to it. There is no light at all with him. I remember telling Jesus I was so tired of hurting, and knowing I was hurting Him.  I was desperate for Him to “Save my life.” I surrendered myself, and every ugly thing to Him. I have never been the same since. When you’re sorry about something, you change. You don’t go back to the very thing you are sorry about.  Sin has no hold on me. I am by no means perfect, but no matter how much it hurts, I will continue to let Him have me and make me continually into His image. “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere” Psalm 84: 10-12.

Maybe you are one who chooses to live life your way because it’s easier than asking Jesus to change you. I can tell you, even though the sun is shining, you’re really still in the dark. Some people pray and want His light, but you’re still keeping one hand on the world. Deep inside, down in the deepest part of your heart, you try to hide what you’re ashamed of. You will even start to believe there’s no way that the pieces of your life that you hate are ever going to change.

Oh how you need Jesus! Give Him your broken heart. Lift it up and let Him empty you of all your foolish pride. No more running from the light of the truth. If you can’t stand living with the lies, there is FREEDOM when you realize how DESPERATELY you need Jesus to save your life.

Jesus will command the highest praise, and I stand in agreement with that. Even if it means losing close relationships with those I love. Psalm 97: 10, I will hate what is evil. If you don’t stand in the “Light” then you stand in the dark. You will find out one day that it is the loneliest, painful place to be. I pray it drives you to surrender your life to Christ. No more game playing, or holding on to someone else’s hand. Only “One” hand can save you and take you to freedom, Jesus, and only Jesus.

There is no other cure to hate what is evil and stay far from it, than daily communion with God. If you are with Him daily, and truly Born Again, it is IMPOSSIBLE for you to be at peace with sin.

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Kim

Even if...... Kutless

Subject: RE: Even if..... Kutless

Very Good Kim,
Another great devotional and so true.  I am not sure who all is on this mailing list but for those of you who read Kim's blog I just wanted to say that I can contest to the trials and tribulations she speaks of within her life because most of them were and are caused by me throughout our 31 years of marriage, (and that is not to mention the six years that lead up to our getting married). She has done an amazing job being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and mentor to many. So I just want to let everyone know that Kim truly demonstrates what "UNCONDITIONAL LOVE" and true faith is, because she has gone through what most women would have not been able to deal with and left. So I wanted to say Thank You Kim, I do not know what I would do without you and God knows I do not want to find out.

All my love your husband 
Michael
________________________________________
Subject: Even if..... Kutless

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyyXc1qLQgY



I have so many friends, and people I meet every day with heartache and pain, including myself. Either from sickness, death, divorce, or just losing all hope because of unanswered prayer.

What is our thoughts even if the healing we are praying for doesn't come?

Isaiah 55:8-9, We know that God's ways are not our ways, so we need to set our faith on Who He is and trust Him in everything. He truly is a God of love, Who is calling all His children to Himself. Even though we don't understand it at the time, all things that happen are used one way or another, for the glory of His name, Romans 8:28.

We may not understand it at the time we are going through something, but God sometimes desires to do more than heal our situation. Whether it be physical, or a painful situation we are going through, God uses suffering to develop our character and spiritual growth. I personally have experienced, and have seen things go from bad to worse. I know now that God used everything to redirect me toward a desperate dependence on Him. Also to show me my purpose in life, and now to help others.

I have seen believers suffer horribly, even die from an illness. But I also witnessed their suffering point COUNTLESS lives towards God's salvation plan. I've learned that some people's lives are going to bring glory to God in their death. Some in chains that were broken from addictions, or an immoral life style completely turned around. There are even people who carry that heavy cross from here to their death with joy and a smile.

Jesus died to FREE US FROM SIN. Even though I have seen miracles, we have to realize Jesus didn't die to free us from sickness or the cross we carry, but as we are going through something, God's power is made perfect in our weakness, 2 Corinthians 12: 9. He tells us that His grace is sufficient, even though it doesn't feel like it at the time.

We can't see the big puzzle or pieces of God's will, but His ultimate plan is for us to spend eternity with Him one day.

I pray for us all, that from our lips we can say.... "Even if the healing doesn't come, You are God, You are good, forever faithful One."


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Kim

I am personally so in need of this song for myself today, maybe you do too. Pray with me.

Subject: So in need of this song for myself today, maybe you do too. Pray with me.

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

“Grant me serenity to accept things, the things I cannot change. Grant me the courage Lord, to change what I can, wisdom to know the difference. You make everything, everything beautiful. You make everything new. In its time, in Your time it’s beautiful”….. Sweet Jesus, I believe!

Needing this song personally for myself, but also for my church family. I am sure a lot of others could meditate on these words as well. So listen and find peace somehow, lift them to the heart of OUR GREAT GOD!!!

He is Good, ALL THE TIME!

As long as You hold me in Your hands I will receive everything that I need.  In the name of Jesus, God is Love.  Amen!

Watch over me and keep me strong, Father…

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

Again I say, “God is not to blame, it is our own choices, who we are listening to?”

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Kim

You make everything beautiful in it's time, in Your time....Rebecca St James

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

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

God is not to blame. He created everything beautiful and will again in His time.......

I hear so many people say, "If there is a God, why would He allow sickness and pain? Why does He allow babies to be deformed or die? Why doesn't He create a cure for cancer? I can go on and on with even the questions I use to have, but I'm going to turn the question around. Why didn't we, and still don't today, listen to the Creator of the universe from the beginning of creation?
It's plain and simple, we want it our way. Most of us live for our own selfish desires. So we can keep burying our heads in the sand, or we can bury it in the Word of God. See the truth that Jesus tells us about this world being Satan's world.

God has always given us free will. He won't force us to believe or love Him, it has always been a choice. Unfortunately, the foolish choices some people make affect innocent ones, and the unborn yet to come.

God's Sovereignty is a stumbling block not just to unbelievers, but also to believers at times. I now say "dig deeper." Go deeper in your relationship with the Creator of the heavens and of the earth. Genesis 1:1.

God is still in control even though evil and suffering are continuing here on earth. The Christian answer that the human mind can't understand is that we are called to have faith in God's goodness and love. This is not the end, it is not our eternal home. Pain, sickness, evil that continues, is now a constant reminder to me that this is not my home. There is a great thirst this world can never satisfy.

All the sickness, diseases, cancers, and the evil that continues here is what man has made it, and is still making it, instead of letting God make them. God created a perfect world, Genesis 1: 24-31. On the sixth day He created animals to fill the earth, and man and women to care for it and to have a relationship with Him. God supplied All that was good, read verses 29-31 carefully.

Then Genesis chapter 2 comes, verses 15-17. Only one tree God asked them not to eat from. They had everything but wanted more. God said, "Do not eat from the tree of knowledge".... All God wanted from the beginning of time, and we still can't get it right today is, obedience. God provides us with everything, most importantly His Living Word to guide us. Life is an exercise of choices. Better said, free will with rewards for choosing to obey, and sad consequences for choosing to disobey.

Look what man is doing to our foods. Injecting our meats with all kind of preservatives and hormones. Fake sugar, salt, butter....what happened to just sticking to all the real stuff?  Pills to prevent pregnancy, pills to abort a pregnancy, and pills to get pregnant. People who want the perfect bodies and taking all kinds of supplements and steroids to get it. I can go on and on, now where do you think cancer and disease is coming from? Do you really think God is to blame?... CHOICES; we are all free to make the right or wrong one.

We live in a money hungry greedy world, that has created uncontrollable sickness and diseases for us to endure in this lifetime. People should be more important than products, but it sure doesn't look that way to me. People's lives should always be considered above making money, tell that to sex traffickers and prostitution. Unfortunately many people, businesses, and governments are often based on greed, money, and power. The sad thing is, the consequences of their wrong choices hurt, and even kill the innocent ones. God gives us great warning and insight in Revelation 18: 1-10, for us to have nothing to do with this sinful behavior. There is also great peace found from all of this in Revelation 21: 4 "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes....There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

So if you have many questions because of the things you are still seeing to continue here on earth, I pray you dig deeper. The answers are in His Word along with peace. Spend time with Jesus, He is worth more than anything money can buy.

Man, with all his greed and selfish desires, has been the ongoing reason why this world is falling--- Again read Revelation 18 !!

We need to pray for each other, and ourselves. Ask God for serenity, patience, courage, and wisdom. In our weakness He can still shine!

God will again one day make everything beautiful.... In His time.

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Kim